Huawei, one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers, has been navigating the challenges imposed by the U.S. government, which restricted its access to Google services and apps, including the Play Store, on its devices. As a result, Huawei phones sold internationally don’t come pre-installed with Google apps or the Play Store, creating a challenge for users who are accustomed to these services. However, there are ways to install Google apps and access the Play Store on Huawei devices, especially for users outside China who want to keep using their favorite Google services.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install Google apps and Play Store on Huawei phones outside China.1.

Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

Before installing any apps that aren’t from Huawei’s official AppGallery, you’ll need to enable installation from unknown sources.

1. Go to Settings on your Huawei phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Security & Privacy.
3. Under the Advanced Settings, tap on More settings.
4. Find and enable the Install unknown apps option.
5. Choose the app (such as a browser) that you will use to download the necessary files and toggle the switch to allow the app to install APKs.

2. Download Google Services Framework APK

Since Huawei devices no longer come with Google apps pre-installed, you need to first install the core framework for Google apps to function. This includes the Google Services Framework.

1. Open a browser on your Huawei device (e.g., Chrome or any other browser).
2. Go to a trusted APK repository such as APKMirror or APKPure.
3. Search for Google Services Framework (the latest version compatible with your Huawei phone).
4. Download the APK file to your device.
5. Once downloaded, tap the notification or go to your Downloads folder to begin the installation.
6. Confirm any necessary prompts, and the Google Services Framework will be installed.

3. Download and Install Google Play Services APK

Google Play Services is another crucial app that allows all Google apps (like Gmail, Maps, and Play Store) to function on your Huawei phone.

1. From your browser, go to APKMirror or APKPure.
2. Search for Google Play Services and select the version that matches your Huawei phone’s system architecture (ARM, ARM64, etc.).
3. Download the correct APK file for your device.
4. After the download is complete, open the file and follow the prompts to install it.

4. Install Google Play Store APK

Once the Google Services Framework and Play Services are installed, you can proceed to install the Google Play Store.

1. Again, visit a reliable APK site like APKMirror or APKPure.
2. Search for the Google Play Store APK and download it.
3. Once downloaded, tap on the APK file to install the Google Play Store.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, and the Play Store should be installed on your Huawei phone.

5. Reboot Your Phone

After installing all the necessary APKs, it’s essential to restart your phone for the changes to take effect. A reboot will help your Huawei phone recognize the Google services, including the Play Store.

1. Hold down the Power button.
2. Tap Restart or Reboot.
3. Once your phone restarts, you should see the Google Play Store icon in your apps list.

6. Sign in to Your Google Account

Now that the Play Store is installed, you can sign in using your Google account.

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. You will be prompted to log in using your Google account credentials.
3. Once logged in, you can download and install all the apps you need, just like on any other Android device.

7. Optional: Use GSpace to Manage Google Apps

If you want a smoother experience, you can use a third-party app like GSpace (available on the Huawei AppGallery) to run Google apps. GSpace essentially creates a virtual environment that allows you to run Google apps on your Huawei device.

1. Download and install GSpace from the Huawei AppGallery.
2. Once installed, open the app, and you will see a list of Google apps available for download.
3. Install the Google Play Store through GSpace, then open it, sign in, and start downloading Google apps.

8. Keep Apps Updated

Once Google Play Store is installed, it’s crucial to keep your apps updated to ensure optimal performance and security. You can manage updates directly through the Play Store or manually by downloading the latest APKs.

Important Notes:

• Risk of Malicious Apps: Be cautious when downloading APKs from third-party sites. Only use reputable sites like APKMirror or APKPure to minimize the risk of downloading malicious software.
• App Compatibility: Some Google apps may not work perfectly on Huawei devices due to the lack of full official support. While most core services will function well, some apps might not be fully compatible.
• Legal Considerations: Installing Google services on Huawei phones is a workaround and may not be officially supported by the manufacturer. Make sure you are comfortable with this before proceeding.

Conclusion

While Huawei devices no longer come with Google apps and Play Store pre-installed due to the ongoing restrictions, it’s still possible to install them manually. By following the steps above, you can enjoy all your favorite Google services and apps on your Huawei phone, even without the official integration. However, always keep in mind the potential risks of installing apps from third-party sources and ensure your device stays secure.

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