This guide will show you how to unlock the bootloader on your Honor 8 smartphone. Please note that unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty. However, doing so will allow you to install custom recovery like TWRP, flash custom ROMs, or root your device. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of unlocking the bootloader on the Honor 8. There are two methods you can use, so choose the one that works best for you.
What is a Bootloader?
A bootloader is a program that starts when you power on your device. It initializes the hardware and then loads the operating system’s kernel and ramdisk, kicking off the boot process. On most Android devices, including the Honor 8, the bootloader is locked by the manufacturer to prevent users from modifying the operating system. Unlocking the bootloader gives you the freedom to install custom ROMs, root your device, and flash custom recovery images. However, unlocking the bootloader typically voids your warranty, as manufacturers prefer users to stick with the stock ROM.
About Honor 8
The Honor 8 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, offering a pixel density of 443 ppi. It is powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 955 chipset, which includes a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A72 and a Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and a Mali-T880 MP4 GPU. The device is available in three storage options: 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB, with support for expandable storage up to 256GB via a microSD card.
In terms of cameras, the Honor 8 is equipped with a 13MP rear camera featuring autofocus, OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and dual-LED flash. For selfies, it has an 8MP front camera. The smartphone runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with EMUI 4.1 and is backed by a 4,500mAh battery. The device supports dual SIM cards in a hybrid slot, with one slot also serving as a microSD card slot. The connectivity options include 4G, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, FM radio, GPS/A-GPS, GLONASS/BDS, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DTS sound, USB OTG, and a Type-C USB port.
This guide will help you unlock the bootloader so you can explore more advanced features on your Honor 8.
Before proceeding with the methods to unlock the bootloader on your Honor 8, it’s important to note that unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty. Additionally, if the steps are not followed correctly, there’s a risk of bricking your device. Please proceed with caution.
Prerequisites:
- Ensure your phone has at least 70% battery.
- You will need a laptop or PC for this process.
- Back up your data to prevent any loss (though this process should not erase your data).
- Follow the steps carefully. We are not responsible for any damage to your device if the steps are not followed properly.
Method 1: Unlock Bootloader on Honor 8 Using Huawei Official Method
What You Need:
Steps to Unlock Bootloader:
- Enable Developer Options:
- Go to
Settings > About Phone.
- Tap
Build Number 7-8 times until you see a message saying “Developer option enabled.”
- Enable OEM Unlock:
- Go to
Developer Options in the settings and enable OEM Unlock.
- Register on Huawei Website:
- Visit the Huawei website to get your unlock code here.
- Log in with your Huawei ID or sign up for a new account.
-
- Navigate to the
Bootloader Unlock page and agree to the terms.
-
- Enter your device information and request the unlock code.
- Get the Unlock Code:
- If unsuccessful, contact Huawei support with your phone details. They typically respond within 2-3 days.
- Once received, save the unlock code safely.
- Unlock the Bootloader:
- Turn off your phone and boot into Fastboot mode by pressing
Volume Up + Power simultaneously.
- Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
- Open the
Huawei Unlock Bootloader Tool and follow the on-screen instructions to enter the unlock code.
- Once the code is entered, your phone’s bootloader will be unlocked.
Method 2: Unlock Bootloader on Honor 8 Using DC Unlocker
What You Need:
- IMEI number (dial *#06# to get it).
- Product ID (dial ##1357946## to get it).
- DC Unlocker Tool (Download here).
- Download the ADB Fastboot Tool
- A DC Unlocker account with four credits (approximately 4 EUR).
Steps to Unlock Bootloader:
- Enable Developer Options:
- Go to
Settings > About Phone.
- Tap
Build Number 7-8 times until you see a message saying “Developer option enabled.”
- Enable OEM Unlock:
- Go to
Developer Options in the settings and enable OEM Unlock.
- Enable Manufacture Mode:
- Dial ##2846579## on your phone to access the
Project Menu.
- Go to
Background settings > USB ports settings and switch to Manufacture Mode.
- Install Drivers:
- Ensure all required drivers (ADB) are installed on your computer.
- Connect Your Phone:
- Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
- Use DC Unlocker:
- Open DC Unlocker and select
Huawei Phones with Auto Detect.
- Click the
Search button; your device should be detected.
- Enter your DC Unlocker account details and use the
Read Bootloader button to get your unlock code. The credits will be deducted from your account.
- Save the unlock code.
- Unlock the Bootloader:
- Turn off your phone and boot into Fastboot mode by pressing
Volume Up + Power simultaneously.
- Open the
Huawei Unlock Bootloader Tool.
- Enter the unlock code when prompted.
- Once the code is entered, your phone’s bootloader will be unlocked.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully unlock the bootloader on your Honor 8.
