Official, device-specific Android 11 ROMs were virtually non-existent for the Mate 8 in 2021. Users who wanted Android 11 had to utilize Project Treble.
If you want your Mate 8 to feel exactly like a Google Pixel 4, this is the ROM for 2021.
The holy grail for the Mate 8 in 2021 is LineageOS 18.1. This is the lightest, fastest, and most modern OS available.
Is the Huawei Mate 8 a viable daily driver in 2021 with a Custom ROM?
Maximizing Performance: Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROM Guide (2021 Edition)
Released in late 2015, the Huawei Mate 8 remains a solid piece of hardware due to its Kirin 950 chipset and massive 4,000mAh battery. However, official software support ended years ago, leaving many users stuck on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or the region-specific EMUI 8 update. In 2021, custom ROMs became the primary way to breathe new life into this legacy flagship. Why Install a Custom ROM in 2021?
For a device over five years old, custom ROMs provide several critical benefits:
Updated Security: Access to newer Android security patches that Huawei no longer provides.
Bloatware Removal: Official EMUI is often heavy; custom ROMs offer a cleaner, faster experience.
Newer Android Versions: Unofficial builds can bring Android 8, 9, or even 10 to a device otherwise stuck in the past. Top Custom ROMs for Huawei Mate 8 in 2021
While development for the Mate 8 has slowed, several reliable projects remained active or accessible for users in 2021:
LineageOS: The gold standard for stability and longevity. Unofficial builds of LineageOS (often version 15.1 or 16.0) were popular choices for daily drivers.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization, this ROM combines features from LineageOS and SlimROMs. It was often distributed for the Mate 8 via the OpenKirin Project.
OpenKirin Project ROMs: This group specialized in Kirin-based devices, offering stable builds of OmniROM, LineageOS, and Resurrection Remix that were easier to flash on Huawei hardware.
Havoc-OS: For users seeking a modern UI, Havoc-OS (often Android 9 or 10 based) provided a "Pixel-like" experience with additional performance tweaks. Essential Requirements for Flashing Before you begin, ensure you have the following: Huawei Mate 8 32GB - Gray - Unlocked - Back Market
The Huawei Mate 8 is a robust smartphone that was first launched in November 2015. Release Date: November 2015. www.backmarket.co.uk Huawei Mate 8 - Full phone specifications - GSMArena.com
In 2021, custom ROM support for the Huawei Mate 8 was primarily sustained by the OpenKirin project and third-party developers on forums like XDA Developers. While official manufacturer updates for the device largely ceased after Android 8.0 (EMUI 8), the aftermarket community provided paths to newer Android versions. Popular Custom ROMs (2021 Status)
Thanks to Project Treble support, several GSI (Generic System Image) and device-specific builds remained viable for the Mate 8 in 2021:
LineageOS: The most popular choice, offering a clean, bloatware-free experience based on LineageOS.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extensive customization options, often using LineageOS as a base.
OmniROM: Another long-standing community favorite available for the Mate 8 through the OpenKirin project. The Bootloader Challenge
The primary hurdle for Mate 8 users in 2021 was unlocking the bootloader. Huawei officially terminated its unlock code service on July 25, 2018.
Official Support: Huawei no longer provides tools or codes to generate unlock keys.
Third-Party Services: Users often had to rely on paid third-party tools like DC-Unlocker or specialized software to obtain codes.
Open Source Alternatives: Tools like PotatoNV emerged to help unlock select Kirin-based devices, though they often require hardware-level "test point" methods. Performance and Stability
Flashing a custom ROM in 2021 served several purposes for Mate 8 owners: Emui 9 update : Mate 8 - HUAWEI Community
In 2021, the landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 (NXT-L09/L29) shifted toward GSI (Generic System Images) and Project Treble based ROMs, especially since official security updates had long ceased. Because Huawei stopped providing official bootloader unlock codes in 2018, the most critical step is ensuring your device is already unlocked or using a third-party paid service like DC-Unlocker or Ministry of Solutions to obtain a code. 🚀 Top Custom ROM Options (2021 Era)
LineageOS 17.1 / 18.1 (Android 10/11): The most stable "daily driver" choice for Mate 8 users. OpenKirin Project
: A specific community dedicated to Kirin-based devices. Their Resurrection Remix and EMUI-style GSIs were the gold standard for compatibility in 2020-2021.
Evolution X: Popular for those wanting a "Pixel-like" experience with additional customization and gaming performance tweaks. 🛠️ Installation Requirements huawei mate 8 custom rom 2021
Unlocked Bootloader: Mandatory. You cannot flash any custom recovery or ROM without this.
TWRP Recovery: Use a Kirin 950-compatible version of TWRP to wipe partitions and flash files. EMUI 8.0 Base : Most modern GSIs require your
to be running the official EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0 Oreo) firmware first to support Project Treble.
ADB & Fastboot: Essential tools on your PC for communicating with the phone in "Rescue Mode" or "Fastboot Mode". 📝 Step-by-Step Guide Summary Backup: Move all photos and contacts to an SD card or PC.
Unlock: Obtain your 16-digit unlock code and use the command fastboot oem unlock [code].
Flash Recovery: Use fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img (on EMUI 8.0).
Wipe Data: In TWRP, perform a "Factory Reset" and wipe the System and Cache partitions.
Install ROM: Flash the GSI .img file to the System Image partition.
GApps (Optional): If your ROM doesn't include the Play Store, flash a compatible OpenGApps package (ARM64).
Watch these guides for visual walkthroughs on unlocking and flashing custom ROMs on older Huawei hardware:
Huawei Mate 8 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. remains a notable device for enthusiasts in 2021 due to its high-quality hardware, including the Kirin 950 chipset and a substantial 4000 mAh battery. While official software support peaked with EMUI 8 (Android 8.0 Oreo), the custom ROM community has continued to provide options for users seeking a more modern or bloat-free experience. The State of Custom ROMs in 2021 By 2021, the development landscape for the
(codenamed "Next") shifted toward stability and refinement rather than experimental daily updates.
Official vs. Community Support: Most "official" major ROM support has transitioned to community-maintained builds or Generic System Images (GSI).
The Critical Hurdle: The primary obstacle for users in 2021 is the locked bootloader. Huawei officially stopped providing unlock codes in 2018, so users must rely on third-party services or existing unlocked devices. Top Custom ROM Options for 2021
Based on community feedback from XDA Forums and the OpenKirin Project, these were the most viable options: LineageOS 15.1 / 16.0 (Unofficial):
Highlights: Provides a clean, "stock" Android experience without EMUI's heavy skin.
Why it’s used: LineageOS is preferred for its minimalism, speed, and lack of bloatware.
Status: Unofficial builds exist that bring Android 8.1 or 9.0 features to the device with working cameras and network switching. Resurrection Remix:
Highlights: Known for being one of the most feature-packed ROMs, combining elements from LineageOS, SlimROM, and OmniROM.
Why it’s used: Ideal for users who want "next-level" UI customisation, including lock screen music visualisers and deep icon pack support. Havoc OS (GSI/Legacy):
Highlights: A popular choice for those seeking a Pixel-like interface with added utility. Recent Activity
: Community members have shared Havoc OS 2.9 builds with camera fixes as recently as late 2020 and early 2021. EMUI 8 Rebranding ( ):
Alternative Path: Many users choose to "rebrand" their international Mate 8 (NXT-L29) to the Chinese developer version (
) to officially access EMUI 8.0.0.839. This offers the best hardware compatibility while keeping the device on a newer Android base than the international stock firmware. Quick Comparison Table: Software Experience Android Base Primary Benefit Stability (2021) Stock EMUI 5/8 Best hardware support LineageOS (Unofficial) Minimalist & fast Moderate/High Resurrection Remix High customisation Generic System Image (GSI) Newer Android versions Experimental Installation Prerequisites Flashing a custom ROM on the
in 2021 follows a standard procedural path, though it requires specific files:
By 2021, the custom ROM landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 (released in late 2015) reached a stable but difficult phase. While several "daily driver" options existed, the primary challenge remained Huawei's 2018 decision to stop providing bootloader unlock codes. ROM Status Summary (2021)
The Mate 8's development peaked around 2018–2019, but unofficial support continued through 2021 via Project Treble and the OpenKirin project.
Operating Systems: Most stable ROMs were based on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or Android 9.0 (Pie).
Key Source: The Huawei Mate 8 XDA Forum remained the central hub for downloads and installation guides. Maximizing Performance: Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROM Guide
Official Support: Huawei confirmed in early 2021 that no further official EMUI updates (like EMUI 9) were planned for the Mate 8. Notable Custom ROMs
As of 2021, the following ROMs were the most reliable for users who had already unlocked their bootloaders:
LineageOS (Unofficial): The most popular choice for a "clean" Android experience. Unofficial builds were maintained primarily through the OpenKirin Project.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extensive customization; builds based on Android Oreo and Pie were used for their stability and "daily driver" readiness.
OmniROM: Another OpenKirin-supported project that provided a lightweight alternative to EMUI.
EMUI 8.0 (Official Stock): For many, the official Android 8.0 Oreo update remained the most stable "final" version for the device. ⚠️ The Bootloader Obstacle
The biggest hurdle in 2021 was obtaining an unlock code. Huawei officially terminated its unlock code service on July 25, 2018. Requesting bootloader unlock code for huawei MATE 8
Declaring the identified domains: The Huawei Mate 8 (codenamed Next), released in late 2015, entered its "legacy" phase of development by 2021. Due to Huawei's decision to stop providing bootloader unlock codes in 2018, the custom ROM scene for this device in 2021 and beyond became increasingly specialized and dependent on previously unlocked devices or third-party paid unlocking services. State of Custom ROMs in 2021
By 2021, official support for the Mate 8 from major ROM providers like LineageOS had largely ceased, though community-driven projects remained active.
OpenKirin Project: This was the primary hub for Mate 8 development in 2021. They focused on bringing Project Treble-based ROMs to EMUI 8 devices. Key ROM Options (Unofficial):
LineageOS 15.1/16.0: Versions based on Android 8.1 and 9.0 were the most stable community builds available for daily use.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization, unofficial builds were maintained by the OpenKirin Team.
OmniROM: Another Treble-based alternative provided by OpenKirin, offering a "stock Android" experience.
EMUI 8 (Chinese Edition) Rebrand: Many international users in 2021 opted to "rebrand" their devices to the Chinese firmware to access the official EMUI 8 (Android 8.0) update, which was never widely released globally for the Mate 8. Prerequisites for Installation
Installing any custom firmware in 2021 required several critical components:
Unlocked Bootloader: This is the biggest hurdle. Since Huawei's official portal is closed, users often had to use paid tools like DC-Unlocker or HCU-Client to retrieve their codes.
Custom Recovery (TWRP): A specific version of TWRP for Mate 8 is required to wipe partitions and flash the new ROM zip files.
EMUI 5.0/8.0 Base: Most modern custom ROMs for this device require the phone to be running a specific version of EMUI (usually EMUI 5 or EMUI 8) as a foundation before flashing. Installation Overview
Wiping: Standard procedure involves wiping the System, Data, Cache, and Dalvik partitions via TWRP.
Flashing: Users typically flash the ROM image, followed by a GApps (Google Apps) package if the ROM is "vanilla" AOSP.
Decryption: Many Mate 8 ROMs require a "decrypted" boot image to allow the system to boot without data encryption errors. Risks and Considerations HUAWEI MATE 8 ROM LINEAGE OS 15
Note: This information is preserved as a historical snapshot. The Mate 8’s development scene is now largely archived.
[Guide/Info] Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROMs (2021 Update) – LineageOS 17.1/18.0 & Beyond
Device: Huawei Mate 8 (Codename: next) Status in 2021: Legacy (Android 6.0/7.0 stock final). Bootloader unlocking is the main hurdle.
⚠️ CRITICAL PRE-REQUISITE (2021 Reality) Huawei officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in mid-2018. If your Mate 8 was not unlocked before ~2019, you CANNOT install any custom ROM today (2021). No workaround exists (paid DC-unlock tools stopped working for Kirin 950 after EMUI 8 updates). If you have an already unlocked bootloader, proceed.
Target Device: Huawei Mate 8 (Next / NXT-L29, NXT-AL10, NXT-DL00)
Base: Android 10 (Q) / Android 11 (R)
Kernel: 4.9+ (backported from Kirin 950/955 family)
This 2021 custom ROM breathes new life into the 2015–2016 Kirin 950 flagship, overcoming Huawei's bootloader unlocking restrictions and outdated EMUI.
Summary
Device overview
Main custom-ROM options in 2021 (community-driven projects available/active around 2020–2021)
Key technical considerations (flashing and usability)
Security and privacy
Practical guidance (recommended steps)
State of community (2021)
Risks and trade-offs
Recommended ROM choice (practical pick)
Resources to consult (types, not links)
Conclusion
If you want, I can:
As of 2021, the custom ROM landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 ( /
) is constrained by Huawei's 2018 decision to stop providing official bootloader unlock codes. While hardware development has slowed, several stable options remain for users who already have unlocked bootloaders or are willing to use third-party paid services to obtain codes. Current Custom ROM Landscape (2021) The most stable and widely used custom ROMs for the
in 2021 come primarily from the OpenKirin project, which leverages Project Treble to provide near-stock Android experiences.
LineageOS (Unofficial): The most popular choice for a clean, bloat-free experience. Versions based on Android 8.0 (LineageOS 15.1) and Android 9.0 (LineageOS 16.0) are considered the most stable for daily use.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization options while maintaining the stability of the LineageOS base.
OmniROM: A reliable alternative that focuses on stability and essential features.
EMUI 8.0 (Official Chinese Rebrand): While not a "custom" ROM in the traditional sense, many global users in 2021 rebrand their devices to the Chinese region to access the official EMUI 8.0 (Android Oreo) update, which includes newer security patches and official Google services support. Critical Preparation Steps
Before attempting any installation, you must address the following prerequisites:
Bootloader Unlocking: This is the primary hurdle. Huawei no longer provides these codes for free. In 2021, users typically rely on: Third-party Services:
Paid tools like Ministry of Solutions or DC-Unlocker are often the only remaining ways to generate a code for the .
Manual Verification: Check your status by entering Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down while connected to a PC) and running fastboot oem get-bootinfo. Recovery:
You will need a custom recovery like TWRP specifically compiled for the to flash any non-official ROMs.
Data Backup: Unlocking the bootloader and flashing a new ROM will perform a full factory reset, erasing all internal storage. Known Issues & Limitations
VoLTE Support: Many custom ROMs struggle with VoLTE on Kirin-based Huawei devices; check the specific ROM thread on XDA Developers for current status.
Camera Quality: While the OpenKirin builds have working cameras, you may notice a slight dip in processing quality compared to the stock EMUI camera app.
Google Services: Most custom ROMs (except the official EMUI rebrand) require you to flash a separate GApps (Google Apps) package to access the Play Store.
Title: The老兵不死 (Old Soldier Never Dies): The State of Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROMs in 2021
Tags: #HuaweiMate8 #CustomROM #Android #LegacyDevice #LineageOS
It’s hard to believe that the Huawei Mate 8 (NXT) is now over five years old. Released in late 2015, this phablet was a powerhouse, boasting a massive 6-inch 1080p display and the legendary Kirin 950 chipset. For many, it was the perfect blend of battery life and performance. [Guide/Info] Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROMs (2021 Update)
But in 2021, the landscape for this device has changed. If you are still holding onto this tank of a phone (or dug it out of a drawer), here is what the Custom ROM scene looks like for the Mate 8 this year.