Rooting the Huawei P10

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Introduction

The Huawei P10, released in 2017, is a flagship smartphone that brought together impressive hardware and software features, making it a popular choice among tech enthusiasts. However, as with many Android devices, users may feel the urge to go beyond the limitations imposed by the manufacturer. Rooting is one such method that allows users to gain full control over their device, enabling customization, optimization, and the installation of apps that require root access.

This review will delve into the process of rooting the Huawei P10, the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, and the potential risks involved. We will also explore some of the tools and methods available for rooting the device, along with a step-by-step guide to help users through the process.

What is Rooting?

Before we dive into the specifics of rooting the Huawei P10, it’s important to understand what rooting actually entails. Rooting is the process of gaining administrative or “root” access to an Android device. This level of access allows users to modify system files, install specialized apps, and customize the operating system in ways that are normally restricted.

By default, Android devices operate with a certain level of security that prevents users from making changes to the system. This is done to protect the device from malicious software and to maintain the integrity of the operating system. However, for advanced users who wish to unlock the full potential of their device, rooting can be a powerful tool.

Why Root the Huawei P10?

The Huawei P10 is a capable device, even by today’s standards, but rooting it can unlock additional features and capabilities that are otherwise inaccessible. Here are some reasons why users might consider rooting their Huawei P10:

  1. Remove Bloatware: Like many smartphones, the Huawei P10 comes with pre-installed apps, often referred to as bloatware. These apps can take up valuable storage space and may run in the background, consuming resources. Rooting allows users to uninstall these apps permanently.
  2. Customization: Rooting gives users the freedom to customize their device to a greater extent. This includes changing the look and feel of the user interface, tweaking system settings, and even installing custom ROMs that offer a different Android experience.
  3. Performance Optimization: With root access, users can optimize their device’s performance by overclocking the CPU, tweaking system settings, and using apps designed to improve battery life or increase processing power.
  4. Access to Root-Only Apps: There are many apps available on the Google Play Store and other platforms that require root access to function. These apps can perform tasks that are otherwise impossible on a non-rooted device, such as backing up all data, controlling the CPU, or modifying system files.
  5. Ad Blocking: Rooting allows users to install system-wide ad-blocking apps, which can block ads across all apps and browsers on the device.

Risks and Disadvantages of Rooting

While rooting offers numerous benefits, it also comes with significant risks and disadvantages that users should be aware of before proceeding:

  1. Void Warranty: One of the most common concerns with rooting is that it voids the manufacturer’s warranty. If something goes wrong with the device, Huawei may refuse to repair it under warranty due to the modifications made.
  2. Bricking the Device: Rooting involves modifying system files, and if something goes wrong during the process, it can result in a “bricked” device. A bricked device is essentially unusable, and recovering from this state can be difficult or impossible without professional help.
  3. Security Risks: Rooting removes some of the built-in security features of Android, making the device more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. Rooted devices are also more susceptible to data breaches, especially if root access is granted to malicious apps.
  4. Software Updates: Once a device is rooted, it may no longer receive official software updates from the manufacturer. This can be problematic as it means missing out on important security patches and new features.
  5. Incompatibility with Certain Apps: Some apps, particularly those related to banking and streaming services, may refuse to run on rooted devices due to security concerns. This can limit the functionality of the device for certain users.

Preparing to Root the Huawei P10

Before you begin the rooting process, it’s crucial to prepare your device and gather the necessary tools. Here’s a checklist to ensure a smooth rooting experience:

  1. Backup Your Data: Rooting involves making significant changes to the device’s system, which can result in data loss. It’s essential to back up all your important data, including contacts, photos, messages, and apps, before proceeding.
  2. Charge Your Device: Ensure that your Huawei P10 is fully charged or has at least 80% battery life. The rooting process can take some time, and you don’t want your device to power off in the middle of it.
  3. Unlock the Bootloader: The bootloader is a program that starts up the operating system on your device. To root your Huawei P10, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader. This process may vary depending on your device model and region, and it typically involves registering on the Huawei website to receive an unlock code.
  4. Enable Developer Options: To enable developer options on your Huawei P10, go to Settings > About Phone and tap on the Build Number seven times. This will unlock the Developer Options menu, where you can enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
  5. Install ADB and Fastboot: ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are essential tools for rooting Android devices. These tools allow you to send commands from your computer to your device. You can download ADB and Fastboot from the official Android developer website or use a third-party installer.
  6. Download the Rooting Software: Depending on the rooting method you choose, you may need to download specific software such as Magisk or SuperSU. These tools will be used to gain root access on your device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Rooting the Huawei P10

Now that you’ve prepared your device and gathered the necessary tools, it’s time to begin the rooting process. This guide will take you through the steps to root your Huawei P10 using Magisk, a popular and versatile rooting tool.

Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader

  1. Obtain the Unlock Code: Visit the Huawei official website and create an account if you don’t already have one. Navigate to the bootloader unlock page and enter your device details to receive an unlock code. This code will be sent to your registered email address.
  2. Enter Fastboot Mode: Power off your Huawei P10. Then, press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously to boot the device into Fastboot mode.
  3. Connect to PC: Connect your Huawei P10 to your computer using a USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and navigate to the directory where ADB and Fastboot are installed.
  4. Unlock the Bootloader: In the command prompt or terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
    css

    fastboot oem unlock [unlock code]

    Replace “[unlock code]” with the code you received from Huawei. This will unlock the bootloader and wipe all data on your device.

  5. Reboot the Device: After the bootloader is unlocked, your device will reboot automatically. Set up your device again and proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Install a Custom Recovery

To flash Magisk and gain root access, you’ll need to install a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). TWRP allows you to install custom software on your device, including the Magisk ZIP file.

  1. Download TWRP: Download the TWRP image file for the Huawei P10 from the official TWRP website or a trusted source. Make sure to download the correct version for your device model.
  2. Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your device and boot it into Fastboot mode again by holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
  3. Flash TWRP: Connect your device to your computer and open a command prompt or terminal window. Navigate to the directory where the TWRP image file is located and type the following command:
    css

    fastboot flash recovery [TWRP filename].img

    Replace “[TWRP filename]” with the actual name of the TWRP image file.

  4. Reboot into Recovery Mode: Once TWRP is installed, reboot your device directly into recovery mode by holding the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.

Step 3: Flash Magisk for Root Access

With TWRP installed, you can now flash the Magisk ZIP file to gain root access.

  1. Download Magisk: Download the latest Magisk ZIP file from the official Magisk GitHub page or a trusted source. Transfer the ZIP file to your Huawei P10’s internal storage or SD card.
  2. Boot into TWRP Recovery: If your device isn’t already in recovery mode, power it off and boot into TWRP recovery by holding the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
  3. Install Magisk: In TWRP, select the “Install” option and navigate to the location where you saved the Magisk ZIP file. Select the file and swipe to confirm the installation.
  4. Reboot the Device: After Magisk is installed, select “Reboot System” to restart your device.
  5. Verify Root Access: Once your device reboots, install the Magisk Manager app from the official Magisk GitHub page. Open the app to verify that your device has root access.

Post-Rooting Tips and Recommendations

Congratulations! You’ve successfully rooted your Huawei P10. Now that you have root access, here are some tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your rooted device while keeping it secure and functional.

1. Install Root-Only Apps

One of the main advantages of rooting is access to a wide range of apps that require root permissions. Here are some of the most popular root-only apps:

  • Titanium Backup: This is a powerful backup tool that allows you to back up all your apps and their data, including system apps. It’s especially useful when you’re experimenting with custom ROMs or system tweaks.
  • Greenify: Greenify helps you save battery life by hibernating apps that run in the background unnecessarily. It’s even more effective on rooted devices because it can freeze system apps as well.
  • AdAway: If you’re tired of ads in apps and browsers, AdAway is a great tool to block them system-wide. It modifies the host files on your device to prevent ads from loading.
  • Tasker: Tasker is an automation tool that lets you create custom scripts and tasks based on various triggers. While it works on non-rooted devices, root access unlocks even more powerful features.
  • Viper4Android: For audiophiles, Viper4Android is a must-have. It’s a comprehensive audio modification tool that allows you to tweak the sound output of your device.

2. Keep Your Device Secure

Rooting can potentially expose your device to security risks, so it’s important to take steps to protect it:

  • Be Careful with Root Permissions: When an app requests root access, always double-check whether it’s from a trusted source. Granting root access to malicious apps can compromise your device’s security.
  • Use a Root Management App: Magisk Manager is an excellent tool for managing root permissions. It allows you to control which apps have root access and offers the ability to hide root status from certain apps that may not function on rooted devices.
  • Install a Firewall: Apps like AFWall+ allow you to set up a firewall on your device, controlling which apps can access the internet. This can be especially useful in preventing malicious apps from sending data without your knowledge.
  • Regular Backups: Regularly back up your device using tools like Titanium Backup. This ensures that you can restore your data if something goes wrong during your experiments with rooted apps or custom ROMs.

3. Explore Custom ROMs

One of the most exciting aspects of rooting is the ability to install custom ROMs. Custom ROMs are modified versions of Android that can offer new features, improved performance, and a different user experience. Some popular custom ROMs include:

  • LineageOS: A successor to the famous CyanogenMod, LineageOS is known for its stability and extensive customization options. It’s available for a wide range of devices, including the Huawei P10.
  • Pixel Experience: This ROM aims to bring the clean, stock Android experience found on Google Pixel devices to other smartphones. It’s a great choice if you prefer a minimalist and fast Android experience.
  • Resurrection Remix: This ROM combines features from several other custom ROMs, offering a highly customizable and feature-rich experience. It’s ideal for users who love tweaking every aspect of their device.

Before installing a custom ROM, make sure to back up your current ROM using TWRP’s backup feature. This will allow you to restore your device to its previous state if something goes wrong or if you want to revert to the original firmware.

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Rooting can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

  • Bootloop: If your device gets stuck in a bootloop (repeatedly rebooting), you can try booting into TWRP recovery and restoring a backup. If you don’t have a backup, you may need to re-flash the stock firmware using tools like Huawei’s HiSuite.
  • App Compatibility Issues: Some apps may not work on rooted devices. If this happens, you can use the Magisk Manager’s “Hide” feature to hide root status from specific apps.
  • Battery Drain: Rooting and installing certain apps can sometimes lead to increased battery consumption. Using apps like Greenify or adjusting CPU settings can help mitigate this issue.
  • OTA Updates Not Working: After rooting, you may find that Over-The-Air (OTA) updates no longer work. To update your device, you may need to manually download and flash the latest firmware using tools like TWRP.

5. Reverting to Stock Firmware

If you ever decide that rooting is not for you, or if you need to send your device in for warranty service, you can revert your Huawei P10 to its stock firmware. Here’s how:

  1. Download Stock Firmware: Visit Huawei’s official website or a trusted source to download the stock firmware for your Huawei P10.
  2. Flash the Firmware: Boot your device into Fastboot mode and use the command fastboot flash to flash the stock firmware files (boot, recovery, system, etc.). Alternatively, you can use Huawei’s HiSuite or TWRP to restore the stock firmware.
  3. Relock the Bootloader: After flashing the stock firmware, you can relock the bootloader by using the command fastboot oem relock [unlock code]. Note that relocking the bootloader will wipe all data on your device.
  4. Perform a Factory Reset: To ensure that your device is completely reverted to stock, perform a factory reset after relocking the bootloader.

Conclusion

Rooting the Huawei P10 offers a wealth of possibilities, from removing bloatware and customizing the user interface to improving performance and gaining access to root-only apps. However, it’s not without its risks, including the potential to void your warranty, brick your device, or expose it to security vulnerabilities.

Before deciding to root your device, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you’re comfortable with the risks and prepared to follow the necessary precautions, rooting can greatly enhance your smartphone experience.

This review has provided a detailed guide to rooting the Huawei P10, along with tips on how to make the most of your rooted device while keeping it secure. Whether you’re an Android enthusiast looking to push the boundaries of your device or simply want more control over your smartphone, rooting the Huawei P10 can be a rewarding endeavor. Just remember to proceed with caution and always keep backups of your important data.

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