Database Info

[APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Introduction
microG GmsCore is a FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) framework to allow applications designed for Google Play Services to run on systems, where Play Services is not available. If you use your phone without GAPPS this might become a useful tool for you.
microG GmsCore is one of the two core components of the microG project.
More up-to-date descriptions and instructions might be available on the wiki
Instructions
Preparation:
You need a 4/5/6 ROM that is GAPPS-free. Either don't install them or remove them, if your ROM ships them. Please note that microG GmsCore might run on a cleaned stock ROM, but it might also brick it or cause random bugs. Be aware that only latest Android versions (4.4+) are regularly tested and thus prioritized over older versions when issues occur.
You need a ROM that supports signature faking. Some custom ROMs are patched to support signature faking out of the box, including all OmniROM-based ones. Stock CyanogenMod denied the inclusion, as the possibility of third-party play services implementations is considered a security issue (read here about why it's not). Please ask your ROM developer if unsure. The latest version of signature spoofing for Android < 6.0 has to be enabled at the bottom of the developer settings first. If your ROM does not support signature faking, but you use Xposed, you can grab a Xposed module here.
If you are a ROM developer or just do custom builds for whatever reason, you can download and include the patch from here and here for Android 5.1 or here for Android 6.0.
Remove UnifiedNlp. In case you installed it before. You can keep your backend modules installed, microG Services will be able to use them later and provide the same feature set (to be precise, microG Services includes UnifiedNlp).
Installation:
The installation does not require any modification of the /system partition. All installations should be done using the default app installer included with Android or using `adb install`. This means you need to enable third-party sources or developer mode first.
Install GmsCore.apk as provided in the download section below.
If you want to use Google Cloud Messaging ("Push-Notifications"), Install GsfProxy.apk as provided in the download section below. The GsfProxy version does not need to match the GmsCore.apk version.
If you have BlankStore installed, continue with the next step.
If you want to be able to access the Play Store, install BlankStore from its thread. It is not a requirement that you set it up correctly and this is not covered by this instructions. If you need help ask in the original thread.
If you don't care about Play Store access, Install FakeStore.apk as provided in the download section below.
Open the microG Settings, which are available in the launcher now. If you want to use any Google services (Log-In, Cloud Messaging), tick both checkboxes for background services. This is the only supported setup, but you are free to disable them if you like playing with fire. You can also open the UnifiedNlp settings to enable the location backends of your choice. If you don't have any yet, check out F-Droid. For further questions and concerns regarding UnifiedNlp, use its corresponding thread.
Reboot your device. If you skip this step, everything unwanted is possible.
Using it:
You can test Google Cloud Messaging using this test application. Push notifications do not require account registration.
You can add an account through the system settings. Some applications might ask you to do so, if you don't.
Use your applications as you like. But note that apps that use Cloud Messaging must be installed after GmsCore, else they will not work. Some hint of applications that can run due to microG GmsCore: TextSecure/Signal, Play Music, YouTube
When using AdAway make sure to put mtalk.google.com on your whitelist, else problems are likely to occur when using Google Cloud Messaging. Thanks @benstyle1 for the hint.
Downloads
See this wiki page for Downloads. You can find details on the F-Droid repository on https://microg.org/fdroid/.
Signing key
The NOGAPPS and microG Project use a shared signing key. Apps and the F-Droid repository are signed using this key. You can verify app signatures using the Checkey app (not when signature spoofing is enabled) and the F-Droid key in F-Droid repository details.
The SHA-256 hash of the key is:
9B D0 67 27 E6 27 96 C0 13 0E B6 DA B3 9B 73 15 74 51 58 2C BD 13 8E 86 C4 68 AC C3 95 D1 41 65
Current implementation progress
Please check this wiki page for up to date implementation progress.
Please report bugs
This project is still rather unstable. Please report bugs as they occur. Whenever you report a bug, please tell us what application caused the bug, including its exact version. If you're the developer, name the play services library you are using. Please do not bother the original app author when it might be related to microG services. If the problem is related to geolocation with UnifiedNlp, report it in the UnifiedNlp thread, even if you're using it through GmsCore.
Thanks
Big thanks to everyone who continuously supported me doing this, by donating, pull-requests or just feedback.
XDA:DevDB Information
microG GmsCore, App for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
MaR-V-iN
Source Code: https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore
Version Information
Status: Beta
Current Beta Version: v0.2.13.203915
Beta Release Date: 2020-10-19
Created 2015-10-04
Last Updated 2020-10-20

Nice! Even original Play Store started to work with this! Not fully, but now you can login, search for apps and see already installed ones. Just download doesn't work yet. Keep up good work! Original GMSCore is android cancer.

Thanks for the new thread on this!
I am wondering why the code for GsfProxy, which looks rather simple, is not included as part of GmsCore. . .
Also, there are some older apps that I have that use Maps API v1, so I have installed it from the link at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375 I assume some rework would be needed to fold that into GmsCore but that would be another nice feature. The convenient thing about gapps is that it comes as a single package, having to install multiple items from the microG project makes things a little else friendly.
FWIW, I've been using the downloads from http://files.brnmod.rocks/apps/GmsCore/Latest/ and have been very pleased with GmsCore (and UnifiedNlp before it). Now that there is an official version tag, I wonder if F-Droid will pick this up. That would make it easy to keep it relatively current.

n76 said:
I am wondering why the code for GsfProxy, which looks rather simple, is not included as part of GmsCore. . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole purpose of GsfProxy is to not be included in GmsCore: For GCM to work properly you need three packages installed: "com.google.android.gms" (GmsCore), "com.android.vending" (FakeStore/BlankStore) and "com.google.android.gsf" (GsfProxy). This is how Google build it up, don't ask me why.

A good store app requires working play services first. So one step at a time

Could Be Anyone said:
I'm not saying let's rush and have both but I just thought from what I read that blank store will be depreciated in favor of something better but having play services replacement is great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you are correct, Blankstore will be replaced by something in a while and it is only being maintained if/when a Google change requires it.
selemine said:
A good store app requires working play services first. So one step at a time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Once Play Services are working well and there is someone to work on it, a successor to Blankstore should appear.
I'd like to help but even though I can get a number of things to compile through either the old Android CLI development system or Android Studio I haven't figured out how to get most of the components in the microG project to compile on my computer. Seems like I've bolloxed something needed to make gradle, etc., to work properly. If/when I get time I guess I should wipe the whole machine and start over on setting up a development environment.
In the meantime, I am amazed by the work @MaR-V-iN had done with the microG project. I don't miss having GAPPs on my phone at all.

Thanks for sharing

Thanks, subscribed.
Dead Cookies leave no trails...

Koloses said:
Nice! Even original Play Store started to work with this! Not fully, but now you can login, search for apps and see already installed ones. Just download doesn't work yet. Keep up good work! Original GMSCore is android cancer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this out yesterday after you posted it to verify your findings. I received some random play store error code.
When I wanted to do this again today, instead of the error message, a dialog popped up asking me to "renew" my account. I continued and skipped the payment details. After that I was able to download and install applications. Can you try this out on your device as well. If it does not work automatically, this might also be related to a second checkin. In this case, can you try dialing *#*#CHECKIN#*#* or on a tablet open a root shell and invoke `am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://2432546`. If this changes anything for you, please report back what you did.

Hi,
Unfortunately, I couldn't get push messaging to work properly; after installing as described I was able to sign in to textsecure, but I only get new messages when the app is opened and in foreground. Further, in push notification tester I only get the first 3 checks. Another problem is a huge battery drain since I installed it, as you can see in the picture. If I can provide more info, specific logs, I'd love to do so. Great project, thanks for your efforts.
ROM: omnirom 5.1
Device: Samsung GT-I8190
Never installed original gapps on this setup, using blankstore, which works without problems
Sent from my GT-I8190 using XDA Free mobile app

I just tried reinstalling Play Store after having your gmscore for a while on my device and Google Play is fully working now
I guess it's running second check in later on and that makes play store work. Anyway, awesome job, not falling back to blankstore at this point. Amazing work! Thanks!

microG Services Core keeps crashing when trying to sign into my Google Account.
---------- Post added at 04:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 PM ----------
Rebooting fixed it.

benstyle1 said:
Unfortunately, I couldn't get push messaging to work properly; after installing as described I was able to sign in to textsecure, but I only get new messages when the app is opened and in foreground. Further, in push notification tester I only get the first 3 checks. Another problem is a huge battery drain since I installed it, as you can see in the picture. If I can provide more info, specific logs, I'd love to do so. Great project, thanks for your efforts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These problems are likely caused by a bug in the gcm background service. Can you please grab logcat for output containing Gcm (from a unix shell `adb logcat | grep Gcm > gcm.log`) and send this to me (PM, it might contain sensitive data). Rebooting afterwards might fix the issue. Normally `mcs` shows up in BetterBatteryStats with about 1% max, the other wakelock never appeared in BetterBatteryStats on my test device.
dank101 said:
microG Services Core keeps crashing when trying to sign into my Google Account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens when no checkin happened before. make sure you have automatic checkin enabled in settings, rebooted and then got a network connection. You can also force checkin manally by dialing *#*#CHECKIN#*#* or on a tablet open a root shell and invoke `am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://2432546`. The problem is known and will be fixed in the next alpha.

MaR-V-iN said:
These problems are likely caused by a bug in the gcm background service. Can you please grab logcat for output containing Gcm (from a unix shell `adb logcat | grep Gcm > gcm.log`) and send this to me (PM, it might contain sensitive data).
This happens when no checkin happened before. make sure you have automatic checkin enabled in settings, rebooted and then got a network connection. You can also force checkin manally by dialing *#*#CHECKIN#*#* or on a tablet open a root shell and invoke `am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://2432546`. The problem is known and will be fixed in the next alpha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I turned everything on and rebooted and it worked.

Maybe could be used on jolla?
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Free mobile app

Themirk91 said:
Maybe could be used on jolla?
Sent from my A0001 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it.

cAn I use this to play CLAsh of claN???

MaR-V-iN said:
I tried this out yesterday after you posted it to verify your findings. I received some random play store error code.
When I wanted to do this again today, instead of the error message, a dialog popped up asking me to "renew" my account. I continued and skipped the payment details. After that I was able to download and install applications. Can you try this out on your device as well. If it does not work automatically, this might also be related to a second checkin. In this case, can you try dialing *#*#CHECKIN#*#* or on a tablet open a root shell and invoke `am broadcast -a android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE -d android_secret_code://2432546`. If this changes anything for you, please report back what you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dialing *#*#CHECKIN#*#* got rid of that random error code but now the play store FCs after accepting permissions.

Nice work but I don't that be Google will be happy to know the existence of this Suite of Apps.
Second: I think these new services/apps are using direct HTTP(S) calls to Google's WebServices ...so what will happen if G frequently change/add some code/parameter and/or add a crypted token to the communication? It will be not easy to follow all G updates in the next years.
Third: using an alternative GoogleServices leaves the credentials/data and all user informations in an unknown/untrusted group of people's hands. G could not be the most transparent "group of people" (about privacy and data retention), but......
I think G will force you to stop this project or (it's the most simple way) G will add special crypted tokens (not only the OAuth one) to all its WebService calls...or other things to prevent your framework to work.
I respect all projects but IMHO touching user's credentials, personal informations, payments and other critical things it's not a good thing that an user should trust on if not managed by someone trusted (I repeat: G could not be the most trusted "person" but at least it follows laws and be punished by them if G do illegal things with data/credential/payment....and I don't think it will be the same for the authors of this project).
I think this could be a big and great project but just for educational purpose to write "wrappers" around WebServices...but not a thing to be used in a real-life environment where real credential and payment data are sent, used and watched by these new Services...

Well that's why it's open source - you can inspect the source code to ensure the alternative services aren't doing anything shady with your details.
And if you don't trust the precompiled APKs, you have the option of compiling the source code.

GApps free - microG is all you need!

...why do I post this? Actually, I hoped to achieve less battery drainage without Google's well known tendency to permanently collect and transmit data. However, my initial observations don't prove extended battery life but I'm going to continue tracking the battery drainage and will eventually edit the respective post in this thread. At least, I'm already definitely able to state that I've less wakelocks, alarms, and running services than before. Furthermore, some of these crazy, weird indicated *alarms* and *launch* are gone.
Additionally, I'm monitoring the below mentioned microG-treads and recognise that quite a lot of people obviously have problems to get microG to run (honestly, as me too about six months ago, when I first attempted). Thus, I take the oportunity to provide my procedure how I've got microG to perform its desired duties.
If you're really interested into microG I suggest to read @Shadow53's post here.
By going "GApps free" I was able to achieve one of my decisive points to protect my own centre of gravity. However, monitoring the related microG threads I realised quite a few people have other motives for GApps free devices and seem not to have impediments for sharing and exchanging information with Google, obviously neither my personal way nor my consensus. For completeness, I like to share some of the other opinions to enable everyone to make up an own mind. Please find some posts here, here, or here. Additionally, @ale5000 provided a comparision between GApps and microG here.
It doesn't require bravery but only the strong will to get rid of all the useless Google services and activities despite the fact that I already succeeded in not selling my private data to Google at all by the use of some tools, policies, and procedures. Just to make it more clearly, I don't and don't want to use any of the applications provided by Google (except the Google Play Store (PS) for a very specific reason described below). I'm convinced there're alternatives to each of the Google applications around, which are respecting my privacy concerns and aren't necessarily so enormously blown up. Some aren't for free but I'm happy to support a developer and the development in regard to an excellent application; some of the applications you need to pay for on Google PS you get for free in same quality and "update level" e.g. at F-Droid.
Please allow me to mention a few of the applications I use but forgive me for not providing links to them; a simple web search will show you the way.
Email: "K-9 Mail R2Mail2" in conjunction with "OpenKeychain"; Browser: "Slimperiance", "Orfox" together with "Orbot"; Maps & Navigation: "OsmAnd~"; SMS/MMS: "chompSMS" and "Silence" (but no WiFi or mobile data access); Weather: "Avia Weather", "Das Wetter in Deutschland", "WarnWetter", "WetterOnline"; Messenger: "Conversations" in conjunction with a XMPP-Jabber-account; Camera: the ROM inherent one; Contacts: ROM inherent but synchronised via home-WiFi with PC via "MyPhoneExplorer"; Calendar: as for contacts before; Music: "VLC" (but no WiFi or mobile data access); Launcher: "Nova"; PDF-reader: "Xodo Docs PDF Viewer" (Remark: I personally don't require the capability to open any Microsoft Office or Open Office file types on my phone).
If you think I forgot something just ask!
You might now ask yourself why I didn't just live without Google but moved to the microG project instead? I require following capabilities:
Fixing of the current location of my device both using GPS and/or WiFi or Mobile Data.
GCM Push Notifications.
Access to the Google PS, especially to have access to my paid applications, donations, and to beta programs of some applications I like.
Some of my preferred applications must have an indication that (a kind of) Google Play Services is available on the device in order to correctly function or even to be positively installed.
EDIT (2017-05-02): In regard to the use of the Magisk module "NanoMod" please refer to post #14!
First, I'm extremely happy with my "GAppsless" system - running smoothly without any problems and all functionalities I desired! I don't have benchmarks but personally I've the impression my current ROM is performing faster, smoother, simply better than with Gapps.
To achieve a location fix runs perfectly in all three modes (including energy saving mode just by WiFi or mobile network) and definitely much faster than with GApps; GCM push notifications work; BlankStore ran as advertised, all installed apps were indicated and available updates, download of apps or updates without problems, and as advertised paid apps or beta versions were not available. Latter was the one and only reason why I installed the Google PS as the only Google application. For the procedure please see below.
Installation was quite easily accomplished by simply following the OP of [APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services by @MaR-V-iN.
First, I ensured I'd both the Titanium Backup (TB) APK file and the TB Pro-Key APK file on my external storage the booted into recovery (in my case TWRP). I create a NANDROID backup by TWRP and then clean flashed my favourite ROM (in my case: Resurrection Remix® by @rodman01) i.e. wiped /dalvik, /cache, /system and /data (including internal storage - my Titanium backup is on external storage), factory reset. Flashed my favourite kernel, followed by flashing of Chainfire's SuperSU v2.76 (this is by my information the latest SuperSU by Chainfire himself. I refuse to go for the CCMT SuperSU v2.78, and I've issues with my kernel control application if I e.g. use phh's systemless SuperUser).
There no need any more to flash the Xposed framework through TWRP since @rovo89's version 3.1.1 of the XposedInstaller (this is true for my GT-I9305 and might be different to other devices/ROMs). In my case, the Xposed framework is absolutely necessary as my ROM does not support signature faking and I had to use the respective FakeGapps APK. Due to @Primokorn I became aware there are other tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat (until we have Xposed).
Reboot into system.
Remark: Quoted from MaR-V-iN's above linked thread: "...You need a 4/5/6 ROM that is GAPPS-free. Either don't install them or remove them, if your ROM ships them. Please note that microG GmsCore might run on a cleaned stock ROM, but it might also brick it or cause random bugs. Be aware that only latest Android versions (4.4+) are regularly tested and thus prioritized over older versions when issues occur..."
Completed my desired initial ROM setup and installed the TB APK and the Pro-Key APK. Made the necessary TB setup especially the location of my backups. Restored XposedInstaller and all initially required applications via TB but definitely include F-Droid and the application with a root explorer of your desire, I'm personally using SD Maid - System cleaning tool by @Dark3n (all others were restored after installation of microG). Please do not restore or install any application, which require GCM push notifications, before having installed microG! Performed the setup for all restored applications. Installed the Xposed framework via XposedInstaller. Reboot. Installed the FakeGapps APK and activated it in Xposed. Reboot.
I followed this procedure (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=42983611&postcount=306), downloaded the "android-checkin-1.0.jar" and "bla.bat" and generated an Android ID for my Google PS account. Please be advised about this information I received from @pupsidze: "Accounts created online does NOT work with this. I have registered an account via friend's phone and it worked like a charm..." This obviously means you must use an account that was formerly created through the Google PS on an Android device.
I downloaded following APKs on PC and moved them to my external storage:
microG Services Core
microG Services Framework Proxy
UnifiedNlp APK (This tool works for me; however, if you have problems there're two others available at this [URL="http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-g-unifiednlp-floss-wi-fi-cell-tower-t2991544"]UnifiedNlp - FLOSS Wi-Fi- and cell-tower-based geolocation thread by @MaR-V-iN as well as a link to a respective Xposed module). @Primokorn made me aware that you don't need to install UnifiedNlp.apk since it's already included into microG.
BlankStore Attention, you must manually grant "storage permissions" (thanks to @Primokorn
Install all of the above, then move into F-Droid to download the backends for UnifiedNlp as indicated in the above mentioned UnifiedNlp thread and install them. I'm personally using the two following backends: "LocalGsmNlpBackend" and "NominatimNlpBackend".
Follow step no. 4 of the installation instructions in the OP of [APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services by @MaR-V-iN. For the setup of the "LocalGsmNlpBackend", I'm using the database of "Mozilla Location Service" because the download of the OpenCellID database quite often broke down. Please be aware that the download takes quite a few time due to the size of the database (only do via WiFi!!!), and choose before the areas you interested in in order not to "overload" your storage! At this point, I rebooted then went in "BlankStore" or as it appeared as "Android Market" on my app list.
When you open "Android Market" the first time, it requires you to enter the credentials of your Google account. Enter your Google email address, Google password and the Android ID you generated earlier. If everything worked as advertised all your already installed applications should appear in the "Android Market" after you hit "installed apps".
I suggest to now run the self check in the microG settings. Before you do, ensure that location is enabled in the ROM settings otherwise you want get a tick mark in the last row of the check. If any other tick mark is missing just recheck your settings and especially if all permissions are granted.
When I was at the point to restore my remaining applications via TB, I wasn't initially able to restore 6 out of my about 100-ish applications; a new installation of these applications failed, too. Just by accident, I checked the homepage of one of these apps (Öffi) and realised that one of its requirements was to have a pre-installed Maps Library v1; however, they also offered an AOSP version, which was running without GApps but microG. This was for me the first indication not to have Maps Library v1 but only v2 installed.
I discovered (again) @MaR-V-iN's NOGAPPS Project (NetworkLocation, MapsAPI, Blank Store) thread, downloaded and flashed the Maps API Flashable Zip. All resistant applications were installable afterwards and are running properly.
Conclusion: If some apps can't be installed it's most likely due to missing Maps Library v1.
Last but not least, I manually installed Google PS by downloading its latest version from apkmirror.com and renamed it to Phonesky.apk. (EDIT (2017-03-25): Please be aware that @ale5000 recomments here to use version 5.1.11. Personally, I use the method described here for purchases in Google PS.) Then I created a folder called Phonesky via my root explorer in /system/priv-app/ and set its permissions to "755 (rwxr-xr-x)". I move the renamed Phonesky.apk into this folder and change its permissions to "644 (rw-r--r--)". Rebooted and was done.
After the reboot, I noticed the following:
The formerly "Android Market" (BlankStore) was no longer available in the app list but a "Play Store".
A Google account was available under ROM settings => Accounts; however, synchronisation was automatically disabled.
Via Google PS, my Google account was accessible including all purchases I did.
At "My Apps & Games" no apps were indicated under "installed apps", under "all apps" all my installed apps were shown and the ones not installed but downloaded in the past. No "beta" tab was shown.
In my "donation apps" (e.g. Amplify) the donation was again indicated.
I went to my Google account on Google Play Store (on my PC) and walked my way through all of my applications by clicking on "install" despite the indication that it was already installed. Obviously the applications apk's were again "beamed" to my device (and installed (???) again occasionally with a timely delay of about an hour). However, eventually the Play Store on the phone indicated all applications now also under "installed apps", if applicable updates were provided, the tab "beta" was created and I was back into all beta programs I had formerly joined. Play Store runs exactly the same as before when I had Gapps installed.
Meanwhile I experienced that Play Store automatically synchronises all my apps by itself i.e. I learnt to be patient.
Please advise if you believe I missed something or in case of any question! Be aware, I took my time to conduct all of the above; didn't do it in a single step i.e. I was running more or less two operating systems on my device simultaneously and switch back and forth. Now, I'm only (and will only be) staying on my "GAppsless" ROM!
P.S. Before you install one of the "directly linked" apk-files recheck if it's the current version!
CREDITS: To everybody who I mentioned in this OP or the subsequent posts. If I forgot someone I apologise. Please let me know in this case or if you want to be more prominently given credit; I'm happy to immediately follow such a request!
EDIT (2017-04-14): Please find a more brief procedure below at post #8.
Off topic comments are allowed as long they are generally related to the overall topic, are in the general interest of the followers of this thread and add value to the thread. The ultimate decision rests with me as the OP!

Hi @noc.jfcbs, did you get your Google Play Store app auto-updated?

@bam80: Negative, gratefully no Google Play Store auto-update!
I personally assume that functionality comes with Google Play Services that aren't installed obviously. I don't know (and I'm not going to try) if the Play Store auto-updates if I grant permission for auto-updates in the Play Store settings.
Occasionally, I manually check for new Play Store versions, and XDA labs also indicates when updates are available. However, I already realised that not all new versions are compatible with my device running on RR v5.7.4 Sammy. And as long as my current Play Store version works why should I replace it?

Never had problems with newest Play Store versions. I just thought that if Play Services were responsible for the update, now microg should take its place. Sadly, this functionality seems do not implemented. Had never needed to update Play Store by hand. Thanks for answer, though

Play Store has its own update services, hence the reason it still updates itself w/out Play Services. Sadly it doesn't have a setting to not do so. The do not auto update setting applies to apps installed from the store.
On one of my microG ROMs the Play Store kept updating itself which was getting quite annoying. Especially since I was using a TBO Clear version. Blocked the two services responsible and all is good. That's a KitKat ROM with a 7.6.x Play Store. Operating fine despite a new "need to update Google Services" notification.
On a regular GApped ROM that is using an older themed Play Store that I like it also kept getting updated. Blocked the services there and no updates since.
In some cases and for some folks, blocking the services after the fact might mess up the store a bit (nothing shows up in My Apps). Clearing cache and data usually fixes that.
On crDroid Nougat where I had to start over from scratch, due to ROM rebase, I blocked the services early on before activating Google account and running the store. All good there also.
The two services are shown in the screenshot from MyAndroidTools.
LG G3 D851, PAC-MAN LP ROM, MultiROM, Tapatalk 4.9.5

@marcdw: Thanks very much for the thorough explanation. In deed really helpful. However, my Play Store didn't auto-update despite both services been enabled. Anyhow, I disabled them too.

It's funny how that works sometimes. My main ROM, PAC-MAN LP that I've been running forever, also didn't update. No blocked services or anything. Just never did. That was cool. Other ROMs would update at the drop of a hat though.
LG G3 D851, OctOS Nougat ROM, MultiROM, Tapatalk 4.9.5

Just recently, about three weeks ago, we decided to also go for GApps-free on my wife's device (a Samsung GT-i9305, too).
I'd like to more briefly explain the procedure I used.
I clean flashed the ROM of my wife's desire (certainly a GApps-free one) and the desired kernel. Installed XposedInstaller 3.1.1 and through it the Xposed framework, followed by the FakeGapps Xposed module. Activation and reboot.
Please be aware that we're using the same Google account on both devices. At no point during the procedure, I had to generate an Android ID by "android-checkin-1.0.jar" and "bla.bat".
Downloaded following APK's in its latest versions from here and installed them in this order:
microG Services Core
microG Services Framework Proxy
BlankStore
Downloaded and installed F-Droid. In turn, I downloaded and installed following backends from F-Droid:
LocalGsmNlpBackend
NominatimNlpBackend
Configured the backends to my desire. For the setup of the "LocalGsmNlpBackend", I used the database of "Mozilla Location Service", selected the countries of my desire and downloaded the database (takes quite a while; suggest to only proceed via WiFi).
From apkmirror.com, downloaded (but did not install) "Google Play Store 7.5.08.M-all [0] [PR] 146162341" (personally best experiences with this version; some later version even don't install on our devices). Renamed the play store download to Phonesky.apk. Via my root explorer, I created a folder called Phonesky in /system/priv-app/ and set its permissions to "755 (rwxr-xr-x)". I move the renamed Phonesky.apk into this folder and change its permissions to "644 (rw-r--r--)". Rebooted.
Downloaded Maps API Flashable Zip from NOGAPPS Project (NetworkLocation, MapsAPI, Blank Store) and booted into TWRP. Flashed the zip, back into system.
Created a (our) Google account in the ROM settings.
Ensure that all applications mentioned above had their necessary permissions (e.g. location, storage etc.). Opened Google Play Store the first time to check its functionality and to modify its settings. Run the "self check" in the microG settings to confirm all items are tick-marked.
While writing this post, I realised that the Play Store was auto-updated to "Google Play Store 7.6.08.N-all [0] [PR] 149245622"! This is weird as I have the respective services disable via MyAndroidTools (see attached screenshot). I need to dig closer into this.

I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?

MichaelZR said:
I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had that issue too and still haven't got things working but I was able to create the account during play store installation. It might work, if all else is good.

elv1503 said:
I had that issue too and still haven't got things working but I was able to create the account during play store installation. It might work, if all else is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MichaelZR said:
I tried to do the same with my S4 I9505. I started with flashing Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2 from here. I followed your instructions carefully. After flashing MapsAPI I tried to add the Google account in Settings - Account - Add Account - Google. The only thing that happens is a message 'One short moment...' and it waits forever until I hit the back button. Do you have an idea what's going wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never tried to go for GApps-free on a "Nougat"-device. My favourite ROM (Ressurection Remix for the i9305) does not support signature spoofing i.e. I still require the Xposed framework (for the FakeGapps module but also for other very important things to me). I personally continue to stick with Marshmellow or to be more precisely with RR v5.7.4 (besides some trials I made with RR v5.8.x without any personal or confidential data on the device).
Does the ROM you mentioned (Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2) supports signature spoofing? Due to the issue you described I personally doubt - and in turn my personal procedure won't worked. If my assumption is correct you might use tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat.
Does the microG self-test provide any information if signature spoofing is available (please see screenshots)?

noc.jfcbs said:
I never tried to go for GApps-free on a "Nougat"-device. My favourite ROM (Ressurection Remix for the i9305) does not support signature spoofing i.e. I still require the Xposed framework (for the FakeGapps module but also for other very important things to me). I personally continue to stick with Marshmellow or to be more precisely with RR v5.7.4 (besides some trials I made with RR v5.8.x without any personal or confidential data on the device).
Does the ROM you mentioned (Optimized LineageOS 7.1.2) supports signature spoofing? Due to the issue you described I personally doubt - and in turn my personal procedure won't worked. If my assumption is correct you might use other tools like Needle or Tingle (just search for them) to get signature spoofing for Nougat.
Does the microG self-test provide any information if signature spoofing is available (please see screenshots)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a self test. It does show everything is OK for google play but I haven't been able to get play running. I'm going to try the market route but I need android I'd. I tried a couple of google apo versions.

elv1503 said:
Yes there is a self test. It does show everything is OK for google play but I haven't been able to get play running. I'm going to try the market route but I need android I'd. I tried a couple of google apo versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please check the last three pages of post in this microG thread. Might be helpful for problems of "Nougat" guys. As I said I'm still on MM (for very good reasons, but I know everybody converted to Nougat and will to "O" soon for even better reasons).

Resurrection Remix "Nougat" v5.8.3 is now GApps-free
Thanks to the really powerful and easy to use NanoMod Magisk module by @Setialpha powered by Magisk by @topjohnwu I was able to create a GApps-free system on my Samsung GT-i9305 running Resurrection Remix RR-N-v5.8.3 by @rodman01 (RR-i9305 official thread). Excluding download times, the following complete procedure took me less than one hour this morning, and - if interested - I'd like to share the way I used with you.
However, before I continue I need to address my very best compliments to rodman01 for such a superb ROM, to topjohnwu for the systemless root as it was the basis for going GApps free, and to Setialpha for this fantastic module, which made it so easy and fast to achieve a GApps-free device. Three times :good::good::good: and thanks very much to all of you for excellent jobs well done!
As you certainly know RR doesn't come with signature spoofing by itself, which is a prerequisite to go GApps-free with the help of microG by @MaR-V-iN. Thanks very much to MaR-V-iN for allowing me/us to abandon Google from my/our devices. Without Google, not only privacy is much better protected, the device itself runs much smoother and faster. As long as Xposed was available i.e. up to Marshmellow, signature spoofing could be achieve for RR via a Xposed module but for Nougat, no Xposed available (yet???). For this reason I stayed on RR-M till I found Setialpha's thread as he provides an easy-to-use tool to achieve signature spoofing on RR-N as long as use use the Magisk su-binary. However, as mentioned in the OP there've been other tools available to get the spoofing but not as easy to use.
Before you continue to follow me through my procedure, I'd like you to thoroughly read the OPs of all linked threads with their invaluable information.
Download the following files via the links given in above mentioned threads and save them to your device (I used my external SD):
Latest Resurrection Remix RR-N-v5.8.x
Latest Magisk and the MagiskManager.apk (link to XDA-thread see above).
EDIT (2017-04-30): Latest NanoMod-microG NanoMod-6.1.20170421.zip and NanoMod-patcher NanoMod-patcher-6.1.20170421.zip from here. Please be aware that there are two additional, more specific NanoMod-zips available. Use them on your own descretion; I personally like all the functionalities that come with the "overall/general" NanoMod module. EDIT (2017-04-30): My device had really severe battery drainage with the "overall" module. Battery drainage with the microG-module is not a factor at all. And I personally realised that I don't have any need for the additional things comming with the overall module. Reported my battery drainage issue together with a logcat to the dev.
If desired - mapsapi.flashable.zip from here (you only need that if you're using applications that require Maps Library v1. You won't be able to install any of those apps (or restore a TB backup) before Maps Library v1 has been flashed). EDIT (2017-04-30): No requirement to do so. Maps v1 is coming with the NanoMod module. Just ensure that /data/.nanomod-setup shows nanomod.mapsv1=1 as described in the OP of the Nanomod-thread.
If you like (as I did) create an update.zip by Titanium Backup. I saved that on my external SD, too.
Boot into recovery (I'm using TWRP 3.0.2-1) and follow this procedure:
Before you continue to do anything, create a NANDROID backup of your running system!
Wipe dalvik, cache, system, data (I did not wipe internal data or external SD).
Flash RR-N-v5.8.x.
Flash Magiskzip.
Reboot into system (Remark: The initial reboot might take a while i.e. grab a coffee; all follow-on reboots are slightly longer during the initial boot phase probably due to the revised boot.img but after that phase boot is really fast).
Install the MagiskManager.apk and start it. At that point, MagiskManager stated that Magisk v12 is installed but no root available. Here, I simply re-started the phone and afterwards, MagiskManager also indicated root to be available.
Re-start into recovery.
Flash NanoMod (or the module you desire) and NanoMod-patcher. Do not flash mapsapi.flashable.zip, yet - at least didn't later on work for me.
Flashed my TB-update.zip
Reboot into system and commence to setup your device with the initial ROM configuration that enables you to proceed (e.g. WiFi/mobile data setup, location enabled (I used "high"/GPS & data), required permissions granted to the microG applications and the connected backends etc.)
At this point I went into the microG settings and conducted the first self test to see how many marks were checked and what I still missed. If a check mark regarding a lacking permission is missing, just tick on it, and a dialog is going to open to grant this permission (later with the backends, it might also be a statusbar notification). For me I wanted achieve first the "location ability" i.e. I didn't care yet about the Google Play Store.
I maintained in the microG settings and setup my backends. My settings for the backends can be retrieved from the screenshots. Please be aware that the download of a GSM Location Services´database can take a while (my phone still had one from end of March available).
Re-check if in the self-test all marks are ticked, now.
By use of the app "GPS Test", conducted such a test. This was an unbelievable experience as such many satellites were recognised immediately after the start of the app and granting of location permissions, and just after 3 - 5 seconds I had the first fix.
Re-started into TWRP.
Flashed mapsapi.flashable.zip
Rebooted into system.
In the ROM settings, created my Google account without any problems. Immediate connection to the respective Google servers; user account and password were accepted without any problems.
Opened Google Play Store from the app drawer. Play Store immediate connected to my account. Made the necessary modification to the play store settings, and as you can see on the screen shot, all my apps are shown including beta's and the purchased ones.
Continued to further setup my system, but microG was done at that point, and my system was GApps-free except for the play store.
Thanks again to rodman01, topjohnwu, Setialpha, and MaR-V-i!:good:
EDIT (2017-06-10): Recommendation
In order to achieve after the clean flash of a ROM exactly the desired installation of microG (or anything else that is provided by one on the NanoMod modules, I suggest to create a so called ".nanomod-setup"-file with the values in accordance the OP of the NanoMod thread (see Alter Installation part) and your preferences. Although the OP mentions different possibilities, my personal pratice is to create this file once and have it on the extSD. I do the clean flash of the ROM and if required Magisk, and boot into system. I copy .nanomod-setup to /data, boot back into TWRP and flash my NanoMod-modules.
Mine e.g. looks like this:
Code:
nanomod.play=1
nanomod.reinstall=1
nanomod.mapsv1=1
nanomod.overlay=0
EDIT (2017-06-22): A few more details regarding the .nanomod-setup file are available in this post.
EDIT (2017-09-17): In case of "NLP issue", missing the bottom two tickmarks in the microG settings self-test or the unability to get a location from GSM cells/WiFi please check also post #48.
EDIT (2017-10-31): With the current version (v14.x) of Nanomod, installation is now even more easy. A setup-wizard to create the desired .nanomod-setup file is now available; it simply has to be flashed before any other Nanomod-zip is flashed. The new patcher can now be flashed immediately after flashing of the full module, the microG-module and/or the F-Droid-module; the patcher doesn't require a reboot into system anymore after the flash of the other modules. If Nanomod recognises Magisk Nanomod automatically gets installed as Magisk module unless you "tell" the setup-wizard differently.

@noc.jfcbs
Great write-up. One question though: seems you have abandoned XPrivacy as of now. Any privacy protecting measures taken from your side to replace XPrivacy? I am also tempted to switch to Nougat, but lack of XPrivacy is holding me back.

Portgas D. Ace said:
@noc.jfcbs
Great write-up. One question though: seems you have abandoned XPrivacy as of now. Any privacy protecting measures taken from your side to replace XPrivacy? I am also tempted to switch to Nougat, but lack of XPrivacy is holding me back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For quite a while I had the same restraints but I knew at some point I'd balance the advantages of XPrivacy (which isn't obviously any further developed) for privacy considerations with the non-availability of security patches for earlier custom ROMs. Anyhow, I want to use custom ROMs, and I fully do understand that the great teams and single-players who port open sources codes for our devices don't have the capability to focus on later versions; might be different for companies like Microsoft or Google with their genuine products.
So, I tried to analyse the situation and to assess the most likely but also the worst case situation. My personal assessment was that the advantages of having latest security patches available takes precedence over faking privacy related information. Nonetheless, I'm convinced to protect a suitable level of privacy by other means:
Stay GApps-free and don't allow calls to Mountain View by elemination of the phone boothes.
I don't use any of the email-, messenger-, chat-, or browser-application (etc.) coming from Google, Facebook and similar companies but R2Mail2 (K9-Mail is nearly as good but simply doesn't provide for S/MIME only for PGP), Conversations, Silence, Slimperience etc.
Installation only of applications that are open-source or at least have a good reputation using intensive web-search. This includes that the country of origin must be clearly identified and verifiable.
Due to the lack of XPrivacy and AppOpsXposed intensive use of the ROM capabilities to grant permissions and privacy settings.
WiFi and mobile data, both set to use unsuspicious DNS-servers.
Clear and restrictive permissions to access the world wide web by the different means via AFWall+.
Last but not least to check the network activities behind the firewall via NetworkLog.
No upload or synchronisation of personal data or any file to or with "the cloud". Synchronisation and backups locally done with my PC.
Only maintain personal data but no confidential ones on the cellular device. Passwords or user names are not saved on the device at all.
Localisation is only enabled when definitely required.
Use of an extremely privacy related email-provider. I use Posteo.de who are in my personal mind simply the very best for just 1€ per month. Their help section additionally provides great advice on tools for contacts, calendar synchronisation etc.
Actually, I'd love if Xposed occasionally becomes available for Nougat and further on to enable me the further utilisation of XPrivacy and others. But meanwhile, I think all mentioned above is the best I can do as I do want to use a Nougat-based ROM.
I was happy about your question, and I'd be even more glad about any further suggestion or recommendation.

@noc.jfcbs
Clearly some good thoughts you have stated here, which I really appreciate. Xposed in general should only be used with a lot of caution as it enables device manipulation on a far more advanced level than normal root methods. Your idea of investing time to get to know the module before installing it is absolutely reasonable and should be followed by anyone interested in the combination of privacy and Xposed.
The only thing bugging me is synchronization of calendar/contacts, which should be synchronized between all of my devices. As of now, I use Google services, but I am more than willing to put an end to this. I am currently thinking about using my private NAS to set up an OwnCloud server for this specific purpose or even invest some money in a Raspberry Pi who can host it (which would most likely be the better choice as my NAS should only be available in my local network without global network access).
If you are interested, I will write down some results in case this works out. But I am not sure if I will find the time in the next few months, as I am currently planning to start building a house for me and my family, thus not having enough time for this.

Portgas D. Ace said:
...
The only thing bugging me is synchronization of calendar/contacts, which should be synchronized between all of my devices. As of now, I use Google services, but I am more than willing to put an end to this. I am currently thinking about using my private NAS to set up an OwnCloud server for this specific purpose or even invest some money in a Raspberry Pi who can host it (which would most likely be the better choice as my NAS should only be available in my local network without global network access).
If you are interested, I will write down some results in case this works out. But I am not sure if I will find the time in the next few months, as I am currently planning to start building a house for me and my family, thus not having enough time for this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your plans sound great: Plant a tree, father a child, build a house...:good: I wish you and your family all the best.
If interested please allow me to explain how I synchronise my calendar and contacts:
My cell phone with my two notebooks via the MyPhoneExplorer (MPE) application on the Android device and an MPE client on the Windows notebooks. Using this tool now with full satisfaction for years. At home, I synchronise via WiFi when all devices are booked in; on tour, I only synch those devices I've with me and only via USB cable.
My (main) notebook (only that as I only have a license for one PC; however, that's sufficient for my purposes) synchronises with my posteo.de-email-acount via the tool iCal4OL. It's a pity, the developer cancelled the purchase of licenses to new customers but still supports old ones and updates the product. The tool works great. If you check how posteo.de has implemented privacy and security, I believe it's the actually best company in Germany or probably in the world. You do not need to provide any personal details for registration, even the yearly fee of 12 € can be paid in cash by mail if you want. The account has implemented multiple, first class and up-to-date security features. And their help and FAQ sections are fantastic providing great recommendations about usable tools, encryption for the account but also emails and so on.
My wife's Android device synchronises calendar and contact by the help of CalDAV and CardDAV. Also fantastic and every cent worth. Additionally, she also uses MPE with her notebook.
Raspberry Pi is certainly an excellent choice. Read some quite interesting articles in the Kuketz IT-Security Blog.

noc.jfcbs said:
Buddy, you made me shy... But thanks for the laurel wreath...
I know neither Nexus nor your ROM but I certainly know the ROM must be totally GApps free before even installing microG. If you don't find a GApps-free ROM of your desire there are ways to completely remove GApps from your device; personally I deem them to be a bit complicated, but... Details are in the OP of the microG thread you certainly know. Additionally, signature spoofing is a prerequisite. Unless your ROM already supports that you've to go either with Xposed and its respective "fake GApps" module or to use Magisk as the SU binary and NanoMod as a Magisk module. As Xposed is not available for Nougat, Magisk and NanoMod are my personal choice despite a few other tools available to achieve signature spoofing on Nougat.
In this thread, I tried to explain why and how I went for GApps free. Initially, this occured on Resurrection Remix (RR) v5.7.4 i.e. Marshmellow. Meanwhile, I migrated to RR v.5.8.3 i.e. Nougat, and in this post I described how I used Magisk and NanoMod to go GApps free even without Xposed.
Just to reiterate: My personal major intention for going GApps-free has been to leave everything of Google behind (except the Play Store) for privacy reasons and respect. Certainly, I'd accept any other benefit coming with that. However, after a quite long "GApps-free" period, I cannot confirm that battery endurance has really enhanced but I can confirm that at least my personal device and my wife's one are running much smoother and quite often faster than during their GApps-times.
Please advice in case of further questions; however, I suggest to use my above linked thread for that as I'm not monitoring this thread for obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just pretty much searched through /system for anything with Google in it ?
It worked, and I now have microG. I also then used an Xposed module (InstallerOpt) like you suggested (Magisk won't work with a locked bootloader). Thanks for the help!

PorygonZRocks said:
I just pretty much searched through /system for anything with Google in it ?
It worked, and I now have microG. I also then used an Xposed module (InstallerOpt) like you suggested (Magisk won't work with a locked bootloader). Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad that you worked it out. No need to post a thanks! ...just hit the "Thanks"-button...

[ROM][7.1.2][AOSP+CAF] halogenOS for falcon [OMS][24/06][DISCONTINUED]

{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Android, Reimagined.
For the best experience, view the thread on a web browser like Chromium or Firefox.
Desktop: Brilliant. Mobile: Good. Tapatalk: OK. XDA-Labs: Horrible.
Code:
YOU are doing modifications to your device.
YOU are responsible for what you do.
We are not responsible for any damages, data loss or any type of unexpected,
bad or damaging results! If you have **SERIOUS** problems with this software,
please contact the developers or maintainers. We are not liable for anything
bad that happens to your device.
Some people occasionally describe them as heroes.
Don't be stupid and bet on that though, please be responsible for what you do.
We prohibit you from overclocking to 1337 GHz, thinking that an OEM would
replace your glorious space heater etc.
We recommend you to take the advice above regardless.
halogenOS Checklist
Although no data should be lost or damaged by the flashing process,
we advise you to follow the following steps if you are coming from another rom:
Please take a full nandroid backup!
Please copy your back up to an external device.
Backing up your Internal Storage is also recommended.
When completed, please clean flash the build!
Although you usually can dirty flash halogenOS over other ROMs, considering the other
ROM has the same Android version, it is not guaranteed. In case of serious
crashes please do a clean flash.
If you get app crashes after dirty flashing over XOS 6 or another ROM, please just
clear the app data of those apps, and it should work fine then.
XOS is a new generation cutting-edge OS for Android based on Code Aurora Forum releases.
What is XOS?
halogenOS, also known as XOS is a new Android ROM which ships with the global aim to
become a modular ROM which keeps as high as potentially possible operating
performance on your mobile device while still maintaining a sufficient feature
base of nice, small and minimal features that would not be available via any
external feature base, extension, mod or plugin.
We hope you have a truly halogenified experience!
Internals of XOS
At core, the ROM is composed mainly of components from CodeAuroraForums (CAF),
featuring only extremely minor set of components from CyanogenMod (CM) which
have been added to source in order to allow for better cross-device compatibility.
Our LOVE to others
A huge thanks goes to those behind the CodeAuroraForums (CAF), the CyanogenMod
organization and all of its
contributors for the sources used in the development of the base ROM which we
started with inclusive of all the work and dedication their team puts in order to
keep us updated on the awesome contributions that they make.
We will be keen on ensuring that we be up to date with the code from our base sources,
with regular ROM updates hopefully coming from time to time.
Please do not ask for ETA's (else you shall be spooked by Mr Skeltal). Almost all of us are
students, and with the current lifestyles and routines we have, it is not that easy to acquire
time to develop the ROM, though we'll be sure to keep you updated and release OTAs as
soon as they are available and ready for publication. If you want to be really updated quick,
then join us on Telegram: http://telegram.me/halogenos
Visit our website for features such as: Downloads, Information etc.
http://halogenos.org
(Not finished yet)
​
Common stuff
Highlights:
Reworked Lockscreen Visualizer
Modern Services -> Google Assistant etc.
Substratum
Full media support (FFMPEG, video codecs, ...)
Great Audio quality, no distortions, no crap
Optimized many portions of the system including surfaceflinger, inputflinger, System Server, and more
Super fast boot
Superuser-capable
Great battery life
Soundmod support (not all soundmods work on Nougat, it's not our fault)
addon.d support (backups your gapps etc. when flashing new build - don't wipe system before flashing!)
init.d support
BusyBox
Super smooth
Signature Spoofing toggle (Support for MicroG)
Support for trusted third-party WebViews like Chrome
Long press on home for assist toggle
Kernel optimizations
OpenGapps (Mini/Micro/Nano recommended) and Banks GApps support
Dexpreopt for faster (first) boot time and less space consumption on data partition
Upgrade & Boot the ROM in just 5 minutes - no more endless waiting for flashing a new build
Very high compatibility with other ROMs
How to update the ROM:
Download the latest zip
Reboot into TWRP (Please use official TWRP)
Do not wipe anything
Flash the ROM
Optional : Flash GApps and/or SuperSU
Reboot
You don't need to wipe Cache/Dalvik.
You don't need to flash gapps again. There is some magic going on which keeps your GApps. Just make sure that you don't wipe system before flashing.
You don't need more than 5 minutes.
@regalstreak
@xdvs23 (actually xdevs23, but that was already taken on XDA)
@sewer56lol
@jbw716
@marpe
@dango99
@hunter_bruhh
@MSF Jarvis
@keessonnema
ROM Download Links
Download halogenOS now
ROM Sources
Can be found @ halogenOS GitHub Organisation.
Moto G 2013
Device Tree
MSM8226-Common
Kernel Source
Vendor
Join our
Telegram group
Telegram News Channel
Telegram Off-Topic Group
Credits
CodeAurora
CyanogenMod
@CurioZuk
And everyone else who contributed and helps us!
In case you feel left out here, please contact us!​
XDA:DevDB Information
halogenOS, ROM for the Moto G
Contributors
Rahif M
Source Code: https://github.com/halogenos
ROM OS Version: 7.x Nougat
ROM Kernel: Linux 3.4.x
Based On: CAF
Version Information
Status: No Longer Updated
Created 2017-02-11
Last Updated 2018-10-06

Reserved

Wow! good to see some new ROM for falcon. I have a doubt, as mentioned the steps to flash the ROM without wiping is only for updating the ROM version, right? Now I'm on RR 5.8.1, so to move to this ROM I'll just wipe clean Cache, data, system and then flash ROM+Gapps - correct?
Edit: Sorry for the fuss, I read the whole post again found what I needed, thanks anyways, will try this ROM soon.

So this was the rom i had no clue about in the AFH falcon section.
#FalconIsImmortal

Sorry not clear for me, I can perform a dirty flash from other rom or I must dirty flash?
Can I just clean install?

Guillosd said:
Sorry not clear for me, I can perform a dirty flash from other rom or I must dirty flash?
Can I just clean install?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always clean flash coming from other roms.

Not sure why the instructions are telling people to dirty flash.

Fupri said:
Not sure why the instructions are telling people to dirty flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dirty flash if you are updating the rom, it means only if you are already on Halogen OS.
Otherwise clean flash.

REALLY smooth
Bugs: lantern not working
Didnt like: not being able to take out the adaptive brightness button next to brightness slider in QS
Boot time (restart) only takes about 40seconds, amazing!

Very nice ROM.
Camera is also not working.
And I wasn't able to flash open_gapps-arm-7.1-nano-20170212.zip
Code:
Additional Space Required | 70192

Untot said:
Very nice ROM.
Camera is also not working.
And I wasn't able to flash open_gapps-arm-7.1-nano-20170212.zip
Code:
Additional Space Required | 70192
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use latest dynamic-gapps mini

>signature spoofing (microG support)
Oh, yeaaaah. The greatest of cherries to be on top, if you catch my drift.
Unless my reading comprehension is worse than I thought, there is no mention of over-the-air updates (the ever-lovely OpenDelta). So, it's not available? Not that I particularly care, but I find it's absence curious.
Sent from my ECS TR10RS1 using XDA Labs

Bludwurst said:
>signature spoofing (microG support)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate on the uses of signature spoofing, microG, how do you use it and for what?

alkeshgamer said:
Can you elaborate on the uses of signature spoofing, microG, how do you use it and for what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Signature spoofing is a feature that lets apps, well, spoof the signatures of other apps (see attached picture: the FakeStore app — what is otherwise an empty app with no actual functionality — "disguises" itself as the genuine Google Play Store, getting rid of apps' whining that Google Play Services isn't installed; similarly, the microG Services are detected as the genuine Play Services, allowing microG and its unique functions to be used instead).
This feature is implemented as a hidden additional permission you have to manually grant apps that request it (you never get request popups, so it's unlikely you'll accidentally end with a rogue app doing Bad Things). Depending on the ROM, you might have to additionally toggle a hidden switch to enable the feature (I never got around trying this ROM; I'll do so once the camera is fixed, so I cannot tell you if it's the case here).
Thus far, MicroG and related apps of the project are the only ones that should appear once installed.
MicroG is a free (on both meanings of the word; as in free beer and as in freedom) reimplementation of the famous Google Play Services and Framework. It's mostly for people concerned with their privacy, who wish to get rid of (or at least severely reduce) Google's influence on their device.
Also, it's much more battery friendly.
MicroG has its own XDA thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-microg-gmscore-floss-play-services-t3217616/
Here's a nice site with plenty of info: https://shadow53.com/no-gapps/

Bludwurst said:
>signature spoofing (microG support)
Oh, yeaaaah. The greatest of cherries to be on top, if you catch my drift.
Unless my reading comprehension is worse than I thought, there is no mention of over-the-air updates (the ever-lovely OpenDelta). So, it's not available? Not that I particularly care, but I find it's absence curious.
Sent from my ECS TR10RS1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bludwurst said:
Signature spoofing is a feature that lets apps, well, spoof the signatures of other apps (see attached picture: the FakeStore app — what is otherwise an empty app with no actual functionality — "disguises" itself as the genuine Google Play Store, getting rid of apps' whining that Google Play Services isn't installed; similarly, the microG Services are detected as the genuine Play Services, allowing microG and its unique functions to be used instead).
This feature is implemented as a hidden additional permission you have to manually grant apps that request it (you never get request popups, so it's unlikely you'll accidentally end with a rogue app doing Bad Things). Depending on the ROM, you might have to additionally toggle a hidden switch to enable the feature (I never got around trying this ROM; I'll do so once the camera is fixed, so I cannot tell you if it's the case here).
Thus far, MicroG and related apps of the project are the only ones that should appear once installed.
MicroG is a free (on both meanings of the word; as in free beer and as in freedom) reimplementation of the famous Google Play Services and Framework. It's mostly for people concerned with their privacy, who wish to get rid of (or at least severely reduce) Google's influence on their device.
Also, it's much more battery friendly.
MicroG has its own XDA thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-microg-gmscore-floss-play-services-t3217616/
Here's a nice site with plenty of info: https://shadow53.com/no-gapps/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow this was pretty informative. Thanks for your knowledge, will try this someday

Bludwurst said:
Signature spoofing is a feature that lets apps, well, spoof the signatures of other apps (see attached picture: the FakeStore app — what is otherwise an empty app with no actual functionality — "disguises" itself as the genuine Google Play Store, getting rid of apps' whining that Google Play Services isn't installed; similarly, the microG Services are detected as the genuine Play Services, allowing microG and its unique functions to be used instead).
This feature is implemented as a hidden additional permission you have to manually grant apps that request it (you never get request popups, so it's unlikely you'll accidentally end with a rogue app doing Bad Things). Depending on the ROM, you might have to additionally toggle a hidden switch to enable the feature (I never got around trying this ROM; I'll do so once the camera is fixed, so I cannot tell you if it's the case here).
Thus far, MicroG and related apps of the project are the only ones that should appear once installed.
MicroG is a free (on both meanings of the word; as in free beer and as in freedom) reimplementation of the famous Google Play Services and Framework. It's mostly for people concerned with their privacy, who wish to get rid of (or at least severely reduce) Google's influence on their device.
Also, it's much more battery friendly.
MicroG has its own XDA thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-microg-gmscore-floss-play-services-t3217616/
Here's a nice site with plenty of info: https://shadow53.com/no-gapps/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wich are the cons?

alkeshgamer said:
Wow this was pretty informative. Thanks for your knowledge, will try this someday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am glad to have helped. Feel free ask me anything else (although I'm not an *expert* in the matter, I do have microG set up and running )
Guillosd said:
Wich are the cons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a bit of a pain to set up; signature spoofing is not supported by the vast majority of ROMs (you can patch a ROM to add support for it, but again, it can be a bit of a pain since you'd have to repatch every time you upgrade the ROM (dirty flash or OpenDelta OTA)); some Play Services features aren't yet implemented (see the microG website for details) — this includes contact and calendar syncing (although you can separately install the respective Google Sync apks and they work fine; but it can be distressing at first. Also, alternatives such as DAVdroid are available).
You might run into issues getting certain things to work properly (the infamous "stuck at 'Just a sec...' screen" and "asks me to add an account already on my device" some people experience).
It might sound daunting, but I think it's worth it if you have the time to spare.
...but we are getting off topic, aren't we?
Sent from my Moto G using XDA Labs

awesome rom
i installed the micro g app and should i need to download apps seperately
to work , as i could not find any apps .
explain briefly what to do after installing the 3apps like micro g, gsf app etc..
i was bit confused ,
if u have any ppt /screen shots attach this step by step or having a video recording give me the link

chsr said:
awesome rom
i installed the micro g app and should i need to download apps seperately
to work , as i could not find any apps .
explain briefly what to do after installing the 3apps like micro g, gsf app etc..
i was bit confused ,
if u have any ppt /screen shots attach this step by step or having a video recording give me the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a PM.
Sent from my Moto G using XDA Labs

Bludwurst said:
Sent you a PM.
Sent from my Moto G using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent receiced any PM to my mail

[Guide] Better Battery Life With Google Apps + MicroG Mixed System

Hi guys, this is my first post about dev-ish stuff. Cause I didn’t something like that. So, lets get started...
As you know Android 10 has huge battery drain because of Google Play Services. Before that, I got nearly %40 of background usage. Then I start searching to fix that issue. I tried Magisk modules, moded apks but non of them work properly for me. Then, I want to use MicroG but I need Google Play Store, Google Contacts, Google Dialer etc. So, I made a mix of this solutions. That is what I did:
Before everything don’t forget that: I’m not responsible of anything that can brick or harm your devices. You can do these steps if your phone has signature spoofing ability.
1)Clean install ROM with GAPPS package. (I strongly recommend to use stock-ish ROMS like Los, Aex, Cr-Droid etc.)
2)Boot your phone, skip setup wizard then reboot to recovery again.
3)Mount /system partition and go Advanced -> File Manager -> System (folder)
4)Look into app, priv-app and /product/app, /product/priv-app folders.
5)Remove these folders: MatchmakerPrebuilt, Turbo, WellbeingPrebuilt, PrebuiltGmsCore, GooglePartnerSetup, Velvet, GoogleServicesFramework, CalendarGooglePrebuilt.
6)Reboot your phone
7)Download latest Nanodroid release from here and extract that with some zip utility. Find these apps: GmsCore, GsfProxy, nlpBackendApple, nlpBackendNominatim. Move these apks to phone and install all of them with the same order. Open MicroG settings and grant all permissions, disable battery optimization. Open Settings -> Apps -> Apple Backend -> Permissions -> Allow GPS always.
8)Now reboot recovery then install Magisk.
9)Open Magisk and install Aurora Module from this link
10)Reboot phone then open Aurora Services. Grant permissions and allow Play store under Whitelist.
11)Now, we need to install F-Droid app (I recommend AuroraDroid), add Nanolx and MicroG repos. Check for updates. If there is an update for MicroG or it’s components, update them.
12)Reboot your phone one last time and open MicroG settings app. Login with your Google account. In Google device registration make the status ON. In Google Cloud Messaging make receive push notifications status ON and click three dot menu on right cornerand enter advanced. Make confirm new apps status to OFF. Go back to MicroG main menu and enter Google safetynet and make it’s status to ON. Last step: Go location modules and make everything ON and configure their settings for your current location.
13)Now clean Google Play Store app cache and data then open it.
14)DONE. Now you can install your apps (premium and free).
Problems:
1.Some apps won’t work like Google Calendar, Grasshopper or Google Keep etc.
2.If you want to use Google Contacts and Dialer with Google Sync, you should install them in first step (with gapps or gapps included rom)
3.If you still can’t see your contacts open settings -> accounts -> google -> Account sync -> make contacts status ON then reboot.
4.If you still can’t see contacts check Google Contacts app. There is couple things can cause that like maybe you didn’t choose your default account or maybe you didn’t select the visible account for MicroG etc.
5. If you want to update your ROM with dirty flash, make sure to delete apps -said in fifth step- THEN reboot. If you don’t do it, you should start all steps from beginning and also your ROM may not boot.
Questions:
1.Why are we installing these apps manually, why don’t we just flash the NanoDroid.zip?
- Because of saving some apps from deletion and make easier to ROM updates with dirty flash.
2.Why don’t you build a zip file for must-remove Google apps?
- Actually, IDK how.. I’m not a programmer or developer or something like that. If someone can make a little bloatware-removal zip, that will be very nice but don’t forget, maybe you can find these apps in different folders in your system. Some ROMs has their unique directory or something like that.
3.Gboard says that it needs GMS, what should I do?
- Nothing, it works like a charm. Just ignore it.
Now, I can use my phone nearly 36h per charge.(Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Exynos) That is a huge change. Try and tell me what do you think. If you got trouble with some steps, write in comments. I’ll try to reply them.
Thanks for:
-Nanolx for Nanodroid Project
-Aurora Team for Aurora Services and AuroraDroid App
-MicroG team for MicroG project
You can buy me a coffe if you want. Just click here and see your options.
Note for mods: If I made something wrong, please tell me. That is my first pre-professional topic. I want to fix my wrong. Thanks...

Frankly, the word-of-mouth stories are useless. If we don't get hard data, no one should follow a random guide on xda.

Thank you for your guide, might be looking in to it.
But even if not it's nice that you get time and energy and I bet some people already used it

What is the best OnePlus 6 ROM to you and why? Which are most privacy/security conscious? Recomemdations please!

I havent installed a custom ROM since cyangenmod/LineageOS on my OnePlus One, which I loved. Now I have LineageOS 10.3.10 on a OnePlus 6.
I am sick of google and stock/OEM androids data gathering and increasing enroachment and would like to prevent it as much as possible without completely gimping my system.
Possibly use something like a protonmail email account instead if thats poasible or just no google account. I would still like to use the apps from the playstore, especially those i bought.
I want to debloat and disconnect as much as possible. No okay google. No telemetry. No uploading my data. Can i do this while still using the playstore or will that interfere and require my account? Is there a workaround, and no im not asking for illegal references. Using my bank app would also be handy but not necessary.
I would love the option to totally disconnect from bluetooth and wifi/other radio deilvices on my home network etc. I do not want to connect to other devices.
Im out the loop here, recommendations are massively appreciated.
FTR Im aware of GrapheneOS and the associated Jaguar on here but im wondering if its too much and how that might play out.
Any help or links to guides or articles is much appreciated.
Hopefully im not breaking any rules, although I checked and couldnt see that was the case.
Cheers people.

Candiety said:
I havent installed a custom ROM since cyangenmod/LineageOS on my OnePlus One, which I loved. Now I have LineageOS 10.3.10 on a OnePlus 6.
I am sick of google and stock/OEM androids data gathering and increasing enroachment and would like to prevent it as much as possible without completely gimping my system.
Possibly use something like a protonmail email account instead if thats poasible or just no google account. I would still like to use the apps from the playstore, especially those i bought.
I want to debloat and disconnect as much as possible. No okay google. No telemetry. No uploading my data. Can i do this while still using the playstore or will that interfere and require my account? Is there a workaround, and no im not asking for illegal references. Using my bank app would also be handy but not necessary.
I would love the option to totally disconnect from bluetooth and wifi/other radio deilvices on my home network etc. I do not want to connect to other devices.
Im out the loop here, recommendations are massively appreciated.
FTR Im aware of GrapheneOS and the associated Jaguar on here but im wondering if its too much and how that might play out.
Any help or links to guides or articles is much appreciated.
Hopefully im not breaking any rules, although I checked and couldnt see that was the case.
Cheers people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then microG is for you. You can try OmniROM microG build. MicroG is a substitute to google play services. You will use open source apps instead of google apps. But OmniROM's xda thread is outdated but the download link is still active and the microG version is still updated. You can also search for custom ROM which which is microG compatible primarily with signature spoofing feature and vanilla build (no GApps)

tiga016 said:
Then microG is for you. You can try OmniROM microG build. MicroG is a substitute to google play services. You will use open source apps instead of google apps. But OmniROM's xda thread is outdated but the download link is still active and the microG version is still updated. You can also search for custom ROM which which is microG compatible primarily with signature spoofing feature and vanilla build (no GApps)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate, I really appreciate this reply. Could you explIain signature spoofing a bit? Also, Does GApps present problems these days (or always)?
Thanks again.

Candiety said:
Hey mate, I really appreciate this reply. Could you explIain signature spoofing a bit? Also, Does GApps present problems these days (or always)?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Signature spoofing allows fake signatures for packages meaning it will pretend to has google services but not real google. Better to flash custom ROM microG than custom ROM vanilla and manually setup microG to prevent error. GApps have privacy issues, battery drain, etc. But I don't mind that because I need to use GApps in my work. If time comes that microG has full alternative to GApps maybe I can adapt to that.