[Huawei Nova 3i Guides, News, & Discussion] asser19:
Hello, this guide is for the sake of documentation on how you can manage to get your device unlocked in the most reliable way possible.

I'll make sure to provide you with tips -based on my experience- on how to get it for cheap along with some notes for flashing GSIs.

Before I continue, I have to blast you with the good ol' disclaimer.

Pre-requisites:

- A Huawei device - /* Nova 3i INE-LX1/LX2 in our case */

- Reliable Internet

- Data Cable

- A Stock Full Package /* A backup is always important */ - use androidhost.ru or Firmware Finder DO NOT DOWNGRADE USING HiSuite Proxy; this breaks your USB, and make restore very difficult

- Preferably a Clean Windows 10 Installation

- Some Common Sense

We all have heard about the already available services, including but not limited to:

- HCU Client/DC Phoenix

- Octoplus

- Unlock Tool

- Ministry of Solutions

- Etc.

We also know how expensive they are, all what's common with these tools that they (mostly) don't provide the unlock code itself (so you can unlock/relock whenever) rather it just writes over the bootloader state. It's fair to say you can use their Software TP mode which doesn't make you have to disassemble your device.

Also, there's a chance of relock if you flashed stock again using the known methods of DLOAD/HiSuite. There's a less chance this happening if used HW Hunter Tool which I'll link below.

With that out of the way, getting a service that provides the unlock code itself (if you lucky enough) will be expensive. But will save the hassle of having to pay to re-unlock again if you flash stock firmware (write oeminfo).

So, there are slightly better ways/services that you can find on Fiverr or similar sites (That's what I sought to do).

The benefit going this route is that these service providers who are experienced (trusted ones ofc) rent you their licenses/dongles and unlock your device via RDP apps like AnyDesk/TeamViewer etc, and some of them may provide with re-unlocking in case your device relocks again.

Here are some tips that might help you pick a seller:

Research the Seller: Look at the seller's profile carefully. Check their reviews, ratings, and previous work. A reputable seller will have positive feedback.

Read Service Description: Pay close attention to the service description. Make sure it's clear, detailed, and specific about what is being offered.

Read the Terms: Review Fiverr's terms of service and the seller's terms for the specific service you are interested in to ensure you understand the process and any potential guarantees.

Contact the seller: Before placing an order, communicate with the seller. Ensure they respond promptly and professionally to your queries.

Escrow Payment: Fiverr uses an escrow system, which means the payment is held until the service is delivered. Only release payment after you are satisfied with the service.

A provider that has done my device, overall great feedback, done in less than an hour, I recommend you make a new partition on your laptop with windows 10 to use the specific software by the service provider, and keep your personal data private (if you need tips/steps on that feel free to DM).

Fiverr gig I used (Make sure to follow the tips above and query the seller with your device info)

Other options? If you're a tech-savvy yourself, you can go on TaoBao (A Chinese marketplace), where you can rent NCK/Octoplus dongles for yourself and use the software on your device for very little $ (but ofc there's a language barrier) and I wouldn't recommend it myself since I haven't tried it.

Notes:

- Being on EMUI 9.1 adds EROFS i.e. read-only on your /vendor which will leave you with encrypted /data and you can't do anything about it for now

- Unlocking on android:

8 Oreo EMUI 8: allows you GSIs till android 11.​

9 Pie EMUI9/9.1: allows you GSIs till android 13+.​

- You can downgrade/flash stock safely using Huawei Hunter Flash Tool without re-locking (still out of my responsibility I only recommend choosing your base system before unlocking anyways), refer to Coconutat gist wiki which will have tons of helpful information:

Coconutat Wiki Downgrade Section (Simplified Chinese, use google translate).​

- A working TWRP for our device can be found here credits go to unknown 4PDA user (please correct me in case you know the author):

twrp-kirin.img (SourceForge Link)​

- For stable GSIs you can use @iceows images they're specifically patched for Huawei VNDK-Lite:

ALTAIRFR GSI Files (SourceForge Link)​

If you have any issues with the steps above, feel free to contact.