How To Unlock Bootloader In Honor 9 Phone May 2026

The phone will reboot and wipe all data.

If your goal was simply to root or remove bloatware, consider that without bootloader unlock, you cannot root HONOR 9 (no known exploit on recent firmware). Your only practical option is paid unlock via DC-Unlocker.

Would you like a step-by-step guide for downgrading from EMUI 9 to EMUI 8 as a preparation step?

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)

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. How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone

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. The phone will reboot and wipe all data

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

Hardware Requirements:

Software Requirements:

Device: Honor 9 (STF-L09/AL00) Difficulty Level: Intermediate to High (Due to OEM policy changes) Status: Official codes are no longer available; third-party paid services are required.

A: No. Unlocking a Kirin 960 device breaks hardware-backed attestation. You can use Magisk modules like "Universal SafetyNet Fix" and "Play Integrity Fix" – but for banking apps, you may need to use the web version.

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

Important Warning:
Unlocking the bootloader will:

Critical note for 2025+: Huawei/Honor officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in mid-2018. For the HONOR 9 (released 2017), the official unlock service is permanently closed. You must use unofficial methods.

HCU Client: Similar paid service.

Before you spend a dime on codes, prepare your device: If your goal was simply to root or