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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
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Click to collapse
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.
henexekrar said:
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.
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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.
Hi guys,
I installed the Google phone dialer app on my MI 8 running latest version of Mi Globe ROM (MIUI 10 - Android 9). However I cannot find the setting to set it as my default phone app.
I remember seeing the setting somewhere, but I cannot seem to find it anymore. I'm running NOVA Launcher.
Can anybody help me out please?
Cheers
As far as I know you cannot do that, only thing is replace the icon on your main screen with the google phone, funny because you can do it with the message app and others but phone its not possible
I mean everything seems to work well and it did install straight from the play store, so it could be that it integrated better to the system than if I installed a patched version. I'll see how it goes, but I really could not go without the nearby places feature anymore...
Settings \ all apps \ three dots top right \ default apps
I just got my Pixel 5a yesterday and immediately am annoyed by the Google stuff. I installed the Nova launcher but still get thrown back to the Pixel launcher or tossed into various assistant screens all over the place. Is there any way to truly turn this stuff off via normal settings? I don't really want to root or get custom firmware, but I despise these forced integrations between everything.
I don't want anything launching of its own volition or because I accidentally touch or look at the phone. I just want the apps to launch when I click them, the 3-button navigation to let me switch between tasks, and a simple homescreen to hold widgets and shortcuts I choose. The first reason I don't want the Pixel launcher is because it doesn't' let me remove the stupid search bar, but I also don't want any of the other hidden and implicit triggers that tie into the assistant.
I also find it annoying that the home button opens some search if I touch it while already on the home screen. Is this coming from the assistant too? I didn't yet find any settings in Nova to adjust the buttons.
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Personally I also disable "Google Play Services for AR" but that is personal choice. I also disable a number of other apps that I know I do not want/use.
I suppose I could use ADB to try and uninstall them, but once they're disabled that is usually good enough. The first one though, Google being disabled, "should" remedy all your issues. I too use the three button navigation and hate ALL assistants!
There's a program on here called 'adpappcontrol' that's great for removing anything you want via ADB.
It's basically just a gui for the command line program. It's worked great for me on at least three phones.
[TOOL] ADB AppControl 1.8.0 🚀 Ultimate App Manager & Debloat Tool + Tweaks
ADB AppControl 🚀 Root is not required. Works with any Android device. Can do almost everything you dreamed about with applications. ADB AppControl - the desktop program, that will allow you to easily manage applications on your android device...
forum.xda-developers.com
Highly recommend. Make sure you tip the dev, since he does it in his spare time.
jaseman said:
I'm with you here. Installed Nova for the exact same reason as you. I do this next thing on all my Android phones: GO to settings > Apps & notifications > see all apps > Google = DISABLE... o some phones it can be uninstalled!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
I also now found the Nova setting Gestures -> Home Button that was causing this other search to appear if I press the home button when already on the home screen. Setting it to None with the checkbox still set for Only on main home page seems to give me what I want there...
lightuser said:
I could have sworn I already did that, but just checked and it is enabled. Has yours stayed off? Would the automatic Google Play app updates cause this to be reenabled?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
jaseman said:
Mine has stayed disabled. I can't speak to whether auto updates may have reenabled it. I always turn auto updates off. I like to see what is being updated on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they wont turn it back on but i have found in the past that sometimes with a os update they will re-enable.
Hi all, I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra wiht oneui4.0. I found this information https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/google-clock-not-sounding-timer.4235717 however the instructions / settings do NOT appear on my OneUi4.0 (android 12) phone. There are no options for Battery Optimization that I can easily find. I have the Google Clock installed and prefer it over Samsungs, but I just can't get Timers to work.. I have to use alarms.. otherwise, any time the system is off Google Clock, it goes into the background. Help is much appreciated!! Thanks!!
The Timer in Google Clock works fine on mine.. have you tried to uninstall and reinstall it?
yep, same difference
I recommend you ask for help on the thread you have linked since they are already discussing the issue.
I have been going through the forum but still haven't worked out how to remove the launcher so I can just use Nova without keep on going back to the system default.
I couldn't get gpay working also . Very frustrating
I am on origin OS...
Thank you for everyone's help in advance!!
piggyvir said:
I have been going through the forum but still haven't worked out how to remove the launcher so I can just use Nova without keep on going back to the system default.
I couldn't get gpay working also . Very frustrating
I am on origin OS...
Thank you for everyone's help in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To change the default launcher you have to make a Vivo account and set in Security/More security setting/Replace systen launcher "Allow the launcher to be replaced".
For GPAY what is you problem?
Thanks on the launcher and it has been working for 2 hours now. For gpay, when I went to pay for my shopping, the terminal seems not detecting phone... Not too sure..
On my IQOO 9 pro (origin OS) in order to change the launcher to default I do this: Settings/Apps & permissions/Permission management/permission/ scroll down to Default app settings/home screen
piggyvir said:
Thanks on the launcher and it has been working for 2 hours now. For gpay, when I went to pay for my shopping, the terminal seems not detecting phone... Not too sure..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC problem?
Gpay worked fine from the first day with origin, seem like your problem is related to something else.
The NFC sits under the Mirror next to the Camera. Did you have your NFC turned on in the settings?
I find that my wallet keeps defaulting to the Vivo Wallet. So before I use GPAY I need to open the NFC option, then go to tap and pay, and then make sure Google Pay is selected.
You can set a shortcut for the NFC from the dropdown menu, so it only takes a second to do this.
I keep the Vivo Wallet installed as it has a nice feature of being able to add my condo entrance gate access card. GPay can't do that.
F4ISR said:
Gpay worked fine from the first day with origin, seem like your problem is related to something else.
The NFC sits under the Mirror next to the Camera. Did you have your NFC turned on in the settings?
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Click to collapse
I fixed it by changing NFC setting... i am very surprised that NFC was not activated based on the APP !!!!!
Stezo187 said:
I find that my wallet keeps defaulting to the Vivo Wallet. So before I use GPAY I need to open the NFC option, then go to tap and pay, and then make sure Google Pay is selected.
You can set a shortcut for the NFC from the dropdown menu, so it only takes a second to do this.
I keep the Vivo Wallet installed as it has a nice feature of being able to add my condo entrance gate access card. GPay can't do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you can keep GPay under tap and pay? How did you add the entrance gate card? Does it work only by closing the phone, or you have to activate or change some settings every time?
Vivo Wallet cannot be disable from the last firmware
piskr said:
And you can keep GPay under tap and pay? How did you add the entrance gate card? Does it work only by closing the phone, or you have to activate or change some settings every time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I accidently discovered the gate card function when I put my phone on my wallet next to my gate card. It brought up Vivo Wallet. I figured it out that it was for the gate key. (It's all in Chinese). So now to activate it I just double press the power button and it brings it up so I can unlock the gate.
But doing this makes it revert back to Vivo Wallet for tap & Pay. So I need to go back and change Google Pay as the default.
no way to uinstall stock launcher by using ADB commands ? It seems this time stock launcher is integrated on the system so it's impossible.
this is the output by trying to disable stock launcher:
pm disable-user --user 0 com.bbk.launcherException occurred while executing: - Pastebin.com
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