The relationship between Huawei, Google and the Android operating system has marked a before and after. in the smartphone industry. Following the well-known US trade ban on the Chinese multinational and the subsequent blocking of Google applications and services, Huawei was faced with the challenge of maintain the Android experience for its international users while searching for viable and functional alternatives to Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Far from what many thought at first, Huawei never had any real intention of replacing Android completely. on their terminals. The real challenge was replace Google services and applications which, for users outside of China, are essential in their daily lives: Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Drive or the Play Store itself.
Next, we will go deeper into How Huawei maintains Android, the solutions it has developed, all the existing alternatives to install Google services on your phones, the current HarmonyOS ecosystem, its challenges, advantages, options for individual users and businesses, as well as A look at the future of the Huawei/Android experience after the separation from GoogleThis detailed guide brings together all the knowledge and resources needed for those looking to get the most out of a Huawei phone in today's world.
Why did Google and Huawei break off relations?
It all started in the wake of the trade war between the United States and China, when the US government included Huawei on the so-called commercial "blacklist." This forced All US companies (including Google) to stop collaborating with Huawei, preventing the use, updating, and integration of Google's proprietary services and apps on the company's new devices.
The consequences were immediate: Google has suspended business with Huawei involving technology transfer., except for the parts subject to open source licenses (AOSP).
In practice, this meant that:
- Existing Huawei phones may continue to use Google services and receive patches and updates in the short term.
- Post-lockdown models will not include the Google Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Google Photos, and other popular services from the American company.
- Access to security and operating system updates would be limited on future devices.
- Huawei could continue using and adapting the Android open core (AOSP), but not Google's customization layer or its licensed apps and services.
This situation tested Huawei's ability to innovate and offer alternatives. viable to a global user base accustomed to the Android/Google ecosystem.
How Huawei Responds: An Alternative to Google Services
In the face of the blockade, Huawei reinforced its commitment to Android AOSP (the Android open source project) and began developing a comprehensive alternative to Google services, known as Huawei Mobile Services (HMS).
While HarmonyOS (Huawei's own operating system, also known as HongMeng in China) was advancing in parallel, the priority was to offer international users a functional and secure Android system, but without direct dependencies on Google.
The brand strategy has included:
- Strengthen and enrich its own app store (AppGallery), expanding the catalog and incentivizing developers to migrate their apps.
- Offer your own cloud, messaging, maps, payments, search and other services, grouped under HMS Core.
- Provide alternative methods and tools for install google apps (or equivalent) on their devices.
- Invest in open technologies and international collaborations (Petal Search, Quick Apps, distribution agreements for popular apps).
The key has been Maintain the Android experience with EMUI (its customization layer) and, at the same time, allow a certain level of compatibility with the most popular applications in the West.
Main differences between Android AOSP and Android with Google
To understand how the user experience has changed on recent Huawei phones, it is worth clarifying What are the differences between an AOSP Android and the “full” Android with Google?.
El Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is the free foundation of the Android operating system. Any manufacturer can use, adapt, and distribute it. However, to offer the full Google experience (Gmail, Google Play, Maps, Google Pay, Chrome, etc.), it is necessary
- Pay licenses to Google.
- Pass certifications and meet certain security and compatibility requirements.
When a device only includes Android AOSP, the user loses access to:
- Google Play Store (the official app and game store for Android).
- Google Mobile Services (GMS), the set of Google's proprietary services and APIs (push notifications, accounts, synchronization, advanced geolocation, payments, etc.).
- Official Google apps pre-installed (Gmail, Maps, Drive, Chrome, YouTube, Google Photos, Google Assistant, etc.).
In return, the manufacturer may include their own applications and services, as well as supporting alternative stores and methods for installing apps.
What is Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)?
Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) is the ecosystem of services, applications and APIs Developed by Huawei to replace Google Mobile Services. It consists of, among other elements,:
- AppGallery: official app and game store.
- HMS Core: a set of APIs, SDKs and tools aimed at developers and apps.
- Huawei ID and Cloud: Cloud accounts and services for backup, sync, contacts, galleries, calendars, files, etc.
- Huawei Mobile Cloud: own cloud storage.
- Huawei Browser: web browser.
- PetalSearch: alternative search engine and repository to find apps outside of AppGallery.
- Petal Maps: alternative to Google Maps.
- Huawei Assistant: personal and productivity assistant.
- Huawei Themes, Music, Video, Health, Wallet, News, Weather: Personalization apps and multimedia services.
Although HMS does not completely replace GMS (since the integration and variety of Google apps is much greater), it allows users to enjoy most of the key functions of a modern smartphone without directly depending on Google.
Methods for installing Google services and apps on Huawei after the ban
One of the most common questions since the ban is: Can I continue using Google apps on my Huawei? The answer is: yes, there are multiple solutions and methods (more or less “official” or stable) to Install and use, at least in part, Google applications on Huawei terminals without GMS.
Below are details All reliable alternatives, sorted by accessibility and compatibility level:
AppGallery and Quick Apps
AppGallery is Huawei's official app store for installing apps and games. While it doesn't offer the full catalog of the Play Store, it integrates most popular apps and, increasingly, international services (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, Booking, Amazon, banking apps, etc.).
As for Google apps (Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Drive, etc.), since they cannot be offered natively, Huawei makes it easy to access through Quick Apps (instant apps based on the progressive web version of these apps), allowing:
- Search for Gmail in AppGallery, for example.
- Access a PWA (Progressive Web App) that works almost the same as the original app.
- Add a shortcut to your home screen, using it as if it were a classic app.
Quick Apps don't require installation, take up very little space, and allow access to key features, although with certain limitations compared to official apps (notification integration, advanced features, etc.).
PetalSearch
Petal Search is a search engine specially designed by Huawei to locate and install applications outside of the official Huawei store. Its operation consists of:
- Search for any app (including Google apps).
- If the app is not in AppGallery, Petal Search will display the result as a shortcut to the web version, or as an APK package downloadable from third-party stores (APKMirror, APKPure, UpToDown, etc.).
- Provide step-by-step guidance on downloading and installing, verifying the security of the repositories.
- Allow future updates to be installed easily.
APK repositories: APKMirror, APKPure and similar
For those users with greater technical knowledge, there is always the option of download APK files Android apps directly from secure repositories (such as APKMirror or APKPure) and install them manually.
Advantages:
- Allows you to install apps that are not available in AppGallery or other stores.
- Access to older versions or specific updates of apps.
Disadvantages and warnings:
- The user must allow the installation of apps from external sources.
- Some apps rely on Google Services (GMS) to function fully; there may be errors or limited functionality.
- The risk of installing modified, insecure, or malware-laden apps increases if you don't choose a reliable repository.
Phone Clone
Phone Clone It's an official Huawei app, preinstalled on all its devices, that allows you to transfer data and apps from an old phone (with Play Store/GMS) to a new Huawei phone without these services. The process is simple:
- Install Phone Clone on both devices.
- Select the data and applications to transfer.
- Sync both devices and let the app handle the process.
The main limitation is that not all transferred applications will work perfectly if they rely directly on Google services.
Alternative methods to install Google Play and GMS on Huawei
There are several tools and methods (some temporary or subject to changes by Google or Huawei) that allow, in many models, to install your own Google Play Store, GMS services and all official Google apps such as Gmail, Drive, Maps, etc. Although these methods often stop working after a while or with system updates, they are often reactivated using new tools developed by the community. Some of the most popular solutions:
- GBox and Gspace: These are apps available in the AppGallery that create a virtual space on the phone, allowing Google Play and other Google apps to run almost natively. Users can log in to their account and access Gmail, Maps, YouTube, Drive, etc. (with the limitation that Google Pay and some banking apps may not work due to security reasons or lack of certification).
- Googlefier: Tool that automates the installation of Google services and the Play Store on Huawei phones. It requires a specific version of EMUI (e.g., EMUI 10) and follows a guided process to install backups, GMS services, and official apps. Especially useful on models like the P40 Lite and Mate 30.
- Dual Space: An application that allows you to create an independent virtual environment where you can install and run the Play Store and its associated apps. While not all features are guaranteed (for example, Google's two-factor authentication system can fail), it's an effective solution for accessing many apps.
- HiSuite + LZPlay: This method involves connecting your Huawei phone to a computer, changing the device's date, and using Huawei's HiSuite tool along with the LZPlay app. It allows you to manually install Google services after following a series of detailed steps. It requires more technical knowledge and is usually more effective on newer models.
Are these methods dangerous? Safety considerations
Huawei and the expert community recommend Take extreme caution when installing APKs or Google services through unofficial channels:
- Only download APK files from reputable and verified repositories (APKMirror, APKPure, UpToDown, etc.).
- Avoid installing apps from sites of dubious origin or links shared by unknown third parties.
- Each system or EMUI update may temporarily or permanently invalidate these methods.
- Google Play Protect may be unavailable or may not work properly, resulting in reduced malware protection.
- There are apps that won't work properly if they detect that the phone isn't certified by Google.
However, most users who have followed these procedures on supported models have managed to access most of their desired apps without any major issues, always following security recommendations and keeping backups up to date.
Common limitations when installing Google apps on Huawei phones without GMS
Despite all the options available, there are important limitations that the user should be aware of:
- Google Pay does not and will not work on devices not certified by Google, for security and banking data protection reasons.
- Some banking, government, and streaming apps (Netflix, HBO Max, HD video, etc.) require Widevine or full GMS certification and may display errors or have limited functionality.
- Automatic updates for apps installed using alternative methods must be done manually or using external tools.
- Push notifications or background sync may not work in some apps or may require additional configuration.
- The performance and stability of some apps may be affected by system updates, changes to Google APIs, or subsequent crashes.
The community of developers and users often find temporary or alternative solutions, but There is no full guarantee that all Google services will work the same as on a fully certified Android phone..
What is HarmonyOS and what role does it play compared to Android and Google?
HarmonyOS is Huawei's own operating system, initially designed as an alternative to Android in case the company permanently lost access to the Google ecosystem globally. In its early versions, HarmonyOS coexisted with Android on devices distributed outside of China, while in the Chinese market it already functioned as the primary operating system, independent of Google.
Key features of HarmonyOS include:
- Modular and adaptive interface for all types of devices (smartphones, watches, tablets, TVs, household appliances, IoT, etc.).
- Advanced resource management, interconnectivity, and communication between devices in the Huawei ecosystem.
- Initial support for Android apps (APK) on international devices (this will change progressively in HarmonyOS Next). More on the Android 10 update on Huawei.
- Own application center (AppGallery) and HMS Core APIs.
In the last evolution (HarmonyOS Next):
- Support for traditional Android APK apps is being removed.
- Apps must be developed natively for HarmonyOS.
- It integrates advanced artificial intelligence features, a proprietary framework, a unique programming language, and security and performance improvements.
- Compatibility with Google services is minimized, limiting dependence on the US ecosystem.
For now, HarmonyOS Next is only available in China, but Huawei may expand it internationally as the technological transition continues.
Alternatives to Google services on Huawei phones
Thanks to the proliferation of third-party apps, Huawei users are not necessarily tied to Google. to enjoy the essential features of a modern smartphone. Some recommended alternatives:
- Browser: Huawei Browser, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Vivaldi.
- Email: BlueMail, K-9 Mail, Proton Mail, Outlook.
- Maps and navigation: Petal Maps, Here WeGo, Maps.me, OsmAnd, Sygic.
- Cloud storage: Huawei Cloud, Dropbox, Mega, Degoo, pCloud.
- Photo gallery: Simple Gallery, A+ Gallery, Amazon Photos.
- Messenger service: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Viber, Facebook Messenger.
- Office automation: WPS Office, Microsoft Office, OnlyOffice, LibreOffice (via web).
- Media Players: VLC, MX Player, MPV, AIMP.
- Search: Petal Search, DuckDuckGo, Qwant, Ecosia.
Many of these apps are available both in AppGallery and in direct repositories., and the developer community continues to adapt key services to HMS.
microG: An open-source alternative to Google services
For more advanced users, microG It is an open-source project that offers an alternative, lighter version of Google Play Services (GMS), allowing many apps to run on phones without official GMS.
Main components of microG:
- Service Core (GmsCore): provides basic support for apps that use Google Play Services.
- GsfProxy: facilitates messaging between apps and cloud services.
- UnifiedNlp: allows geolocation without the Google API.
- Maps API (mapsv1): support for apps that require Google Maps v1.
- Phonesky: basic interface to access Play Store (in development).
Installing microG requires advanced knowledge and is typically used in custom ROMs or through virtualized environments. Its effectiveness depends on updates, manufacturer restrictions, and the specific app being installed.
What will Huawei's future look like outside the Google ecosystem?
Huawei's move has marked a turning point in the mobile industry, driving the emergence of solid alternatives to Android/Google and fostering the technological diversificationSeveral key aspects will mark the next stage:
- Increasingly robust and global ecosystem: Huawei is committed to vertical integration of hardware and software, with its own cloud, AI, and security services, and a constantly expanding app store.
- Gradual transition to HarmonyOS Next: The medium-term future involves a system completely independent of Android, more secure and optimized, but at the cost of losing compatibility with many international apps (at least initially). The Huawei Mate X and foldable technologies.
- Collaborations and international opening: Huawei already offers HarmonyOS to other manufacturers in similar situations, expanding the reach of its technologies in emerging markets.
- Challenge in the global deployment of apps: Despite the progress, matching Google Play's catalog and user experience will be difficult outside of China, especially in advanced features, payments, and integrated services.
- Impact on updates and support: Huawei mobile users should be alert to EMUI, HarmonyOS, and AppGallery updates, as well as follow security recommendations to avoid future crashes or incompatibilities.
Current alternatives (GBox, Gspace, Googlefier, APK methods, Petal Search, Quick Apps) offer a complete experience for the average user, although with a certain degree of self-management and attention to software changes.
