Huawei Mobile Services (HMS): what is this app on Android and why do you need it

Since 2019 smartphones Huawei i Honor no longer supplied with pre-installed services Google - due to the US trade embargo. Instead, the company developed its own ecosystem Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which became an alternative Google Mobile Services (GMS). If you see HMS Core, AppGallery or Huawei IDin the list of applications, these are the components of this ecosystem.

Many users mistakenly believe that HMS is just a set of unnecessary “proprietary” utilities that can be removed. In fact, without them, the smartphone on Android from Huawei will lose access to the branded application store, cloud storage, payment system and even some camera functions. In this article we will look at how it works, what problems it solves and whether it is possible to get rid of it without consequences. Huawei Mobile Services, what problems it solves and whether it is possible to get rid of it without consequences.

Let us immediately note: HMS is not a virus or spyware. This is an official replacement, adapted for devices (models after 2019). Without it, you will not be able to install applications via Google Play Services, adapted for devices Huawei And Honor (models after 2019). Without it, you will not be able to install applications through AppGalleryor use Huawei Pay or synchronize data between devices. However, there are nuances: some functions duplicate standard services Android, and individual components HMS can be disabled without critical consequences.

What is Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and why do you need it

Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) is a set of system applications and APIs that replaces Google Mobile Services (GMS) on devices Huawei and Honorreleased after May 2019. It includes:

• 📱 HMS Core —the core of the ecosystem, analogue Google Play Services. Responsible for push notifications, geolocation, authorization through Huawei ID and the operation of other HMS applications.
• 🛒 AppGallery — a proprietary application store instead of Google Play.
• 🔐 Huawei ID — an account for data synchronization (analog Google Account).
• 💳 Huawei Pay — a contactless payment system (alternative Google Pay).
• ☁️ Huawei Cloud —cloud storage for backups.
• 📡 Huawei Browser i Huawei Assistant —browser and voice assistant.

The main task HMS is to ensure the operation of the smartphone without services Googlethat have become unavailable due to sanctions. However. the ecosystem Huawei not just copies the functionality GMS, but also offers unique features:

• 🔄 Quick Apps - "quick applications" that do not need to be installed (similar to Instant Apps from Google, but with more support).
• 🎮 GameCenter —a gaming hub optimized for gamers.
• 📈 Petal Search —a search engine that aggregates results from different sources, including Yandex and Bing.
• 🔒 Security & Privacy — built-in tools for data protection (virus scanning, permission control).

It is important to understand: HMS is not just a “wrapper” over Android, but a full-fledged ecosystem with its own APIs for developers. This means that apps optimized for HMS Corecan run faster and more stable on Huaweidevices than their counterparts for GMS.

Critical detail: Without HMS Core, you won't be able to install apps from AppGallery, even if you manually download the store APK file. The system blocks installation without an active ecosystem core.

How HMS differs from Google Mobile Services (GMS)

The main difference is that HMS is developed exclusively for devices Huawei and Honor, whereas GMS universal for all Androidsmartphones. But there are other key differences:

Function	Google Mobile Services (GMS)	Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)
App Store	Google Play Store	AppGallery (fewer apps, but there are exclusives for Huawei)
Cloud storage	Google Drive (15 GB free)	Huawei Cloud (5 GB free, tariffs are cheaper)
Geolocation and maps	Google Maps i Google Location Services	Huawei Map Kit i Petal Maps (less accurate, but work without Google)
Push notifications	Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)	Huawei Push Kit (not all applications support)
Payment	Google Pay (supports most banks)	Huawei Pay (limited list of banks, but there are NFC payments)

The main disadvantage HMS is limited compatibility with global services. For example:

• 🚫 Many applications (for example, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps) are not updated via AppGallery.
• 🚫 Some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Clash of Clans) require Google Play Services for work.
• 🚫 Services Google (for example, Duo or Meet) may not start or work with errors.

However HMS has some advantages:

• ✅ Less background activity (saves battery power).
• ✅ No forced linking to an account Google.
• ✅ Some functions (for example, Multi-Screen Collaboration to contact PCs) work only with HMS.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei with HMS cannot be officially installed Google Play Services - this violates the license agreement. Workarounds (for example, through LZPlay or GSpace) can lead to account blocking or unstable system operation.

Which HMS components are installed on your smartphone

To understand which It is services HMS that are active on your device, check the list of applications in the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show system processes.
3. In the search bar, enter HMS or Huawei.

A typical set of components HMS Core includes:

• 🔧 HMS Core — the main core (required for the operation of the ecosystem).
• 🛍️ AppGallery — application store.
• 👤 Huawei ID — account service.
• 📍 Huawei Location Kit — geolocation.
• 🔔 Huawei Push Service — notifications.
• 💰 Huawei Pay — payment system.
• ☁️ Huawei Cloud — cloud storage.
• 🔍 Petal Search —search engine.

Not all components are required for the smartphone to work. For example, Huawei Pay or Petal Search can be disabled without consequences, but HMS Core or AppGallery Deleting is not recommended - this will lead to errors in the system.

If you are not sure which component does what answers, use the table:

Application	Purpose	Can it be disabled?
HMS Core	Ecosystem core, analogue Google Play Services	❌ No (will lead to failures)
AppGallery	App Store	⚠️ You can, but you will lose access to updates
Huawei ID	Account management and synchronization	❌ No (required for other services)
Huawei Push Service	Push notifications for HMS applications	✅ Yes (but some applications will stop sending notifications)
Petal Search	Search engine and application aggregator	✅ Yes (does not affect the system)

Is it possible delete or disable HMS Core

Technically HMS Core you can disable or even delete (with rights root), but this highly not recommended. The consequences can be serious:

• 🚨 AppGallery will stop working (you will not be able to install or update applications).
• 🚨 Access to Huawei Cloud will disappear (you will lose backup copies).
• 🚨 Push notifications from applications that use HMS Push Kit.
• 🚨 Some system functions (for example, Multi-Screen Collaboration or Celestial for photos) will stop coming.

If you still want to reduce the impact HMS on the system, you can:

1. Disable auto-update for unnecessary components (for example, Petal Search or Huawei Browser).
2. Limit background activity via Settings → Applications → [name] → Battery.
3. Delete cache and data for applications that you do not use (for example, Huawei Payif you do not use contactless payments).

⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, Mate 40 Pro or P50 Pro) HMS Core integrated into the firmware. Removing it without rootrights is impossible, and attempts to bypass it may lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.

Alternative option. - installation of Google services manually (for example, through GSpace or LZPlay). However, this:

• 🔄 Requires regular updates of workarounds (Huawei blocks them).
• 🛑 May violate warranty terms.
• ⚠️ Leads to conflicts between GMS and HMS (for example, duplicate notifications or geolocation failures).

How to update HMS Core to the latest version

Updating HMS Core is important for the stable operation of the ecosystem. You can do this in two ways:

Method 1: Through the AppGallery

1. Open AppGallery.
2. Go to section Updates (arrow icon below).
3. Find HMS Core in the list and click Update.

Method 2: Via APK file (if AppGallery does not work)

1. Download the latest version HMS Core from the official website Huawei (support section for your model).
2. Open the downloaded file and allow installation from unknown sources.
3. Reboot your smartphone after installation.

Check the version after the update:

1. Open Settings → Applications → HMS Core.
2. Scroll down to the section Version.

Minimum requirements for the latest versions of HMS Core:

• 📱 Android 10 or newer.
• 🔋 At least 2 GB of RAM.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (the update weighs ~100–200 MB).

⚠️ Attention: If after the update HMS Core applications from AppGallery stopped working, clear the store cache (Settings → Applications → AppGallery → Storage → Clear cache).

How to use AppGallery instead of Google Play

AppGallery - the main application store for devices with HMSIt works differently than Google Play, and has its own characteristics:

Advantages of AppGallery:

• 🛡️ Strict security control (all applications are checked for viruses).
• 🎁 Regular promotions and bonuses (for example, free applications or discounts).
• 🌍 Support for regional applications (for example, SberBank Online or Government services optimized for HMS).
• 🔄 Ability to install APK files directly from the store (section Quick Apps).

Disadvantages of AppGallery:

• 📉 Fewer applications than in Google Play (there are not many global services).
• 🔄 Updates come out later (sometimes with a delay of several days).
• 🌐 Not all applications support the Russian language.

How to search and install applications:

1. Open AppGallery and log in via Huawei ID.
2. Enter the name of the application in the search bar.
3. If there is no application, try:
   • 🔍 Use Petal Search (aggregates results from different stores).
   • 📥 Download APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror) and install manually.
   • 🌐 Check if there is a web version of the service (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp work via browser).

How to update applications:

• Automatically: AppGallery → Profile → Settings → Auto-update applications.
• Manually: AppGallery → Updates (arrow icon at the bottom).

What to do if the application does not install?

Check whether there is enough space on the device (minimum 500 MB of free space required).|Make sure the version is HMS Core updated.|Disable VPN (some applications block installation when using it).|Clear the AppGallery cache in the application settings.

Problems with HMS and how to solve them

Even despite optimization, HMS may not work properly. Let's look at typical problems and how to solve them. solutions:

1. AppGallery does not open or displays an error

• 🔄 Restart your smartphone.
• 🗑️ Clear cache and data AppGallery (Settings → Applications → AppGallery → Storage).
• 🔧 Update HMS Core to the latest version.
• 📡 Check your internet connection (turn off VPN if using).

2. Push notifications are not coming

• 🔔 Make sure Huawei Push Service is turned on (Settings → Applications).
• 📵 Check the notification settings for a specific application.
• 🔄 Reinstall the problematic application.

3. HMS Core is constantly draining the battery

• 🔋 Limit background activity (Settings → Applications → HMS Core → Battery → Limit background activity).
• 🔄 Update HMS Core (energy consumption is optimized in new versions).
• 🗑️ Clear the application cache.

4. Geolocation does not work in HMS applications

• 📍 Enable Exact location in the settings (Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata).
• 🔧 Update Huawei Location Kit.
• 🌍 Check if Petal Maps is enabled (sometimes it blocks other geolocation services).

5. Unable to log in to Huawei ID

• 🔑 Make sure you are using the correct password (check your layout) keyboard).
• 🌐 Try resetting your password via official website.
• 📡 Disable VPN or proxy (they can block access to servers Huawei).
• ⏳ Wait 10-15 minutes and try again (sometimes servers Huawei overloaded).

⚠️ Attention: If after updating the firmware HMS stopped working, reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). First backup your data via Huawei Cloud or manually.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Huawei Mobile Services

Is it possible to install Google Play on Huawei with HMS?

Officially - no. But there are workarounds:

• 📥 Installation GSpace (virtual space with GMS).
• 🔧 Use LZPlay (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• ⚠️ Risks: unstable operation, account blocking Huawei, loss of warranty.

Recommendation: If you critically need services Google, choose models Huawei before 2019 (for example, P30 Pro or Mate 20 Pro), where GMS is preinstalled.

What applications do not work without GMS?

List of popular applications that require Google Play Services:

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, Clash of Clans.
• 📺 YouTube, Netflix (work through a browser, but with limitations).
• 📧 Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive.
• 💬 WhatsApp and Telegram work, but may not send notifications without FCM.

Alternatives: use web versions or analogues (for example, Petal Maps instead of Google Maps).

How to transfer data from Google to Huawei Cloud?

Instructions:

1. Download data from Google Drive to a PC (for example, photos or contacts).
2. Upload them to Huawei Cloud via the web version (cloud.huawei.com).
3. On your smartphone, open Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud and synchronize the data.

For contacts, you can use export to file .vcf and import via Contacts → Settings → Import/export.

HMS Core takes up a lot of space. Is it possible to reduce it?

HMS Core weighs ~200–300 MB, but can grow due to the cache. To free up space:

• 🗑️ Clear the cache (Settings → Applications → HMS Core → Storage → Clear cache).
• 🔧 Disable auto-update for unnecessary HMS applications.
• 📁 Transfer some of the data (for example, photos) to a memory card.

You cannot delete HMS Core this will lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Is it safe to use Huawei Pay?

Huawei Pay uses technology Tokenization (replaces card data with a unique token), like Google Pay or Apple PayHowever:

• ✅ Cards are supported Mastercard, Visa i MIR.
• ⚠️ The list of supported banks is smaller than that Google Pay.
• 🔒 For additional security, enable verification by fingerprint or PIN code.

Before linking the card, check whether it is supported is your bank on official website.