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Root Install Custom Recovery Huawei P9 Plus

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Root Install Custom Recovery Huawei P9 Plus

To root your Huawei P9 Plus and install a custom recovery, you must first unlock the bootloader, then flash a custom recovery like TWRP, and finally install a root package such as Magisk. This guide walks through the entire process, including prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and troubleshooting common issues.

Why Root and Custom Recovery Matter

Rooting gives you administrative control over the Android system, allowing you to remove bloatware, tweak performance, and use apps that require deeper access. A custom recovery (most commonly TWRP) replaces the stock recovery with a more powerful tool that can flash custom ROMs, create full backups, and wipe partitions precisely. Together, they unlock the full potential of your device, but they also void warranties and carry risks if done incorrectly.

Prerequisites and Warnings

Before starting, understand that unlocking the bootloader and rooting will trigger Huawei’s warranty void and may permanently disable certain features like Widevine L1 (HD streaming). You will lose all data, so back up everything. Ensure your battery is above 70% and you have a USB cable that supports data transfer. You’ll need a Windows PC (or a virtual machine) because Huawei’s official unlock tool and some flashing utilities are Windows-only. Finally, note that Huawei stopped providing bootloader unlock codes in 2018, so if your device is still locked and you don’t have a code, you may not be able to proceed—check forums for your specific model.

Step-by-Step: Unlock Bootloader

  1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap “Build Number” seven times.
  2. In Developer Options, enable “OEM Unlock” and “USB Debugging”.
  3. Install Huawei USB drivers on your PC and download the official Huawei bootloader unlock tool (if you have a code) or use a third-party tool like DC-Unlocker (paid).
  4. Power off the phone, then boot into bootloader mode by holding Volume Down + Power.
  5. Connect the phone to the PC and run the unlock tool, entering your unlock code when prompted. The phone will wipe data and reboot.

If you don’t have an unlock code, some community-developed methods exist for certain firmware versions, but they are risky and not guaranteed. Always research your exact model (EVA-L09, EVA-L19, etc.) and current firmware.

Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash TWRP. Download the correct TWRP image for the P9 Plus (usually named twrp-3.x.x-x-eva.img). Then use fastboot on your PC:

  1. Rename the image to twrp.img and place it in your fastboot folder.
  2. Boot the phone into bootloader mode again (Volume Down + Power).
  3. Open a command prompt in the fastboot folder and run: fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img
  4. After flashing, do not let the phone boot normally—immediately boot into recovery by holding Volume Up + Power. If it boots to the system, TWRP may be overwritten, so you’ll need to reflash.

Note: On some P9 Plus variants, the recovery partition is named “recovery_ramdisk” instead of “recovery”. Use the correct fastboot command for your model.

Rooting with Magisk

Magisk is the preferred root solution because it allows systemless root, which can hide root from apps that detect it. After TWRP is installed:

  1. Download the Magisk APK (rename it to Magisk.zip) and transfer it to your phone’s internal storage.
  2. Boot into TWRP recovery.
  3. Tap “Install” and select the Magisk.zip file.
  4. Swipe to confirm the flash, then reboot the system.

After reboot, you’ll have the Magisk app installed, and root access is granted to apps that request it. You can verify root with a simple app like Root Checker.

Common Problems and Fixes

  • Boot loop after flashing: This often happens if the recovery or root package is incompatible. Boot back into TWRP (Volume Up + Power) and wipe cache/dalvik, or restore a backup if you made one.
  • Fastboot not recognizing device: Install the correct Huawei USB drivers and try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).
  • OEM Unlock greyed out: Some devices have this option hidden until you insert a SIM card and sign into a Huawei account for a few days. Try that.
  • Recovery overwritten after boot: This is common on Huawei devices. After flashing TWRP, boot directly into recovery using the key combo, and then flash a “no-verity-opt-encryptâ€� zip to prevent the system from reverting.

Risks and What to Avoid

The biggest risks are bricking your device (making it unusable) and losing data. Avoid flashing ROMs or mods that are not specifically for the P9 Plus, as they can cause boot loops or hardware damage. Also, never attempt to root with an unlocked bootloader but without a custom recovery—some root methods can corrupt the system. Finally, be aware that some banking and streaming apps will refuse to work on rooted devices, even with Magisk Hide.

Alternatives to Rooting

If you only want to remove bloatware or customize the look, consider using ADB commands to disable apps without root, or use a launcher like Nova Launcher. For backups, Huawei’s built-in backup or Google’s cloud services may suffice. Custom ROMs often require root, but if you just want a stock-like experience, you can install a debloated ROM without rooting afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting my P9 Plus void the warranty?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and rooting will void the warranty. Huawei’s warranty policy explicitly excludes devices with modified software.

Can I unroot and relock the bootloader?

Yes, you can unroot by flashing a stock firmware via the HiSuite or dload method, then relock the bootloader using fastboot oem lock. However, this will wipe your data again, and some carriers may still detect the tampering.

Which TWRP version should I use?

Use the latest TWRP that lists EVA as a supported device. Versions 3.2.x and 3.3.x are known to work well. Avoid using TWRP from other Huawei models, as they may not be compatible.

Do I need to root to install a custom ROM?

No, you only need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery. Rooting is optional and can be done later if you need it.

What if my phone is carrier-locked?

Carrier-locked devices may have additional restrictions. Unlock the carrier first, then follow the same steps. Some carriers may not allow bootloader unlocking at all.

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