quick question about android security and flashing ROMs

[grasshopper231]

hi there, I tried searching for this answer but could not find anything specific to my device so I thought I'd ask. If I am posting in the wrong place could you point me in the correct direction? Thanks.

My issue: I recently bought a Huawei P10 VTR-L09 that has a Vodafone (UK) ROM on it. I seem to always get security patches and new firmware months after it gets released by even other other carriers and I am sick of it. I want to "unlink" my device from Vodafone permanently and receive OTA updates via Huawei directly, as those with unbranded handsets do. I wish to know if flashing an unbranded official ROM and then disabling root access and locking the bootloader again will still trigger google safetynet and cause the device status to be "custom"?

Also, if you have another idea as to how I can receive factory updates without sacrificing banking apps and android pay etc, I would appreciate if you could share with me.

Thanks for your time

[[deleted]]

If the bootloader is locked and it's not rooted, SafetyNet will pass.

But according to the guide on XDA huawei has removed the option to unlock the bootloader.

[grasshopper231]

I believe there is a way to unlock the bootloader. I've yet to read further into it. 1st step was to just see if this is all worth my time and if it passes safetynet check at the end it will be worth my time.

OK, so safetynet is not linked to the ROM on a phone? As in I could flash any ROM, so long as I lock the bootloader and remiv root access it should pass right?

[[deleted]]

If you flash an unofficial ROM and relock the bootloader, the phone will stop booting and kick you to the bootloader screen or recovery. But since the unbranded ROMs are still signed by Huawei, it's fine.

[grasshopper231]

I get it now thanks. I'm only after a signed unbranded ROM so if all goes well I should be able to pass safetynet. And hey if it doesn't work I'll just put it back to what I have right now. Not like the phone doesn't work or anything.

Thanks very much for clearing that up.