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HUAWEI will no longer allow bootloader unlocking (Update: Explanation from HUAWEI)
June 17, 2025
Update 30-05-2025 at 9:28 A.M. EST:As mentioned in the article below, we reached out to HUAWEI to get a statement on this bootloader issue. We just got our response, which we’ve reprinted in full below. We’ll warn you ahead of time that there’s not much said in this official statement that wasn’t stated in the screenshot below. But here it is:
When you take into consideration that HUAWEI — for years — not only supported the ROM community but actively assisted in the unlocking of HUAWEI bootloaders, this whole switch-up doesn’t make much sense. But, that’s the official statement, so do with it what you will.
Original Article:For years now, thecustom ROM development communityhas flocked toHuaweiphones. One of the major reasons for this is because HUAWEI made it incredibly easy to unlock the bootloaders of its devices, even providing a dedicated support page for the process.
However, earlier this monththat support page disappearedwithout any explanation. Eventually, HUAWEI said that it will issue unlock codes directly via an email support system.
But now, in a dramatic about-face,HUAWEI is ceasing all support for bootloader unlocking. All phones sold after today, May 24, won’t have unlockable bootloaders. All phones sold before that date will have 60 days before unlocking won’t be supported. This information comes from a tweeted screenshot of a HUAWEI message that looks to have appeared on an Android device:
Needless to say, the custom ROM community is not happy about this decision.
Threads onRedditandTwitterare running hot with comments from HUAWEI fans who now declare they will jump ship to other brands. Some users are even claiming they will return their brand newHONOR 10’sandHUAWEI P20’sdue to the change in policy.
While the custom ROM community only represents a small percentage of the overall Android base, it is a very vocal minority with a lot of influence over the tech world.XDA Developers– where much of the custom ROM community congregates – reviews devices and shares Android news just like we do here atAndroid Authority. This change will no doubt influence how those reviews are written going forward, which will likely hurt HUAWEI’s reputation.
We reached out to a HUAWEI rep to get a statement on this policy change but did not get a response by press time.
While many people reading this probably don’t care about unlocking bootloaders, blocking the customization of a product is an ethical concern. One could argue that if one buys a mobile phone, that product is theirs and they should be allowed to do with it as they please. If they want to unlock the bootloader, then they should be allowed to do so. Manufacturers and carriers blocking access to the bootloader takes away that right.
On the flip side, unlocking the bootloader puts the device in danger of being rendered unusable if a mistake is made. One can understand that a company wouldn’t want people tinkering with the fundamentals of a device because it leads to product returns and bad reviews.
Should we hear back from HUAWEI with a statement on this matter, we will update this article accordingly.
Are you a person who uses HUAWEI devices because of the ability to flash custom ROMs? Are you disappointed with this news? Let us know in the comments.
NEXT:Google apps now blocked from uncertified devices, but custom ROMs still OK
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