Why Google apps and services are not available on new Huawei devices

Google recently posted an explanation as to why Google apps and services are not available on new Huawei devices and warn about the risks of sideloading apps.

The US government placed Huawei on its Entity list on May 16, 2019, which prohibits all US companies from collaborating with Huawei.

For Google, that means the company is prohibited from working with Huawei on new devices made available to the public after May 16, 2019. These devices don’t have Google’s core apps, including Gmail, Maps, YouTube, and Play Store, as well as the Play Protect feature, which is Google’s built-in malware protection from Android. Google considers these devices as “uncertified” and will not be able to utilize Google’s apps and services.

US law currently allows Google to only work with Huawei device models available to the public on or before May 16, 2019.

As for sideloading Google apps, Google says that these apps will not work reliably as they do not allow these services to run on uncertified devices where security may be compromised. Sideloading Google’s apps also carry a high risk of installing an app that has been altered or tampered with in ways that can compromise user security.

However, Google will still continue to provide security updates and updates to Google’s apps on existing Huawei devices.

“Our focus has been protecting the security of Google users on the millions of existing Huawei devices around the world. We have continued to work with Huawei, in compliance with government regulations, to provide security updates and updates to Google’s apps and services on existing devices, and we will continue to do so as long as it is permitted,” said Tristan Ostrowski, Android & Play Legal Director.

Users can check if a device is certified by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android phone, tap “Menu” and look for “Settings.” You will see if your device is certified under “Play Protect certification.”

source: Google