Note: This is the most complex section of this paper. Unlike Xiaomi or OnePlus, Huawei stopped providing official bootloader unlock codes in 2018.
4.1 The "Paid Unlock" Era
For most Huawei devices, the bootloader cannot be unlocked via standard fastboot commands (fastboot oem unlock). Users typically have two options:
4.2 Procedure to Enter Bootloader
4.3 Unlocking the Bootloader
If you have obtained an unlock code:
Command: fastboot oem unlock [INSERT_CODE]
Confirm the prompt on the tablet screen using volume keys and the power button.
If the device remains locked: You cannot install a custom recovery or ROM. The paper stops here for locked devices without a paid unlock solution. huawei matepad 104 custom rom install
If you successfully unlock the bootloader, you have two options:
Before you even search for a ROM file, you must understand this: Huawei no longer provides official bootloader unlock codes. This is the single biggest hurdle. Note: This is the most complex section of this paper
Unlike most Android tablets from Samsung or Xiaomi, Huawei has officially stopped providing bootloader unlock codes since 2018. Without an unlocked bootloader, you cannot flash any custom ROM (LineageOS, GSI, etc.).