For years, Huawei was one of the biggest smartphone brands in the world, competing directly with Apple and Samsung. However, after restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, Google had to cut ties with Huawei, leaving millions of users wondering about the future of their devices. But what does this really mean for current and future Huawei users? Can you still use Google services on Huawei phones? And should you still buy a Huawei device? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
Why Did Google Stop Working with Huawei?
Google stopped working with Huawei due to a ban imposed by the United States government in 2019. The U.S. added Huawei to its “Entity List,” which means American companies are restricted from doing business with them. The government cited national security concerns, claiming that Huawei’s technology could be used for spying.
Because of this ban, Google had to stop providing its services, including Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and the Play Store, to new Huawei devices. As a result, Huawei phones released after 2019 no longer come with Google apps pre-installed.
What Happens to Current Huawei Users?
If you already own a Huawei phone that was released before the ban (such as the Huawei P30 series), nothing changes for you. Your device still has Google services, and you can continue using the Play Store to download apps.
However, if you buy a new Huawei phone released after 2019, you will not have access to Google services. This means no official Google Play Store, no Google Maps, no YouTube app, and no Google Assistant. Instead, Huawei has developed its own ecosystem called Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) as an alternative.
Can You Still Use Google Apps on Huawei Phones?
Yes and no. You cannot officially install Google apps on newer Huawei phones because they are not certified by Google. However, there are some workarounds that users have found, such as:
- Using third-party app stores – Some alternative app stores allow you to download Google apps, but they are not always safe.
- Installing Google apps manually – Some users use unofficial methods to install Google services, but this process can be complicated and might not work on all devices.
- Using web versions – Apps like YouTube and Google Maps can still be accessed through a browser.
Is There an Alternative to Google Play Store?
Yes! Since Huawei phones don’t have the Play Store, they come with AppGallery, which is Huawei’s official app store. It has thousands of apps, including popular ones like TikTok, Snapchat, and Telegram.
There are also other third-party app stores like APKPure and Aurora Store, where you can download apps that are not available on AppGallery. However, you need to be careful because not all third-party sources are secure.
Will Popular Apps Like YouTube Work?
If you have a new Huawei phone without Google services, you won’t be able to download the YouTube app from the Play Store. But you can still watch YouTube videos in a browser like Huawei Browser or Firefox.
Some users also download third-party YouTube apps like YouTube Vanced, but these are unofficial and could stop working at any time.
Can Huawei Phones Still Get Android Updates?
Yes, but with limitations. Huawei still uses Android as the base for its phones, but it cannot use Google’s official version. Instead, Huawei uses an open-source version of Android called AOSP (Android Open Source Project).
This means:
- Huawei phones still get Android updates, but they do not include Google services.
- Security updates may be slower compared to other Android brands.
- Some apps that rely on Google services may not work correctly.
How Will This Affect Future Huawei Phones?
Huawei is now focused on building its own ecosystem. Instead of relying on Google, it is improving Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and its own operating system, HarmonyOS.
Future Huawei phones will not come with Google services, but they will have Huawei’s own solutions for maps, cloud storage, and payments. This change makes Huawei phones less attractive for users who rely on Google apps, but it also gives Huawei more control over its software.
Will Huawei Create Its Own Operating System?
Yes! In response to the Google ban, Huawei developed its own operating system called HarmonyOS. Initially, it was designed for smart devices like TVs and smartwatches, but now it is available on Huawei smartphones as well.
HarmonyOS is different from Android, but it looks and feels similar. It is designed to work across multiple devices, from phones to laptops and smart home products.
However, HarmonyOS still faces challenges:
- Many popular apps are missing because developers focus on Android and iOS.
- Some users find it difficult to switch from Google services to Huawei’s ecosystem.
- AppGallery does not yet have all the apps that Google Play Store offers.
What Should You Do If You Own a Huawei Phone?
If you have an older Huawei phone that still has Google services, you can keep using it without any problems. However, if you are considering buying a new Huawei phone, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Do you rely on Google apps? If yes, you might find it frustrating to use a Huawei phone without them.
- Are you comfortable with alternatives? If you are open to using Huawei’s AppGallery and alternative apps, then a Huawei phone might still work for you.
- Do you care about Android updates? Since Huawei does not get official Google updates, you might experience slower updates compared to other brands.
Which Phones Are Good Alternatives to Huawei?
If you want a phone with Google services but do not want to buy a Huawei device, here are some alternatives:
- Samsung Galaxy series – Great Android phones with regular updates.
- Google Pixel series – The best choice if you love Google apps and fast updates.
- OnePlus phones – Fast performance and clean Android experience.
- Xiaomi and Realme phones – Budget-friendly alternatives with great hardware.
Will Huawei Create Its Own Operating System?
As mentioned earlier, Huawei has already launched HarmonyOS, but it is still developing. While it works well for Huawei devices, it does not have the same level of app support as Android and iOS.
Is There an Alternative to Google Play Store?
Yes, Huawei’s AppGallery is the official alternative. You can also use third-party stores like APKPure or Aurora Store, but they come with risks.
Thoughts – Should You Still Buy a Huawei Phone?
Buying a Huawei phone today depends on your needs. If you love Google services, a Huawei phone might not be the best choice. However, if you are comfortable with alternatives like AppGallery, Petal Maps, and Huawei’s own services, then Huawei phones can still be a good option.
Huawei phones are known for their excellent cameras, strong hardware, and long battery life. But the lack of Google services makes them less convenient for many users, especially outside China.
The Bottom Line
The Google-Huawei ban changed the smartphone industry. While Huawei is working hard to build its own ecosystem, the lack of Google services remains a big challenge.
If you rely heavily on Google apps, it’s better to choose a different phone brand. But if you are open to new experiences and want to try Huawei’s growing ecosystem, their phones still offer powerful hardware and unique software solutions.
