Note: OpenKirin is a team that builds generic ROMs for Kirin devices.
Huawei officially stopped issuing bootloader unlock codes after May 2018. By 2021, the official website was non-functional, and DC-Unlocker was the only paid third-party option ($4–20).
If you want, I can:
(Invoking related search suggestions now.)
In 2021, the landscape for the Huawei Mate 8 (NXT-L09/L29) shifted toward GSI (Generic System Images) and Project Treble based ROMs, especially since official security updates had long ceased. Because Huawei stopped providing official bootloader unlock codes in 2018, the most critical step is ensuring your device is already unlocked or using a third-party paid service like DC-Unlocker or Ministry of Solutions to obtain a code. 🚀 Top Custom ROM Options (2021 Era)
LineageOS 17.1 / 18.1 (Android 10/11): The most stable "daily driver" choice for Mate 8 users. OpenKirin Project
: A specific community dedicated to Kirin-based devices. Their Resurrection Remix and EMUI-style GSIs were the gold standard for compatibility in 2020-2021.
Evolution X: Popular for those wanting a "Pixel-like" experience with additional customization and gaming performance tweaks. 🛠️ Installation Requirements
Unlocked Bootloader: Mandatory. You cannot flash any custom recovery or ROM without this.
TWRP Recovery: Use a Kirin 950-compatible version of TWRP to wipe partitions and flash files. EMUI 8.0 Base : Most modern GSIs require your
to be running the official EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0 Oreo) firmware first to support Project Treble.
ADB & Fastboot: Essential tools on your PC for communicating with the phone in "Rescue Mode" or "Fastboot Mode". 📝 Step-by-Step Guide Summary Backup: Move all photos and contacts to an SD card or PC.
Unlock: Obtain your 16-digit unlock code and use the command fastboot oem unlock [code].
Flash Recovery: Use fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img (on EMUI 8.0).
Wipe Data: In TWRP, perform a "Factory Reset" and wipe the System and Cache partitions.
Install ROM: Flash the GSI .img file to the System Image partition. huawei mate 8 custom rom 2021
GApps (Optional): If your ROM doesn't include the Play Store, flash a compatible OpenGApps package (ARM64).
Watch these guides for visual walkthroughs on unlocking and flashing custom ROMs on older Huawei hardware:
Huawei Mate 8 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , released in late 2015, remains a subject of interest for enthusiasts seeking to extend its lifespan through custom ROMs. As of 2021, the landscape for the
(code-named next) is defined by its transition from official support to community-driven projects, notably the OpenKirin project and Generic System Images (GSIs). Current ROM Landscape (2021) By 2021, official updates for the
had long ceased, with the device peak official version being EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0 Oreo) for some variants.
OpenKirin Project: This is the primary source for modern custom ROMs on Huawei devices. As of late 2018 and throughout subsequent years, OpenKirin provided stable builds of LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and CarbonROM specifically optimized for the Kirin 950 chipset.
LineageOS 15.1/16.0: Unofficial builds of LineageOS based on Android 8.1 and 9.0 were the most stable "daily driver" options available in 2021.
Android 10 & 11 via GSI: For users seeking newer versions, Project Treble support allowed for the installation of Android 10 and 11 GSIs. While functional, these often suffer from hardware-specific bugs such as camera degradation or VolTE issues. Technical Prerequisites
The major hurdle for any Huawei customization in 2021 is the locked bootloader.
Bootloader Unlock: Huawei officially stopped providing unlock codes in 2018. Users in 2021 typically relied on third-party paid services or specialized tools to obtain codes.
Custom Recovery: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is essential for flashing ROMs, though some OpenKirin ROMs can be flashed directly via Fastboot.
EMUI Base: Most 2021 custom ROMs require the device to be on a specific EMUI 8.0 firmware base to ensure kernel compatibility. Performance and Stability
Huawei Mate 8 in 2021, the most helpful custom ROM feature is the use of OpenKirin's Project Treble support , which allows the device to run AOSP Extended
. These ROMs provide several advantages over the stock EMUI software: Key Helpful Features Bloatware Removal
: Custom ROMs eliminate pre-installed background services that can slow down older hardware like the Kirin 950. Android Version Upgrades Note: OpenKirin is a team that builds generic
: While the official support for Mate 8 peaked at Android 8.0 (EMUI 8), custom ROMs like
can bring newer Android versions, extending the device's lifespan. Performance Tuning
: Custom kernels and lightweight system UIs optimize RAM usage, making the 2015 flagship feel more fluid. Enhanced Privacy : ROMs like EvolutionX AOSP Extended
offer granular privacy permission controls beyond what was available in standard EMUI 8. Important Considerations Locked Bootloaders
: Since 2018, Huawei has officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes, making it difficult to install any custom ROM unless your device was unlocked prior to this change. Compatibility Check : You can use the Treble Info app
to verify if your specific Mate 8 variant supports Project Treble GSI (Generic System Images).
: Flashing custom software requires a full backup and carries a risk of "bricking" the device if not done correctly. specific steps for checking your bootloader status or finding a download link for a compatible ROM?
The story of the Huawei Mate 8 in 2021 was one of a "legacy giant" kept alive by a dedicated community despite significant manufacturer roadblocks. While the device was officially released in late 2015, its hardware—anchored by the Kirin 950 chipset and a large 4,000 mAh battery—remained surprisingly capable of running modern software. The 2021 Landscape: A Second Wind
By 2021, the Mate 8 was stuck officially on Android 7.0 (EMUI 5). However, the year marked a peak for "legacy" support thanks to Project Treble, a Google initiative that made it easier to flash modern Android versions onto older devices.
OpenKirin Project: This was the primary lifeline for the Mate 8 in 2021. The OpenKirin team provided stable, unofficial builds of LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and OmniROM.
Modern Software: Through these custom ROMs, users could bypass the aging EMUI interface and run cleaner, faster versions of Android. Some developers even managed to bring Android 10 and 11 experiences to the device, giving it features like system-wide dark mode and improved privacy controls that it never officially received. The Great Hurdle: Bootloader Unlocking
The biggest challenge for Mate 8 enthusiasts in 2021 was actually starting the process. Huawei officially terminated its bootloader unlock code service in July 2018.
Maximizing Performance: Huawei Mate 8 Custom ROM Guide (2021 Edition)
Released in late 2015, the Huawei Mate 8 remains a solid piece of hardware due to its Kirin 950 chipset and massive 4,000mAh battery. However, official software support ended years ago, leaving many users stuck on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or the region-specific EMUI 8 update. In 2021, custom ROMs became the primary way to breathe new life into this legacy flagship. Why Install a Custom ROM in 2021?
For a device over five years old, custom ROMs provide several critical benefits: If you want, I can:
Updated Security: Access to newer Android security patches that Huawei no longer provides.
Bloatware Removal: Official EMUI is often heavy; custom ROMs offer a cleaner, faster experience.
Newer Android Versions: Unofficial builds can bring Android 8, 9, or even 10 to a device otherwise stuck in the past. Top Custom ROMs for Huawei Mate 8 in 2021
While development for the Mate 8 has slowed, several reliable projects remained active or accessible for users in 2021:
LineageOS: The gold standard for stability and longevity. Unofficial builds of LineageOS (often version 15.1 or 16.0) were popular choices for daily drivers.
Resurrection Remix: Known for extreme customization, this ROM combines features from LineageOS and SlimROMs. It was often distributed for the Mate 8 via the OpenKirin Project.
OpenKirin Project ROMs: This group specialized in Kirin-based devices, offering stable builds of OmniROM, LineageOS, and Resurrection Remix that were easier to flash on Huawei hardware.
Havoc-OS: For users seeking a modern UI, Havoc-OS (often Android 9 or 10 based) provided a "Pixel-like" experience with additional performance tweaks. Essential Requirements for Flashing Before you begin, ensure you have the following: Huawei Mate 8 32GB - Gray - Unlocked - Back Market
The Huawei Mate 8 is a robust smartphone that was first launched in November 2015. Release Date: November 2015. www.backmarket.co.uk Huawei Mate 8 - Full phone specifications - GSMArena.com
If you want your Mate 8 to feel exactly like a Google Pixel 4, this is the ROM for 2021.
Published: October 2021
In the fast-paced world of smartphones, five years is an eternity. The Huawei Mate 8, launched back in 2015 with its gigantic (for the time) 6-inch display and the powerful Kirin 950 chipset, was a flagship masterpiece. However, by 2021, official support from Huawei and Google had long since ended. The stock EMUI (based on Android 6 or 7) feels ancient, lacks security patches, and struggles with modern app demands.
But here is the good news: The Mate 8 has a surprisingly robust aftermarket development community. Thanks to dedicated developers on XDA-Forums, you can still run modern versions of Android on this device in 2021. This guide will walk you through the why, what, and how of installing a custom ROM on your Huawei Mate 8 this year.
The Huawei Mate 8 (kirin 950, 2015) remains popular for custom ROMs to extend updates, improve performance, and reduce bloat. Below is a concise, practical guide covering available ROM types in 2021, installation prerequisites, recommended ROMs from that time, step‑by‑step flashing instructions, tips, common issues, and recovery/backup suggestions.
As of 2021, the Mate 8 is no longer receiving official firmware updates from Huawei. The device has been stuck on Android 7.0 (Nougat) in the official stable channel for quite some time. This is where the developer community steps in.
1. The Reign of Android 10 (Q) The most stable and widely available custom ROMs for the Mate 8 in 2021 are based on Android 10.
2. The Android 11 (R) Experiment By mid-to-late 2021, developers began rolling out Android 11 builds (LineageOS 18.1).