Hello guys,
I am new to this forum and new to messing with my android device. After my awesome HTC One M7 I am moving to Xiaomi Mi Note PRO.
I am getting it on Monday and would like to know what should I do first? I read somewhere that I need to install google services and google store but is that it?
Should I used the fact that I am getting it without anything installed and do more things to unlock it's true potential? like rooting it or changing ROM? (I am not familiar with any of this but want to learn).
Any advice welcome and appreciate any links as I want to read and learn.
Thanks,
Suporex
I ordered my Xiaomi Mi Note Pro from oppomart.com. I had some issues trying to setup the device with a sim. I had to skip that step during the step-up process and add the sim card later, which worked.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the device DID come with the google play store, so I could download all the google apps I needed, like gmail, maps, youtube, and play music.
I love the build quality of this phone. It feels and looks very premium, which makes me want to use it all the time.
Related
Hey there, my more experienced friends. I have been lurking for a while now, and am preeeeetty sure this question or some variation hasn't been asked yet. We'll see.
I am an American living in China and bought the Chinese unlocked dual SIM/SD card HTC One. Though I think it's a great phone, some aspects REALLY bother me.
#1 - It has this ****ty HTC Marketplace rather than the Google Play Store
#2 - I can't get the Blinkfeed to display anything but Chinese jibrish
After a few weeks of finding NO apps that I want, I took my phone to a large electronics market in Shanghai and had my phone rooted. Some things became better, some worse.
1) I asked the guy to get me the Play Store and he did...but not everything is available on it. I'm unsure why this is.
2) It's obvious that the Beats sound is no more.
3) I still can't get Blinkfeed to change whatsoever.
4) I can find more apps than before with both the Play Store and HTC Marketplace, but something is missing. I don't really know what it is.
5) The camera seems to be much less clear than it was before.
I guess my question is, since it's unlocked is there something I can do to wipe the Chinese stuff off of it and install all American software? Did the guy get me a less than optimal root? What am I doing wrong? What's the easiest solution?
All I want is for my phone to function like an unlocked US or International version. Thanks in advance for your help!
I suspect at least part of the problem is the government firewall blocking things.
You might start by installing Xposed framework and the Modaco toolkit module for it. Modaco has a setting that blocks the Play Store from checking your location.
But the best solution is probably flashing one of the custom roms with a non-carrier-specific setting. Not sure what that would do for you, but it should help.
I can confirm that the Government is blocking some of the apps. Both my phone have the play store but on is still on v3 and the other on v4. I couldn't find an airport security game and all the featured apps and top are also china-fied.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
This is why VPN exists.
squabbi said:
I can confirm that the Government is blocking some of the apps. Both my phone have the play store but on is still on v3 and the other on v4. I couldn't find an airport security game and all the featured apps and top are also china-fied.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest that you have a detailed read through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2273570
It will tell you everything that is currently known about modifying these devices, including how to install patches for blinkfeed that will allow you to read foreign news, and facebook etc..if the firewall lets it in to china
BenPope said:
This is why VPN exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VPN won't work.
You could have one of two issues.
If you just can't view certain apps, do a search in a browser and open the link to the play store. If certain apps can't be installed, then you need to fix it another way.
If you have a foreign SIM card, put it in the phone, empty the play store cache, restart phone. Once you restart, you will be able to view/install the apps available in the country that SIM is from.
Maybe there is a rooted method that works now, but last I checked there wasn't a reliable working alternative. I used this with my One X I bought/used in China.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
kiwiandy said:
I suggest that you have a detailed read through this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2273570
It will tell you everything that is currently known about modifying these devices, including how to install patches for blinkfeed that will allow you to read foreign news, and facebook etc..if the firewall lets it in to china
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry. I live in Australia I was only visiting relatives in China. Thanks anyways.
Sent from my One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Just purchased my Mi Mix Pro, but noticed on an XDA thread there is one supplier who ships the phone with Google Play Store pre-installed. I did not order from this supplier, so was wondering if I will encounter any difficulties/conflicts installing the play store apk myself. Longtime flasher, but not sure if the phone will be able to be rooted right away, so I'm hoping it's no more involved than installing an apk from unknown source. Has anyone done this with any other Chinese branded phone?
Don´t Worry.
Don´t Worry luckily we have the Goole Installer.apk for MIUI . Just download , copy to phone and install .
en.miui.com/thread-3998-1-1[/URL]
pfalden said:
Just purchased my Mi Mix Pro, but noticed on an XDA thread there is one supplier who ships the phone with Google Play Store pre-installed. I did not order from this supplier, so was wondering if I will encounter any difficulties/conflicts installing the play store apk myself. Longtime flasher, but not sure if the phone will be able to be rooted right away, so I'm hoping it's no more involved than installing an apk from unknown source. Has anyone done this with any other Chinese branded phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had two Xiaomis (plus some iPhone Chinese knock offs) and installing Google Play is straight forward as it sounds: grab the apk, install it manually, good to go. I had some problems with the GPS in the first Xiaomi I bought, like 3 year ago, but it was an old MIUI build and it finally got it working by just rooting and replacing the GPS data to global, about 5 minutes time.
So, don't worry.
pfalden said:
Just purchased my Mi Mix Pro, but noticed on an XDA thread there is one supplier who ships the phone with Google Play Store pre-installed. I did not order from this supplier, so was wondering if I will encounter any difficulties/conflicts installing the play store apk myself. Longtime flasher, but not sure if the phone will be able to be rooted right away, so I'm hoping it's no more involved than installing an apk from unknown source. Has anyone done this with any other Chinese branded phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just download this google installer apk, install it, and let this apps working.
You can also install from Xiaomi's own store straight from the phone which always works better with all the frameworks. Just search for google installer.
http://en.miui.com/thread-396335-1-1.html
http://en.miui.com/forum-118-1.html
Im in the USA and looking to get my hands on a mi8 that will work with T-Mobile . Google play services and the Google play store is a must.
Not sure what I need to look for to ensure I get the right model. Do all mi8's require ROM flashing or is there a specific version I need to look for? I've been using Android since the beginning and this is the first device I've had my eye on that's not available to the USA and I'm hoping to avoid screwing up and buying the Chinese version that doesn't have Google play services/the play store.
Any and all help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
xyourxhighnessx said:
Im in the USA and looking to get my hands on a mi8 that will work with T-Mobile . Google play services and the Google play store is a must.
Not sure what I need to look for to ensure I get the right model. Do all mi8's require ROM flashing or is there a specific version I need to look for? I've been using Android since the beginning and this is the first device I've had my eye on that's not available to the USA and I'm hoping to avoid screwing up and buying the Chinese version that doesn't have Google play services/the play store.
Any and all help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need the Global Version wich has Google Play Services and Play Store. The model name is M1803E1A, it should work on T-Mobile regarding to the baseband support. 3 weeks and I can tell you if it works in the US.
Let me start by saying this: I LOVE MY NEXUS 6. Really love it. There's nothing like it nowadays. I've been trying to find a 6 inches / 16:9 / no-notch / 3.5mm jack modern phone, but i'm out of luck. Manofacturers just don't build them anymore.
So I've been stuck with my Nexus 6 for more than I prolly should have...
The phone is becoming increasingly incompatible with more and more applications, not even the latest Netflix version is compatible with this model. So... i've been using al old Netflix version for quite some time.
To make things worse, I recently flashed a custom rom, PixelExperience. What I didn't know when I installed it, was that it doens't include the DMR-enabler (or whatever its name is) that Netflix/Amazon need in order to stream HD video. So, basically, I can't even stream netflix now. I'm using an ancient netflix version just to make it run...
My other big issue is NFC. The phone has NFC yes... But something is different about it. There's a NFC payment app in my country, and Nexus 6 is incompatible with it. I don't know why. The app works in other, newer phones, such as Motorola G6, but it doesn't work in my Nexus 6. I paid no attention to the "this app is not compatible with your device" message, because sometimes the app store says that and the app works anyway... so, I downloaded it and installed it manually, but it didn't work. So, Im lost here. Does this phone have an "old" NFC protocol or something?
I have the latest "working" android version, 8.1. I cannot install any of the PIE roms, because none of them have figured out how to make VoLTE work.
So what should i do? should i finally give up on my Nexus and buy a modern phone, even though i don't like them? Are you guys still using Nexus 6 nowadays?
kain2k6 said:
Let me start by saying this: I LOVE MY NEXUS 6. Really love it. There's nothing like it nowadays. I've been trying to find a 6 inches / 16:9 / no-notch / 3.5mm jack modern phone, but i'm out of luck. Manofacturers just don't build them anymore.
So I've been stuck with my Nexus 6 for more than I prolly should have...
The phone is becoming increasingly incompatible with more and more applications, not even the latest Netflix version is compatible with this model. So... i've been using al old Netflix version for quite some time.
To make things worse, I recently flashed a custom rom, PixelExperience. What I didn't know when I installed it, was that it doens't include the DMR-enabler (or whatever its name is) that Netflix/Amazon need in order to stream HD video. So, basically, I can't even stream netflix now. I'm using an ancient netflix version just to make it run...
My other big issue is NFC. The phone has NFC yes... But something is different about it. There's a NFC payment app in my country, and Nexus 6 is incompatible with it. I don't know why. The app works in other, newer phones, such as Motorola G6, but it doesn't work in my Nexus 6. I paid no attention to the "this app is not compatible with your device" message, because sometimes the app store says that and the app works anyway... so, I downloaded it and installed it manually, but it didn't work. So, Im lost here. Does this phone have an "old" NFC protocol or something?
I have the latest "working" android version, 8.1. I cannot install any of the PIE roms, because none of them have figured out how to make VoLTE work.
So what should i do? should i finally give up on my Nexus and buy a modern phone, even though i don't like them? Are you guys still using Nexus 6 nowadays?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously people here are using their Nexus 6's. My wife is using a Pie rom and Netflix without any issues. I know you mentioned your issue with Pie roms so thats understandable. You mentioned the Moto G6 and thats pretty similar imo. If you want to move on from the Nexus 6 I wont hate you. My Nexus 6 still serves me well. I agree though with your dislike of more modern phones but there are plenty out there that arent like them.
As far as NFC is concerned I have never found a reason to use it so its the first thing I turn off. I know I dont have much to help with in your decision but if you want or need a newer phone, its really your choice. I support you either way. One thing that I usually consider before all else is the custom rom community. I dont care what phone it is, if the support and community isnt there then I'm not going to be happy with the phone. Good luck to you!
I retired my N6 late December. Now I use it as a dedicated MTB navigator and ride tracker.
My new phone is a OP 6T. I don't even notice the notch anymore, but I miss the width of the N6.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
About your NFC payment app:
Often, the problem is that payment apps consider custom roms insecure, and refuse to run. Sometimes this can be fixed by installing Magisk and telling it to hide.
About your payment app, having an unlocked bootloader will give the message your talking about
OK, having taken the brave (for me) step of ordering a phone from China, I'm now starting to understand the downsides - a whole range of options that don't work here... Celia, Docs, Video, and more every day.
Now I find me thinking the unthinkable (again for me) of trying to make it a UK phone - but is it easy, simple and foolproof?
One issue straight off though - it's a Mate 40 RS which is of course not available in the UK - is it even possible??
Thanks.
Would you like to swap for an UK version mate40 pro?
rambits said:
Would you like to swap for an UK version mate40 pro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm let me think.... no thanks
stewarta13wsb said:
OK, having taken the brave (for me) step of ordering a phone from China, I'm now starting to understand the downsides - a whole range of options that don't work here... Celia, Docs, Video, and more every day.
Now I find me thinking the unthinkable (again for me) of trying to make it a UK phone - but is it easy, simple and foolproof?
One issue straight off though - it's a Mate 40 RS which is of course not available in the UK - is it even possible??
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Lagann888 said:
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, I was ready for no Google but didn't realise no Huawei stuff too
Lagann888 said:
I'm starting to have the same thoughts!! I ordered a Chinese M40 Pro Plus and its currently on its way. The good thing is that I dont really use google services too much and i know the chinese versions of these phones much easier to install google services. We will see how it goes!! We'll figure it out together.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arrived yet?
Yup! Have had it for a few days now. Absolutely love it. How is yours?
Yeh, great. Managed to get Huawei Video to download & work, and finally Petal Maps but still no Celia or Huawei Docs. How about you... missing anything?
stewarta13wsb said:
Yeh, great. Managed to get Huawei Video to download & work, and finally Petal Maps but still no Celia or Huawei Docs. How about you... missing anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using Waze for my maps, like it better than google maps anyways, banking apps all working, transferred from phone clone. used App gallery for social media apps. Default mail app links to my gmail. Chrome for browser. Not using any voice assistant at this time.
Lagann888 said:
using Waze for my maps, like it better than google maps anyways, banking apps all working, transferred from phone clone. used App gallery for social media apps. Same Default mail app links to my gmail. Chrome for browser. Not using any voice assistant at this time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I ask if voice assistant works even if you don't use it? Same for Huawei Docs. Is this your first phone from China or are you an experienced old hand
stewarta13wsb said:
Can I ask if voice assistant works even if you don't use it? Same for Huawei Docs. Is this your first phone from China or are you an experienced old hand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Currently at work. Will let you know when I get home. This is my second Chinese phone. First one was Oppo Find X2 pro earlier this year, that was a disaster, couldnt replace a lot of default apps including the messaging app, some of the text was stuck in chinese. Even after I root it to replace the apps, kept getting error messages. I'm certainly not an expert when it comes to Chinese phones.
Currently on my Pro +, besides no google services which I would not have anyways even if I bought global, I don't notice any difference, coming from a global P30 pro. I'm glad I got the pro+ for the OIS, 10x telephoto, and freeform UW lens. Definitely worth it.
Update:
Huawei docs is not working, says not available in region.
Huawei assistant I have disabled on the homescreen, but it looks like its chinese only
Spooky... I tried the Oppo Find X2 Pro as well but wasn't keen.
Thanks for checking.
stewarta13wsb said:
Spooky... I tried the Oppo Find X2 Pro as well but wasn't keen.
Thanks for checking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoho! I see that I'm not the only one Itch try OPPO find x2 pro.. i use it 5 days, I send it back INSTANT... for the price of this it's ridiculous!