Since Huawei lost access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) last year, the question has arisen every time the phone is started: "Can I continue to use all my favorite apps?"
This is a legitimate concern when you consider that the currently unavailable Google Play Store is the gateway to all apps for Android phones. However, the Chinese technology giant has worked hard to find a solution, both in the form of its own AppGallery and alternative methods that take advantage of the open source nature of Android.
And with the release of the P40 Pro +, we thought it would be a good time to find out about the current state of affairs.
AppGallery
Credit: Vulcan Post
Let's take a look at the AppGallery first. In a previous video, we mentioned that Huawei regularly adds frequently used apps to its catalog, covering categories like Banking (UOB), Navigation (Waze), News (The Straits Times), and Shopping (Lazada).
Since then, they have managed to bring more big names on board, such as DBS / POSB, Standard Chartered, Foodpanda and LINE, to name a few. We could write a whole article about what was added, but the essence is that Huawei has created a pretty strong foundation for local apps.
Despite the considerable progress, there will still be certain apps that you cannot find in the AppGallery, and this is where the alternative methods come into play.
Clone phone
Credit: Vulcan Post
The easiest way to get apps that are not from AppGallery is by Huawei Clone phone App. The original purpose of this program was to simply transfer your data from an old phone to a new one. However, it can also be used to get certain apps without going through the Play Store.
As long as you have another Android phone with the apps you want – for example, an old phone or that of a friend – use Phone Clone. All you have to do is follow the instructions, choose the apps you want to transfer, and they're available on your new phone in less than a minute.
We have managed to get most of our favorite apps using this method, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Spotify, which is about 90% of our daily use.
PetalSearch
Photo credit: Huawei
If you don't have access to another Android phone, the best thing to do is download your apps using an Android Package Kit (APK). APKs have traditionally been an enthusiast that requires a certain level of technical expertise, but Huawei has another app that streamlines the process.
Petal Search is available in the AppGallery and acts as an additional app store. A list of apps is created that can be downloaded directly from or outside the AppGallery. If so, just click "Install -> Download" and they will be downloaded to your phone.
Credit: Vulcan Post
Credit: Vulcan Post
Certain apps that require a Google API, such as Singpass and TraceTogether, are not available with this method. Given that we were able to get 90% of our apps again, we will still call this a win for Huawei.
Oh, and if you're concerned about downloading things from the internet, don't worry – Huawei does a security check before each installation.
Web links
Credit: Vulcan Post
The above methods should cover most apps. But what if you really want to use certain Google services like Gmail and YouTube? Well, you could always use web shortcuts.
As you can see, the GMS ban may have prevented Huawei phones from using Google Apps, but you can still access their services through the internet browser. And from there, it's just a matter of placing a bookmark.
To do this, open your browser and go to the website of the desired app. When you are at the top right of the screen, click the Settings icon, choose the "Add to Home Screen" option. An app-like shortcut is added to your home screen.
This actually applies to every page on the Internet, and although it's not a perfect solution, it works surprisingly well. The YouTube website on mobile phones is largely similar to the YouTube app. Within a few days, I didn't even notice that I was using it through the browser.
"When", not "when"
Credit: Vulcan Post
As you can see, there are different ways to transfer your favorite apps to your Huawei phone according to the GMS. I admit I was a little skeptical when I first heard about these methods, but I have to thank Huawei for making it a fairly simple and foolproof process.
And no, you probably won't be able to find every app you want at this point, but it's really more of a "when" than an "if". I've been following the situation since the GMS ban came into force, and if Huawei continues at the pace they were last year, it won't be long before they can start giving the Play Store a run your money.
It is important that you currently receive most of your most frequently used apps. So if you're a fan of Huawei phones, don't let the lack of GMS stop you from getting one.
The Huawei P40 Pro + is available from all local telecommunications operators in M1, Singtel and Starhub for S $ 1,898. Huawei Concept Stores, official Huawei online stores in Lazada and Shopee, and authorized retailers such as Best Denki, Challenger, COURTS and Harvey Norman. Visit consumer.huawei.com/sg for more details.
This article was written in collaboration with Huawei.
Credit: Vulcan Post
