Smartphone owners Huawei i Honor often face restrictions that the manufacturer imposes on their devices. A blocked bootloader, the lack of Google services on new models, and pre-installed applications that cannot be removed - all this pushes users to look for ways to circumvent these prohibitions. This is where root access (Root) comes into the picture, giving full control over the operating system Android.
Obtaining superuser rights on modern models is a complex engineering task that requires not only technical skills, but also an understanding of the security architecture implemented by the company. The process is radically different from what was relevant a few years ago, when you could just press one button in the application. Today, rooting involves working with the command line, modifying system images and using specialized utilities.
In this article we will analyze in detail what rooting on devices is Huawei, what tools are needed for this and what pitfalls you may encounter. It is important to understand that any intervention in the system partition carries risks, and the “let’s do it and see” approach absolutely does not work here.
The essence of the process and technical limitations
Rooting is the process of obtaining privileged access rights to the operating system kernel. In context Huawei this means the ability to write and modify files on the system partition, which is read-only by default. Without these rights, the user is limited in the possibilities of customization and deep optimization of his gadget.
The main obstacle to obtaining root access is bootloader blocking (Bootloader). The company Huawei since 2018, has officially closed the possibility of obtaining an unlock code through its official portal. This means that the standard legal route for most modern models is closed. Users have to look for workarounds using paid services or vulnerabilities in software.
It is worth noting that the architecture of processors HiSilicon Kirinthat are installed in most of the brand's flagships has its own security features. Unlike devices based on Snapdragonwhere the developer community is huge, for Kirin the number of available custom solutions and hacking methods is much smaller. This makes the process more labor-intensive and dependent on the specific board revision and firmware version.
⚠️ Attention: The official company policy Huawei prohibits unlocking the bootloader on devices released after mid-2018. Attempts to do this using third-party methods can lead to irreversible changes in the operation of the device.
Basic methods of obtaining root access
Despite the difficulties, enthusiasts have developed several ways to obtain superuser rights. The choice of method directly depends on the model of your smartphone and the installed firmware version EMUI or HarmonyOS. There is no universal tablet, so you need to carefully study the forums dedicated specifically to your model.
One of the most common methods in the past was the use of vulnerabilities for temporary unlocking through a computer, followed by flashing a modified one recovery (TWRP). Through this custom menu_recovery_ you can install an archive with Magic or SuperSU, which provide root access. However, on new versions of Android this method is often blocked by checking the integrity of the boot image (Verified Boot).
Another popular approach is the use of paid bootloader apps (DC-Unlocker, HCU Client and analogs). These tools allow you to obtain the bootloader unlock code remotely by paying credits to the service developers. After entering the code through fastboot oem unlock the bootloader is unlocked, opening the way for further manipulations. This is the most reliable, but paid method.
There is also a method of using exploits, such as TestPoint (for Qualcomm devices, which is rare for Huawei) or software vulnerabilities in drivers. For devices on Kirin a combination of unlocking through Huawei servers (if the model is old) and subsequent installation of a patched boot image via fastboot flash boot.
Before starting any manipulations, be sure to save the IMEI and serial number of the device. In case of unsuccessful firmware, this data may be required for restoration through a service center.
Device preparation and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on proper preparation. Chaotic actions without prior backup and setting up the environment often lead to the fact that the smartphone stops turning on. You will need a computer running Windows, since most drivers and utilities are optimized for this OS.
The first step is to activate USB debugging mode. To do this, you need to go to the phone settings, find the “About phone” item and click on the build number 7 times to activate the developer menu. Then in the menu that appears, you need to enable USB debugging and allow installation via ADB. Without this, the computer will not be able to send commands to the device.
Next you need to install specialized drivers Huawei USB Drivers and a platform Android SDK Platform-Toolsthat contains utilities adb and fastboot. You can check the connection by connecting the phone to the PC and entering the command adb devicesin the command line. If the device is detected correctly, you will see its serial number in the list.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for rooting
It is also important to remove the screen and account lock Huawei ID before starting the bootloader unlocking procedure. In some cases, the security system may block the device if it detects tampering if the account is tightly linked. Disabling the "Find device" function is also a mandatory requirement.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the shell version EMUI. If you don't find the "For Developers" option, make sure you clicked on the build number correctly.
Installing Magisk and managing rights
Today, the gold standard for obtaining root access is the utility Magisk. Unlike legacy SuperSU, Magisk uses a "Systemless" system, which means that it does not modify the system partition directly, but replaces it on the fly at boot. This allows you to pass security checks for banking applications and Google Pay services (if available).
The installation process usually looks like this: first, you extract the file boot.img from the official firmware that matches your current software version. This file is then patched through the Magisk application on the smartphone itself. The resulting patched file magisk_patched.img is flashed back into the boot section via the mode fastboot.
The command for flashing is as follows:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgAfter executing the command and rebooting the device, an application will appear in the system Magisk Manager, which will manage access rights. Through it, you can grant or deny root access to specific applications, as well as install modules to expand the functionality of the system.
Use Magisk gives another advantage - the ability to hide the fact of having root access from certain applications. In the manager settings there is a "Magisk Hide" function (or an analogue in new versions), which allows you to exclude banking applications and games with anti-cheat from the list of controlled apps, making them think that the device is clean.
What should you do if, after flashing the firmware, the phone goes into a cyclic reboot?
If the device constantly reboots (bootloop), try entering the mode Recovery and do a factory reset (Wipe Data). If this does not help, you will need to flash the device through the eRecovery app or Huawei HiSuite in recovery mode.
Risks, guarantees and data security
The most obvious risk of rooting is loss guarantees. The manufacturer easily determines the fact of unlocking the bootloader and tampering with system partitions. Even if you try to return everything to its original state, the counter Knox (on Samsung) or similar security flags on Huawei may remain toggled, which serves as a marker for the service center.
In addition, unlocking the bootloader on devices Huawei often leads to complete deletion of all user data. This is a security measure built into the unlocking protocol. Therefore, creating a backup copy is not a recommendation, but a strict necessity. The loss of photos, contacts and correspondence is guaranteed to occur the moment the unlock command is entered.
From a security point of view, having root access reduces the security of the device. Malware that gains root privileges can gain access to all your data, including passwords and encryption keys. Standard Android sandboxes stop working at full capacity for applications to which you have given root access.
| Option | Before rooting | After rooting |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Valid | Canceled |
| Banking applications | Work normally | Can be blocked (requires Magisk settings) |
| Updates by OTA | Avail automatically | Do not arrive or result in an error |
| Data security | High level | Depends on user actions |
⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications (bloatware) with root access can lead to unstable system operation. Do not remove components whose purpose you do not know, especially drivers and communication services.
Rooting gives complete freedom of action, but shifts all responsibility for the performance of the device from the manufacturer to your shoulders. Errors in system modification can be fatal.
Possibilities and advantages of a modified system
Why do users take such risks? The main reason is the ability to fully control the device. With root access, you can remove any pre-installed applications that are taking up memory space and consuming resources in the background. This is especially true for devices with a small amount of built-in memory.
Another important advantage is the ability to install custom kernels and recovery. This allows you to overclock the processor to improve gaming performance or, conversely, undervolt it to save battery power. Specialized applications like Kernel Adiutor give access to fine-tuning frequencies and voltages that are not available in the standard menu.
Rooting also gives access to powerful backup tools, such as Titanium Backup or Swift Backup. They allow you to save not only application data, but also their state, settings and cache, and then restore all this on a new device or after a reset. This is an indispensable tool for those who often experiment with firmware.
For advanced users, installation of full-fledged custom firmware (Custom ROM) is available, although for Huawei their choice is limited. Such firmware can bring a more recent version of Android to older devices that the manufacturer has no longer supported, extending the life of the smartphone by several years.
Use the Magisk "Universal SafetyNet Fix" module if your banking applications refuse to work after receiving root access. This is a temporary solution until application developers update their detection methods.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to get root on Huawei without unlocking the bootloader?
On modern models with Android 8 and higher, this is almost impossible. Old vulnerabilities (exploits) were closed by security updates. The only working method is an official or paid bootloader unlock, which erases the data.
Will Google Pay work after installing Magisk?
Yes, but only if configured correctly. You need to enable the Magisk Hide feature for the Google Pay app and Google Play Services itself. You may also need a module to bypass the SafetyNet check.
What is a “brick” and can it be revived?
“Brick” is a state when the phone does not turn on and does not respond to buttons. In most cases, the device Huawei can be restored through the mode eRecovery (pressing the volume up button when connecting to Wi-Fi) or through the app Huawei HiSuite in firmware recovery mode.
Does rooting affect the quality of camera shooting?
Rooting itself does not affect the camera. However, installing custom kernels or changing system settings may disrupt the operation of image processing algorithms. If you do not change the camera settings at a low level, the photo quality will remain the same.
Will the phone be updated over the air (OTA) after rooting?
Usually no. The presence of a modified boot image blocks the installation of official updates over the air. To update, you will have to manually download the full firmware, extract from it boot.img, patch it again and flash it, or temporarily return the stock.