Database Info

[Tip]Using Play Store Without Play Services

I came across an interesting workaround today regarding the annoying refusal of Google Play Store to run when Google Play Services is not enabled. Running the following in a terminal will disable a component of Google Play Services that prevents the check when you start the Play Store:
Code:
pm disable com.google.android.gms/com.google.android.gms.recovery.RecoveryService
Note: I have not tested this enough to know if there are any significant drawbacks yet.
I can say that this will finally allow Google Play Services to be greenified (although other components such as Google Backup Transport seems to occasionally prevent greenification). In addition, it seems to stop all those logs from being written to /data/system/dropbox/, which I personally found to be very irritating, and found the alternative solution of setting the folder to read-only to be problematic.

Unfortunately it looks like google play services is necessary to allow you to download apps from the play store. I didn't realize it at first because the checkin service had already done its thing and I was free to use everything until it was time for the next checkin. I'll post here if I find out any way to overcome this, but it looks like Google Play Services is probably necessary for the Play Store to function.

bsimpson1 said:
Unfortunately it looks like google play services is necessary to allow you to download apps from the play store. I didn't realize it at first because the checkin service had already done its thing and I was free to use everything until it was time for the next checkin. I'll post here if I find out any way to overcome this, but it looks like Google Play Services is probably necessary for the Play Store to function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried and failed. There's no workaround. >.< Play Store needs Google Play Services in order to work properly.

sonyu said:
I tried and failed. There's no workaround. >.< Play Store needs Google Play Services in order to work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, there is absolutely no workaround.Play Services forms the core for the Google Playstore App.hence it can't function without it.

didito said:
Will try this when I get the root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, go ahead.
...Just wanna let you guys know, there's a google thread, in which people talk/ed bout the purpose of .services. Turns out you really need that sh*t!XD
It's like a framework you simply need to have installed- just like @donniemceduns said. ^ ^
Off-topic ― now, I'm on CM11, with no Google Play installed, therefore no .services running. I simply installed an alternative market. ^ ^

didito said:
Wow.. Can you tell me what alternative market you installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried them all — Mobogenie used to be ****ty, works fine now.
.apk link- DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK
Has all the apps from Google Play. No sign-in required.
I didn't like it; it's okay now. Use it as my primary market
If you find a better market, make sure to share a link!

didito said:
Thanks for the link. One question though. Lets say I install a kitkat rom. Can I remove all the Play Store services and their dependencies to improve my phone's performance? I plan to do this and let Mobilegenie be my only market. If this is possible how can I remove these services for good?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Didi,
Yea, sure.
You already know this, but for all the people who didn't bother to read the thread, removing .services will result in errors, whenever you try to open a google application(Play store for instance), which requires .services.
I used a kitkat ROM before- deleted all G-apps and installed my alternative market. No errors! ^ ^
As for Mobogenie, it's my primary market on CM11. It features autoupdates, even auto-install if your device is rooted. Sweet! :good:
UPDATE:
Oh, sorry @didito! Didn't notice the "how can I remove these services for good" part.
Install an Uninstaller app for rooted devices( Your device must be rooted).
In-app: Navigate to SYSTEM APPS & remove google play services and google play store.
If you're not sure which app to use, try "Root App Delete".

Question... Or, an observation anyway... Sorry to bring back an old thread but I've been wondering a similar thing
On my newer device, Samsung Galaxy s5 neo, play services are needed to run the play store. *however*, on my older device, Samsung captivate glide, play services are not required to open the store.
Both using stock but rooted software from Samsung.
Why would this be that it's possible on 1 but not the other?
Unless maybe because I have already debloated my older device, maybe removing other gapps is what it would take?
I don't have a data plan and therefore wouldn't use much if any of them (maps, etc)
It just has me wondering what has changed between the 2, and maybe even if I'd be able to use and run my other devices play store app, and then use disable service to stop it from fully updating?
Hmm... I know everyone else has likely given up long ago.... But I've been curious today.

Magisk and Google 2-Step Verification

I'd like to use Google's new and improved 2-Step Verification options with my rooted pixel. I imagine I need to use Magisk Hide to stop an app from seeing that I'm rooted, but I don't have a clue which one. Can anyone help?

Is your device certified?
Search for confirmation at the bottom of play store settings, if it says "uncertified" then add play store in magisk hide, than clear play store data and you should be good.

Yes, my phone was already certified (and still is).

Google location services in other apps after sideloading GMS - can it be fixed?

Hey guys,
So I sideloaded GMS on my p40 pro with redskull's instructions on youtube and didn't have notifications after that. Then used Multi tool 8 to disable gsf and then enable it again. Notifications came back, but location services aren't working correctly. In google maps, I have my location, but no arrow on the blue dot, so I can't see which direction I'm facing. Other apps that use google's location services don't work at all, they stall at "google play services are updating".
Is there a way to get location services in other apps working?
Thanks in advance!

disable Google Services Framework then works.

Thanks for your reply. I did that and it worked.
So now the play store isn't working. Are there any other disadvantages by disabling gsf?

If you need Playstore -> activate gsf then deactivate again

I don't know what sideload meant, nor why would you disable anything, but on my P40 I got maps and notifications working. I used another guide.

stewakg said:
I don't know what sideload meant, nor why would you disable anything, but on my P40 I got maps and notifications working. I used another guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please link this guide here.

Any idea why Gmail notifications aren't working after disabling gfs?

Duplicate post

While we wait that @stewakg posts mentioned guide, disabling GSF still does not work for applications like Tripadvisor which require Google location precision to work. Such applications continously ask to enable Google precision and do not acquire position.
Any solution for this?

I am sorry all for late response.
This is guide I have used. I got European model bought in Germany. I have maps, play store with pay(can buy apps and games) and notifications.
Also I'd that helps, I got YouTube Vanced and microG installed.
Hope this will help someone. Cheers.

famusc said:
While we wait that @stewakg posts mentioned guide, disabling GSF still does not work for applications like Tripadvisor which require Google location precision to work. Such applications continously ask to enable Google precision and do not acquire position.
Any solution for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you find a solution to this? I have many regional specific apps that don't want to work. They have similar failures as you're describing after loading GMS/GSF. My problematic apps are Lyft/Bay Wheels and Gig Car Share.

desertflyer said:
Did you find a solution to this? I have many regional specific apps that don't want to work. They have similar failures as you're describing after loading GMS/GSF. My problematic apps are Lyft/Bay Wheels and Gig Car Share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No sorry. I have no solution for this.
The best thing is with GSF disabled for me: i will not use location in tripadvisor but I will survive.
I understand that for you is not that good but I hope for a real solution.

desertflyer said:
Did you find a solution to this? I have many regional specific apps that don't want to work. They have similar failures as you're describing after loading GMS/GSF. My problematic apps are Lyft/Bay Wheels and Gig Car Share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A user said this:
Freeze again GSF. Go to Aurora Store and update Google Play Services. Unfreeze GSF. Restart.
I tried and locations work but I still get "Play Services are updating" in apps where a map is supposed to show, like Tripadvisor. So I can see the map which is important too. Can you try this and let me know? Thx

famusc said:
A user said this:
Freeze again GSF. Go to Aurora Store and update Google Play Services. Unfreeze GSF. Restart.
I tried and locations work but I still get "Play Services are updating" in apps where a map is supposed to show, like Tripadvisor. So I can see the map which is important too. Can you try this and let me know? Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I got the apps I needed working with Google Maps integrated in them. Maybe this will work for you. (I am still having issues with notifications for many apps with GMS installed.)
I have a C636 variant running 10.1.0.131. I started by following Redskull's guide here: https://youtu.be/4vki3DasrYc
That mostly went fine. The Play Store was still a bit buggy and I was still getting lots of notifications about running Play Services on a non-certified device.
Once I installed everything I needed from the Play Store, I then used Multitool to disable Google Services Framework (com.google.android.gsf). While GSF is disabled the Google Play Store does not work, as most of your know. Google Maps integrations work in all of the apps I've tried so far: Lyft, Bay Wheels, Gig Car Share, Lime, Bird, Revel, Zipcar, Getaround, Flywheel, Transit, Swarm/Foursquare, and Yelp.
Notably, Spin does not work. It keeps telling me "For a better experience turn on device location, which uses Google's location services" and no matter if I hit No Thanks or OK, it keeps popping up over and over again making the app unusable. Bay Wheels has a separate bug where it cannot access the camera to unlock a bike, but it gives the option to enter the bike number instead so it's not a big issue. QR unlock works with Lime. That's all I've tested so far though.

Google Location Services does not work
No matter how you got GMS onto your Huawei Phone / Tablet that doesn't come with GMS, no matter what workaround you use to get everything working (i.e freezing GSF to get push notifications working), there doesn't appear to be any solution for GLS. It simply doesn't work. Any app that relies on it exclusively is broken. For instance Google Location Sharing, or Google Timeline. Probably others, but those are the ones I use the most. Google Maps, Waze, and other navigation apps will just use your GPS to get your location (which doesn't work if you're in an enclosed building with no view of the satellites). You can try to turn it on: Settings->Location->Location Services->Google Location Accuracy->Improve Location Accuracy, but it will turn itself off shortly.

My timeline works fine and "improve location accuracy" was on by default when I just checked. I even turned it off and on again and it stays on.

Mine works as well as does location sharing.

frogdr1ver said:
Mine works as well as does location sharing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, that's great. Maybe you could tell me how you accomplished that? A working Google Location Services is probably the last thing I need to get going on my P40 Pro+. With GSF frozen, "improve location accuracy" keeps getting disabled. If I try to share my location, I get "Location sharing isn't enabled on this device. Fix", but Fix does nothing. With GSF unfrozen, I get a never ending stream of Google Play Protection messages (which can be turned off, but I'm sure still affect the phone), I can turn on Location Accuracy, but Location Sharing still says "Location sharing isn't enabled on this device. Fix" and a message "Unable to get an accurate location" when I press Fix even with a good GPS lock.

I didn't do anything other than follow the guide from 26th sept, I don't freeze play and canceled the notifications as per the guide. I also manually manage maps rather than let it be automatic.

frogdr1ver said:
I didn't do anything other than follow the guide from 26th sept, I don't freeze play and canceled the notifications as per the guide. I also manually manage maps rather than let it be automatic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Google Services Framework unfrozen, Google Play Books no longer works. And even though Location Accuracy is enabled, I still get the ""Location sharing isn't enabled on this device. Fix" message when I try to share my location through Google Maps. Do you know what versions of Google Play Store, Google Play Services, and Google Services Framework you have installed? Are any patched or are they all unmodified Google apps?

Question Google wallet quick setting tile says" wallet unavailable." [SOLVED]

I have a pixel 7 pro. Yesterday I had to clear the cache and data on Google Play services. After that the Google wallet, quick setting tile as well as the shortcut on my lock screen are gone. The quick setting tile is great out and says" wallet unavailable." I have tried clearing data and cache on the wallet and GPay. Nothing will work. What do I do?
I can add cards and ready it for NFC payments. To use it though. I would have to open my phone and open the app every time. The quick setting tile and lock screen route are much better.

Is your device rooted?

Try using the safetynet-fix 2.0 mod and shamiko (doesn't require lsposed, just a module made by them).
To use shamiko you turn off "Enforce DenyList" before flashing as shamiko module does that using the "Configure DenyList" and hides more aspects of magisk/zygisk.
I have wallet working fine.
I have not added any Google apps to DenyList.

V0latyle said:
Is your device rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. But I'm able to add a card and even to turn on scanning to pay. I just need to open the app. I wasn't required to do this before.
TotallyAnxious said:
Try using the safetynet-fix 2.0 mod and shamiko (doesn't require lsposed, just a module made by them).
To use shamiko you turn off "Enforce DenyList" before flashing as shamiko module does that using the "Configure DenyList" and hides more aspects of magisk/zygisk.
I have wallet working fine.
I have not added any Google apps to DenyList.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the latest safety net fix. I am not using shamiko. I didn't need it before. Idk what would have changed to require it now.

Schroeder09 said:
I have the latest safety net fix. I am not using shamiko. I didn't need it before. Idk what would have changed to require it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You *checks notes* reported a problem and asked for helped and turned down the first suggestion given. Mkay.

TotallyAnxious said:
You *checks notes* reported a problem and asked for helped and turned down the first suggestion given. Mkay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more of a question. You don't have to be defensive. Why all of a sudden is this required when it wasn't before? Is Google known to do things on the server side that randomly breaks the magisk hide functionality? I know people struggle with it a lot, but it's usually been pretty stable for me.

Schroeder09 said:
It's more of a question. You don't have to be defensive. Why all of a sudden is this required when it wasn't before? Is Google known to do things on the server side that randomly breaks the magisk hide functionality? I know people struggle with it a lot, but it's usually been pretty stable for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is known to do this. Server side updates.
You didn't ask a question. You said I'm not going to using shamiko. Which is a complete rebuff of my suggestion.
Edit: magisk hide? Are you using magisk delta and or other unofficial magisk build?

Shamiko generally isn't required unless you're trying to specifically hide root, which is not necessary for Google Wallet, which relies exclusively on Play Integrity to report device state. I try to ensure I fully understand what the problem is before I offer solutions.
@Schroeder09 have you tried clearing Wallet data? You may have to re-add cards but it sounds like a bug
Schroeder09 said:
I have the latest safety net fix. I am not using shamiko. I didn't need it before. Idk what would have changed to require it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please note that SafetyNet has been discontinued and replaced by Play Integrity. More information here. Just for the sake of eliminating possibilities, can you download Play Integrity Checker and post your response? You should have BASIC and DEVICE green, STRONG red.

V0latyle said:
Well...to be fair, it seems like your response assumed he was having a certification/attestation failure, and threw a bunch of unnecessary stuff at him. Shamiko generally isn't required unless you're trying to specifically hide root, which is not necessary for Google Wallet, which relies exclusively on Play Integrity to report device state.
Let's not be disrespectful, folks.
@Schroeder09 have you tried clearing Wallet data? You may have to re-add cards but it sounds like a bug
Please note that SafetyNet has been discontinued and replaced by Play Integrity. More information here. Just for the sake of eliminating possibilities, can you download Play Integrity Checker and post your response? You should have BASIC and DEVICE green, STRONG red.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a suggestion and explained my suggestion. That's not throwing too much at someone.
If you read the original post you'd would see that they cleared data already.

Given that everything was working prior, it sounds like Shamiko won't help in this particular circumstance as this isn't a attestation/certification issue.
@Schroeder09 since this happened after clearing data for Google Play Services (which removes your Google account) you might have to basically start over with apps that require Google sign in. This will be a pain in the butt, but may be worth a try:
Manually remove your Google account
Force stop and clear data for Google Play Services, GPay, Play Store, and Wallet
Reboot
Add your Google account
Open GPay, Play Store, and Wallet, and set everything back up
Reboot again
Basically, clearing data for Play Services has ripple effects that can cause problem in dependent apps, since they use the GMS suite to access your Google account data

TotallyAnxious said:
Google is known to do this. Server side updates.
You didn't ask a question. You said I'm not going to using shamiko. Which is a complete rebuff of my suggestion.
Edit: magisk hide? Are you using magisk delta and or other unofficial magisk build?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant was I currently do not have it. I already have safety net fix 2.3.1 and what's always been enough. Not that I will not use it. I didn't mean that.
I have YASNAC and integrity checker. Both pass. Google Play store says my device is certified. This happened after clearing the cache and data from Google Play services. That's all I did. Again, the apps themselves are functioning. The quick tile and the lock screen access for the wallet are what is no longer functioning.

V0latyle said:
Again, mind your tone, disrespect will not be tolerated here.
You offered a solution without understanding what the problem is, and from my own experience, it sounds like Shamiko won't help in this particular circumstance
@Schroeder09 since this happened after clearing data for Google Play Services (which removes your Google account) you might have to basically start over with apps that require Google sign in. This will be a pain in the butt, but may be worth a try:
Manually remove your Google account
Force stop and clear data for Google Play Services, GPay, Play Store, and Wallet
Reboot
Add your Google account
Open GPay, Play Store, and Wallet, and set everything back up
Reboot again
Basically, clearing data for Play Services has ripple effects that can cause problem in dependent apps, since they use the GMS suite to access your Google account data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Delete my posts if you want act this way.

V0latyle said:
Again, mind your tone, disrespect will not be tolerated here.
You offered a solution without understanding what the problem is, and from my own experience, it sounds like Shamiko won't help in this particular circumstance
@Schroeder09 since this happened after clearing data for Google Play Services (which removes your Google account) you might have to basically start over with apps that require Google sign in. This will be a pain in the butt, but may be worth a try:
Manually remove your Google account
Force stop and clear data for Google Play Services, GPay, Play Store, and Wallet
Reboot
Add your Google account
Open GPay, Play Store, and Wallet, and set everything back up
Reboot again
Basically, clearing data for Play Services has ripple effects that can cause problem in dependent apps, since they use the GMS suite to access your Google account data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did clear cache and data from Google pay and g pay after this happen. Yes, I did have to re-add the cards and set everything back up. I did not remove my account from the Google app. I will do them all simultaneously and report back. Thanks.

TotallyAnxious said:
Delete my posts if you want act this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Folks, please try to stay on topic and refrain from personal quibbles. If you have a concern that is not related to the content of the thread or its posts, then this is not the place for it. If you have a specific comment about V0latyle's advice, you are more than welcome to raise it here, but I ask that you do so in a way that is civil and reasonable.
Thanks for helping to keep the board clean.

Schroeder09 said:
I did clear cache and data from Google pay and g pay after this happen. Yes, I did have to re-add the cards and set everything back up. I did not remove my account from the Google app. I will do them all simultaneously and report back. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I think you may need to set things back up in a specific order though. Try the steps I suggested.
I want to reiterate that while I don't have anything in particular against Shamiko, I don't think it will help in this circumstance because you're already passing Play Integrity. Shamiko is intended to help hide Magisk, Zygisk, and the su binary, all of which are not necessary for Google apps.

I just checked and Wallet is working fine for me without Shamiko. The only thing I have installed is Displax's SafetyNet fix mod and I've added all Google apps to DenyList (may not be necessary but it doesn't break anything either) including both Wallet and GPay since I have both apps on my phone.

I think we all might be getting tunnel vision into thinking this is a SafetyNet or Magisk issue -- when I think it could be Wallet and/or a bug connecting it to its Quick Tile...
I'm thinking you should try an older version of Wallet & GPay [Google Pay] (APKMirror would be a good resource to look at) and see if it still doesn't show up with those; maybe a recent update is causing some kind of bug/glitch/incompatibility...
Also, if not Wallet or Magisk, I'm thinking since this had all started with Google Play Services, it might still have to do with that more than anything else. I recall myself when I was attempting some other things, I cleared cache & data of Services, Services Framework, and Play Store and found that my Wallet had been reset as well (even though I did not clear its data); Also I think I do remember seeing the quick tile as unavailable. Maybe re-establishing Play Services & Framework need to be done before anything as well. I know Play Store didn't want to work right until I cleared data twice more on Play Services...
If it is root, I would suggest flashing the stock init_boot back and removing/uninstalling Magisk and seeing if it would still cause the issue -- although, now that I think of it, will Wallet put up a stink just for having the bootloader unlocked? because if it does, I wouldn't re-lock the bootloader just for this and would instead trying other hide-root methods instead...
Also, a thought -- You could try other Quick Tile apps/customizers to see if they can't get a proper Quick Tile for Wallet working. It might show whether any/all Quick Tiles towards it are having an issue or just the Wallet app...
I dunno if any of this will get anything working properly, but it's just some ideas to help troubleshoot and maybe identify/narrow-down where the issue might truly lie...good luck!

V0latyle said:
Given that everything was working prior, it sounds like Shamiko won't help in this particular circumstance as this isn't a attestation/certification issue.
@Schroeder09 since this happened after clearing data for Google Play Services (which removes your Google account) you might have to basically start over with apps that require Google sign in. This will be a pain in the butt, but may be worth a try:
Manually remove your Google account
Force stop and clear data for Google Play Services, GPay, Play Store, and Wallet
Reboot
Add your Google account
Open GPay, Play Store, and Wallet, and set everything back up
Reboot again
Basically, clearing data for Play Services has ripple effects that can cause problem in dependent apps, since they use the GMS suite to access your Google account data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completed and still no dice. Guess I'll just do a fresh install at the next update and wipe everything.
EDIT: it did work! It's taken 2-5 minutes to load but the card is now in the QS tile and on the lock screen. Thank you.

Schroeder09 said:
Completed and still no dice. Guess I'll just do a fresh install at the next update and wipe everything.
EDIT: it did work! It's taken 2-5 minutes to load but the card is now in the QS tile and on the lock screen. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help.

Question What apps to put on Zygisk deny list?

Just Google Play Services? What about Play Store and Play Protect?
Are there any adventages or disadventages in putting normal apps on it, e.g. Discord or Instagram?

What are you trying to achieve? You don't need to put any apps on the denylist.
Play Services (alongside with Play Store, but not in every case) is necessary to be put on the denylist in order to download some apps, like Netflix or Revolut.
Some apps can be downloaded without Play Services being on the denylist, but will not work unless you put them on the list as well (many banking apps (Revolut), but also McDonald's app, interesting example).
It's a shame the denylist works on a blacklist logic instead of whitelist, but oh well.
TL;DR: If an app won't work because of root, put it on the denylist, clear all data & cache, restart it, and you're all set.

Lada333 said:
What are you trying to achieve? You don't need to put any apps on the denylist.
Play Services (alongside with Play Store, but not in every case) is necessary to be put on the denylist in order to download some apps, like Netflix or Revolut.
Some apps can be downloaded without Play Services being on the denylist, but will not work unless you put them on the list as well (many banking apps (Revolut), but also McDonald's app, interesting example).
It's a shame the denylist works on a blacklist logic instead of whitelist, but oh well.
TL;DR: If an app won't work because of root, put it on the denylist, clear all data & cache, restart it, and you're all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean as "base apps" so that android works like usual, updates, etc
naturally youd need to put new user app on that that complains about root.
So play store and play services it is? thanks!

G5-User7080 said:
I mean as "base apps" so that android works like usual, updates, etc
naturally youd need to put new user app on that that complains about root.
So play store and play services it is? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates you'll get either way, but for "access" to all apps in the Play Store, I think it's just Play Services and the store itself.