[ZTE Axon 7 Mini ROMs, Kernels, Recoveries, & Other] tdm:
First let's get the warnings out of the way:

This is a dangerous tool. It can render your device permanently unusable.

If you use it, your warranty will likely be void.

You accept all responsibility for the consequences.

This is not an official ZTE unlock tool. The official ZTE unlock tool is in another thread.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to [MENTION=5253329]rombdeta[/MENTION] for providing the OEM programmer binary. This would not be possible without his help.

What is tuliptool?

This tool allows you to:

Check status of your boot loader

Unlock your boot loader

Lock your boot loader

Install a custom recovery

Install a custom boot image

NOTE WELL

The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save all the parts.

Always backup your partitions before writing new contents, so that you can get back to where you started.

Never write both boot and recovery in one session. Always make sure that you can boot into the other partition in case something fails.

Locking and unlocking will erase all user data. Make sure you backup first!

The zip includes:

tuliptool for Linux

tuliptool for Win64

tuliptool for Win32

tuliptool for MacOS

Preparation

1. Extract the package.

You will find the binary files listed above. Note: This is a command line utility, so you must open a command prompt to run it.

2a. Setup for Linux

Create a file named /etc/udev/rules.d/99-qcom.rules with this content exactly as shown:

SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="05c6", GROUP="plugdev"

Ensure your login user is in the plugdev group.

2b. Setup for Win32/Win64

Download zadig.

Connect your device in EDL mode (see below).

Windows will want to install the Qualcomm USB driver. We won't be using it so you can cancel if you wish, but it won't hurt anything.

Run zadig. Find device 05c6:9008 and install the WinUSB driver for it.

Disconnect the device.

2c. Setup for MacOS

No setup should be necessary.

3. Download boot and/or recovery files to flash.

You will find these in other threads in this section.

Connecting in EDL mode

Via adb

This should work for all models, but you need adb access.

adb reboot edl

Via key combo

If you have a US model device (or the aboot from a US model device) you may use the key combo:

Power off and unplug the device.

Hold both volume buttons.

Plug device into your PC.

Wait about 3 seconds and release the buttons.

Note: There will be no feedback on the device -- no lights, no vibration, nothing. The only way to verify that the device is in EDL mode is that device 05c6:9008 is visible on the PC.

Usage: (un)locking

After some testing, it appears that the Axon 7 Mini is not locked in any way. In other words, unlocking seems to be completely unnecessary. This section is mostly provided for completeness.

tuliptool lock status

tuliptool lock unlock

tuliptool lock lock

Usage: reading boot/recovery

Note command line options have changed

tuliptool read boot

tuliptool read recovery

Usage: writing boot/recovery

Note command line options have changed

tuliptool write boot <filename>/I]

tuliptool write recovery <filename>

So, for example, to write a TWRP image, run:

tuliptool write recovery tulip-twrp-7.1-r1.img.

Multiple operations

This is a "one shot" tool. After performing an operation, it will reset the device with a 5 second countdown. If you wish do perform multiple operations (eg. backup, unlock, flash), simply hold down the volume buttons while the device resets and it should go back to EDL mode.

Download

tuliptool.zip

md5=58f34850005510b51a832d27a6bce607

Common problems

Device not found: first enter EDL mode, then run the tool.

Device is visible in device manager or lspci but cannot be found by the tool: connect directly to the PC, not through a hub.

Windows says bad file descriptor: the WinUSB driver is not installed.

Linux says permission denied: your login user is not in the plugdev group.

Why call it tuliptool?

Tulip is the device "code name" for the Axon 7 Mini (at least the US version).