[GUIDE] How to unlock and root your new Honor 8x. All instructions inside!

[chickenwingding]

Hello XDA. I have spent the past couple of weeks struggling with unlocking and rooting this awesome device. After some researching I have decided to put this guide together after stumbling on a lot of fake guides on Google that don't work for the Honor 8x. I hope this helps you!

Step 1: Purchase a bootloader code.

Unfortunately, since Huawei stopped providing unlock codes, there is no way around this requirement. DC Unlocker does not work with newer Huawei devices, and there are no known exploits to get around this. I have provided some options below (which have been tested by XDA members). All you need to do is provide them your IMEI, which can be found under Settings > System > About Phone.
FunkyHuawei (price: $124): https://funkyshop.club/unlockcodes
Global Unlocking Solutions (price: $45-50): https://global-unlocking-solutions.miiduu.com/bootloader-unlock-codes-choose-model-below
Various eBay sellers: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=huawei+bootloader

Alternate solution: Try asking a Huawei Service center near you. https://www.androidauthority.com/honor-india-bootloader-unlocking-933231/
Confirmed working at some locations outside of Asia.​

Step 2: Download ADB.

Link here: https://dl.google.com/android/repository/platform-tools-latest-windows.zip
And unzip it to somewhere on your computer.​

Step 3: Setup your phone

Go to Settings > System > About Phone, and tap "Build Number" 7 times to unlock Developer mode. Go back to System, and tap Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.​

Step 4: Unlocking your device

Connect your phone to your PC via USB. Make sure you select "Transfer files" when the message pops up on your phone, and select Trust this computer when the debugging warning pops up. Open your ADB folder, hold Shift and right-click, then select "Open Powershell window" or "Open command prompt". In the next window, type "adb devices" and make sure your device is listed (If not, check to make sure USB debugging is enabled, or reconnect the USB cable.)
After that, type "adb reboot bootloader". Once that is done, type "fastboot oem unlock xxx" (replace xxx with the unique code you purchased in Step 1). Warning! This will format your phone and return it to stock configuration. Your phone now has an unlocked bootloader!​

Step 5: Install Magisk Manager.

Download and install the Magisk Manager app on your phone. APK here: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/download/manager-v6.0.1/MagiskManager-v6.0.1.apk​

Step 6: Flashing twrp and Magisk

Download this twrp image: https://www.filehosting.org/file/details/764535/twrp-kirin.img and place it into your ADB folder.
Then download this magisk ZIP: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/download/v17.1/Magisk-v17.1.zip and place it on a spare Micro SD card, and put that card in the device.
Reconnect your device to the PC, again open a Powershell/Command Prompt (as in Step 4).
Type "adb reboot bootloader", then type "fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp-kirin.img". This should complete successfully. Turn off your device by holding down the power button.
Disconnect the phone from USB (do not skip this part otherwise you are unable to boot into recovery). Then hold "Volume UP" and "Power" until the blue Honor logo shows up. Release both buttons. You should see a Teamwin logo and twrp will load.
This version of twrp is a work in progress so the touchscreen does not work (this is currently being worked on by the folks at twrp builder https://twrpbuilder.github.io/. As soon as they fix it, I will update this guide!). A temporary fix is by using an OTG Cable https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51HI4XhstKL._SX425_.jpg and a standard USB mouse. Use it to swipe-right and select "Install". You might need to "Select storage" and choose your SD card. Find the Magisk zip and install it, then reboot.​

Your Honor 8x phone is now rooted!

If this guide was helpful, please consider donating! Bitcoin: 1FPzDYUrQmQMrHbv2ZeAEe883KVNZ8zPV4
Thanks.

Edit: I will provide some instructions below if you wish to do a ota update to a newer version of EMUI (one of which was released recently for the Honor 8x).

• * The root must be removed, and phone restored to factory stock before doing a ota update. The bootloader will remain unlocked (no change).
• * Stock factory firmware currently can be restored in the Huawei eRecovery by restarting your phone, then on the "Your device has been unlocked" screen, press "Up" for three seconds. From here, you can download the latest version (This will format the phone). After updating, you must re-root from Steps 3 to 6 above (you can skip step 4).
• * There should be an easier method to update without formatting, but the current version of twrp causes issues if you try and flash the update. (Error 9, as reported by some users)
  I will update the guide when this is fixed.

 

[Mikey_AK]

I have been warned that this may not work for a Qualcomm chipset. Will update if there is any further information about that.

 

[Wilcur]

Honor 8x, 4/128. Kirin 710. Global Unlocking Solutions - 4 hours waiting and bootloader unlocked

 

[chickenwingding]

I have been warned that this may not work for a Qualcomm chipset. Will update if there is any further information about that.

To my knowledge, only the 8x Max has a Qualcomm chipset. All of the regular 8x devices have a Kirin one.

 

[Mikey_AK]

To my knowledge, only the 8x Max has a Qualcomm chipset. All of the regular 8x devices have a Kirin one.

I have an 8X Max. Only posting this as a warning to anyone else who might have one.

 

[Supersonic27543]

This version of twrp is a work in progress so the touchscreen does not work (this is currently being worked on by the folks at twrp builder https://twrpbuilder.github.io/. As soon as they fix it, I will update this guide!).

Interesting to see a TWRP build for the new Kirin 710. @chickenwingding Do you think that they will be able to make Nova 3i a TWRP build too? I still didn't unlock it, but I'm going to do it soon, and I've never ported recoveries before, and because this is my first Kirin device I would like some help regarding that. But looking at the log of their app it looks like they reject Huawei/Honor devices now. How did you get them to build Honor 8X TWRP?

 

[CalduchoQ15]

New in Huawei devices

I have an Honor 8x Chinese version, once I completed this tutorial could I change the region to my terminal flashing a European rom?
Thanks for the post.

 

[Ungroid]

I purchased my honor 8X (AL00a) from China and its developer page doesn't have "OEM Unlock" option. It is not there... Believe me... So, even if I can get an unlock code, I will not able to unlock it. Right? Do you know any solution about that? Huawei closed all ways I guess...

 

[chickenwingding]

Interesting to see a TWRP build for the new Kirin 710. @chickenwingding Do you think that they will be able to make Nova 3i a TWRP build too? I still didn't unlock it, but I'm going to do it soon, and I've never ported recoveries before, and because this is my first Kirin device I would like some help regarding that. But looking at the log of their app it looks like they reject Huawei/Honor devices now. How did you get them to build Honor 8X TWRP?

The Nova 3i uses the same SoC as the Honor 8x, so the same recovery image might work for it. And the twrp builder group don't do Huawei/Honor anymore because the company stopped providing bootloader unlocks, so it's very difficult (and expensive) for new owners to root their phone. They said it's not worth developing for newer Huawei devices anymore. The reason they did it for me was because I promised them a cash donation.

 

[tomdmca]

Are custom Roms even being developed for this device?

 

[chickenwingding]

Are custom Roms even being developed for this device?

Not really. It's the same story for all new Huawei/Honor devices, since they stopped supporting bootloader unlocks.

 

[Industrial]

Not really. It's the same story for all new Huawei/Honor devices, since they stopped supporting bootloader unlocks.

And if we made a donation to openkirin ?

 

[pol.bob]

Honor 8x, 4/128. Kirin 710. Global Unlocking Solutions - 4 hours waiting and bootloader unlocked

Excuse me, do you know why to give you unlock bootloader code they ask your phone number, your home address as well as second IMEI number? It's really necessary? Thank you

 

[Wilcur]

Second IMEI number is required to generate unlock code. Other... I write fake address etc ,?

 

[pol.bob]

Second IMEI number is required to generate unlock code. Other... I write fake address etc ,

:good:

 

[pol.bob]

Why to install MagiskManager-v6.0.1.apk before unlock bootloader?
Normally when you unlock the bootloader all apps will be removed ...
Thank you

 

[chickenwingding]

Why to install MagiskManager-v6.0.1.apk before unlock bootloader?
Normally when you unlock the bootloader all apps will be removed ...
Thank you

Thanks, I had them in the wrong order. I fixed the guide now. :good:

 

[PaulJin]

LTE Europe network.

Hello, i bought on ebay Honor 8x 6/128 JSN-AL00 which is not avalible in Europe(Poland)-here we got only 4/128. Im waiting for package from China. In Europe(Poland) there is LTE frequency B1(2100) and B3(1800+). Can i do something with the smartphone from China to unlock this frequences in my new Huawei Honor 8x? Is there some options to turn it on after rooting? Thx for answer. Best regards Paul.

 

[mikejasonsmith]

Hello, i bought on ebay Honor 8x 6/128 JSN-AL00 which is not avalible in Europe(Poland)-here we got only 4/128. Im waiting for package from China. In Europe(Poland) there is LTE frequency B1(2100) and B3(1800+). Can i do something with the smartphone from China to unlock this frequences in my new Huawei Honor 8x? Is there some options to turn it on after rooting? Thx for answer. Best regards Paul.

I would like to know this too...I have the same phone and would like to unlock frequencies.

 

[nokens]

Ok I read and understand this guide but after the step 6 what I should do for rebrand my Chinese rom with an European rom?