1. Unveiling Bootloader Unlocking
The Huawei P10 is a smartphone from the year 2017. Well, there’s nothing to talk about as far as popular Android phones go but this one definitely scores with its sleek design and particularly powerful Kirin 960 processor as well as dual Leica-branded cameras. And despite such strong hardware, thousands of users tend to search whether unlocking the bootloader would really help them having control over software aspects as well.
Bootloader is that program which loads the operating system when a phone is switched on. It thus decides whether or not to load the official OS or some other version. This is the major reason why it is being locked by manufacturers to ensure that the device runs only the software that has been authorized.
Bootloader unlocking serves as an initial step to getting administrative control over your device. It’s like an open door to customization and optimization but should be trod upon very carefully, nonetheless. This article will unravel the reasons you will want to unlock the bootloader on your Huawei P10, how to go about it, and the expectations afterward.
2. Bootloader Unlocking – Why Do It?
Unlocking the bootloader opens up a whole new world to Android enthusiasts. Here are some of the major reasons you may want to unlock your Huawei P10 bootloader:
Custom ROMs: These are ROMs in which Android OS has been modified to enhance performance, add features, and change the user experience. Bootloader is a prerequisite for installing the user-defined ROM.
Root Access: It makes your device superuser, giving privileges to modify system files, uninstalling pre-installed apps, and running powerful applications that require root access.
Custom Recovery: Unlocking your bootloader gives room for customized recovery like installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) that backs up the whole system, flashing custom ROMs and much more.
Erase Bloatware: Many users gain the ability to root their devices and remove various bloatware, most of which are the unnecessary applications embedded by the device manufacturer or the carrier.
Performance Tuning: Advanced users can fiddle around with system configurations and do CPU overclocking, or apply install performance enhancing scripts and kernels on device.
3. Risks and Disadvantages
Although the offer to unlock a bootloader is enticing, the incipient beauty can entice more than just eyes, and it’s important to know the dangers and disadvantages along this process:
Warranty Voidance: Unlocking the bootloader effectively voids the warranty of the device, hence Huawei relinquishes all responsibilities towards your phone in case it encounters any problems under the warranty.
Security Threats: An unlocked bootloader renders the device susceptible to security threats. It can fall prey to malevolent applications or unauthorized persons gaining root access and invading your data.
Bricking Possibility: This puts you in danger of bricking it; if something goes wrong while unlocking or flashing custom software onto it, the device may go dead.
No Further Official Updates: You may void the bootloader and not receive official OTA (Over-The-Air) updates from Huawei but make your device open to possible security exploits or miss out on new features.
Loss of Data: Unlocking the bootloader typically entails formatting the device, hence you will lose all data on the device. Always remember to have a backup before proceeding.
4. Legal and Warranty Considerations
There are some legal and warranty aspects that you should consider before proceeding with the unlocking of the bootloader:
Manufacturer Warranty: As previously stated, the unlocking of the bootloader voids the warranty of your Huawei P10. This indicates that if there is a hardware or software fault with the device, you will not find service from Huawei in exchange for warranty.
Carrier Warranty: If your Huawei P10 was purchased through a carrier, unlocking the bootloader will void the carrier warranty or service agreement.
Region Specifics: There are certain regions that would prohibit the unlocking of a bootloader or would render it illegal under applicable laws or carrier agreements. Be sure to check the laws in your area before proceeding.
5. Preparation before Unlocking the Bootloader
There is a lot of preparatory work to be done before unlocking a bootloader on your Huawei P10:
Backup Data: The bootloader unlocking process will wipe all the data out of your device. Backup the necessary data: phone numbers, photographs, apps, and other such important items.
Battery Charging: Ensure at least 70% battery or tightly drain the battery out on the Huawei P10 before unlocking the bootloader, avoiding any interruptions from the process.
Installing ADB and Fastboot: ADB and Fastboot are tools that allow the communication between an Android device and a PC. These are important for unlocking the bootloader. Install them from the Android SDK or download them separately.
Activate Developer Options: Navigate to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options. After enabling the options, go to Settings > Developer Options and turn on the USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking features.
Acquire Unlock Code: Previously, Huawei had an official way to get an unlock code from their website, but the service was stopped in 2018. Now, to get an unlock code, you may have to go for third-party services, which could include added risks and costs.
6. Step-wise Guide to Unlocking Bootloader
Here’s the complete guide on unlocking the bootloader on your Huawei P10:
Step 1: Get the Unlock Code
As already stated, Huawei does not issue any direct unlock codes for its consumers anymore. To get an unlock code, third-party services are your only option. Most of these services usually require IMEI number of the device and sometimes a fee.
Step 2: Install ADB and Fastboot
Download and Install ADB and Fastboot on your PC. You can get them from the official Android developer site or even through third-party packages like Minimal ADB and Fastboot.
Step 3: Enable the Developer Options and USB Debugging
Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
In Settings > Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Step 4: Connect Your Device to Your Computer
Connect your Huawei P10 to your computer using a USB cable.
Open command prompt or terminal window in your computers system and navigate to the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed.
Step 5: Boot to Fastboot Mode
On the command prompt type adb devices to ensure the recognition of your device.
To boot your device in fastboot mode, use adb reboot bootloader, or just power it off and then hold Volume Down + Power to bring your phone into fastboot immediately.
Step 6: Unlock Bootloader
Once in fastboot mode, type fastboot devices to check your device recognition.
Now type fastboot oem unlock [unlock code], where [unlock code] is your obtained code.
Confirm the unlock operation on your device if prompted.
Step 7: Restart Your Device
After unlock bootloader fastboot reboot will restart your Huawei P10.
This factory resetting wipe all the data from your phone.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even with proper preparations, bootloader unlocking may have problems. The following are examples of common problems with some troubleshooting tips.
ADB/Fastboot Not Detecting Devices: Make sure the USB drivers for your Huawei P10 are installed properly on your PC. Try using a different USB cable or port.
Stuck in Fastboot Mode: If your device is stuck in fastboot mode, try the fastboot reboot command. Otherwise, press and hold the power button till the device restarts.
Unlock code not accepted: Make sure you entered the correct unlock code. Ensure you retrieved the accurate code for your specific device model and your region.
Bootloop or Bricked Device: If your device ends up stuck in a boot loop or unresponsive post-unlocking, you may need to flash stock firmware using hi suite or any other third-party flashing tool.
8. Unlocking: What Then?
After unlocking the bootloader, a world of possibilities opens for customization and optimization. Here’s what you can do:
Install a Custom Recovery: Flash a custom recovery, such as TWRP, to start performing full-system backups, flashing custom ROMs, and some more.
Root Your Device: Root your Huawei P10 using personality-defining stuff like Magisk or SuperSU. This provides you with a root file-editing and uninstall-bloatware access for applications requiring root permissions.
Flash Custom ROMs: Flash and explore this custom ROM for boosting your device in terms of performance, battery life, and added features. Popular ones—LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, Pixel Experience.
Install Custom Kernels: Custom kernels are often less costly, mainly because they can offer various benefits, such as a small performance increase, better battery life, and maybe some new features. You could even check all the possible custom kernels available, which you would like to have such as power-efficient, performance-optimized ones, or perhaps, those that have extra features like overclocking.
Make System Tweaks: With root access, you can also dig into performance-enhancing tweaks deep inside your system. Examples are: CPU governor setting adjustments, advanced power-saving modes, or by using apps such as Greenify to manage background processes more efficiently.
Remove Bloatware: Since now you have root access, this is a good time for death by dismemberment of unwanted pre-installed apps that use system resources. Yes, it may declutter performance.
Install Xposed Framework: The Xposed Framework enables you to add modules that can change Android OS behavior without making it a custom ROM. Those modules can add new features, change the look and feel of the interface, or make privacy better.
9. Steps for Re-locking Bootloader
Sometimes, you have to re-lock the bootloader of Huawei P10 to secure it or restore the warranty (if the manufacturer allows it) and to sell the device in some cases. Here’s how the bootloader can be relocked:
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Like unlocking, relocking the bootloader will wipe out all data on your device. You must backup your data before you perform this operation.
Step 2: Flash Stock Firmware
Flash the stock firmware back onto the device before relocking the bootloader. It is best to ensure that the device is in a clean state, devoid of any customizations or modifications that could cause issues going forward after relocking.
Step 3: Boot into Fastboot Mode
Connect the device to a computer.
Boot into Fastboot mode via adb reboot bootloader command or by holding Volume Down + Power.
Step 4: Relock the Bootloader
At this stage, in the command prompt you will type fastboot oem relock [unlock code]. Note that some devices might require the unlock code to lock their bootloader.
Confirm the operation on your device if asked.
Step 5: Reboot Your Device
At this stage, relocking the bootloader will send the command fastboot reboot to turn the device back on. Your device performed a factory reset just like when the bootloader was unlocked.
10. Public Feedback and Experience
Unlocking the bootloader is a very common practice in the Android world, and Huawei P10 joins the league. People share their experiences and tips and recommend custom ROMs on different forums like XDA Developers. A few highlights of popular topics from the community are:
Positive Experience: Many users claim that it improves the performance of the Huawei P10, can enhance battery productivity, and freely remove bloatware after successful bootloader unlocking and customizing. LineageOS and Resurrection Remix are among the highly recommended custom ROMs, considering their stability and feature sets.
Problems: A few problems are such that ADB or Fastboot does not recognize the device, and the device enters into a bootloop or gets bricked. Most of the times, such issues arise from performing certain procedures incorrectly or from using the wrong firmware/ROM for the specific model. Most problems are, however, solvable through community guides and tools.
Concerns: Security risks come into question since opening up an already unlocked bootloader has been known to expose a device to many potential vulnerabilities. Besides, with Huawei turning off its official service for getting unlock codes, it becomes a huge barrier for many users.
11. Conclusion
Unlock the bootloader on your Huawei P10 to exercise full control over the device; it’s just a step away to personalize it how you want or optimize it to meet your needs. There’s danger in it too. Your warranty will be voided, and there will be openings into which security will seep, as well as risks that can brick your phone if not done properly.
Yes, for those of you who are bit geeky types, understand the risks: unlocking your bootloader may prove to be quite an experience as it can connect you to installing most new custom ROMs, rooting your phone, and making changes at a system level that can significantly improve the user experience.
Still, you need to be very careful. Back up all important data, follow the right procedures for unlocking, and be prepared for problems. It is also necessary to know the legal issues and warranty-related concerns in your area.
There is a tremendous community that revolves around the Huawei P10, with lots of resources and guides available, all available for you to use. Whether to keep the device alive with a custom ROM, remove bloatware, or just try out new features, it gives you the freedom to experiment and benefit from what your smartphone is fully capable of.
To sum it up, unlocking the bootloader of the Huawei P10 is a double-edged sword: on one side, it can do wonders for your phone, but on the other hand, it can also spell disaster if you do not understand the risks and the responsibilities involved. If you are truly ready to explore the exciting world of Android customization, then unlocking the bootloader of your Huawei P10 would be the gateway to unleashing its full potential.