What apps work on Huawei smartphones?

Huawei may be one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, but it's found itself in a bit of a pickle of late. Last year, a US government executive order banned American companies from working with the brand, as Huawei was deemed a "national security risk". Google suspended its relationship with Huawei in light of this, which effectively cut the phone manufacturer off from Android. While existing Huawei smartphones didn't lose any functionality, new smartphones are a different matter entirely.

Huawei can still use Android to power newer smartphones - like the P40 Pro, the Mate XS, and the Mate 30 Pro - but the open source version of Android - AOSP. AOSP, however, doesn’t feature Google's apps or services. These include the Google Play Store, Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail, and more. In order to ship a phone with Google apps, a manufacturer needs to license these from Google.

While its certainly possible to live life without some Google apps, the Play Store is the most glaring emission. After all, the Play Store you'd typically start your journey on a new Android phone. Where else do you download all of your favourite apps?

There are a few different solutions to installing apps on a Google-less Huawei phone, such as Huawei's own app store, the Amazon app store, and APK mirrors, but there's also a question as to whether or not an app will work. Many Android apps rely on Google services to even run. For example, Uber and Uber Eats both use Google services for their maps. Without Google services, these apps won't run no matter how you get them on your phone.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at over 50 popular apps and games to see if they'll run on a Google-less Huawei device. But first, here's a look at your options for installing an app on a Huawei smartphone.

How to install apps on an Huawei smartphone

Huawei App Gallery

The App Gallery is Huawei's take on the Play Store. To be honest, it's a little bleak. While you can find a few big name apps like Snapchat and Tinder, mainstays like Spotify, Twitter, and Slack are all missing. In some cases, the App Gallery will point you to an official download for apps not listed in the store - for example, in the case of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Zoom.

And when an app won't work on a Huawei phone but can work in a browser, the App Gallery will offer to create a shortcut to that webpage, also referred to as a Quick App. These are no different to running an app in a browser however, and may be missing app specific functionality.

Amazon App Store

The Amazon App Store is available as a free download for anyone with an Android phone, and can be a useful alternate source for apps. While app selection isn't as large as what you'd find on the Google Play Store, it has a lot more to offer than the Huawei App Gallery. Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, and Spotify are all present for example. Of course, the Amazon App Store still doesn't have Google apps, or apps that require Google services.

Petal Search / APK mirrors

Petal Search is a new widget that's recently been added to Google-less Huawei phones. It ostensibly functions as a search engine for apps that will then send you to an APK mirror - a third party website hosting app files (known as APKs). While you can always Google the app in question and append APK to the end of your search, the Petal Search widget makes the process a little more seamless. Of course, just because you can install an app through Petal Search doesn't mean it will work on the phone.

In addition, APK mirrors tend to be covered with ads, some of which pretend to be download buttons. They can be a bit of a minefield. You need to pay attention to what you're doing on APK mirror, or you could end up clicking on an ad for who knows what. It's not simple in the way the Play Store is.

APK mirrors don't always feature the latest version of an app, especially when it's a little more niche or only available in certain regions, which could mean you're installing something out of date.

Lastly, if you install an app via Petal Search or an APK mirror, you won't be alerted if there's a new version, and it certainly won't automatically update. APK Pure - a popular app mirror - does however have its own app you can install, which can help with managing app updates. 

Web browser

If an app doesn't work on a Google-less Huawei phone, there's a chance it may work in your web browser of choice. While Uber won't work on a Huawei phone, it can work in your web browser. When testing in-browser versions of apps, we have found they may be missing functionality. While Uber Eats has the same core functionality on the web, it's missing features like timed free delivery and Uber Rewards.

In addition, some apps simply don't have a version that works on the web.

Which apps work on Huawei smartphones?

These apps were tested on a Huawei Mate XS between July 27 and July 30, 2020. It is possible that there may be some variance between whether an app works on the Mate XS and other Google-less Huawei devices.

• Available through the Huawei App Gallery, an official source, or the Amazon App Store
• Available through Petal Search or an APK mirror, and works 
• App won't work, but may be usable in a web browser 

What did we learn?

Only 13 of the 50 apps we tested were easily installed - through the Huawei App Gallery, through an official download link pointed to via the App Gallery, or via the Amazon App Store. 

Conversely, 21 of the 50 apps tested wouldn't work at all. While some of these can still function in a web browser, visiting a web page simply isn't as convenient as using an app. 

Five of the six food delivery apps we tested failed to run on the Mate XS, presumably due to dependence on the Google Maps API. MyMaccas was the only app that worked, after a lot of faffing about. Fortunately all the other apps have a web browser alternative. 

Dating apps didn't perform too well either. Tinder is the only major dating app we were able to get working on a Huawei smartphone. We didn't have any luck with Hinge or Bumble, so singles looking to mingle may want to look elsewhere. 

Surprisingly, Google Chrome will still run on a Huawei smartphone without Google services. The only catch is that you can't sign into your Google account, and as such, can't sync your history across devices. 

It's worth noting there's no legitimate way to access paid apps you have purchased on the Play Store. For example, while I own the premium version of TripView, I can't download it on the Mate XS. 

You might have also noticed we didn't test any banking apps. This is because the official ANZ, CommBank, Westpac, and Afterpay apps (to name a few) simply don't show up in the App Gallery, in the Amazon App Store, through Petal Search, or on APK mirrors. This alone could potentially be a deal breaker for those who rely on their for mobile banking on the reg. You may be able to access your internet banking through the web browser, if your bank supports it. 

Which games run on Huawei smartphones?

Games are a whole different kettle of fish when it comes to Huawei smartphones. As with paid apps, there is no legitimate way to access paid games you may have bought through the Play Store. This means titles like Stardew Valley, Terraria, and Grand Theft Auto are all off the table. 

Some free games will work on a Google-less Android phone, provided they don't rely on in-app purchases. Alto's Odyssey will work for example, but Super Mario Run won't. 

Any game that relies on Google Play Services won't either, which rules out titles like PUBG. 

It's not all bad though, Google-less Huawei phones can still play Fortnite, which is something, I guess?

Companion apps and Huawei smartphones

If you're someone who uses a fitness tracker like a Fitbit, a smartwatch like a Galaxy Watch or Gamin, or have a whole lot of smart home kit, we'd suggest passing on a Google-less Huawei smartphone. 

While we haven't been able to these these apps extensively, there are too many variables involved to guarantee your accessory will work with your phone. We've read plenty of reports of Fitbits failing to pair with Google-less Huawei smartphones, the Google Home app won't work no matter how hard you try, and the LIFX app crashes whenever you attempt to login. 

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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