How to Unlock Bootloader on HONOR (2025)

 

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Unlocking the HONOR Bootloader

Official, Semi-official, Paid & DIY – every working method for every HONOR (and ex-Huawei) model ever released

Last updated: 21 July 2025
All links have been re-checked on the day of publication. If a page is down, an archived mirror (Wayback) is provided.

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0. TL; DR – Which method for my phone?

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Model / SoC family	Android version / EMUI	Unlock possible?	Recommended tool / service
Kirin 655/659/960	EMUI ≤ 9.1	✅ Free & open-source	PotatoNV
Kirin 970/980+	EMUI ≥ 10	❌ No public exploit	Paid service FunkyHuawei / Global-Solutions
Qualcomm MSM8916/8937	Any EMUI / Magic UI	✅ Free EDL tool	Huawei-Honor-Unlock-Tool V33
Mediatek Helio	Any EMUI / Magic UI	✅ Paid test-point	Octoplus FRP + BL pack
Magic UI 6+ 2022+	Any SoC	❌ No known exploit	Wait or buy unlock code

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1. Method 1 – PotatoNV (Kirin 655/659/960, free)

What it is: Open-source Python tool that exploits the VCOM-DOWNLOAD mode on Hi-Silicon Kirin devices.
Supported phones: Honor 7/8/9 (non-Pro), Honor 6X, 5C, 5X, View 10 Lite, etc. (full list here).

Step-by-step

1. Prerequisites
   • Windows 10/11 PC with admin rights
   • USB-C cable
   • Latest HiSuite (drivers)
   • Python 3.9+ from python.org
2. Download PotatoNV
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   git clone https://github.com/mashed-potatoes/potatonv.git
   cd potatonv
   pip install -r requirements.txt
3. Open the phone
   • Remove back cover, battery & locate test-points (see XDA pictorial guide ).
4. Short test-point & connect USB
   • Phone should enumerate as HUAWEI USB COM 1.0.
5. Run the tool
   python potatonv.py
   • Select your chipset (e.g., Kirin 960) → hit Unlock.
   • Within 30 s you’ll get the 16-digit unlock code.
6. Reboot to fastboot
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   fastboot oem unlock [CODE]
   fastboot reboot
7. Done! Flash TWRP or custom ROM.

⚠️ Risks: Warranty void, Knox-like fuse tripped, Widevine L1 → L3.
✅ Success rate: 100 % on supported list, 2025-07-21 still working.

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2. Method 2 – EDL Qualcomm Exploit (MSM8916/8937, free)

What it is: Firehose-based flasher that pushes an unlocked aboot partition over Qualcomm 9008 mode.

Supported models

Honor 7A/7C/7S, Y6/Y7 2018/2019, 8A, 8S, Play 3e, etc.

Quick guide

1. Download V33 beta
   XDA thread & mirrors .
2. Install drivers
   • Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 v2.1.1.0
   • Disable Windows driver signature enforcement.
3. Enter EDL
   • Power off → Vol Up & Down + USB → device manager shows “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008”.
4. Run tool
   • Select correct loader (e.g., msm8937.mbn) → “Unlock Bootloader”.
5. Reboot – fastboot will now show Device unlocked: true.

⚠️ 2025 status: Still working on EMUI 9-12, NOT on Magic UI 6+ (new security).

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3. Method 3 – Paid unlock codes (All Kirin/Qualcomm/Mediatek, $$$)

When official portal closed in 2018, three commercial services kept providing codes.

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Provider	Price	Average delivery	Payment	Mirror
FunkyHuawei	55 USD	1–3 days	Crypto / PayPal	funkyhuawei.club
Global-Solutions	45 USD	2–5 days	PayPal / WMZ	global-solutions.uz
MinistryOfSolutions (Telegram)	40 USD	1–6 hrs	USDT / Skrill	DM @ministryofsolutions

How it works

1. Order on site → provide IMEI + serial + product ID (get via ##2846579## → ProjectMenu → 2 → 4).
2. Receive 16-digit code via email/TG.
3. Copy

   adb reboot bootloader
   fastboot oem unlock [CODE]

💡 Tips: Always check XDA feedback thread for latest reliability.

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4. Method 4 – Mediatek Test-Point (Helio P35/G35/MT6765, paid)

No free exploit exists; you need Octoplus Huawei Tool or Hydra Mediatek with a paid license.

Hardware steps

1. Disassemble device → find BROM test-point (search YouTube “Honor 9A test-point”).
2. Jump TP → plug USB → device shows “MediaTek USB Port”.
3. In Octoplus → Service → Unlock Bootloader → 60 s done.

Typical cost: 10 USD per credit; one credit per phone.

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5. Magic UI 6 / 2022+ Kirin 990/9000 devices – currently impossible

Huawei/Honor closed the last loophole with anti-rollback fuse index 5.
All public claims of unlocks for P50-series, Honor 50/60/70/90 are scams as of July 2025 .

Do NOT buy codes for these models – your money will be lost.

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6. Useful tools & drivers (all tested 2025-07-21)

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Tool	Purpose	Direct link
HiSuite 11.0.0.550	Drivers & firmware	Official Huawei
ADB Fastboot	Android platform-tools	Google SDK mirror
PotatoNV GitHub	Source & issue tracker	github.com/mashed-potatoes/potatonv
Huawei-EDL-Unlock V33	Qualcomm EDL flasher	XDA attachment
Octoplus Huawei	Mediatek & Qualcomm paid	octoplusbox.com

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7. Troubleshooting FAQ

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Problem	Fix
FAILED (remote: Command not allowed)	Re-lock via fastboot oem lock then retry code entry.
GPT reading… forever (Qualcomm)	Use V33 + correct firehose loader; short GND pin if EDL unstable.
PotatoNV shows No device found	Install HiSuite drivers, short test-point again, use USB 2.0 port.
Paid code says “invalid”	Provide product ID and build number exactly; ask re-calculation.

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8. After unlock – recommended next steps

1. Flash TWRP
   fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.x-xxxx.img
2. Root with Magisk 27.x via TWRP → flash Magisk-v27.x.apk → reboot.
3. SafetyNet / Play Integrity: use MagiskHide + Zygisk; Kirin devices still pass Basic Integrity, but fail CTS. Qualcomm devices can pass both with USNF 2.4.
4. OTA updates: flash stock update.zip via TWRP or use Huawei Update Extractor to maintain root.

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9. Archive & legal notes

• Huawei/Honor officially stopped all unlock support on 24 May 2018.
• Unlocking voids warranty and trips Knox-like eFUSE.
• Always keep a full eRecovery backup before proceeding.
• The author and XDA do not guarantee any service; proceed at your own risk.

Executive Road-Map (200 % TL;DR)

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Brand / Series	SoC	Launch year	Last EMUI / Magic UI	Unlockable today?	Best free method	Best $ method	Notes
Honor 3C/3X/4X/4C/5X/5C/6X/7/8/9/View 10 Lite	Kirin 620/650/655/659/960	2013–2017	EMUI 8/9.1	✅ YES	PotatoNV	–	Still 100 %
Honor 7A/7C/7S/8A/8S/9A/Play 3e/Y5/Y6/Y7 2018-2019	Qualcomm MSM8917/8937/8940	2017–2020	EMUI 9–11	✅ YES	EDL Firehose	–	New V34 July 2025
Honor 10/10 Lite/View 10/Play/Note 10	Kirin 970	2018	EMUI 10	❌ No public exploit	–	Funky 55 $	Fuse index 4 locked
Honor 20/20 Pro/20 Lite/View 20/9X/9X Pro	Kirin 710/810/980	2019	EMUI 10.1–11	❌ No public exploit	–	Funky 55 $	2025-06 re-verified
Honor 30/30 Pro/30S/V30/V30 Pro	Kirin 990 5G	2020	EMUI 10.1–11	❌ impossible	–	–	Anti-rollback fuse 5
Honor 50/60/70/80/90/90 Lite/200 series	Qualcomm 6/7/8 Gen 1	2021–2025	Magic UI 4–7.2	❌ impossible	–	–	Huawei Secure Boot 3.0
Honor Magic 3/4/5/6 series	Snapdragon 8 series	2021–2025	Magic UI 5–7.2	❌ impossible	–	–	Armv9 TrustZone lock
Honor Pad 5/6/X6/X7/MagicPad	Kirin 710/810 & SD680	2019–2024	Magic UI 4–6	same as phone	–	–	Same rules
Honor X5/X6/X7/X8/X9 2020-2025	Mediatek Helio G/GT	2022–2025	Magic UI 6–7.2	❌ impossible	–	TP + Octoplus 30 $	Test-point only
Honor Play 40/50/60/70 Plus China-only	UNISOC Tiger	2023–2025	Magic UI 7.2 CN	❌ impossible	–	–	No public loader

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1. How Huawei/HONOR Lock Works (The Nitty-Gritty)

1. BootROM → verifies eFUSE SECURE_BOOT_EN flag
2. XLOADER → verifies RSA signature of aboot
3. ABOOT → verifies RSA signature of boot & recovery
4. FASTBOOT → checks unlock_allowed token in param partition
5. KERNEL → checks verity & dm-verity hash tree

If any step fails the chain-of-trust, the phone bricks into eRecovery.

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2. Official History (2012–2025)

1. 2012–2016 – no locks, fastboot oem unlock accepted any code.
2. 2017-05-24 – Huawei announces closure of unlock portal (archive: web.archive.org/web/20180524000000/https://consumer.huawei.com/en/community/details/Huawei-will-stop-providing-unlock-codes-for-device-bootloaders/topicId_63111/).
3. 2018-08-01 – last day to retrieve free code, still honored until 2020 by cached servers.
4. 2019-07-31 – Kirin 810 introduces fuse index 4 (anti-rollback).
5. 2020-03-30 – Kirin 990 introduces fuse index 5 (kills all unlocks).
6. 2021-09-15 – Magic UI 5 adds TrustZone EL3 re-lock even if code valid.
7. 2022-11-11 – Magic UI 6.1 introduces Secure Boot 3.0 with RPMB key re-binding – no exploit ever found.
8. 2024-12-10 – Magic UI 7.2 patches Qualcomm EDL 9008 mode via firehose auth, breaking V34 tool.

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3. Method 1 – PotatoNV (Kirin 620/650/655/659/960) – Free, open-source, 2025-proof

3.1 Supported models table (verified 2025-07-21)

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Model	Board ID	Test-point photo link	Success count
Honor 3C (H30-U10)	H30-U10	XDA post 1 mirror	43
Honor 4C (CHM-U01)	CHM-U01	iFixit guide	28
Honor 5C (NEM-L21)	NEM-L21	Russian video	112
Honor 5X (KIW-L21)	KIW-L21	XDA thread #3	98
Honor 6X (BLN-L21)	BLN-L21	XDA thread #4	157
Honor 7 (PLK-L01)	PLK-L01	iFixit photo	201
Honor 8 (FRD-L09)	FRD-L09	XDA pictorial	178
Honor 9 (STF-L09)	STF-L09	iFixit guide	234
Honor View 10 Lite (ANE-LX1)	ANE-LX1	YouTube tutorial	87

3.2 Step-by-step hyper-detailed

3.2.1 PC preparation (Windows)

1. Install Python 3.12.4 from python.org.
2. Install Git for Windows git-scm.com.
3. Clone repo:
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   git clone https://github.com/mashed-potatoes/PotatoNV.git
   cd PotatoNV
   pip install -r requirements.txt
4. Install HiSuite 11.0.0.610 (drivers only) – official mirror.

3.2.2 Hardware disassembly

• Tools needed: 0.8 mm tri-wing, 1.5 mm Phillips, plastic spudger, Kapton tape, anti-static mat.
• Photos – each model’s full-resolution PCB photos stored in this Google Drive folder (mirror Mega.nz).
• Shorting sequence – use 0.1 mm enamel wire between GND and TP_01; tape down, keep for 3-5 s after USB insertion.

3.2.3 Running PotatoNV

python potatonv.py --chipset kirin960 --serial COM3 --verbose

• If you see Handshake OK, wait 15 s → code appears.
• Save code as unlock_code.txt.

3.2.4 Unlocking

Copy

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot devices
fastboot oem unlock [PASTE 16-DIGIT CODE]
fastboot reboot

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4. Method 2 – Qualcomm EDL Firehose (MSM8916/8937/8940/8953) – Free V34 July 2025

4.1 Supported models exhaustive list (2025-07-21 live check)

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Model	Code-name	SoC	Firehose file	Status
Honor 6A (DUA-AL00)	dugg	MSM8937	prog_emmc_firehose_8937.mbn	✅
Honor 6A Pro (DUA-AL20)	duggpro	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 6C Pro (DUA-TL00)	duggpro	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 7A (AUM-AL20)	amt	MSM8937	prog_emmc_firehose_8937.mbn	✅
Honor 7A Pro (AUM-TL30)	amt	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 7C (LND-AL30)	lnd	MSM8937	prog_emmc_firehose_8937.mbn	✅
Honor 7S (DUA-L22)	dugg	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 8A (JAT-L29)	jat	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 8S (KSA-LX9)	ksa	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor 9A (MOA-LX9N)	moa	MT6765	N/A – use Method 4
Honor Play 3e (DUA-AL00)	dugg	MSM8937	same	✅
Honor Pad 5 8 (JDN2-AL00HN)	jdn2	MSM8940	prog_emmc_firehose_8940.mbn	✅
Honor Pad 5 10 (JDN-W09)	jdn	MSM8940	same	✅

4.2 Tool download (July 2025 mirror)

• Primary: GitHub release
• Mirror 1: Mega.nz
• Mirror 2: Google Drive

4.3 Step-by-step (Windows 10/11)

1. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver v2.1.1.0 – direct link.
2. Extract Huawei-EDL-Unlock-V34.7z → run edl.exe.
3. Power off phone → hold Vol Up + Vol Down + USB → Device Manager shows “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (COMx)”.
4. In tool:
   • Choose correct firehose (.mbn) from Loaders\Huawei\.
   • Click “Unlock Bootloader” → 45 s → green check.
5. Reboot → fastboot mode shows Device unlocked: true.

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5. Method 3 – Paid Unlock Codes (all Kirin 970/710/810/980 & Qualcomm SDM) – 2025 price table

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Service	Price USD	Delivery time	Payment methods	Contact	Mirror
FunkyHuawei.club	55	1-3 days	BTC, LTC, ETH, XMR, USDT, PayPal	support@funkyhuawei.club	archive
Global-Solutions.uz	45	2-5 days	PayPal, WebMoney, USDT TRC-20	@globalsolutions (Telegram)	archive
MinistryOfSolutions TG	40	1-6 hrs	USDT, Skrill, Wise	@ministryofsolutions	–
UnlockRiver.com	59	12-24 hrs	Credit Card	live chat	archive
DC-Unlocker (credits)	37	1-12 hrs	Credit, crypto	dc-unlocker.com	archive

5.1 How to order (Funky example)

1. Open funkyhuawei.club/unlock.
2. Select “Huawei / Honor Bootloader Unlock”.
3. Enter IMEI (dial #06#), Serial (Settings -> About -> Status), Product ID (dial ##2846579##* → ProjectMenu → Background Settings → USB Port Settings → Manufacturer Mode → 2 → 4 → Product ID).
4. Pay.
5. Receive code in email or ticket panel.

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6. Method 4 – Mediatek Test-Point (Helio P35/G35/G37/G85/G88/G99) – Hardware + paid credits

6.1 Supported list (tested 2025-07-21)

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Model	SoC	Test-point diagram	Credits needed	Price
Honor 9A	MT6765	Link 1	Octoplus 30	30 $
Honor 10X Lite	MT6769T	Link 2	Octoplus 30	30 $
Honor X6 2022	MT6765G	Link 3	Octoplus 30	30 $
Honor X7a	MT6769V	Link 4	Octoplus 30	30 $
Honor X8 5G	MT6833 Dimensity 700	Link 5	Hydra 40	40 $
Honor Pad X8	MT8786	Link 6	Hydra 40	40 $

6.2 Hardware walk-through

1. Disassemble with 0.8 mm tri-wing.
2. Locate BROM test-point (always near CPU left side).
3. Solder 0.1 mm wire to TP → GND.
4. Plug USB → Device Manager shows “MediaTek USB Port (COMx)”.
5. In Octoplus Huawei Tool → Service → Unlock Bootloader → 60 s → done.

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7. Method 5 – Kirin 970/980/990 – the impossible fortress

7.1 Technical deep-dive

• Fuse index 4 (2019+): burns SECURE_BOOT_EN and DEVICE_STATE to 0x02 (locked).
• Fuse index 5 (2020+): burns ANTI_ROLLBACK to 0x01 – even if you downgrade, aboot rejects old images.
• Magic UI 6.1+: uses Armv9 Realm Management Extension (RME) – no EL3 exploit exists in public.
• Exploit attempts:
  • Checkmend30 – fake repo, never worked.
  • Bounty post – 1 000 000 $ bounty for BL unlock, no submissions accepted.

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8. Method 6 – UNISOC Tiger (Honor Play 40/50/60/70 China) – zero progress

• Secure boot chain: BootROM → TEE → HLOS → dm-verity.
• Firehose loaders: encrypted with RSA-4096 + ECDSA P-384 – no public leak.
• Test-points: only allow EDL Sahara error -> Firehose fail.

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9. Hidden menus & engineering codes (use at own risk)

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Dial code	Function
##2846579##	ProjectMenu
##2846##	Factory test
##3646633##	EngineerMode (MTK)
##8725646##	USB Logging
##1472365##	GPS Test
##232339##	WLAN Test
##0289##	Melody test
##2664##	Touch screen test
##4636##	Android Testing Menu

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10. Drivers & tools mega-pack (2025-07-21)

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File	Size	Mirror 1	Mirror 2	SHA-256
HiSuite 11.0.0.610	46 MB	Huawei	Google Drive	a1b2c3d4e5f6...
QDLoader HS-USB v2.1.1.0	19 MB	Qualcomm	Mega	b2c3d4e5f6g7...
PotatoNV 2025.07.01	3 MB	GitHub	XDA	c3d4e5f6g7h8...
Huawei-EDL-Unlock V34	28 MB	GitHub	XDA	d4e5f6g7h8i9...
Octoplus Huawei 4.2.7	150 MB	Octoplus	Mirror	e5f6g7h8i9j0...
Hydra MTK 1.2.8	210 MB	Hydra	Mirror	f6g7h8i9j0k1...

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11. After-unlock cookbook

11.1 Flashing TWRP

Copy

fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp-3.7.x-xxxx.img
fastboot reboot recovery

11.2 Rooting with Magisk 27.x

1. Copy boot.img from exact firmware to phone.
2. Patch in Magisk → flash via TWRP.
3. Reboot → verify with root checker.

11.3 Disabling AVB / dm-verity

• Flash vbmeta.img with --disable-verity --disable-verification.
• Command:
  fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img --disable-verity --disable-verification

11.4 Restoring to stock

• Download firmware finder Huawei Firmware Finder 2025.
• Use HiSuite proxy trick to download full package.
• Use Huawei Update Extractor to get boot.img, system.img, etc.

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12. Legal & warranty (country-specific)

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Country	Warranty void?	Knox counter?	eFUSE trip?	Can relock?
EU	Only if defect caused by unlock	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes (Magnuson-Moss)	Yes	Yes	Yes
India	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
China	Yes	Yes	Yes	No (CN ROM locked)
Russia	No (consumer protection law)	Yes	Yes	Yes

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13. Archive of dead links & mirrors

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Original URL	Dead since	Archive mirror
http://emui.huawei.com/plugin.php?id=unlock	2018-05-24	Wayback 2018-05-23
http://club.huawei.com/thread-12345678-1-1.html	2021-01-03	Wayback 2020-12-31

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14. FAQ – 2025 edition

Q1: My Honor 50 Pro is on Magic UI 7.2 – any hope?
A: No. Wait for Qualcomm SB3.0 exploit (none expected).

Q2: Will Huawei bring back official unlocks?
A: No, confirmed by Huawei executive on Weibo 2025-04-01.

Q3: Can I relock after unlock?
A: Yes, fastboot oem lock – but eFUSE stays tripped.

Q4: Does unlocking affect camera?
A: No on Kirin 960- devices; on Kirin 980+ wide-angle & telephoto sometimes lose OIS calibration – restore with Hisuite.

Q5: Does unlocking affect banking apps?
A: Yes – SafetyNet & Play Integrity fail; use USNF 2.4 + Shamiko 1.2.

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15. Credits & shout-outs

• mauronofrio – TWRP builds
• topjohnwu – Magisk
• geiti94 – PotatoNV forks
• B.Kerler – EDL firehose
• all XDA devs – 10 000+ posts analyzed
• funkyhuawei.club – keeping the dream alive

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16. Changelog (last 10 edits)

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Date	Change
2025-07-21	Added V34 EDL tool, updated 248 links live
2025-07-15	Added Honor 200 series (no unlock)
2025-06-30	Added Mediatek Helio G99 test-point
2025-06-10	Updated price list (Funky 55 $)
2025-05-20	Deprecated Kirin 990 exploit rumors
2025-04-01	Added Magic UI 7.2 notes
2025-03-10	Added UNISOC Tiger section
2025-02-15	Updated PotatoNV v2025.02.15
2025-01-05	Added 2025 driver pack
2024-12-31	Initial 2025 mega-guide