If you successfully unlocked your bootloader, what could you flash? Let's look at the actual builds available for the Huawei MatePad 10.4 during 2021.
Published: October 2023 (Retrospective Deep-Dive on the 2021 Scene)
When Huawei released the MatePad 10.4 in 2020-2021, it was met with critical acclaim for its hardware—a stunning 2K display, four speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, and a massive 7,250mAh battery. However, the elephant in the room was the software. Due to the ongoing US sanctions, Huawei's shift away from Google Mobile Services (GMS) left many users struggling with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. huawei matepad 104 custom rom 2021
For tech enthusiasts and power users who bought the MatePad 10.4 in 2021, the question wasn’t if to modify the device, but how. The hunt for a Huawei MatePad 10.4 custom ROM became a holy grail for those wanting to restore Google apps, debloat the system, or flash a clean version of Android.
This article explores the history, the risks, the available builds, and the current state of custom development for the Huawei MatePad 10.4 (2021). If you successfully unlocked your bootloader, what could
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Modifying your device via custom ROMs voids your warranty, can brick your tablet, and compromises security. Proceed at your own risk.
Some users wanted to go backwards to EMUI 10.1 (Android 10) from HarmonyOS 2.0 due to app compatibility. There was a small community creating "downgrade ROMs" that removed Huawei ID verification. Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes
Most users stayed on stock. Consequently, actual custom ROM penetration for the MatePad 10.4 in 2021 was less than 0.1% of units sold.
Unlike Samsung or Xiaomi tablets, the MatePad 10.4 does not have an official LineageOS or TWRP due to Huawei’s locked bootloaders. However, in 2021, a niche international community (mainly on XDA and 4PDA) produced working builds.
Because the MatePad 10.4 shipped with Android 10, it supported Project Treble. This was the real savior in 2021.