How To Unlock Bootloader In Honor 9 Phone -

Enable OEM unlocking & USB debugging:

Install ADB & Fastboot on your PC:

Install HONOR USB drivers:

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Because Huawei/Honor closed bootloader unlocks, many HONOR 9 phones cannot be unlocked anymore – especially those on EMUI 9+ or with security patches after July 2018. If the above fails, selling the phone and buying one with unlockable bootloader (Pixels, OnePlus, Xiaomi) may be easier.

If you proceed, DC-Unlocker is your best bet. Expect to pay a few euros and possibly open the phone for testpoint if software method fails.

Unlocking the bootloader of an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

(STF-L09/STF-L29) in 2026 is significantly different than it was at launch. Since Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially stopped providing unlock codes in 2018, standard methods no longer work for most users.

This article details the three primary methods available today: the hardware-based PotatoNV method, paid third-party services, and brute-force scripts. Preparation and Prerequisites

Before attempting any of these methods, you must perform the following:

Backup Data: Unlocking the bootloader triggers a factory reset, erasing all internal storage.

Battery Charge: Ensure your phone is at least 60% charged to prevent power-offs during the process.

Install Drivers: Download and install Huawei HiSuite to ensure your PC recognizes the phone. You also need ADB and Fastboot tools.

Enable Developer Settings: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times. Then, in Settings > System > Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking (though the latter may be greyed out on newer firmware). Method 1: PotatoNV (Recommended/Free)

PotatoNV is an open-source tool that works for the HONOR 9 because it uses the Kirin 960 chipset. This method requires opening the device but is the only reliable free option available in 2026.

Unlocking the bootloader on an HONOR 9 is quite difficult because Huawei (HONOR's parent company at the time) officially stopped providing unlock codes on July 25, 2018.

Since there is no official web form anymore, you have to use third-party tools or hardware "testpoint" methods to get the code. 🛠️ Methods to Unlock (2026 Status) 1. PotatoNV (Best Free Option) How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone

This is an open-source tool specifically for devices with Kirin 659, 655, or 960 chipsets—which includes the HONOR 9. Pros: Free and open-source.

Cons: Requires opening the phone physicaly. You have to short a "testpoint" on the motherboard to enter the low-level HUAWEI USB COM 1.0 mode.

Source: Check the PotatoNV GitHub project or discussions on XDA Developers. 2. Paid Services

If you don't want to open your phone, some paid services can still read the bootloader code via software, though their availability fluctuates.

Services: Ministry of Solutions or HCU Client are often cited by users.

Note: These typically cost between $4 and $20 and require a Windows PC. 3. Hardware "Dongles" (Professional)

Tools like Sigma Box or Unlock Tool are used by repair shops to generate codes. Unless you already own one, it’s usually cheaper to pay a remote service or a local shop to do it for you. 📝 Review: Is it worth it?

Custom ROMs: Can install newer Android versions (like LineageOS) since official support ended at Android 9.

High Risk: Method #1 requires physical disassembly; one slip can kill the motherboard.

Full Control: Allows for Rooting (Magisk) and system-level tweaks.

Data Loss: Unlocking the bootloader triggers a mandatory factory reset.

Performance: Debloating the system can make the older Kirin 960 feel snappy again. Enable OEM unlocking & USB debugging :

Security: You lose Widevine L1 (HD Netflix) and some banking apps may stop working.

If you're ready to proceed, these technical guides show the specific steps for the HONOR 9 and similar Kirin devices: Honor 9 STF-L09 EMUI9 TWRP and Root (Android 9) 4K views · 6 years ago YouTube · Ministry Of Solutions

Unlocking the bootloader on an HONOR 9 is a multi-step process that has become significantly more complex since Huawei/HONOR officially stopped providing unlock codes in July 2018 Important Warning Data Loss: This process will perform a factory reset and erase all data on your phone.

Unlocking your bootloader may void your warranty and can make your device more vulnerable to security risks. Software Version: This generally only works on devices running EMUI 9 or lower ; newer versions may have removed the necessary commands. Phase 1: Prepare the Device

Before attempting to unlock, you must enable specific hidden settings on your phone: Enable Developer Options: Settings > About Phone Build Number seven times until you see "You are now a developer!". Enable OEM Unlocking: Settings > System > Developer Options and toggle on OEM Unlocking Enable USB Debugging: In the same Developer Options menu, toggle on USB Debugging Phase 2: Obtain the Unlock Code

Because HONOR no longer provides these codes for free, you must use one of these unofficial methods: How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone?, How To

Unlocking the bootloader on an HONOR 9 is a two-part process: obtaining a unique 16-digit unlock code and then using ADB/Fastboot commands on a computer to apply it. 

Important Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will factory reset your phone, erasing all internal data. Additionally, Huawei/HONOR officially terminated their unlock code service in July 2018, so official codes are no longer provided.  Phase 1: Obtaining the Unlock Code 

Since official channels are closed, you must use third-party methods to find your 16-digit code. You will need your device's IMEI, Serial Number, and Product ID (found by dialing *#*#1357946#*#* on your phone). 

Open-Source Tools: PotatoNV is a popular open-source tool for Kirin-based devices like the HONOR 9. It may require opening the device to access "testpoints".

Paid Services: Services like DC-Unlocker or other third-party retailers can often generate these codes for a fee.  Phase 2: Preparing the Phone  How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone?, How To

⚠️ Critical Warning – Read Before Starting
Unlocking the bootloader will: Install ADB & Fastboot on your PC :

Huawei/HONOR officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in May 2018. For a HONOR 9 (released 2017), official unlocking is no longer possible. You must use unofficial / paid / community methods or rely on vulnerabilities depending on your firmware version.

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Unlocking the bootloader on the Honor 9 is a procedure that varies significantly depending on the region of the device and the software version installed. Unlike Google Pixel devices or older OnePlus models, Huawei/Honor ceased providing official bootloader unlock codes for their devices in mid-2018. Consequently, the standard "official" method is no longer available.

Users generally have two remaining options:

Important Warning: This process will wipe all data on the device and may void the warranty.

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Once unlocked, you can:

Note: After unlocking, the phone will show a warning screen on boot (press Power key to continue). This cannot be removed unless you relock the bootloader (fastboot oem relock – but this will wipe data again and may brick on modified software).

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Hardware Requirements:

Software Requirements:

| Your Skill Level | Best Method | Cost | Risk | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Beginner/User | DC-Unlocker | ~$4.50 | Low (software only) | | Advanced/Developer | PotatoNV | Free | High (hardware short) | | Hopeful | Official Huawei | Free | Impossible (Dead end) |

Final verdict: For 99% of HONOR 9 owners, DC-Unlocker is the logical choice. It costs less than a coffee, takes five minutes, and requires no tools aside from a USB cable. For the tinkerer who wants to learn hardware-level flashing, PotatoNV is a fun weekend project.

Remember: Unlocking the bootloader is the gateway to keeping a 2017 phone usable in 2026. Without it, your HONOR 9 is stuck on outdated Android 9. With it, you can run modern Android 13/14 custom ROMs. Good luck

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