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Switch from Chinese ROM to EU(UK) ROM?

Hi. I bought my P20 Pro in China and I'm using it in China. I've changed the language to English but some apps still run in chinese.
I've been using a VPN to use google store or anything related to google and social media that are blocked in China. So far i've been having some problems with downloading apps from the google store and I'm not receiving notifications from a few apps (already tried in app permissions and notification settings already). I would like to know if someone knows how to fix it or if can I rebrand it, or flash it, or ROM it?

Sharing my experience with a Chinese version Mate 20 Pro

So I finally received my Chinese version Mate 20 Pro Emerald variant and I spent the last 24 hours setting it up, now it's finally getting into a more or less stock android feeling. I decided to write a post because man, I've never spent so much effort just trying to setup a new phone.
Ordering
I ordered the phone from Huawei T Mall store on Nov. 11th. I paid about 1250 CAD through Alipay for the phone and ~ 600 RMB having my friend sending it to me via DHL. I also had to pay some import tax getting it into Canada but it's just bad luck, plus the tax really depends on how much you declare the value to be.
First Impression
I had a Oneplus 5, I like the cleanness of its ROM, it's close to stock android and I was using the Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher which makes it essentially a stock Android device. The Mate 20 Pro is a bit heavier than the Oneplus 5 and it's just slightly bigger.
I started with applying the tempered glass screen protectors I bought also from Taobao when I ordered the phone. Sadly I can't seem to get it in the right place, and it's greatly affecting the screen responsiveness and accuracy. I ended up throwing them away.
Turning it on, and I'm already having issue with the initial setup process. First of all, I was asked to create a Huawei ID. But guess what -- I live in Canada but Canada isn't an available option in the region list, somehow US is. I mean, this phone is not even available in US, why would you provide that as an option but not Canada?
I went ahead choosing US as the region. It asked for phone verification, that worked for me because US and Canada share the same country code.
After that, I uninstall a bunch of pre-installed apps -- they are mostly popular apps in China, plus a few useless utilities made by Huawei. I uninstall about 25 apps during this process.
Then I tried to restore all my apps from the old phone, first step would be getting Google Play Service working. Surprisingly Google Play Service is pre-installed. but I wasn't able to update it through the Huawei App Store, because US Huawei ID apparently is not supported. In fact I can't use any of the pre-installed Huawei apps, they are all blocked. So I deleted my account and created a Chinese one instead.
I was able to access the app store and update Google Play Service, along with Play Store. Google backup apparently didn't work. I ended up using the Huawei "Phone Clone" app to transfer all my stuff to this phone. It does the job pretty well.
Getting third party launcher working on Chinese ROM (If you have a global version then this may not apply to you)
Spent sometime getting all the apps logged in and tweaking settings, I started to look into replacing the stock launcher. But then you can't change launcher on the Chinese rom, so I did some research and here is what I did:
1. Install a third party launcher. I chose Nova Launcher here. Never used it before but Rootless Launcher kept crashing and for Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher, there is an annoying security alert saying "Google is using microphone" that kept popping up.
1. Enable developer mode
2. Enable USB Debug
3. Connect the phone to PC
4. Access ADB shell
5. uninstall stock launch: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.android.launcher
6. Reboot
A few notes on using this 3rd party launcher hack:
* I also installed the Nova companion app to have Google Feed panel access.
* You need to allow Nova companion to auto-launch in Settings -> Apps -> App Launch, otherwise rebooting the phone will make Google Feed panel disappear.
* If you select gesture navigation in system setting, swiping up from bottom may not work.
Getting Google Assistant to work
The phone has the Huawei voice assistant by default, and changing the default Assistant app to Google doesn't work. The shortcut still only bring up the Huawei voice assistant. The fix is to uninstall the app using the same process above. The package name is com.huawei.vassistant. After reboot, I was able to access Google Assistant using the home button (I still prefer three key navigation). "OK Google" doesn't work on Home screen though.
Make sure push notifications are working
I also noticed I don't receive push notifications most of the time. For example, I have Duo Mobile which is used as an authenticator at work. Having the screen on, I didn't receive the push notification. I had to launch the app manually to see the authentication request. Here is a workaround:
1. Settings -> Apps -> App Launch
2. Find the app you wish to receive push notification
3. Disable auto manage, it will ask you how you want to manage manually, choose Auto-launch and Run in Background at least
Known Issues/Todo list
Here are some of the things that I'm having issue with but haven't figured out a solution yet. Please let me know if you know a solution to any of them:
1. Google Pay Contactless does not work. This is almost a deal breaker. From what I've read, it seems to be just Chinese version doesn't work.
1. LastPass accessibility setting gets reverted to off randomly. This seems to related to when I close all apps using the trashcan button on recent apps screen.
2. Default Assistant app setting mysteriously gets reset to None. Still don't understand why.
3. Text in the notification just look so bad. Also not sure how to tweak that.
4. The security alert for app using microphone keeps popping up in Google Assist and Google Feed. I'm not sure how I should feel about that...
Things I like about this device
1. Chinese version supported dual SIM. I believe the global version does not.
2. photos in low lights are awesome.
3. charging is super fast! I also got the wireless charging thing.
4. I'm happy with its battery performance so far.
5. It's a faster device overall. The games I play run smoother on this phone comparing to Oneplus 5. I understand OP5 is an older phone but that's the only reference point I got.
That's what I had so far. I'm also keeping an eye on the progress of FunkyHuawei Mate 20 Pro support -- I'm looking forward to flash the global version ROM hoping it has better google integration and less chinese-oriented useless "features".
Hope it helps!

Thanks for sharing

Does the device show as being certified in the Google Play Store? If not, this would probably explain why contactless via GP doesn't work

Minotaur said:
Does the device show as being certified in the Google Play Store? If not, this would probably explain why contactless via GP doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.

henexekrar said:
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm interesting... is there an error message or such that might indicate why GPay doesn't work?

Minotaur said:
Hmmm interesting... is there an error message or such that might indicate why GPay doesn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when attempting to enable contactless, the following messages appear in order:
contacting your bank...
your bank is verifying your card...
added feature cannot be setup. contact your bank to resolve this issue.
I called the bank and they said they didn't get the request so they don't know what error it is.
I contacted Google and haven't got a response.

Did you already have the card in your GPay wallet, and were re-verifying, or did you add it from scratch? Guessing it may not make a difference though.

Minotaur said:
Did you already have the card in your GPay wallet, and were re-verifying, or did you add it from scratch? Guessing it may not make a difference though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the card in the wallet for a long time. Used it with my old phone without issue.

Does it support Band 66? Thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was in China last week and almost bought the Mate 20 Pro. After reading many reviews I decided to not buy the Chinese Version and pay a little more to get the Google version from Hong Kong

Any updates?
Were you able to find any way to get LastPass working properly?
Accessibility features keep resetting for me right away.

Hi, have your version finger-id? I bought a mate 20 pro red in aliexpress but i can't find the finger-id......

John_nl_74 said:
Hi, have your version finger-id? I bought a mate 20 pro red in aliexpress but i can't find the finger-id......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LYA-AL00 with 6 GM RAM and 128 GB storage has no fingerprint sensor. It only uses face, pattern, and password unlock.

Google Play Store and Services on Chinese bought P30 Pro?

Hi,
My friend is on a trip to China and is interested in getting a P30 Pro there, but China doesn't allow Google in their country. He's wondering if there is any way to install the Play Store and the related services so they can be used when he comes back to the UK.
I've seen some apk's, while searching about this topic, that supposedly install GMS etc but I'm not sure how legit/trustworthy those are, since from my experience with custom software, I've had to use TWRP to install Gapps properly.
Thanks in advance for your help
PS: The specific model number is VOG-AL10

You can install the Play Store from within the Huawei app store, App Gallery.
You need to first update the 'App Gallery' app then in the latest version under updates it will hidden under "Not recommended."
After you install the "update" Play services and everything will be enabled.
Updated versions of the Play Store will be posted in the App Gallery as well (that's been my experience with other Huawei phones anyways).

alphaod said:
You can install the Play Store from within the Huawei app store, App Gallery.
You need to first update the 'App Gallery' app then in the latest version under updates it will hidden under "Not recommended."
After you install the "update" Play services and everything will be enabled.
Updated versions of the Play Store will be posted in the App Gallery as well (that's been my experience with other Huawei phones anyways).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using this method all Google Services run normally (notifications, location, sync, etc)? I'm used to flashing Gapps on custom ROMs on my phones so I thought you needed to that everywhere, or I guess Huawei can do these kinds of special installations through their store equally effectively.

drt0 said:
Using this method all Google Services run normally (notifications, location, sync, etc)? I'm used to flashing Gapps on custom ROMs on my phones so I thought you needed to that everywhere, or I guess Huawei can do these kinds of special installations through their store equally effectively.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install GSM, Play store and all the google apps and they will work good.
The only thing that will not works (without magisk) is Google Pay, because the phone is not certified and it will not pass Safenet tests (as on China Xiaomi phones).

drt0 said:
Hi,
My friend is on a trip to China and is interested in getting a P30 Pro there, but China doesn't allow Google in their country. He's wondering if there is any way to install the Play Store and the related services so they can be used when he comes back to the UK.
I've seen some apk's, while searching about this topic, that supposedly install GMS etc but I'm not sure how legit/trustworthy those are, since from my experience with custom software, I've had to use TWRP to install Gapps properly.
Thanks in advance for your help
PS: The specific model number is VOG-AL10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the VOG-AL10 bought in China and am now using it in the UK. The Play Store works fine (downloaded from Huawei's App Gallery) & I have installed all the normal Google apps without problem. I couldn't install Play Store in China due to the restricted internet, but installed it in the UK. One weird thing I found is that I had to keep the App Gallery's region as China to install Play Store as it disappeared when I changed the region to the UK (in App Gallery go to Me > Settings > Country/Region).
This model is not Play Protect Certified so the NFC part of Google Pay doesn't work (and you need to sideload Netflix), but I've had no problem using Google Pay for in app purchases.

jpf293 said:
I have the VOG-AL10 bought in China and am now using it in the UK. The Play Store works fine (downloaded from Huawei's App Gallery) & I have installed all the normal Google apps without problem. I couldn't install Play Store in China due to the restricted internet, but installed it in the UK. One weird thing I found is that I had to keep the App Gallery's region as China to install Play Store as it disappeared when I changed the region to the UK (in App Gallery go to Me > Settings > Country/Region).
This model is not Play Protect Certified so the NFC part of Google Pay doesn't work (and you need to sideload Netflix), but I've had no problem using Google Pay for in app purchases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for your reply, can you watch hi-def content on Netflix or is that locked?

drt0 said:
Hi, thanks for your reply, can you watch hi-def content on Netflix or is that locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, using Test Patterns on Netflix I'm getting 1280x720 at 30fps.

alphaod said:
You can install the Play Store from within the Huawei app store, App Gallery.
You need to first update the 'App Gallery' app then in the latest version under updates it will hidden under "Not recommended."
After you install the "update" Play services and everything will be enabled.
Updated versions of the Play Store will be posted in the App Gallery as well (that's been my experience with other Huawei phones anyways).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this still work? I've have a VOG-AL00 and I can't find Play Store in the App Gallery ;s. I'm afraid flashing to a global version isn't possible.

Huge Question for new huawei devices
Google is not pre loaded and is banned from the phone. but Android central just released an article of how to. Honestly sounds retarded. Can't I just go to something like APK mirror and just download all Google apks and be OK with my life? we there's an app not compatible with my device I go and get a apk isn't this the same concept?

ryantf420 said:
Huge Question for new huawei devices
Google is not pre loaded and is banned from the phone. but Android central just released an article of how to. Honestly sounds retarded. Can't I just go to something like APK mirror and just download all Google apks and be OK with my life? we there's an app not compatible with my device I go and get a apk isn't this the same concept?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.androidauthority.com/install-google-apps-huawei-mate-30-pro-1032467/

*Detection* said:
https://www.androidauthority.com/install-google-apps-huawei-mate-30-pro-1032467/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK but that doesn't answer my question.? that article is still wanting u to get lz play app. Y couldn't I just download an apk?

ryantf420 said:
OK but that doesn't answer my question.? that article is still wanting u to get lz play app. Y couldn't I just download an apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was that easy then the guide would just tell you to do that, there is more missing than Google play store etc, that lz play app installs the prerequisites needed for Play and other google apps to work

damn so apk downloaded isn't the simple answer, again but y? so example I get huawei mate 30 pro and download Google app apk from let's say Apkmirror. that literally won't work?

*Detection* said:
https://www.androidauthority.com/install-google-apps-huawei-mate-30-pro-1032467/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installed the apk from LZ Play, but didn't work.
---------- Post added at 08:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:04 PM ----------
ryantf420 said:
damn so apk downloaded isn't the simple answer, again but y? so example I get huawei mate 30 pro and download Google app apk from let's say Apkmirror. that literally won't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A simple apk from apkmirror seems to work for the VOG-AL00.

Flashing China ROM to Global is possible on P30 Pro or 2019 Huawei devices?

I bought the p30 Pro while I was in China earlier this year. I had Google Play installed when I returned to the US. In able to install all the applications I want from Google play store.

hey guys..
any news from google play..? anyone can installl it..? lz play is not supported for this device.. and GMSinstaller not installing to device..
any advice..?

Huawei P40 Lite vs Microsoft Authenticator- Push notifications not working!

Hi!
I'm trying to setup MFA from Microsoft using their MS Authenticator app, on my Huawei P40 Lite. It isn't working and i get an error saying something about "push notifications registration failed". I guess this is related to the non existing Google Services, right?
When i got the smartphone (April 2020) i followed one of the multiple guides i found on YouTube to install Google Services and all seemed to work ok. I never got any errors/problems since. Also, i get notifications from "all" my usual apps - WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Gmail app, etc.
Anyone has ideas? Is there anyway to "update" the Google Services installation "procedure", without reseting my Huawei P40 Lite?
Regards,
JP

If the App uses GMS or GCM (both google messaging) then it will most likely not work. I have the same Problem with my 3CX Client App aswell as VIP Access MFA

Tokolosh said:
If the App uses GMS or GCM (both google messaging) then it will most likely not work. I have the same Problem with my 3CX Client App aswell as VIP Access MFA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't know if Microsoft Authenticator app uses GMS or GCM. I don't have the tech skills to say that. I just assumed so, because i can't get it to work on my Huawei P40 Lite (i get a push notifications registration error) but i can make it work on a Huawei P20 Lite (for example), using the same Microsoft accounts. This is BS! :crying:
Thanks for you help!

Microsoft Authenticator will never work on Huawei phones due to 2 things:
- Mandatory GCM for push notifications
- Google Services check in manifest that cannot be bypassed.
Never again will I buy a phone without booloader unlock.

if you have the google service installed and the notification push activated or you freeze the gfs to have the notification push it will work!

addx972 said:
if you have the google service installed and the notification push activated or you freeze the gfs to have the notification push it will work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's too much of a bet. It's very unfortunate as the hardware is extremely good, but really, even with adding the phone to the android custom rom exception listing, it's way too much of a hassle.
Checking back in a few years, but it's looking dark unless bootloader is unlocked and custom roms start getting in. I believe it will never happen in order to protect other chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi & Oppo.

RedWave31 said:
It's too much of a bet. It's very unfortunate as the hardware is extremely good, but really, even with adding the phone to the android custom rom exception listing, it's way too much of a hassle.
Checking back in a few years, but it's looking dark unless bootloader is unlocked and custom roms start getting in. I believe it will never happen in order to protect other chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi & Oppo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
too bad because on my mate xs it works perfectly microsoft authenticator works well I do not regret my purchase

It works as @addx972 said.

RedWave31 said:
Microsoft Authenticator will never work on Huawei phones due to 2 things:
- Mandatory GCM for push notifications
- Google Services check in manifest that cannot be bypassed.
Never again will I buy a phone without booloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it on a mate 40 pro with microg, the notifications allways work after y disable powergenie

Question Most Huawei apps don't work.

Hey, its been a few weeks since I got my Honor magic 3 Pro, imported from China.
For information I'm currently using it with my account in India region.
First things I've noticed is
I'm unable to access themes app on this phone, it says not available in your region, along with online music and other services.
Even on changing service region to other places like UK or Americas, I'm unable to access it, it just shows the preset themes.
Only China region works, but without an Chinese ID, I can't buy anything.
I can't even customized the themes.
However, the same Huawei account on a Huawei P30 Pro, can access everything in all regions, but themes, access online music etc.
So I would like help regarding this.
Secondly I've installed Google services (using youtube video by John Wang, followed for Huawei mate 40 pro) , but my Google play store doesn't detect my pre-installed apps, so I can't get any updates.
Also having old version of play store/ services means no Google payments and some apps don't work
Thirdly, blocking play protect notification via video methods, also block out notification from other apps, so any way around that?

I've found a workaround, for themes, I can change my region to China, download nd apply free themes, and then chance account region back.
However you can't buy anything unfortunately.

AxomiaHoiMoi said:
Hey, its been a few weeks since I got my Honor magic 3 Pro, imported from China.
For information I'm currently using it with my account in India region.
First things I've noticed is
I'm unable to access themes app on this phone, it says not available in your region, along with online music and other services.
Even on changing service region to other places like UK or Americas, I'm unable to access it, it just shows the preset themes.
Only China region works, but without an Chinese ID, I can't buy anything.
I can't even customized the themes.
However, the same Huawei account on a Huawei P30 Pro, can access everything in all regions, but themes, access online music etc.
So I would like help regarding this.
Secondly I've installed Google services (using youtube video by John Wang, followed for Huawei mate 40 pro) , but my Google play store doesn't detect my pre-installed apps, so I can't get any updates.
Also having old version of play store/ services means no Google payments and some apps don't work
Thirdly, blocking play protect notification via video methods, also block out notification from other apps, so any way around that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi there
do you have GMS completly working in system or using emulator such as gspace?

kianoush_jooon said:
hi there
do you have GMS completly working in system or using emulator such as gspace?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have complete gms working, with no push notification/maps integration. Rest everything works fine.