Huawei Mate 8 recently received an update to Android 7.0 Nougat, bringing a plethora of enhancements and features. The new firmware introduced a host of fresh UI elements, functionalities, and performance upgrades, significantly enhancing the overall user experience. Originally launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Mate 8 garnered attention from enthusiasts seeking customization options, leading many to root their devices. However, upgrading to Android 7.0 Nougat will result in the loss of root access, necessitating a new rooting process from scratch to regain control over your Mate 8 on the updated platform.
It has been a challenging journey for Android power users to uncover a reliable method to root the Mate 8. However, the recent breakthrough by XDA member dexz has successfully rooted the device, allowing users to once again enjoy the benefits of root access. This innovative approach does not rely on SuperSU but instead utilizes PHH SuperUser. To root your Mate 8, you must first unlock the bootloader, install a TWRP recovery, and then flash specific files to gain root privileges, all while ensuring your device is running the Android 7.0 Nougat stock firmware.
For Mate 8 owners seeking guidance on the rooting process, a helpful tutorial is provided below. Explore the detailed instructions to successfully root your Huawei Mate 8 with Android 7.0 Nougat using the TWRP recovery method and enhance your device’s capabilities.
Safety Measures & Readiness
- This guide is specifically for the Huawei Mate 8; do not attempt this method on any other device to prevent potential bricking.
- Ensure your phone’s battery is charged to at least 80% to prevent any power-related issues during the flashing procedure.
- Backup all essential data such as contacts, call logs, SMS messages, and media files to safeguard against data loss.
- Activate USB debugging mode on your device in the developer options by navigating to settings > about device > tapping build number seven times to unlock developer options. Then, enable USB debugging, and if available, enable “OEM Unlocking.”
- Use the original data cable for a secure connection between your phone and computer.
- Thoroughly follow this guide to avoid any errors or mishaps during the rooting process.
Please be advised that the techniques for flashing custom recoveries and rooting devices are considered highly specialized and non-standard practices. Device manufacturers do not endorse rooting or installing custom recoveries. The device manufacturers cannot be held liable for any issues that may arise. Kindly proceed with these actions at your own risk and discretion.
Essential Downloads & Installations
- Obtain and set up the Huawei USB drivers.
- Acquire and install the Minimal ADB & Fastboot drivers.
Unlocking the Bootloader of Huawei Mate 8
- Before unlocking the bootloader, ensure you have backed up all your data to prevent loss.
- Install Huawei’s HiCare app on your phone and contact support via HiCare to request the bootloader unlock code, providing your email, IMEI, and serial number.
- Huawei will dispatch the bootloader to unlock the code to your email within a few hours or days.
- Download and install Minimal ADB & Fastboot drivers on your Windows PC, or Mac ADB & Fastboot for Mac.
- Connect your phone to your PC.
- Launch Minimal ADB & Fastboot.exe from your desktop or navigate to C drive > Program Files > Minimal ADB & Fastboot, hold Shift Key + Right click, then select “Open command window here.”
- Enter the specified commands in the command window one by one.
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- Initiate a reboot of your Nvidia Shield into bootloader mode. When rebooted, proceed with the following command.
- Utilize this command to confirm the connection between your device and PC in fastboot mode.
Executing this command will initiate the bootloader unlocking process. Upon entering this command, a prompt will appear on your phone requesting confirmation for unlocking the bootloader. Navigate through the options using the volume up and down keys to confirm the unlocking process.
- This command will reboot your phone. Once completed, disconnect your phone.
A Guide on Huawei Mate 8: Rooting on Android Nougat
- Obtain the recovery.img file for Huawei Mate 8 and rename it to “recovery.img” for simplicity.
- Transfer the recovery.img file to the Minimal ADB & Fastboot folder located in the Program Files directory on your Windows installation drive.
- Boot your Huawei Mate 8 into fastboot mode as directed in step 4.
- Connect your Huawei Mate 8 to your PC.
- Launch Minimal ADB & Fastboot.exe as described in step 3.
- Enter the specified commands in the command window.
- Execute “fastboot reboot-bootloader.”
- Perform “fastboot flash recovery recovery.img.”
- Utilize “fastboot reboot recovery” or employ the Volume Up + Down + Power combination to access TWRP.
- This action will launch your device into TWRP recovery mode. Remain in TWRP recovery until the rooting process is complete.
Rooting Huawei Mate 8
- Download PHH’s superuser
- And the update_data*.zip file to your PC.
- Ensure your TWRP recovery is operational and launched successfully.
- In TWRP, navigate to Wipe > Format Data, then swipe to confirm.
- Once data is formatted, connect your Huawei Mate 8 to your PC.
- Tap on Mount on the TWRP recovery’s home screen and mount USB storage.
- Copy PHH’s superuser and the update_data*.zip file from your computer to your Huawei Mate 8’s internal storage.
- Within TWRP’s main screen, tap “Install,” locate the copied Phh’s SuperSU.zip file, and flash it.
- Repeat the process by tapping Install again, locating the update_data*.zip file, and flashing it.
- After flashing both files, reboot your phone to complete the process.
- Following the reboot, install the phh’s superuser APK to manage root permissions on your device.
Your device will start up. Locate SuperSu in the app drawer and install Root Checker to confirm root access.
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