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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.
Hello,
I'm currently in China but from Canada, and picked up the P 30 Pro (love it!) while here.
I've been reading I can update the firmware to get Google on swipe left instead of HiBoard.
The model says it's a VOG-AL10 on the settings page. Is it possible to use the VOG-L29 or or other firmware? I don't want to brick my device.
Everything on the phone otherwise works, I just don't like the HiBoard being in Chinese so I would like to get google on that screen instead. Is this possible yet? I do have developer options but i cannot select unlock bootloader.
This is my first Huawai phone so I'm not too clear on how to go about doing this.
I was going to grab the firmware from this site;
https://support.halabtech.com/index.php?a=downloads&b=folder&id=44877
I thought Huawei locked the bootloader, no?
kittiyut said:
I thought Huawei locked the bootloader, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry you're right, i will edit my post, i do have developer options access but no bootloader option in here
Hi ! Does anyone have any news on if we are able to flash international firmware on vog-al10 ? I'm in the same situation as OP. Bought the phone in China but wanted to use it in Europe and current firmware is not well translated. Also, are we able to do so without unlocking the bootloader ?
flewid said:
Hello,
I'm currently in China but from Canada, and picked up the P 30 Pro (love it!) while here.
I've been reading I can update the firmware to get Google on swipe left instead of HiBoard.
The model says it's a VOG-AL10 on the settings page. Is it possible to use the VOG-L29 or or other firmware? I don't want to brick my device.
Everything on the phone otherwise works, I just don't like the HiBoard being in Chinese so I would like to get google on that screen instead. Is this possible yet? I do have developer options but i cannot select unlock bootloader.
This is my first Huawai phone so I'm not too clear on how to go about doing this.
I was going to grab the firmware from this site;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck? I'm in same situation as you.
I can't even add credit card to Google Pay as it says device is rooter or modified. Also shows as device not certified under Google play
SG_CyborgX said:
Any luck? I'm in same situation as you.
I can't even add credit card to Google Pay as it says device is rooter or modified. Also shows as device not certified under Google play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I can add credit cards to google pay (I removed all the default apps, and switched to Google services is maybe why?) but i cannot use NFC, I can only pay with play store.
SG_CyborgX said:
Any luck? I'm in same situation as you.
I can't even add credit card to Google Pay as it says device is rooter or modified. Also shows as device not certified under Google play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I can add credit cards to google pay (I removed all the default apps, and switched to Google services is maybe why?) but i cannot use NFC, I can only pay with play store.
Probably I didn't describe the issue well. I can also add a card but not to be used with NFC at store. So same as you..
I also have P30 Pro VOG-AL10 (512GB, 8GB) and I'd like to crossflash it to L29.
Can I flash it using "normal" procedure (firmware->sd card, run update.app) ?
VOG-AL10 with Google account
Here is the solution: You need a mid range non activated in China Huawei phone logged with your Google personal account turned on. Open the ' PHONE CLONE' in your VOG-AL10 and select 'THIS IS THE NEW PHONE' to transfer all your data and apps stored in the mid range phone to the VOG-AL10. When the process has finished your VOG-AL10 will be a Chinese Huawei cloned phone with all the Google account functions.
Moral of the story - do your research first.
The P30 Pro Chinese versions do not usually have Google Play certification. I don't believe that there is currently a way to change the model ID to VOG-L29 either.
RW13 said:
Here is the solution: You need a mid range non activated in China Huawei phone logged with your Google personal account turned on. Open the ' PHONE CLONE' in your VOG-AL10 and select 'THIS IS THE NEW PHONE' to transfer all your data and apps stored in the mid range phone to the VOG-AL10. When the process has finished your VOG-AL10 will be a Chinese Huawei cloned phone with all the Google account functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried it? Was it successful?
what if you lost your phone and you can not clone it
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
I will keep this post updated if working solutions are shared.
Native Solutions (with push notifications, location services, google login):
None so far.
Virtual Machine environments:
Lighthouse (Only working for C636 region, not C432 euro-edition)
OurPlay (Chinese-only interface, but uses system languge for installed apps)
DualSpace (loses ability to install apps/updates after a day)
VMOS (old android v7, with virtual root and Xposed)
VPhoneGaGa (old Android v7, with virtual root)
Since many threads have confusion about methods which only work for Chinese version, please help confirm GMS installation methods for the international version, so we can test properly. Because Google apps are what many of our coworkers, colleagues, and friends use we unfortunately can't just abandon them. Therefore, only solutions that work with login to Google services (not just GMS but actual Google authentication, like for Gmail, Google Voice, YouTube Music, Meet, Chat, Maps, Calendar, Photos, etc.) will be accepted.
Apparently MicroG only works for apps which don't need to use Google login, has anyone found a real solution? Is there any downside to install Chinese firmware onto the phone (will OTA updates still work)? https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...o-international-mate-40-pro-possible.4196699/
While we wait for the hackers and modders to work around Google's ban, let's…
Contact app developers about publishing to the Huawei AppGallery and share their replies
See how we can help figure out solutions
Share alternatives we are using to the Google(-dependent) services we have been locked in to (I will add best to this list)
Google Alternatives
Meet/Duo:
https://meet.jit.si/
Google Chat:
https://element.io/ (like Slack, MS Teams, Discord)
https://signal.org/ (like FB Messenger, WhatsApp)
Google Maps:
https://osmand.net/
Authenticator:
https://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.shadowice.flocke.andotp/
I think we will have to wait a while for a Way that works on the International Model, there's literally no working Way right now.
I got used to use Outlook for my Gmail Account, YouTube Vanced which is better then the Normal YouTube App and i do use Google Maps but i never logged in there so it's not a problem for me. But of course a working Way would be nice.
And afaik you can't just Flash the Chinese Rom so easily...
I'm still wondering why the International Version is so much more locked up Software wise then the Chinese one
Hi..
I have the international version and you are right, the Chinese method does not work with this model.
I have sped the last 7 days with this phone and almost tried all combinations of installations and nothing works.. Seems I can't get the App "G" (whatever its called) to work my the device and I don't want to downgrade the OS. I just can't believe that a giant like Huawei just gave up and didn't leave any backdoors for us to use the phone. in my opinion, Huawei mobile phone business is doomed. its unfortunate for a perfect phone to lack basic apps just because of Google and US gaining on the company.
Hopefully, things will change once TRUMP is pushed out of office soon.
Do you have guidance on the last version of Maps ??
I have it just on 10.49.3 version ...
Huawei is way far from being doomed, they are very successful in Asia where nobody is obsessed with Google. There is life without Google but it's not as comfortable as all western users are used to.
Actually I would blame Google for being so closed and not allowing proper app support without GMS and developers that rely so much on Google services like Firebase. How is it possible that a banking app is not able to function without GMS? Or Microsoft Teams still complaining that GMS is not available... Big part of the world is too dependent on a couple of US based companies...
Also even without Trump there is a very small chance that anything will change in regards to US ban and sanctions on Huawei.
App "G" is called LZPlay. Here is a good read what it actually does:
Medium – Where good ideas find you.
Medium is an open platform where readers find dynamic thinking, and where expert and undiscovered voices can share their writing on any topic.
medium.com
@topjohnwu/huaweis-undocumented-apis-a-backdoor-to-reinstall-google-services-c3a5dd71a7cd
I am quite comfortable without GMS and I still use some of the Google apps. WebApps are actually quite decent: Google Fotos, Google Drive etc.
Now when it comes to GMS implementation on Huawei. Not sure what will just waiting change, who do you think will change anything?
Only way to install GMS without Google approval would be to use MDM (mobile device management) app that functions similarly to LZPlay but is owned by a developer who is not hiding as it is a case with LZPlay. But I don't think that Huawei will now approve a signed build of any app that will try to use those APIs mentioned in the article.
In China they can do whatever they want with the FW but in rest of the world they comply with the ban. Also it seems that Google specifically needs to white-list device fingeprints. MicroG should in theory work with new Huawei phones even including log-in but it does not, exactly due to the missing white list.
RTFM, push app developers to work with HMS and educate yourself on what is really the problem. Alternatively just wait
chortya said:
Huawei is way far from being doomed, they are very successful in Asia where nobody is obsessed with Google. There is life without Google but it's not as comfortable as all western users are used to.
Actually I would blame Google for being so closed and not allowing proper app support without GMS and developers that rely so much on Google services like Firebase. How is it possible that a banking app is not able to function without GMS? Or Microsoft Teams still complaining that GMS is not available... Big part of the world is too dependent on a couple of US based companies...
Also even without Trump there is a very small chance that anything will change in regards to US ban and sanctions on Huawei.
App "G" is called LZPlay. Here is a good read what it actually does:
Medium – Where good ideas find you.
Medium is an open platform where readers find dynamic thinking, and where expert and undiscovered voices can share their writing on any topic.
medium.com
@topjohnwu/huaweis-undocumented-apis-a-backdoor-to-reinstall-google-services-c3a5dd71a7cd
I am quite comfortable without GMS and I still use some of the Google apps. WebApps are actually quite decent: Google Fotos, Google Drive etc.
Now when it comes to GMS implementation on Huawei. Not sure what will just waiting change, who do you think will change anything?
Only way to install GMS without Google approval would be to use MDM (mobile device management) app that functions similarly to LZPlay but is owned by a developer who is not hiding as it is a case with LZPlay. But I don't think that Huawei will now approve a signed build of any app that will try to use those APIs mentioned in the article.
In China they can do whatever they want with the FW but in rest of the world they comply with the ban. Also it seems that Google specifically needs to white-list device fingeprints. MicroG should in theory work with new Huawei phones even including log-in but it does not, exactly due to the missing white list.
RTFM, push app developers to work with HMS and educate yourself on what is really the problem. Alternatively just wait
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally disagree that in Asia nobody is obsessed with Google. China doesn't represent Asia. Most countries outside China is using GMS on daily basis. They use G Suite, Gmail in business, Especially during this pandemic time, Google Meet is one of the frequent used App for communication. Not to mention many travelling apps, banking apps are relied on GMS.
You may able to survive without GMS, but just like itchiness, it won't kill you, but it just annoys you all the time.
That is a good statement. But the situation is as it is and simple peasant users like we are will not be able to change it
Any updates on this?
torickray said:
Totally disagree that in Asia nobody is obsessed with Google. China doesn't represent Asia. Most countries outside China is using GMS on daily basis. They use G Suite, Gmail in business, Especially during this pandemic time, Google Meet is one of the frequent used App for communication. Not to mention many travelling apps, banking apps are relied on GMS.
You may able to survive without GMS, but just like itchiness, it won't kill you, but it just annoys you all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit...
Still waiting.
Yesterday just purchased mate 40 pro international version in Singapore. I tried all the tutorial found online and cannot work. So now I have no choice but using VMOS.
daxter125 said:
I think we will have to wait a while for a Way that works on the International Model, there's literally no working Way right now.
I got used to use Outlook for my Gmail Account, YouTube Vanced which is better then the Normal YouTube App and i do use Google Maps but i never logged in there so it's not a problem for me. But of course a working Way would be nice.
And afaik you can't just Flash the Chinese Rom so easily...
I'm still wondering why the International Version is so much more locked up Software wise then the Chinese one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes same feeling
Waiting game
banmao said:
Yesterday just purchased mate 40 pro international version in Singapore. I tried all the tutorial found online and cannot work. So now I have no choice but using VMOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here
kxra said:
I will keep this post updated if working solutions are shared.
Since many threads have confusion about methods which only work for Chinese version, please help confirm GMS installation methods for international users who need to login to Google services (not just GMS but actual google authentication, like for Play Store, Google Voice, YouTube Music, Meet, Maps, Calendar, etc.) so we can test properly.
MicroG only works for apps which don't need to use Google login apparently, has anyone found a real solution? Is there any downside to install Chinese firmware onto the phone (will OTA updates still work)? https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...o-international-mate-40-pro-possible.4196699/
While we wait for the hackers and modders to work around Google's ban, let's:
Contact app develpoers about supporting the Huawei AppGallery and share their replies
Share alternatives we are using to the Googele(-dependent) services we have been locked in to
See how we can help figure out solutions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
keep this up!
I've purchased Huawei Mate 40 Pro on yesterday, but seems like everyone is facing the same issue when installing GMS using Googlefier that lzplay show message in Chinese that it didn't support for this device. Maybe there's alternative way to reinstall the app again?
latif99 said:
Hi..
I have the international version and you are right, the Chinese method does not work with this model.
I have sped the last 7 days with this phone and almost tried all combinations of installations and nothing works.. Seems I can't get the App "G" (whatever its called) to work my the device and I don't want to downgrade the OS. I just can't believe that a giant like Huawei just gave up and didn't leave any backdoors for us to use the phone. in my opinion, Huawei mobile phone business is doomed. its unfortunate for a perfect phone to lack basic apps just because of Google and US gaining on the company.
Hopefully, things will change once TRUMP is pushed out of office soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but I never see solution that people downgrade (Mate 40 Pro) and install GMS
All GMS installation methods used so far are based on EMUI 10. Mate40 pro has EMUI 11, so nothing will work for now.
Shymmy said:
All GMS installation methods used so far are based on EMUI 10. Mate40 pro has EMUI 11, so nothing will work for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It stil works on the Chinese version Mate40 Pro
I read in a video posted on youtube that a chinese app ourplay its like a chinese version of playstore installs gms for emui 11.
Tried installing the app the only problem is it you can only use the app with a china IP address so i couldnt fully verify if it works or not.
Anybody wanna try for mate 40 international phones?
Installer can be downloaded on their site ourplay.net
I wanted to give my experience of using the Mate 40 Pro without Google Services as I believe it's interesting. I get a little obsessed when I can't have something I'm used to having, and am happy to bootloader unlock or otherwise hack my phone to get GMS working like I did with my previous phone, the great Huawei P40 Pro. Don't get me wrong, compromises are required but what can it do or not do.
I should start by detailing what I normally do with a phone.
I use the normal social media apps, WhatsApp, FB, FB Messenger, Reddit, Discord and Twitter. I watch YouTube videos, listen to Spotify, Apple Music, have a few light games, nothing intensive, have a few email clients one for work (Outlook) and one for personal email (Spark - because I like the way it works with multiple accounts). I also use it for banking, food delivery services and shopping with Amazon, eBay etc. I would use the phone for occasional Android Auto duties and route guidance using Google maps. Finally I of course browse the Web. So all in all I would guess that's fairly a normal usage scenario.
First off I should say that of the above list I can do all of that with my Mate 40 Pro. With the exception of Android Auto. But not always as convenient as I could.
Now I've already given a hint at my tech level so I'm not an average consumer and this phone cannot be used to its fullest by your average end user.
Using Phone Clone to setup the phone I have most of my apps working. Notable exceptions are ebay, YouTube and Google Pay. I keep my apps up to date using Aurora Store and try to avoid using the Huawei App Store for anything.
What have I done about ebay and YouTube? I use the web versions. They are fine for my needs, just not quite as convenient as the apps.
Google Pay was something I didn't want to continue to be blocked from using (obviously the P40 Pro even with GMS installed couldn't use Google Pay) so I ended up replacing it with Curve. This app / account provides NFC payments across all your banking cards as well as storing all your loyalty cards too. So almost a direct replacement for Google Pay.
As for Android Auto, that's the one thing I haven't been able to sort out a replacement for but I'm lucky enough to have sat nav in the car which works with the HUD (Android Auto didn't) and using the phone as a wireless hotspot and streaming audio over Bluetooth audio I'm not missing it at all.
It's not perfect but with a little effort it's a lot better than expected. Obviously everyone's mileage will vary.
With all that said, how long will I keep the phone for? No idea, I'm already eying up an Honor Magic 4 Pro but also prepared to consider future Huawei devices.
I'm now selling my Mate 40 pro after over a year of use easily been the best phone that I've owned, changed to a Mi 11 Ultra - First things of note are adverts everywhere, nothing much on the Mate. Like you any apps that don't work then over to the web apps although not sure why ebay doesn't work for you as it does for me (except notifications). The Honor Magic 4 Pro isn't a better device than the Mate (unless GMS is what you want back) the Ultimate version might be a different kettle of fish though, but that sounds like a China only release.
@gnasher666: For Android Auto you can use AAwireless, and for YouTube can still use YouTube vanced, with logging option (even they have stopped it's support, you can still find the apk).
Shymmy said:
@gnasher666: For Android Auto you can use AAwireless, and for YouTube can still use YouTube vanced, with logging option (even they have stopped it's support, you can still find the apk).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AAwireless, is that the box you buy?
Yes.
I have a friend who bought something like this, he said it works fine.
He recently said he changed it and bought something more expensive, I don't know exactly what he got now.
No phone can really replace the Mate 40 Pro, the camera is just way too good.
I'm looking forward to importing the Magic 4 Pro Ultimate or buying any worthy phone, since all phones that released in this year are not good at all.
Derpling said:
No phone can really replace the Mate 40 Pro, the camera is just way too good.
I'm looking forward to importing the Magic 4 Pro Ultimate or buying any worthy phone, since all phones that released in this year are not good at all.
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I'm very interested in the Magic 4 Pro Ultimate too. Honor are suggesting it may have a global release at some point.
If you don't mind the missing push notifications,
you can still get most apps (not google related apps) via APKPure (which will be genuine apps and they do provide SHA256 checksum, but I believe you will do the hashing checksum again by yourself)
Ebay, bank apps, everything I need works just great