In recent years, the market for mobile operating systems has experienced revolutionary changes caused by geopolitical factors. Users accustomed to the flawless operation of the ecosystem Googlewere faced with the appearance of smartphones where the usual logos and services were absent. Instead, came Huawei Mobile Services, or HMS for short. This abbreviation has become a symbol of the independence of the Chinese giant, but for the average user it often means difficulties with installing banking applications and familiar instant messengers.
The combination of the operating system Android 10 and platform HMS creates a unique environment that technically remains “Android”, but functionally works according to different rules. The system kernel allows you to run APK files, but the absence Google Play Services blocks the work of many apps that depend on the search giant's API. Understanding the architecture of this bundle is critically important for owners of brand devices Huawei i Honor 2019-2020 release in order to avoid disappointment from buying a “brick” without communication with the world.
In this article we will analyze in detail how exactly this configuration differs from the standard one, what tools the manufacturer offers to replace missing services and how to adapt your smartphone to your needs. You will learn about the hidden capabilities of the store AppGallery, methods of bypassing restrictions and security nuances that are silent in advertising brochures.
Architectural differences between GMS and HMS
At a fundamental level Android 10 with pre-installed services Google (GMS) and version c HMS represent two different universes within one code. GMS is a set of proprietary applications and APIs that are deeply integrated into the system. They are responsible for push notifications, authorization in games, operation of cards and synchronization of contacts. Without this layer, many applications simply will not start or will crash with an error.
In turn, Huawei Mobile Services is an attempt to create a similar ecosystem from scratch. The developers Huawei replaced key Google components with their own solutions. For example, instead of Google Maps cards are used Petal Maps, and cloud storage is replaced by Huawei Cloud. This requires third-party software developers to rewrite the code of their applications, which does not always happen.
The main problem is the dependence of popular applications on GMS frameworks. Banking apps, taxi and food delivery services often use Google SafetyNet to check the security of the device. In the HMS environment, these checks may not pass, which leads to blocking of functionality or complete failure of the software.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications may be unstable or require additional security settings on devices without certified Google services. Always check the compatibility of critical software before purchasing.
It is worth noting that the operating system itself Android 10 in both cases remains an open platform AOSP (Android Open Source Project). This means that the basic functions of calling, SMS, working with files and connecting to Wi-Fi function identically. The differences begin where interaction with remote corporate servers is required.
AppGallery application store and its capabilities
The central element of the new ecosystem has become the store AppGallery. This is not just a catalog of apps, but a strategic tool that Huawei is being developed with huge investments. Unlike Google Play, the HMS store strictly moderates content in terms of compliance with local laws and the company's internal security policy.
The application catalog is constantly growing. If at the dawn of the appearance of HMS only simple utilities could be found there, now large social networks, popular instant messengers and even some games are represented. However, the choice is still inferior to the American competitor, especially in niche software categories.
- 📱 Local applications: Excellent support for software from the CIS countries and Asia, which is often optimized specifically for HMS.
- 🛡️ Security: The built-in system for checking viruses and malicious code before installation works at the kernel level.
- 🎁 Bonuses: The Huawei Points loyalty app allows you to receive discounts and in-game currency for activity in the store.
To install applications that are not in the official catalog, the system offers a mechanism Petal Search. This is a search bar that scans third-party verified repositories and prompts the user to install the APK file. The process is as automated as possible, but requires the user to confirm installation from unknown sources.
Use the "Quick Install" function in Petal Search - it will automatically download the required version of the application compatible with your smartphone model, bypassing a manual search on sites.
Methods for installing missing applications
Users who are faced with the absence favorite software, we quickly found workarounds. The most popular solution has been the use of GMS environment emulators. Applications like Gspace or Gbox create a virtual space inside Android 10with services already pre-installed. Google.
This method allows you to run YouTube, Instagram even banking applications as if they were running on a regular smartphone. Within the virtual environment, device identifiers are emulated, which bypasses security checks. However, this approach has its drawbacks related to performance and energy consumption.
An alternative way is to use web versions of applications. Many services, such as VK or office suites, have excellent responsive sites that can be added to the home screen as a shortcut. This often works even more stable than native applications through emulators.
Settings → Applications → Gspace → Permissions → Enable AllIt is important to understand that using third-party emulators transfers your data through additional servers. Although the developers claim security, this is still an additional layer of software that can become a vulnerability. Risks of using emulators When using Gspace or its analogues, you give the application access to your contacts, photos and microphone inside the virtual environment. Theoretically, the data can be analyzed by third parties, although no mass leaks have been recorded. Gspace claim to be secure, it is still an additional layer of software that can become a vulnerability.
Risks of using emulators
When using Gspace or its equivalent, you give the app access to your contacts, photos, and microphone within the virtual environment. Theoretically, the data can be analyzed by third parties, although no massive leaks have been recorded.
Data synchronization and working with the cloud
Refusal of the account Google means the loss of the usual synchronization of contacts, calendar and notes. Replaces Huawei Cloud. This service offers similar functionality: backup of the gallery, voice recorder and system settings. The amount of free storage is usually 5 GB, which is comparable to the basic tariff of competitors.
Transferring data from an old smartphone to a new one with HMS is carried out through the app Phone Clone. It allows you to transfer contacts, messages, photos and even the arrangement of icons on your desktop via a Wi-Fi channel. The process takes just minutes and does not require connecting to a computer.
| Data type | Google Synchronization | Huawei Cloud | Phone Clone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | Automatic | Automatic | When migrating |
| Photos | Google Photos | Gallery | When migrating |
| Wi-Fi passwords | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Call history | No (without root) | Yes | Yes |
However, cross-platform synchronization is limited. If you are used to opening notes from your phone on your computer via the Google web interface, then you will have to use third-party solutions or export the data manually. The ecosystem HMS you will have to use third-party solutions or export data manually. Ecosystem Huawei works best in conjunction with laptops and tablets of the same brand.
⚠️ Attention: When resetting to factory settings without logging into your Huawei Cloud account, backups may be irretrievably lost. Be sure to remember the password for your ID account.
Compatibility issues and notifications
One of the most annoying problems with HMS is the way push notifications work. In the standard system, a single service Android 10 with HMS is the work of push notifications. In a standard system, a single service is responsible for message delivery FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) is responsible for message delivery. Applications do not need to run in the background to receive the message - the Google server itself pushes it to the device.
In the HMS world, this mechanism is replaced by Huawei Push Kit. If the application developer has not implemented support for this whale, the application is forced to constantly hang in RAM, polling the server for new messages. This leads to rapid battery drain and heating of the case.
Users often notice that messages from instant messengers arrive with a delay if the application has been closed from memory. The aggressive energy saving system Android 10 combined with the lack of native Google services creates situations where important notifications simply do not arrive on time.
- 🔋 Battery drain: Applications without Push Kit support can consume up to 20% of the charge per day in the background.
- ⏱️ Delays: Messages can only arrive after unlocking the screen and launching the application.
- ⚙️ Settings: Requires manual configuration of autorun for each important messenger in the task manager.
To solve this problem, you need to go to the battery settings and remove restrictions for specific applications. It is also recommended to pin the necessary apps in RAM through the multitasking menu so that the system does not unload them.
☑️ Optimizing notifications
Security and system updates
The issue of security often becomes a stumbling block. The service Google Play Protect scans the devices of millions of users, identifying new threats. On devices with HMS, this role is taken over by the built-in antivirus and regular security patches from the manufacturer.
Huawei releases security updates quite quickly, often even faster than some vendors with a GMS license. However, the lack of global threat monitoring from Google means that the user relies more on the vigilance of the manufacturer.
From a privacy perspective, switching to an HMS may even be more beneficial. Fewer telemetry sent to the corporation Googlereduces the user's digital footprint. However, the data is now processed by the servers of a company that falls under the jurisdiction of the PRC, which raises questions among some categories of users.
The security of Android 10 with HMS is at a high level, but requires the user to be more aware when installing applications from third-party sources.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to fully install Google Play on Android 10 with HMS?
There is no official method. Attempts to manually install Google services (GMS) through the engineering menu or third-party scripts on new versions of EMUI firmware often lead to unstable system operation, malfunctions of the camera and banking applications. It is recommended to use emulators like Gbox.
Will banking applications from Sberbank and Tinkoff work?
Native applications from AppGallery may work with restrictions or not work at all due to the lack of Google SafetyNet certification. However, they run correctly through the Gspace/Gbox emulators. Full-fledged work through the browser is also always available.
How to transfer WhatsApp with all chats to a new Huawei?
When using Phone Clone, chats are transferred, but restoration from a Google Drive backup is impossible. You need to make a local backup on your old phone, transfer the database file via a computer or cable, and restore it when installing WhatsApp on a new device.
Why doesn't Android Auto work?
Android Auto is completely dependent on Google services and cannot function on devices with a pure HMS. An alternative is to use the proprietary Huawei HiCar solution, but it requires support from the car radio, which is rare.
Will the phone stop working if Huawei servers are turned off?
The basic functions of the phone (calls, SMS, installed APK applications) will continue to work, since they do not depend on the cloud. However, synchronization, the application store and the operation of services that require constant authorization will be disrupted.