Database Info

[Extension] Updated version of the APK Downloader Chrome Extension

What is it?
This is an updated (and slightly modified) version of redphx's awesome Google Chrome extension APK Downloader.
It allows you to download APKs from the Play Store webpage via your desktop browser directly onto your computer.
The original version stopped working as of Google Chrome version 20+ because starting with this Chrome version, all Google Chrome extension require to use the manifest version 2. When I noticed, I checked the author's page for any updates. But there were no updates on that.
Update: Earlier, I said that the original APK Downloader extension stopped working because it uses Manifest version 1 and that Google Chrome dropped support for all extensions that use Manifest version 1.
However, gt573 noted that he can still use the original extension (v1.2.1) with Chrome 21.
So, I checked again the Manifest version 1 support schedule and I found that I was wrong there. Manifest version 1 was announced deprecated with the release of Chrome 18, but will be partitially supported until "early 2013".
Nethertheless, the original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) does not work for me since my Chrome was update to 21.0.1180.60 m. The extension constantly throws content security policy exceptions when trying to download any App, which prevents the extension from working at all. Additionally, this is the error message I get on the extension page:
{
"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"
}
And according to the recent comments on the author's webpage, there's a bunch of other users who have/had the same problem with v1.2.1 within the last days. (For a detailed explanation of manifest version changes in Chrome and what that means for the original APK Downloader, click here to read the full story.)
So: If APK Downloader v1.2.1 stopped working for you, feel free to use this updated version.​
What was changed?
So.. Basically, this is the original APK Downloader v1.2.1 extension for the Google Chrome browser, downloaded from the author's - redphx - webpage. However, these are the changes that I made:
As of version 1.3.0
Updated the extension manifest version from 1 to 2
Replaced deprecated functions in JavaScript and references in manifest.json
Changed JavaScript formatting from compressed to "Pretty Print" (so that the source code is readable for everybody)
Removed Google Analytics Code (Sorry redphx, all credits to you! But using GA for this, without even anonymizing the User IPs, is a No-Go as I think).
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar) from the author's webpage to a local domain "http://localhost/[..]".
Removed all other "extra" code, that was not used for the actual functionality.
Replaced extension icons.
As of version 1.3.1
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar) from"http://localhost/[..]" to this thread's URL, because v1.3.0 required a local web server to be running for the extension in order to function.
As of version 1.3.2
Changed the download redirect Url (when clicking the icon in the Url bar). Instead of open a new tab, as of version 1.3.2 it will simply reload the current Play Store URL and start the download!
As of version 1.3.3
Fixed redirect bug, introduced in version 1.3.2
Major code clean up (reduced number of files from 16 to 12).
As of version 1.3.4
Improved new reload function to support Play Store URLs that contain a hash key already.
Get Started - Download
To install the extension the steps are as follows: download and extract the following zip archive to your computer.
Direct download link:
apkdownloader-1.3.1.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.2.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.3.zip
apkdownloader-1.3.4.zip​
How to set up?
After you extracted the downloaded zip file to your computer, open Google Chrome and go to the extension page; you can copy and paste into the Url bar: chrome://chrome/extensions/
Load it
Now, enable "Developer mode" and load the "APK Downloader"-extension from the directory where you extracted it to.
Set it up - Google-Account
To be able to download from the Play Store, you need to authenticate all requests. Therefore you need to "log in to your Google Account" at the extension's option page.
On the extension's options page, log in with your Google-Account (email-address and password) - the same Account that you used with your device! Also, you will need your Android Device-Id (which is part of the algorithm to generate a valid request key).
Note: Basically this is not a "login" in the common sense. Your credentials are stored safely in Chrome's local data storage - on your own computer!!!
Set it up - Android Device-Id
To get your Android Device-Id, type in the dialer of your phone...
Code:
*#*#8255#*#*
*#*#TALK*#*#
... and you will get the "GTalk Service Monitor" screen like the following. Search for "DEVICE-ID:". Everything that comes after "android-", that is your Device-Id.
OR
Use my App "Android Device-ID"
(Almost) Done
The extension is now available and ready set up. However, you need to follow 1 more step to actually use it; you need to disable SSL warnings. Therefore please read on at the original APK Downloader page at: http://codekiem.com/2012/02/24/apk-downloader/​
Credits
All credits for the extension goes to redphoenix89 (or redphx @xda)! It's his code - I did only cosmetics.​
Legal Note / Disclaimer
Finally, please note that the use of this Chrome extension is violating Google's Play Store TOS! You've been warned.​

As Wesnam pointed out the version 1.3.0 requires a local webserver to be running in order for the extension to work. I fixed that, so everybody can use it. Please download version 1.3.1 (click here).

APK downloader 1.2.1 seemed to work just as well on google chrome 21 as your 1.3.1. Neither will download the IBM think tablet app, which is a free app. I get an error with both extensions. Any idea if there is a fix?

Looks good, thx. Was always a bit worried about it using his server.
To everyone: I checked the code and there's no suspicious stuff in there, just what's expected to be there (a number of calls to the Market). 100% legit.

gt573 said:
APK downloader 1.2.1 seemed to work just as well on google chrome 21 as your 1.3.1. Neither will download the IBM think tablet app, which is a free app. I get an error with both extensions. Any idea if there is a fix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a difference in the way they do not work. Original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) doesn't work at all. Mine doesn't work if there're server-side validations to be passed, such as country limitation, device limitation or screen size limitation (and of course you can download only free apps). For the IBM app there's a limit for the screen resolution. So you need to have a device registered with the same email address you use for the extension, that is compatible with the app's screen resolution minimum: A screen width of 800 pixels or more and screens classified as Xlarge. Do you match these criteria?

I just installed v1.2.1 last night and a quick test verified that it was able to download apps with my current version of google chrome (21). I only downloaded one app and it was one by the extension developer, I don't know if that makes a difference. Anyway, it wouldn't download the app I was after (IBM think) which is what brought me here. I was able to download another tablet app with your extension that the market tells me is not compatible with my device so I thought it would bypass the device and screen limitations. My device(Galaxy note sgh-i717) has 800 x 1280 resolution. It is running android 4.0.4. I changed the dpi to 160 in build.prop to match xlarge, still no go. Just for full disclosure (not asking for build.prop help here) I have tried modifying my build.prop to make my sgh-i717 appear as a Tab 10.1, but it didn't work, it still show as an sgh-i717 in the market.
Bexton said:
There's a difference in the way they do not work. Original APK Downloader (v1.2.1) doesn't work at all. Mine doesn't work if there're server-side validations to be passed, such as country limitation, device limitation or screen size limitation (and of course you can download only free apps). For the IBM app there's a limit for the screen resolution. So you need to have a device registered with the same email address you use for the extension, that is compatible with the app's screen resolution minimum: A screen width of 800 pixels or more and screens classified as Xlarge. Do you match these criteria?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

gt573 said:
I just installed v1.2.1 last night and a quick test verified that it was able to download apps with my current version of google chrome (21).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. But I checked back and according to the Manifest version 1 support schedule, the support for v1 extensions is not yet dropped - unlike I said in OP. According to the schedule the support will be dropped in "early 2013". Thus, APK Downloader v1.2.1 should still work as it did all the time; also with the latest Chrome versions. Now, to explain you why I said/thought it was:
The thing is that I used v1.2.1 almost every day and I never had problems to download Apps, except for a few that were labeled as non-compatible with my devices in the play store. (I will come back on that later..) Then, a few days ago, the extension just stopped working without me making any changes. So I opened Chrome's developer console and saw that the extension threw some content security policy errors fired by the extension's Javascript code.
Then I checked the author's website and saw a lot of recent comments by users having the same issue - that the extension just stopped working for them.
Since I've developed a few Chrome extensions myself, I remembered that the changelog between Manifest 1 and 2 includes a new content security policy and also that Manifest 1 was announced deprecated in Chrome 18.
So I checked my Chrome version and saw that it was updated just that morning (from 20.x to 21.0.1180.60 m). Hence, I thought that the exceptions, thrown by the extension, were due to the "fact" that the old content security policy, which was used before Manifest version 2, was unsupported with that Chrome-Update.
So I updated the extension's source code to use Manifest version 2. Finally, I had no more content security policy exceptions in the dev console and the downloads worked again.
And because there was no update by redphx and I've seen a lot of users had the same issue, I thought I'd share it here.
To cut a long story short:
I was wrong in saying that the original extension stopped as of Chrome 20+ due to missing support by Chrome.
However, for me v1.2.1 constantly throws content security policy exceptions in Chrome which prevent it from working at all. And as you can see from the comments on redphx's website it stopped working for others, too (whatever else the reason is..!?).
Also, as you can see from the schedule, v1.2.1 will stop working in the not-too-far-away future (unless redphx will release an update), whereas mine is "future-proof" (as far as it concerns Chrome).
Finally, my version does not include Analytics code, nor does it redirect you to a site which can not be verified to be safe (it should be, though).
gt573 said:
I only downloaded one app and it was one by the extension developer, I don't know if that makes a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the developer should be irrelevant.
gt573 said:
Anyway, it wouldn't download the app I was after (IBM think) which is what brought me here. I was able to download another tablet app with your extension that the market tells me is not compatible with my device so I thought it would bypass the device and screen limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, as I said earlier:
"I used v1.2.1 almost every day and I never had problems to download Apps, except for a few that were labeled as incompatible with my devices in the play store."
However, this was not true for all Apps that were labeled as incompatible. Some work, most do not. I'm not really sure how the checks work at this point. I know that there exist options for developers to restrict access to downloads by some "more advanced" parameters (apart from payment, obviously). And I think that the the device compatibility check for the In-App-Listings and the Play Store Website is separated from the logic that is used for those "advanced" restrictions (and no, I'm not talking about the basic country-limit here).
As another weird example take the new chameleon launcher beta. The Play Store says it would be compatible with my device. However, I can not download it. Neither through the Play Store, nor with the extension. Why not? Because, as you can read on the developer's website, your Emailaddress for Play Store must be paired with the Emailaddress that I/someone used in the developer's beta signup form that was on the website a few weeks ago. Means: eventhough it is a free App and labeled as compatible in Play Store, I can not download it because the developer needs to specifically allow my Account. As you can see, there're lots of possible and not always understandable reasons why somebody can download some apps while others can't.
gt573 said:
My device(Galaxy note sgh-i717) has 800 x 1280 resolution. It is running android 4.0.4. I changed the dpi to 160 in build.prop to match xlarge, still no go. Just for full disclosure (not asking for build.prop help here) I have tried modifying my build.prop to make my sgh-i717 appear as a Tab 10.1, but it didn't work, it still show as an sgh-i717 in the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that editing the build.prop file will help with that at all. Even if I change everything in my build.prop, the Useragent that is send by the Play Store App still uses/reveals the real device info. No matter what I change, it always sends: "AndroidDownloadManager/4.1.1 (Linux; U; Android 4.1.1; Nexus One Build/JRO03H)".

Hey bexton, thank u very much for your modded extension! I installed it because I get with the previous version the "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" message but with version I get the same message:
Chrome startup parameters: --ignore-certificate-errors --allow-running-insecure-content
Chrome Version: 21.0.1180.57
OS: Linux

thankz!! but not working here
Chrome version: 22.0.1219.0 (148586)
maybe disable ssl warnings don't work i don't know

Works for me. Is there a way to disable this page popping up everytime I download something?

maybe it'd be possible to use a data-uri instead of this thread as download page?

prodigy7 said:
Hey bexton, thank u very much for your modded extension! I installed it because I get with the previous version the "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" message but with version I get the same message:
Chrome startup parameters: --ignore-certificate-errors --allow-running-insecure-content
Chrome Version: 21.0.1180.57
OS: Linux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have the same problem unfortunately on Windows 7 on Chrome 21

I still get the error "ERROR: Cannot download this app!". This is happening on Chrome 22.0.1229.2 dev-m, Win7 32bit.
Ytain

Sorry for the late response, but I've been on holiday. For those of you who still get the error "ERROR: Cannot download this app!" for an app that should be downloadable(!!), please provide a link to the app. If you get this error for ALL apps, than please leave this info as well.
@XlAfbk: I don't think so, but I'd need to check on that.. If know how to, let me know.

This one won't work for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5jb25kdWl0LmxvY2tlciJd
How do I know if a free app is supposed to be downloadable?

Sadly, it still doesn't support most of the apps I attempt to download. Here's a list:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...EsImNvbS5jbm4ubW9iaWxlLmFuZHJvaWQudGFibGV0Il0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wyLDEsImNvbS53YXNoaW5ndG9ucG9zdC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS53ZWJtZC5hbmRyb2lkIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5rcm9nZXIubW9iaWxlIl0.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS53YWxtYXJ0LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ult#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS50YXJnZXQudWkiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5iZXN0YnV5LmFuZHJvaWQiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...arch_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS5xdmMiXQ..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...vbS5odWZmaW5ndG9ucG9zdC5hbmRyb2lkLnRhYmxldCJd
That's just a few.
I'm thinking that Google corrected some of the coding in Chrome as it regards to the Play Store to prevent people from downloading apps that WILL work with your devices, but still declare them incompatible.

I also notice this problem. Didn't worked with any app that Google was saying to be incompatible with my device.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

scottharris4 said:
This one won't work for me https://play.google.com/store/apps/...=W251bGwsMSwxLDMsImNvbS5jb25kdWl0LmxvY2tlciJd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no problems downloading the app with the extension (find attached). Is it labeled as compatible with your device in the play store?
abarax said:
Sadly, it still doesn't support most of the apps I attempt to download. Here's a list:
[snip]
That's just a few.
I'm thinking that Google corrected some of the coding in Chrome as it regards to the Play Store to prevent people from downloading apps that WILL work with your devices, but still declare them incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to download the apps that are labeled as compatible in play store. The Huffington Post and the CNN link were for Tablets only, so they failed. But when I tried their apps for phones, I was able to download those as well.
scottharris4 said:
How do I know if a free app is supposed to be downloadable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't know. But if you set up everything correct, you can be almost sure that you can download all apps that are labeled as compatible with your device in Play Store. Me personally, I never found an app that was labeled as compatible and I was not able to download it via the extension. Whenever it is labeled as compatible, I can download it.
@Felimenta97: There're a few exceptions; for a few apps I was able to download them even though the Play Store said it would be incompatible. However, as said above, a general rule of thumb is that you will be able to download only the apps that are labeled as compatible for your device.

I see. But if you could work on that it would be nice. Some apps work on my phone, just play store is crazy about that.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

Bexton said:
@XlAfbk: I don't think so, but I'd need to check on that.. If know how to, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried modding the extension but for some reason it even fails with localhost instead of this thread, just replacing the 1 line containing the url *confused* (not a chrome extension guy so probably missing something there. more of a web dev)
Maybe if you'd explain why that is and why it needs some site in the first place I'd be able to figure it out.

Bridge - new app for mirroring notifications across all your Android devices

I've been part of a closed beta user group helping on an app called Bridge which mirrors your notifications across all your Android devices.
They just rolled out in open beta limited to 5000 users and asked me as a senior member on XDA to assist in getting more users to help test during the beta.
Bridge not only mirrors but also let's you reply, like delete etc. Basically everything as the original notification on your other devices.
They've also implemented two-way sync meaning if you dismiss your notification on one device, it dismisses it on all your devices.
You can read more and download it from here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xitlabs.bridge
You can report suggestions & bugs directly through the app.
I've been using it for about a month on my tablet and smartwatch (KW88 running full Android 5.1) and it has been working pretty good.
Even though it still has some bugs here and there (which they hope you can help squash), I must say it is pretty convenient getting all my notifications on my watch and tablet.
Below I've copied the main points from their own Play Store listing
? Mirror your notifications to other Android devices
? Reply, Like, Delete etc. directly from another device
? Two-way sync - all your devices interact with each other
? Whitelist - control which apps that can mirror notifications
? Encryption - all data between devices can be encrypted
It offers 14 days trial and costs $1.99 to unlock for life.

The link directly to joining the beta is
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.xitlabs.bridge

Hello,
I would like to try this app, but I cannot install on my smartwatch, while on my phone installation and setup works fine. If I search the app through the play store of the watch it doesn't find it, and if I click on the link it open play store but then it says the app is non existent.
I have a Lemfo Lem8, it isn't compatible then?
Thank you

Advice for a new owner

I've taken the plunge and pre-ordered my P40 Pro which should arrive in a few days. I have done some reading around as to whether to go GMS-naked or not and have a few questions still to help make my decision, hoping someone can help...
1) I currently have a Mate Pro 20, so I would be looking to clone my apps over. My understanding is that I can expect the vast majority of them to copy over (even if not on Huawei's AppGallery) but if I was to go GMS-naked, am I right in thinking that these apps would then never update (unless they are on AppGallery)?
2) Without installing GMS, is there any way of getting Chrome working? I use it as my browser on my tablet and desktop and it's helpful to have that sync so would really ideally like it on my phone.
3) Same as question 2 but regarding Google Suite apps such as Sheets and Docs - any hope in getting them without GMS?
4) I have read some positive reviews regarding BlueMail, is it possible to use this for Gmail accounts without GMS?
5) Without GMS, will UK banking apps only work if already on AppGallery? I currently use Starling, First Direct & NatWest - especially the former two so hoping that they would work.
6) If I did go down the GMS route, would I need to be reinstalling it every time there is an Android or Google update or would it be a one-off?

Tmel14 said:
I've taken the plunge and pre-ordered my P40 Pro which should arrive in a few days. I have done some reading around as to whether to go GMS-naked or not and have a few questions still to help make my decision, hoping someone can help...
1) I currently have a Mate Pro 20, so I would be looking to clone my apps over. My understanding is that I can expect the vast majority of them to copy over (even if not on Huawei's AppGallery) but if I was to go GMS-naked, am I right in thinking that these apps would then never update (unless they are on AppGallery)?
2) Without installing GMS, is there any way of getting Chrome working? I use it as my browser on my tablet and desktop and it's helpful to have that sync so would really ideally like it on my phone.
3) Same as question 2 but regarding Google Suite apps such as Sheets and Docs - any hope in getting them without GMS?
4) I have read some positive reviews regarding BlueMail, is it possible to use this for Gmail accounts without GMS?
5) Without GMS, will UK banking apps only work if already on AppGallery? I currently use Starling, First Direct & NatWest - especially the former two so hoping that they would work.
6) If I did go down the GMS route, would I need to be reinstalling it every time there is an Android or Google update or would it be a one-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding #5.
Starling works, though Natwest will not either with or without GMS sadly.
I now use yolt which will sync your account for the next best alternative.
#6,
Currently any updates haven't mean a reinstallation of anything.

Thank you, really helpful!! Good to know about Starling.
I don't suppose anyone else knows the answers to questions 1-4?

Tmel14 said:
I've taken the plunge and pre-ordered my P40 Pro which should arrive in a few days. I have done some reading around as to whether to go GMS-naked or not and have a few questions still to help make my decision, hoping someone can help...
1) I currently have a Mate Pro 20, so I would be looking to clone my apps over. My understanding is that I can expect the vast majority of them to copy over (even if not on Huawei's AppGallery) but if I was to go GMS-naked, am I right in thinking that these apps would then never update (unless they are on AppGallery)?
2) Without installing GMS, is there any way of getting Chrome working? I use it as my browser on my tablet and desktop and it's helpful to have that sync so would really ideally like it on my phone.
3) Same as question 2 but regarding Google Suite apps such as Sheets and Docs - any hope in getting them without GMS?
4) I have read some positive reviews regarding BlueMail, is it possible to use this for Gmail accounts without GMS?
5) Without GMS, will UK banking apps only work if already on AppGallery? I currently use Starling, First Direct & NatWest - especially the former two so hoping that they would work.
6) If I did go down the GMS route, would I need to be reinstalling it every time there is an Android or Google update or would it be a one-off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Most can be phone-cloned. They will not update unless you install Aurora, APKPure, Aptoide, Amazon App Store .. just install all of these and pick your favourite. Notifications wont work for most.
2. Firefox is better and can sync across devices.
3. Part of the attraction of the P40 Pro is going google-free for the challenge and to support Huawei .. I am using Office from the Huawei App Gallery.
4. Despite being on the Huawei App Gallery, BlueMail notifications were unreliable with HMS-naked ... warning message that no Google Cloud Messaging is installed .. that you had to clear evey day or two .. and people that are using BlueMail don't realise that notifications are delayed for a while. BlueMail is a bad app at the moment.
5. Banking apps .. phone-clone or install from Aurora, APKPure, Aptoide, Amazon App Store ... my banks are working fine . not too many people are reporting problems.
6. Why do you need GMS? Have they fixed notifications with a GMS install? microG is a much simpler and more reliable solution at the moment to give you notifications and you can still get apps from Aurora, APKPure, Aptoide, Amazon App Store.
If you find a reason that HMS-naked and HMS-microG are not acceptable ... and you really have to do a HMS-GMS setup, then I would not buy the P40 Pro ... just get the P30 Pro.

4. I used the stock Huawei email application. Lets you add multiple accounts (gmail/outlook) and gives you notifications without issue. I ended up preferring it to Gmail/Outlook app.
5. I don't have my P40 Pro any longer, but when I did FirstDirect app worked fine through GMS. Monzo bank did also. I downloaded NatWest and it worked but I didn't have an account so couldn't actually log in.
6. You only lose your GMS install if you factory reset. Software updates don't affect it.

Kotd88 said:
4. I used the stock Huawei email application. Lets you add multiple accounts (gmail/outlook) and gives you notifications without issue. I ended up preferring it to Gmail/Outlook app.
5. I don't have my P40 Pro any longer, but when I did FirstDirect app worked fine through GMS. Monzo bank did also. I downloaded NatWest and it worked but I didn't have an account so couldn't actually log in.
6. You only lose your GMS install if you factory reset. Software updates don't affect it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. with my testing on P40 Pro with HMS-naked, the notifications with the Huawei email app are delayed .. particularly with a linked gmail account in the Huawei email app.
is your feedback with HMS-naked, HMS+microG or HMS+GMS?

linux2525 said:
4. with my testing on P40 Pro with HMS-naked, the notifications with the Huawei email app are delayed .. particularly with a linked gmail account in the Huawei email app.
is your feedback with HMS-naked, HMS+microG or HMS+GMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much used the phone out the box with GMS, so maybe that's why I had a different experience. Gmail and Outlook definitely came through with timely notifications using stock app for me.

DaveHTC200 said:
Regarding #5.
Starling works, though Natwest will not either with or without GMS sadly.
I now use yolt which will sync your account for the next best alternative.
#6,
Currently any updates haven't mean a reinstallation of anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had a mate30 pro for about 4 months and ive not had any struggles, Depending on who you bank with currently you may not be able to get an 'app' but what you can do is save a hot link, So from the browser hit the dots on the top right and add to home screen, What you can do which is what ive done is saved a link with in the login page, really for me it does the same thing shows my balance and that's it really.
I mean if you're looking for apps through app gallery there is 2 key ones I would really recommend one is MoreApps and one is Petal both of which once installed act as a hub for other apps you may need. Its one that I know I've relied on hugely.
Other than that how you getting on with it?

It arrived yesterday and really it's a beautiful phone! Haven't had too much time to play with it yet but seems great.
I cloned over my apps from my Mate Pro20 and had a quick play. All of my WhatsApp history seemed to automatically copy over which is great. My main issue so far is that a couple of apps I have tried to use (e.g. The Athletic) say that Google Services Installation Required in order to use them. If hey are not on AppStore, is there any way I can use them as apps without GMS?
Similar question for other apps that I have cloned over such as betting apps. When I load them it says that location services must be enabled to use the app (which they are) but it doesn't eem to be picking up on this (probably GMS related?).
Are More Apps & Petal a way round sourcing apps not on AppStore but without having to install GMS?

Tmel14 said:
My main issue so far is that a couple of apps I have tried to use (e.g. The Athletic) say that Google Services Installation Required in order to use them. If hey are not on AppStore, is there any way I can use them as apps without GMS?
Are More Apps & Petal a way round sourcing apps not on AppStore but without having to install GMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I had some success with some apps that were broken with HMS-naked, but worked successfully with HMS+microG (but I have never tried HMS+GMS as it is silly to buy a P40 Pro then hack GMS onto it .. just buy a different phone).
2. Petal is a terrible app ... it just links you to other app store .. google these well know app stores, go to their websites and get the apk for the store and then install the new store on your p40 pro ..
aptoide
apkpure
amazon appstore
f-droid
aurora
I have them all installed and play around with each .. they mostly have similar apps (other than amazon appstore and f-droid).
dont waste your time with petal.

Thanks, I'm a total novice here so it's really helpful to get some advice.
1) Is microg relatively easy to install? Am I right in thinking that it adds a Google foundation but without GMS? Therefore, some apps from Playstore that didn't work when first cloned may then work?
2) would the benefit of those appstores be that they may have versions of apps that don't require GMS but aren't available on Huawei's Appstore?
3) One other question that I thought of... for apps that I clone over and work fine (but aren't available on Huawei's Appstore) - how will I keep them updated? I do have a Samsung tablet so would I be able to periodically clone them over from that or would I need to do something else?

Tmel14 said:
Thanks, I'm a total novice here so it's really helpful to get some advice.
1) Is microg relatively easy to install? Am I right in thinking that it adds a Google foundation but without GMS? Therefore, some apps from Playstore that didn't work when first cloned may then work?
2) would the benefit of those appstores be that they may have versions of apps that don't require GMS but aren't available on Huawei's Appstore?
3) One other question that I thought of... for apps that I clone over and work fine (but aren't available on Huawei's Appstore) - how will I keep them updated? I do have a Samsung tablet so would I be able to periodically clone them over from that or would I need to do something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Refer below .. 10 steps but they are simple steps ... it might take 15 mins for the first time .. 5 mins for the second time .. small open-source app to provide notifications only. what notifications are broken for you?
2. correct .. aurora even looks the same as the google playstore .. install some apps, update as required. I often just update apps directly from aurora or apkpure and dont even use the huawei app gallery.
3. Update your phone-cloned apps with aurora, apkpure, aptoide, f-droid, amazon appstore, etc ... I usually update at different stores every few days just for fun ... today is aurora day .. tomorrow is apkpure day.
microG
https://microg.org/
1. Perform a factory reset of the phone.
2. Install F-Droid app (search for the apk .. F-Droid is a store with access to search for apps)
3. Add this repo into F-Droid .... https://microg.org/fdroid/repo
4. In F-Droid, then install MicroG Services Core.
5. In F-Droid, then Install MicroG Services Framework Proxy.
6. In F-Droid, then Install the MicroG FakeStore.
6. Open the Microg Settings app. Grant it all permissions and disable battery optimizations.
7. Add your Google account.
8. Turn on Device Registration, Cloud Messaging and SafetyNet.
9. Restart your phone.
10. Open Microg Settings app, check the status under Cloud Messaging. If it says not connected enter the following in the phone app: *#*#2432546#*#* and restart your phone. Check the status again - it should say Connected. (I had to enter the phone string and restart my phone twice until it said connected).
11. Install apps
12. Check connection in microG app for Google Cloud Messaging
All this will give you is push notifications with Google Cloud Messaging (including the Google Firebase messaging).
I also had notification issues caused by either Huawei PowerGenie and Android Doze .. if the notifications work and then suddenly stop after an hour or so, then try these ..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hua...ility-t4100277

linux2525 said:
1. Refer below .. 10 steps but they are simple steps ... it might take 15 mins for the first time .. 5 mins for the second time .. small open-source app to provide notifications only. what notifications are broken for you?
2. correct .. aurora even looks the same as the google playstore .. install some apps, update as required. I often just update apps directly from aurora or apkpure and dont even use the huawei app gallery.
3. Update your phone-cloned apps with aurora, apkpure, aptoide, f-droid, amazon appstore, etc ... I usually update at different stores every few days just for fun ... today is aurora day .. tomorrow is apkpure day.
microG
https://microg.org/
1. Perform a factory reset of the phone.
2. Install F-Droid app (search for the apk .. F-Droid is a store with access to search for apps)
3. Add this repo into F-Droid .... https://microg.org/fdroid/repo
4. In F-Droid, then install MicroG Services Core.
5. In F-Droid, then Install MicroG Services Framework Proxy.
6. In F-Droid, then Install the MicroG FakeStore.
6. Open the Microg Settings app. Grant it all permissions and disable battery optimizations.
7. Add your Google account.
8. Turn on Device Registration, Cloud Messaging and SafetyNet.
9. Restart your phone.
10. Open Microg Settings app, check the status under Cloud Messaging. If it says not connected enter the following in the phone app: *#*#2432546#*#* and restart your phone. Check the status again - it should say Connected. (I had to enter the phone string and restart my phone twice until it said connected).
11. Install apps
12. Check connection in microG app for Google Cloud Messaging
All this will give you is push notifications with Google Cloud Messaging (including the Google Firebase messaging).
I also had notification issues caused by either Huawei PowerGenie and Android Doze .. if the notifications work and then suddenly stop after an hour or so, then try these ..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hua...ility-t4100277
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, thank you. I'm still using my Mate Pro 20 as my phone at the moment so not really sure how effective the notifications on my P40 Pro are. It sounds like it would make sense to factory reset and Microg my P40 Pro before I properly make the switch to using that then? You mentioned it should only take 5 mins to do Microg the second time... unless I misread the instruction guide, why would I need to do it a second time?
And presumably once I've installed Microg, I could just clone my apps over from the Mate Pro 20 as normal?

Tmel14 said:
1. That's great, thank you. I'm still using my Mate Pro 20 as my phone at the moment so not really sure how effective the notifications on my P40 Pro are.
2. It sounds like it would make sense to factory reset and Microg my P40 Pro before I properly make the switch to using that then?
3. You mentioned it should only take 5 mins to do Microg the second time... unless I misread the instruction guide, why would I need to do it a second time?
4. And presumably once I've installed Microg, I could just clone my apps over from the Mate Pro 20 as normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I would test your essential apps first and check if notifications are working for you. what are your critical apps for notifications? maybe you can go HMS-naked and no need for HMS+microG.
2. You have to install apps after installing microG ... otherwise the apps don't open .. if you have only installed a few apps, then no need to reset ... you can just install microG, uninstall those few apps, then reinstall those few apps .. but if you have 20 apps, it might be quicker to reset and start fresh.
3. quicker the second time as you know where to click! that's all.
4. yep.
but .. hopefully your critical apps have notifications working real-time & consistently, then no need for microG.

linux2525 said:
1. I would test your essential apps first and check if notifications are working for you. what are your critical apps for notifications? maybe you can go HMS-naked and no need for HMS+microG.
2. You have to install apps after installing microG ... otherwise the apps don't open .. if you have only installed a few apps, then no need to reset ... you can just install microG, uninstall those few apps, then reinstall those few apps .. but if you have 20 apps, it might be quicker to reset and start fresh.
3. quicker the second time as you know where to click! that's all.
4. yep.
but .. hopefully your critical apps have notifications working real-time & consistently, then no need for microG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Critical apps would be WhatsApp, SMS messages and emails. Other notifications such as news/sports and some other social media would be important but not critical.
I'll pop my SIM in tonight and do a comparison of how notifications are popping up vs my Galaxy tablet and Mate Pro 20 to see whether a reset and microg is necessary.
Thanks again for the help, I'll let you know how I get on!

linux2525 said:
1. Refer below .. 10 steps but they are simple steps ... it might take 15 mins for the first time .. 5 mins for the second time .. small open-source app to provide notifications only. what notifications are broken for you?
2. correct .. aurora even looks the same as the google playstore .. install some apps, update as required. I often just update apps directly from aurora or apkpure and dont even use the huawei app gallery.
3. Update your phone-cloned apps with aurora, apkpure, aptoide, f-droid, amazon appstore, etc ... I usually update at different stores every few days just for fun ... today is aurora day .. tomorrow is apkpure day.
microG
https://microg.org/
1. Perform a factory reset of the phone.
2. Install F-Droid app (search for the apk .. F-Droid is a store with access to search for apps)
3. Add this repo into F-Droid .... https://microg.org/fdroid/repo
4. In F-Droid, then install MicroG Services Core.
5. In F-Droid, then Install MicroG Services Framework Proxy.
6. In F-Droid, then Install the MicroG FakeStore.
6. Open the Microg Settings app. Grant it all permissions and disable battery optimizations.
7. Add your Google account.
8. Turn on Device Registration, Cloud Messaging and SafetyNet.
9. Restart your phone.
10. Open Microg Settings app, check the status under Cloud Messaging. If it says not connected enter the following in the phone app: *#*#2432546#*#* and restart your phone. Check the status again - it should say Connected. (I had to enter the phone string and restart my phone twice until it said connected).
11. Install apps
12. Check connection in microG app for Google Cloud Messaging
All this will give you is push notifications with Google Cloud Messaging (including the Google Firebase messaging).
I also had notification issues caused by either Huawei PowerGenie and Android Doze .. if the notifications work and then suddenly stop after an hour or so, then try these ..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/hua...ility-t4100277
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the guide, I followed it and got microG running, then cloned over my apps and appear to be getting notifications through (at least for the apps I've tried), which is great!
I have now run into a problem with my Google account though. I was trying to sign in to YT Music and typed in my Google account details but it said there was a problem communicating with Google servers. I then went in to Settings > Users and Accounts > Google and there were some sync issues so I removed the account and went to add it again but now it won't work as before, My microG is also showing as without an active Google account and when I try and add it, I am getting the same issue, I enter my email and password and then it takes me to Googles Terms of Service, which I agree but then get the following message:
Sorry... There was a problem communicating with Google servers. Try again later.
Any idea how I can add my Google account again?

Tmel14 said:
Thanks for the guide, I followed it and got microG running, then cloned over my apps and appear to be getting notifications through (at least for the apps I've tried), which is great!
I have now run into a problem with my Google account though. I was trying to sign in to YT Music and typed in my Google account details but it said there was a problem communicating with Google servers. I then went in to Settings > Users and Accounts > Google and there were some sync issues so I removed the account and went to add it again but now it won't work as before, My microG is also showing as without an active Google account and when I try and add it, I am getting the same issue, I enter my email and password and then it takes me to Googles Terms of Service, which I agree but then get the following message:
Sorry... There was a problem communicating with Google servers. Try again later.
Any idea how I can add my Google account again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I cleared the data on my MicroG Services Core app which appeared to fix the problem of not being able to sign in. The issue I now have is that I've signed in to my Google account then when I go to an app such as YT Music and go to sign in, the account doesn't show up, when I then click 'add account' it takes me to MicroG Services but I type in my email and it just says 'This account already exists on your device'...
So my Google account is registered on the phone but whenever I try and sign in to any app with it, it redirects to MicroG Services Core for sign in and then it just says that the account already exists and I cannot go any further with log in

Tmel14 said:
So my Google account is registered on the phone but whenever I try and sign in to any app with it, it redirects to MicroG Services Core for sign in and then it just says that the account already exists and I cannot go any further with log in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're expecting too much from microG on a non-rooted phone without signature spoofing to use the full microG capabilities.
If want to run a full microG install, then buy a phone with good rooted ROM support with microG already built-in.
I logged into microG and have done no other google logins since .... if any apps have requested a google login, then I have ignored.
you can use amazon music, tidal, spotify, etc .. no idea how to use YoutTubeMusic

linux2525 said:
I think you're expecting too much from microG on a non-rooted phone without signature spoofing to use the full microG capabilities.
If want to run a full microG install, then buy a phone with good rooted ROM support with microG already built-in.
I logged into microG and have done no other google logins since .... if any apps have requested a google login, then I have ignored.
you can use amazon music, tidal, spotify, etc .. no idea how to use YoutTubeMusic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely don't know the intricacies of what microG provides but it was definitely enabling much better performance from notifications.
This is an issue for me though as I get free YT Music so not something I would particularly want to give up. I don't appear to have an issue signing into YouTube via my browser with my Google account but it appears any app that requires an email log in directly on the app (as opposed to through a browser) automatically routes me to log in via microG core services and when I then try and log in, it says that the account is already regsitered on my device (which it is but I can't seem to access it for this purpose).
I'm not sure if I just did part of the process slightly wrong and if it#s worth me resetting and doing the whole process again, or if for some reason it's not possible?

linux2525 said:
I think you're expecting too much from microG on a non-rooted phone without signature spoofing to use the full microG capabilities.
If want to run a full microG install, then buy a phone with good rooted ROM support with microG already built-in.
I logged into microG and have done no other google logins since .... if any apps have requested a google login, then I have ignored.
you can use amazon music, tidal, spotify, etc .. no idea how to use YoutTubeMusic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering if it would work if I reset the phone, cloned over any apps where I need the few apps where I need to log in via Google (I don't need notifications for them anyway), then installed microG, then cloned over all the rest of the apps?

Question Browser & File Manager Recommendations

Hello,
I am currently looking for a Web Browser and a File Manager for my Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Ideally I would like to use Chrome Browser and Solid Explorer, both of which I currently use on my Pixel 5. Seeing as how neither one of these applications are available through the playstore (watch version) my question is does anyone have any recommendations for alternatives or has anyone tried side loading either of these applications and if so how do/did they work out for you?
Side note: I am familiar with adb and side loading apps if needed.

This file manager wear OS, transfer files from browser to galaxy watch 4 (free) wear OS
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.dworks.apps.anexplorer

PeterParker said:
This file manager wear OS, transfer files from browser to galaxy watch 4 (free) wear OS
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dev.dworks.apps.anexplorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks I will check it and see if I like.

I have ADB sideloaded in the watch an older version of the chrome browser APK and it works but the screen is not optimized for a circular screen. Use it mostly to check Facebook and search the Google Keep notes web version (as the wear os app does not have a Search function)

stakoz said:
I have ADB sideloaded in the watch an older version of the chrome browser APK and it works but the screen is not optimized for a circular screen. Use it mostly to check Facebook and search the Google Keep notes web version (as the wear os app does not have a Search function)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why a older version and not the current version?

I think I tried the latest but was crashing, could be insufficient ram

stakoz said:
I have ADB sideloaded in the watch an older version of the chrome browser APK and it works but the screen is not optimized for a circular screen. Use it mostly to check Facebook and search the Google Keep notes web version (as the wear os app does not have a Search function)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How you sideload apps to the watch. It would be appreciated of you help little bit please.

How to replace google apps with alternative softwares on Ulefone Armor X9 Pro

Hi,
I have a new Ulefone Armor X9 Pro. I am personally annoyed by all the preinstalled Google Apps like Google Play (I prefer free softwares available in FDroid for example), the Google search bar on the home screen, etc...
The first thing I did is disable and force exit of all the google apps and now, whatever I try to do I have notifications telling anything would work with Google Play disabled...
Even writing a sms or search something in Google Chrome is not possible because the keyboard does not appear...
I think I could solve this problem by
- enabling Google Play back
or
- download apk files for fdroid, aptoid etc. and install them manually
or
- root the phone
or
- install an alternative android version
But I am a newbie and I am afraid of broking my new phone...
Could you help me find the better way to use my phone without being force to use google services ?
Thank you for your help
PS sorry for my poor english

You can replace the pre-installed proprietary Google apps basket ( read: GMS ) by an aftermarket suite called GApps as provided by different developers.
BTW: Google Play is not part of GMS.

Thank you for your answer.
But I cannot uninstall the google apps, I can only quit them and disable them.
And the final goal is to not use the google apps.
Fortunately, I succeeded in manually install the alternative apps I need.
First of all, when I first started the phone, I did not connect the internet.
Then, I exited and disabled all the google apps and services I found.
On my computer, I downloaded the apks :
- Fdroid package manager (for free/opensource apps)
- Fennek browser
- K9mail client
- Simple Contacts (Simple Mobile Tools)
- Simple Camera (Simple Mobile Tools)
- Simple Gallery (Simple Mobile Tools)
- Simple Phone (Simple Mobile Tools)
- Simple Keyboard (Apache)
I transferred them on the phone by USB and installed each manually.
After that I installed Aptoid to install Telegram.
Everything seems to work, google apps and services seems to not restart automatically and after I disabled all apps saying "App xxx cannot work without Google Play" I dont have notifications like this anymore.

By default pre-installed GMS - what you call Google apps for whatever reason - are installed as system-privileged apps hence they are part of Android system and not any ordinary user app. You need a rooted Android to uninstall system-privileged apps, same is with Google Play components.

.