"Remote: Password invalid" or "Unknown error":
Phone Not Detected in Fastboot:
The phone will reboot and wipe all data.
Conclusion for most users: Pay €4–10 to DC-Unlocker. It’s the only practical way in 2025.
The HONOR 9, released in 2017, remains a beloved smartphone for many enthusiasts. Its sleek glass design, dual cameras, and the Kirin 960 chipset offered a premium experience. However, for users seeking to extend the device’s life beyond official software updates—perhaps by installing LineageOS or a custom kernel—the first hurdle is unlocking the bootloader. Historically, this was a straightforward process. Today, it is a cautionary tale about corporate policy and device ownership. This essay explores the official method, the subsequent policy changes, and the unofficial (and risky) workarounds available to unlock the HONOR 9’s bootloader.
Understanding the Bootloader
Before attempting the process, one must understand the bootloader’s function. Think of the bootloader as the security guard at the entrance of your phone’s hardware. It initializes the operating system (Android) and, crucially, verifies its digital signature. If the software has been tampered with, a locked bootloader will refuse to boot, protecting the device from malware. Unlocking the bootloader disables this verification, allowing the installation of custom recoveries (like TWRP) and unofficial operating systems. It also, notably, wipes all user data and voids any remaining warranty.
The Official (Now Defunct) Method
When the HONOR 9 was first released, unlocking the bootloader was a legitimate, supported process. The steps were as follows:
This method was clean, safe, and official. However, it died in mid-2018. HONOR/Huawei, citing concerns about user security, data protection, and the "integrity of the user experience," abruptly shut down the unlock code website. No official alternative was ever provided for existing models like the HONOR 9.
The Current Reality: Unofficial and Risky Workarounds
With no official path, unlocking a HONOR 9 today requires third-party, unsupported methods. These carry significant risk and are not recommended for casual users. The two primary approaches are:
Step-by-Step (Using a Paid Service - Example Outline)
Note: This is a generic guide. Specific tools vary.
Critical Warnings
Conclusion: Should You Unlock a HONOR 9 in 2024?
The honest answer for most users is no. The official, safe method is dead. The remaining unofficial methods require technical skill, financial cost, physical risk to the device, and acceptance of serious security compromises. Unless you are an experienced Android developer who specifically needs a Kirin 960 device for low-level testing, the risks outweigh the benefits. How to Unlock Bootloader in HONOR 9 phone
For the dedicated enthusiast who still wishes to proceed, the path is clear: research the current most reputable paid service (check XDA Developers forums for real-time feedback), prepare to disassemble your phone, and accept that you may end up with a glass-and-metal brick. The story of unlocking the HONOR 9 is a lesson in the fragility of user freedom on modern smartphones—a key once provided is now lost, and breaking in may cost you the lock forever.
Unlocking the bootloader on an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is possible, but it requires a specialized approach because Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially terminated its unlock code service on July 25, 2018. Since then, standard requests for unlock codes are no longer supported. Method 1: Open Source (PotatoNV)
This is the recommended free method for the HONOR 9, which uses the
processor. It requires physical access to the phone's internal "test point".
Preparation: Install ADB and Fastboot and the Huawei USB COM 1.0 drivers on a Windows PC.
Hardware Access: You must carefully remove the back cover of your HONOR 9.
Enter Test Point Mode: Use tweezers to short-circuit the specific "test point" on the motherboard to the metal shield (ground) while connecting the device to your PC via USB.
Run PotatoNV: Open the PotatoNV tool, select your device's processor (Kirin 960), and click Start.
Result: The tool will generate and apply a new 16-character unlock code. Your device will reboot with an unlocked bootloader. Method 2: Third-Party Paid Services
If you prefer not to open your device, some third-party services can still provide unlock codes for a fee, though their availability for newer security patches varies. unlock the bootloader - HUAWEI Community
Unlocking the bootloader of an HONOR 9 is the first step toward gaining full control over your device. Whether you want to install a custom ROM, flash TWRP recovery, or root your phone, this guide covers everything you need to know. Understanding the Risks and Requirements
Before proceeding, it is vital to understand that unlocking the bootloader is a significant modification.
Data Loss: Unlocking the bootloader triggers a factory reset. Back up your photos, contacts, and apps.
Warranty: This process usually voids your official manufacturer warranty.
Security: A locked bootloader ensures only signed software runs. Unlocking it makes the device slightly more vulnerable to unauthorized software. "Remote: Password invalid" or "Unknown error":
The HONOR Challenge: Since 2018, Huawei and HONOR officially stopped providing unlock codes. You will likely need to use third-party tools or services. Prerequisites A PC with Windows 10 or 11. The original USB data cable. HONOR 9 battery charged to at least 60%. ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on your computer.
HiSuite installed (to ensure all Kirin chipset drivers are present). Step 1: Prepare the Phone Settings
To allow the computer to communicate with your HONOR 9, you must toggle specific developer options. Open Settings > About Phone.
Tap Build Number seven times until it says "You are now a developer." Go back to Settings > System & Updates > Developer Options. Enable OEM Unlocking. Enable USB Debugging. Step 2: Obtaining the Unlock Code
As mentioned, HONOR no longer provides these codes for free. To get your 16-digit bootloader unlock code, you generally have two options:
Third-Party Services: Websites like Ministry of Solutions or Global Unlocking Solutions can provide codes for a fee. You will need to provide your IMEI and Serial Number.
Software Tools: Tools like DC-Unlocker or HCU Client are professional-grade programs that can sometimes read the code directly from the device while it is in "Manufacturer Mode." To find your IMEI, dial *#06# on your phone. Step 3: Boot into Fastboot Mode
Once you have your 16-digit code, you need to put the HONOR 9 into its bootloader interface. Power off your phone completely. Connect the USB cable to your PC, but not the phone yet.
Hold the Volume Down button and plug the cable into your phone.
Release the button when you see a white screen with a small Android robot; this is Fastboot Mode. Step 4: Run the Unlock Command Now, move to your computer to finalize the process. Open the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed.
Hold Shift + Right Click in the folder and select "Open PowerShell window here" or "Open Command Prompt here."
Verify connection by typing:fastboot devices(You should see your device serial number listed).
Execute the unlock command (replace YOURCODE with your actual 16-digit code):fastboot oem unlock YOURCODE
A warning will appear on your HONOR 9 screen. Use the volume buttons to select "Yes" and the Power button to confirm. Step 5: Verification and Reboot
The phone will now perform a low-level factory reset and reboot. This may take a few minutes. Once it boots back to the setup screen: Go back into Developer Options.
Check the Bootloader Lock status; it should now say "Unlocked." Troubleshooting Common Issues Phone Not Detected in Fastboot:
Command Not Found: Ensure you are running the command inside the ADB folder or that ADB is added to your System Path.
Device Not Detected: Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 is often more stable than 3.0 for fastboot) or a different cable.
Invalid Code: Double-check the IMEI you sent to the code provider. Even one wrong digit will result in a non-working code. Next Steps
Now that your HONOR 9 bootloader is unlocked, you can proceed to flash a custom recovery like TWRP to begin your journey with custom firmware and advanced system optimizations.
Unlocking the bootloader on an is a complex process because Huawei (HONOR's former parent company) officially discontinued its bootloader unlock code service in
. Today, you must rely on third-party software or hardware-level exploits. Current Methods for Unlocking (2026) 1. The PotatoNV Method (Free & Open Source)
This is the most reliable method for the HONOR 9, which uses the Kirin 960 chipset
. It works by using a "software testpoint" to bypass security. Requirements: You must be comfortable disassembling the phone to access a specific test point on the motherboard. The Process: Open the back cover and locate the HONOR 9 STF testpoint
Short the testpoint to the iron shield (ground) while connecting it to a PC. PotatoNV tool to generate and set a new 16-character unlock code.
The phone will then recognize this custom code for the standard unlock command. 2. Paid Third-Party Services If you don't want to open your device, paid services like DC-Unlocker HCU-Client
are historical alternatives, though their compatibility with the latest security patches varies. The Process:
You pay for credits, connect the phone in a specialized mode (often "Manufacturer Mode"), and the tool reads or provides the code for you. The Unlock Procedure (Once You Have a Code)
Once you have obtained a code from PotatoNV or a paid service, the manual unlocking steps are as follows:
fastboot oem get-bootinfo. It should return: Bootloader unlocked: YES.Pros: Works reliably on EMUI 8/Android 8 and 9. No hardware disassembly.
Cons: Costs money (€4). The software looks dated but is legitimate.
Before touching your HONOR 9 (model STF-L09, STF-AL00, or STF-TL10), prepare the following: