Nokia 8 (TA1004): Install Custom Recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox) & Unlock Bootloader

Phone Preparation and Driver Installation

• 💡 Nokia 8 (TA1004) setup involves noting the model and serial number from the 'About phone' settings.
• 💻 Ensure your PC has the necessary Nokia HMD smartphone drivers and ADB/fastboot tools installed.
• ✅ Install drivers by running the Nokia HMD installer and ADB/fastboot by following the on-screen prompts (Y and Enter).

Bootloader Unlocking Process

• 🌐 Access the hikari.com website (or the link provided) to initiate the bootloader unlock process.
• 📧 Enter your email address and the phone's serial number to proceed with the unlock request.
• 📥 Download the provided unlock files, extract them, and move the folder to your local disk C: for optimal performance.
• 🔌 Connect your phone in download mode (power off, hold volume down, plug in USB cable) and run the unlock script.
• 🔑 Approve the unlock prompt on your phone using the volume and power buttons.
• 🔄 After the unlock, reboot the phone and then re-enter download mode to verify the unlock status.

Custom Recovery Installation

• 📁 Select your desired custom recovery image file (e.g., TWRP or OrangeFox .img file) from the downloaded custom recovery folder.
• 🔌 Boot the phone into download mode again.
• 💻 Open a terminal in the custom recovery folder and execute the command fastboot flash boot [recovery_image_name.img].
• 🚀 After flashing, reboot the phone and immediately press and hold the volume up button to boot into the newly installed custom recovery.

Initial Recovery Setup and Wipes

• ✨ Upon first boot into TWRP recovery, swipe to allow modifications.
• ⚠️ Perform a format data wipe by typing 'yes' and approving.
• 🧹 Conduct an advanced wipe, selecting Dalvik, system, and data partitions.
• 🔄 Reboot the system. If no OS is installed, the phone may not boot into the system, but the custom recovery is now functional.