As of 2024, is this 2018 tool still relevant? Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Open ADB 2018 Tool | HCU Client (Paid) | PotatoNV (Free) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cost | Free | $15 USD | Free | | Works on EMUI 12 | No | Yes | No (Kirins only) | | Bootloader Unlock | No (only ADB tricks) | Yes (via server) | Yes (olds models) | | Requires Test Point | No | No | Yes (disassemble phone) | | User Friendly | Low (command line) | High (GUI) | Medium |
Conclusion: The 2018 tool is obsolete for daily use. However, it remains invaluable for one specific task: extracting OEMinfo from a locked 2018 Huawei device so you can generate a bootloader unlock code elsewhere.
The open adb huawei 2018 tool represents a specific moment in smartphone history – when one of the world’s largest manufacturers slammed the door on user freedom, and a handful of developers jimmied the lock open again.
If you have a Huawei P20 Pro sitting in a drawer, running ancient EMUI 8.1, and you want to breathe new life into it with a custom Android 14 GSI ROM – then yes, this tool is a treasure. Follow the steps carefully, accept the brick risk, and you can reclaim control.
But if you have already updated your phone over the years, or if you rely on it as a daily driver, do not use this tool. The potential for a hard brick is too high, and the advantages (root, custom ROMs) do not outweigh the stability of a locked but working phone.
Final recommendation: Use the tool only on a spare/development device, always downgrade firmware first, and never pay for a suspicious “free” download that asks for your IMEI number upfront.
Have a success story or a bricked phone using the open adb huawei 2018 tool? Share your experience on the XDA Forums – the community thrives on real-world data.
The "Open" in the name indicates that the tool does not require a paid license (unlike DC Unlocker or HCU Client). It relies on open-source ADB commands and community-discovered exploits.