Owners of smartphones Honorreleased after the imposition of US sanctions are often faced with a lack of pre-installed Google services and interface Huawei Mobile Services. This creates a feeling of incompleteness and forces users to look for ways to return to the familiar ecosystem or, conversely, to get the easiest and fastest interface possible. Installing pure Android (the so-called Stock ROM or custom AOSP assembly) is a radical but effective method of solving the problem.
This procedure requires a deep understanding of the firmware processes, since Bootloader closed by default on modern company devices. You will have to go from obtaining root access SuperUser to completely replacing the system partition. It is important to be aware of the risks: any mistake in the sequence of actions can turn an expensive gadget into a “brick.”
However, for enthusiasts this opens up opportunities for complete customization. You will be able to remove all pre-installed software, speed up the system and get access to the latest versions Androidthat the manufacturer has no longer produced for your model. Below we will analyze all the stages of preparation and implementation of this complex but interesting process.
Compatibility analysis and preparation of tools
The first step is to accurately determine the model of your device. There are dozens of modifications in the world, and the firmware from one model may not fit another, even within the same series. Check the build number in the section Honor And Huawei There are dozens of modifications, and the firmware from one model may not fit another, even within the same series. Check the build number under Settings → About phone and write it down.
You will need a computer with an operating system Windows or Linux, a high-quality USB cable (preferably original) and a stable Internet connection. It is also necessary to install drivers ADB and Fastboot, without which communication with the bootloader is impossible.
- 🔌 USB Type-C cable with support for data transfer, not just charging.
- 💻 Installed package
Platform-tools(ADB and Fastboot). - 📱 Charge the device at least 60% to avoid sudden shutdown.
⚠️ Attention: You perform all actions at your own peril and risk. Tampering with the device's software code will void the manufacturer's official warranty.
Do not forget to make a complete backup copy of all important data, since the process of unlocking the bootloader involves a complete reset of the device to factory settings. Photos, contacts and correspondence will be deleted without the possibility of recovery using standard means.
Unlocking the bootloader
The most difficult step is obtaining the unlock code. The official website Huawei stopped issuing codes several years ago, so users have to resort to third-party methods. For older models (before 2018), there were utilities that generated a code based on IMEI, but for new devices Honor this path is closed.
There are paid services that can generate an unlock code for your model remotely, through a server. This requires caution and checking the reputation of the service. After receiving the code, the procedure is performed through the command line.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock YOUR_CODE_HERE
After entering the command, the device will warn about data loss. Confirm the action with the volume buttons. The process takes a few minutes, after which the phone will reboot into a clean system.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the server code does not work, your model may have hardware protection or an updated security version. In such cases, unlocking may not be possible using software methods without opening the case and using a programmer.
Installing custom TWRP recovery
Standard recovery mode (Recovery) does not allow installing modified firmware. You need to replace it with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Find the image file (.img) created specifically for your model Honor.
Switch your smartphone to Fastbootmode. This is usually done by holding down the volume down button while connecting the cable to the PC. Then run the command to flash the recovery.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgAn important nuance: after the first firmware you cannot immediately boot into the system. If you do this, the stock bootloader Honor will overwrite TWRP back to stock. You must immediately hold down the combination of buttons to enter recovery mode.
- 🔄 Turn off the phone and hold
Volume Up + Power. - 🛡️ Select a language and go to the section
Wipe. - 🧹 Swipe to clear partitions
DataandCache.
The main rule for installing TWRP is never boot into the main system (System) until you install a patch to prevent overwriting the recovery.
Search and select suitable firmware**
Selecting an operating system - critical moment. For Honor the most popular ports are LineageOS, Pixel Experience (if the project is still supported for your model) and ArrowOS. These assemblies provide the closest possible experience to Google.
You should look for firmware on specialized forums, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. Pay attention to the build status: Stable means a stable version, and Beta may contain errors in the operation of the camera or Bluetooth.
| Firmware type | Description | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| GApps | Contains Google services | For everyday use |
| Vanilla | Without Google services | For advanced users |
| MicroG | Replacement for Google services | To save battery |
Make sure that the downloaded firmware matches the region of your device (C-code in the build number), although global versions often replace any regional modifications. Also download the package GApps (for example, from NikGapps or OpenGApps), if the selected firmware does not have built-in Google services.
Before installation, check the checksum (MD5 or SHA256) of the downloaded firmware file. This ensures that the file downloaded correctly and was not damaged during download.
Installation process and initial setup
Boot into the installed TWRP. Go to menu Install and select the archive with the firmware. Swipe to confirm installation. After completion, without rebooting, install the package GApps (if required) and, if necessary, the patch Magisk to obtain root access.
Clearing the Dalvik and ART cache is a mandatory step after installing a new system. This will prevent cyclic reboots and application errors. In the menu Wipe select Dalvik / ART Cache and clear it.
- 📂 Click
Installand select the zip archive of the firmware. - ⚙️ Wait for the process to complete (green strip).
- 🧹 Clear the Dalvik/ART cache.
- 🔄 Click
Reboot System.
The first launch may take up to 5-10 minutes. Don't panic if the screen stays lit with the Android logo for a long time—the system is optimizing applications. After the welcome screen appears, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, problems may arise. One of the most common is Bootloop (cyclic reboot). This often happens if an incompatible version of GApps was installed or the firmware file is damaged.
If the phone does not turn on, try logging into TWRP and doing Factory Reset. If this does not help, you will have to return the stock firmware through the mode eRecovery (pressing the volume up button when connecting to a Wi-Fi router) or through the utility Huawei Firmware Finder.
⚠️ Attention: When returning the stock firmware, make sure that the Android version on the phone is not lower than the version of the installed firmware, otherwise the protection may work. data-i="129">, which will block the device forever. Anti-Rollback, which will block the device forever.
Problems with the camera or fingerprint sensor are often solved by installing the correct drivers or updating the firmware partition before installing a custom system. Carefully read the comments to the topic on the forum where you downloaded the firmware.
☑️ Diagnosing problems
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to install banking applications on pure Android with root access?
By default, banks do not work on devices with an unlocked bootloader and root access. However, using the module Magisk Hide or Zygisk, you can hide the fact of system modification from banking applications. This requires constant updating of workaround methods.
Is it possible to return the warranty after installing pure Android?
Formally, no. The unlocked bootloader flag (similar to Honor) remains in memory even after returning the stock firmware. Service centers may refuse service if they detect traces of interference in the software.Knox Honor's analogue) remains in memory even after returning the stock firmware. Service centers may refuse service if they detect traces of tampering with the software.
Will the quality of the photo be lost after installing custom firmware?
There is often a decrease in the quality of photography, since stock image processing algorithms from Honor i Huawei are proprietary. Custom firmware uses standard drivers, which may work worse.
Do you need to unlock the bootloader to install Google services?
To install full-fledged pure Android (AOSP) - yes. However, if your goal is only to have Google Play, you can try to install Gspace or Gbox from AppGallery, or use GMS installation methods via Googlefier without complete flashing, although this does not work on all models.