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Unlocking the Bootloader for Huawei Kirin 659 Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlocking the bootloader on your Huawei Kirin 659-powered device, such as the Huawei P Smart, opens a gateway to a world of customization, allowing you to root your device, flash custom ROMs, install custom recoveries like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), and enhance its performance. However, the process can be intricate and requires careful attention to detail. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough, ensuring a smooth and successful unlocking experience. We’ll delve into the prerequisites, necessary tools, detailed instructions, potential issues, and troubleshooting tips to empower you to unlock your Kirin 659 device safely and effectively. This detailed guide builds on existing knowledge and provides an easier to understand, more structured, and feature-rich approach to unlocking your Huawei device’s bootloader.

Understanding the Importance of Bootloader Unlocking

The bootloader is a security mechanism implemented by manufacturers to protect the device’s system software from unauthorized modifications. Unlocking it allows you to bypass these restrictions, granting you root access, enabling custom ROM installation, and unlocking the full potential of your device. Rooting allows you to gain administrative privileges and install Magisk Modules, found at our Magisk Modules repository, enhance features or tweak system settings. These modules are available on our Magisk Module Repository.

However, unlocking your bootloader can void your warranty and may expose your device to security vulnerabilities if not done carefully. It’s crucial to back up your data and understand the risks involved before proceeding.

Prerequisites Before Unlocking Your Huawei Kirin 659 Bootloader

Before we begin the bootloader unlocking process, ensure you have the following prerequisites in place:

  1. Backup Your Data: This is paramount. Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device, including photos, videos, contacts, and apps. Use Huawei’s backup utility or a third-party app to create a complete backup to your computer or cloud storage.

  2. Install Huawei USB Drivers: Proper USB drivers are essential for your computer to recognize your device in Fastboot mode. Download the appropriate drivers from Huawei’s official website or a trusted source and install them on your computer. Incorrect drivers can lead to connection issues and failed unlocking attempts.

  3. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools: ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are command-line tools that allow you to communicate with your device in different modes. Download the Android SDK Platform-Tools package from Google’s Developer website, which contains these tools. Extract the package to a convenient location on your computer, such as C:\adb. Ensure you add this directory to your system’s PATH environment variable for easy access from the command prompt or terminal.

  4. Enable USB Debugging: This option allows your computer to communicate with your phone for debugging purposes. To enable it, go to Settings > About phone and tap on Build number seven times to unlock Developer options. Then, go to Settings > Developer options and enable USB debugging. Also, enable OEM unlocking if it’s available in the Developer options. This setting is crucial for unlocking the bootloader.

  5. Charge Your Device: Ensure your device has at least 60% battery charge to prevent interruptions during the unlocking process. A sudden power loss during the process can brick your device.

  6. Huawei ID and Unlock Code: Huawei previously provided unlock codes through their website. However, they have discontinued this service. While some third-party websites claim to offer unlock codes, proceed with caution as these services may be unreliable or even malicious. Currently, unlocking the bootloader on Huawei devices has become significantly more challenging due to the lack of official support. We suggest searching forums for methods.

  7. Understanding the Risks: Be fully aware that unlocking the bootloader voids your warranty and may make your device less secure. Ensure you understand the risks before proceeding.

Obtaining the Unlock Code (The Challenging Part)

As mentioned earlier, obtaining the unlock code for Huawei devices has become a significant hurdle. Huawei no longer provides unlock codes directly. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Official Huawei Method (No Longer Available): Previously, you could request an unlock code from Huawei’s website. This method is now defunct.

  2. Third-Party Services: Several third-party websites claim to provide unlock codes for a fee. However, be extremely cautious when using these services. Many of them are scams, and providing your device’s IMEI or other sensitive information to untrusted sources can compromise your security. Research thoroughly before using any third-party unlocking service. Read reviews, check their reputation, and be wary of services that promise immediate or guaranteed unlocks.

  3. DC-Unlocker: DC-Unlocker is a well-known professional unlocking tool that supports a wide range of devices, including some Huawei models. However, it requires a paid license and may not support all Kirin 659 devices. Visit the DC-Unlocker website to check if your device is supported and purchase a license if necessary.

  4. Search Online Forums: Explore forums like XDA Developers and Android Forums for alternative methods or tools that may be available for unlocking the bootloader on your specific Huawei Kirin 659 device. Users often share their experiences and solutions in these forums.

Important Disclaimer: We do not endorse or recommend any specific third-party unlocking services. Use them at your own risk. Always prioritize your device’s security and data privacy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader (Assuming You Have the Unlock Code)

Note: This section assumes you have obtained a valid unlock code for your device. If you haven’t, you’ll need to explore the methods discussed in the previous section.

  1. Boot into Fastboot Mode:

    • Power off your device completely.
    • Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously until you see the Fastboot mode screen. This screen typically displays the Huawei logo with the word “FASTBOOT” below it.

  2. Connect Your Device to Your Computer:

    • Use a USB cable to connect your device to your computer. Ensure you’re using a high-quality cable for a stable connection.

  3. Open Command Prompt or Terminal:

    • Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) window.
    • Navigate to the directory where you installed ADB and Fastboot tools (e.g., C:\adb).

  4. Verify Device Connection:

    • Type the following command and press Enter:
      fastboot devices
    • If your device is properly connected, you should see it listed with a unique identifier. If not, double-check your USB drivers and ensure USB debugging is enabled.

  5. Unlock the Bootloader:

    • Type the following command, replacing <unlock_code> with the actual unlock code you obtained:
      fastboot oem unlock <unlock_code>
    • Press Enter.
    • Your device will display a confirmation screen asking if you want to unlock the bootloader. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to confirm.

  6. Reboot Your Device:

    • After confirming the unlock, your device will reboot. This process may take several minutes. Once it’s complete, your device will be unlocked.

Post-Unlocking Procedures and Considerations

  1. Factory Reset: After unlocking the bootloader, your device will likely perform a factory reset. This is normal.

  2. Initial Setup: Complete the initial setup process, including connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in to your Google account, and restoring your data from the backup you created earlier.

  3. Rooting Your Device (Optional): With the bootloader unlocked, you can now root your device using Magisk. Download the latest Magisk APK file from the official Magisk GitHub repository, push it to your device, and install it. Then, boot into TWRP recovery (if you’ve installed it) and flash the Magisk ZIP file. After rebooting, you’ll have root access.

  4. Installing Custom Recovery (TWRP): TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery environment that allows you to flash custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other advanced tasks. Download the TWRP image file for your specific device model from the official TWRP website. Then, use the following command to flash it (after booting into Fastboot mode): fastboot flash recovery <twrp_image_file>.img

  5. Installing Custom ROMs: With TWRP installed, you can now flash custom ROMs. Download the desired ROM file and GApps (Google Apps) package (if necessary) and copy them to your device’s internal storage. Then, boot into TWRP recovery, wipe the system, data, and cache partitions, and flash the ROM and GApps files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Device Not Recognized in Fastboot Mode:

    • Ensure you have installed the correct USB drivers.
    • Try using a different USB cable or USB port.
    • Restart your computer and your device.
    • Verify that USB debugging is enabled.

  2. “Failed to Unlock” Error:

    • Double-check that you have the correct unlock code.
    • Ensure you are using the correct Fastboot command.
    • Try flashing the stock firmware for your device.

  3. Device Stuck in Bootloop:

    • Boot into TWRP recovery and wipe the cache and Dalvik cache partitions.
    • If that doesn’t work, try flashing the stock firmware or a custom ROM.

  4. Bricked Device:

    • If your device is bricked (unresponsive), you may need to use a specialized tool like Huawei’s eRecovery or a JTAG programmer to restore it. This is a more advanced procedure and should be attempted only if you’re comfortable with the risks involved.

Security Considerations After Unlocking

Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your device can introduce security risks. Here are some precautions you should take:

  1. Use a Strong Password or PIN: Protect your device with a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication.

  2. Install a Security App: Install a reputable antivirus and security app to protect your device from malware and other threats.

  3. Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.

  4. Be Cautious When Installing Apps: Only install apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.

  5. Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to encrypt your internet traffic.

Alternatives to Unlocking the Bootloader

If you’re hesitant to unlock the bootloader due to the risks involved, consider these alternatives:

  1. Using a Custom Launcher: Custom launchers like Nova Launcher and Apex Launcher allow you to customize the look and feel of your device without rooting.

  2. Using Xposed Modules (Requires Root): If you’re willing to root your device, you can use Xposed Framework and its modules to customize various aspects of your system. However, Xposed is not compatible with all devices and Android versions.

  3. Using ADB Commands: Some customizations can be achieved using ADB commands without unlocking the bootloader.

The Future of Bootloader Unlocking on Huawei Devices

The future of bootloader unlocking on Huawei devices remains uncertain. With Huawei’s discontinued support for unlocking and the increasing difficulty in finding reliable third-party solutions, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to unlock these devices. As such, we recommend carefully evaluating your need to unlock your bootloader versus the inherent risks involved. Always ensure you have backed up your data, researched the process, and are prepared for potential issues before proceeding.

By following this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to unlock the bootloader on your Huawei Kirin 659 device. Remember to proceed with caution, back up your data, and understand the risks involved. Good luck!

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