When Google decided to cut ties with Huawei, it wasn’t just another tech headline—it was a turning point for millions of smartphone users around the world. Suddenly, one of the biggest phone brands on the planet found itself without access to Google’s core services. That means no Gmail, no Google Maps, no YouTube, and no Play Store on new Huawei devices.
This huge change, which began in 2019, still matters in 2025. Whether you already own a Huawei phone, are thinking about buying one, or just want to understand how global tech decisions can affect your everyday device, this article is here to help. Let’s dive in and explore exactly what happened, why it happened, and what it means for you today.
We’ll walk you through everything in a simple, friendly way—no tech jargon, just clear explanations and helpful answers. Let’s get started.
Why Google Said Goodbye To Huawei
The story begins in 2019, when the United States government added Huawei to something called the “Entity List.” This list is used to block certain companies from doing business with U.S. companies. The reason? The U.S. claimed that Huawei posed national security risks and might have close ties to the Chinese government.
As a result of this decision, Google, being an American company, was no longer allowed to provide its services to Huawei. This wasn’t a personal decision by Google—it was something they were legally required to do. But the impact was huge. Huawei, one of the world’s top smartphone makers at the time, suddenly lost access to essential software that millions of users rely on.
This moment marked the beginning of major changes. Phones that once had Google’s full support were now left without updates or access to apps. It wasn’t just about missing a few services—it was about changing the way people used their phones, especially outside of China where Google services are deeply integrated.
What Was Lost After The Ban
Once the ban took effect, Huawei phones released after May 2019 no longer had access to the official Android version from Google. That meant no Play Store, no YouTube app, no Gmail, and no Google Maps. For many users, especially in Europe and other Western countries, this made the phones feel incomplete.
Huawei could still use the open-source version of Android, which is free for anyone to use. But this version does not come with Google’s services or security features. That left users without automatic updates, built-in virus protection like Google Play Protect, or access to some of the most popular apps in the world.
Imagine buying a new phone and realizing you can’t download your favorite apps the usual way. That’s the experience many new Huawei users faced. This change was frustrating and confusing for people who weren’t used to finding apps outside the Play Store.
Existing Huawei Phones And Google Access
If you had a Huawei phone before the ban, such as the Huawei P30 series, you probably didn’t notice much change right away. These phones still had Google services installed, and they continued working normally. You could still use Gmail, watch YouTube, and download new apps from the Play Store.
The issue only affected Huawei phones released after May 2019. New models came without any Google apps. That’s why it’s important to check the release date of a Huawei phone if you’re thinking about buying one. Older phones are fine, but newer ones will have a different experience.
This split created two very different types of Huawei users—those who still had Google access and those who didn’t. Many users didn’t even know about the difference until they started missing their favorite apps or couldn’t install updates.
Huawei’s New Ecosystem
To survive without Google, Huawei began building its own system from the ground up. Instead of relying on Android updates from Google, Huawei created HarmonyOS—a brand-new operating system. They also launched Huawei Mobile Services, or HMS, to replace Google’s tools like the Play Store and Google Maps.
AppGallery became Huawei’s official app store. It has grown a lot since 2019 and now includes many popular apps. Huawei also launched Petal Search and Petal Maps as alternatives to Google’s search engine and navigation tools. These were big steps in making sure users still had access to key features.
Even though it’s not easy to build a complete ecosystem from scratch, Huawei has come a long way. Their phones are now fully powered by their own software and services. But in many parts of the world, users still feel the absence of Google.
HarmonyOS As A Replacement
HarmonyOS was first built for smart TVs and devices, but it later expanded to phones, tablets, and wearables. Huawei wanted to create an ecosystem that worked smoothly across all devices, and HarmonyOS was the foundation for that vision.
The idea is simple: one operating system that connects everything, from your phone to your smartwatch to your home devices. It sounds great, but building it was a challenge. Many developers were unsure about supporting a new platform, especially one that wasn’t as popular as Android or iOS.
By 2025, HarmonyOS is working well in China, but it’s still finding its place in global markets. Without the same app support and name recognition as Android or iOS, it’s harder to convince users to switch. Still, Huawei is pushing forward, improving the system with each update.
Where AppGallery Stands Today
AppGallery is Huawei’s replacement for the Play Store. It now offers thousands of apps, including many popular ones like TikTok and Telegram. But it’s still missing some of the major global apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and WhatsApp in their official forms.
Huawei has worked hard to make AppGallery easy to use. They also provide links to install apps from trusted third-party sources. Still, this setup can be confusing for users who are used to the Play Store where everything is in one place.
If you’re someone who depends heavily on Google apps, AppGallery might feel limited. But if you’re open to using different apps or finding alternatives, it’s possible to use a Huawei phone with minimal disruption. It just takes a bit more effort than usual.
User And Developer Reactions
When Google said goodbye to Huawei, it didn’t just affect users—it also made life harder for app developers. Developers had to figure out how to support Huawei’s new system, which meant extra work and learning how to use HMS instead of Google APIs.
For users, the experience varied. Some adjusted quickly and found new ways to use their phones. Others were frustrated by the lack of familiar apps and the extra steps needed to install them. Many simply chose to buy phones from other brands to avoid the hassle.
This situation also made the Android ecosystem feel more divided. Instead of one consistent experience across all Android phones, Huawei’s new approach created a separate path, which some people found difficult to follow.
Huawei’s Market Changes
Before the split, Huawei was the second-largest smartphone brand in the world, right behind Samsung. It was growing fast and competing head-to-head with Apple. But after losing Google, Huawei’s global smartphone sales dropped sharply, especially in Europe and other Google-heavy regions.
Meanwhile, other companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple used this chance to win over former Huawei users. These brands offered similar features—with full access to Google services. This shift gave Huawei’s competitors a strong edge in international markets.
Huawei stayed strong in China, where Google is already banned. But without Google, expanding globally became much harder. That’s why Huawei’s market strategy now focuses more on creating its own devices and growing its ecosystem inside China.
Is HarmonyOS Safe To Use
Many people still worry about privacy and security when it comes to Huawei devices. These concerns mostly come from Huawei’s alleged ties to the Chinese government. Some governments have even banned Huawei equipment in sensitive areas.
On the technical side, HarmonyOS is still catching up to the security standards of Android. Google’s Play Protect, which helps scan for malware and bad apps, isn’t available on Huawei phones. This means users must be more careful about what they install.
Huawei is working to improve security and win back trust, especially from global users. But to gain full acceptance in Western countries, they’ll need to be more transparent and prove their system is as safe as the competition.
Using Google Apps On Huawei Phones
Some users have found ways to bring Google apps back to newer Huawei phones. This often includes sideloading apps or using third-party tools. While it might work in some cases, it’s not always safe or reliable, especially when it comes to security and future updates.
One common option is using the web version of apps like YouTube or Gmail. You can open them in a browser and still enjoy most features. But it’s not quite the same as having a real app on your phone.
The truth is, if you rely heavily on Google apps, switching to a newer Huawei phone might not be the best choice. But if you’re open to using different apps or taking extra steps, it’s still possible to make it work.
Can Huawei Succeed Without Google
Huawei’s journey after Google has been tough, but not impossible. The company has shown that it can build its own system, invest in new technology, and stay strong in certain markets. In China, HarmonyOS is growing fast and gaining support.
However, winning back global users will take time. People want phones that work easily right out of the box. They want access to all their favorite apps, updates, and reliable security. Without these, it’s harder for Huawei to compete in places like Europe and North America.
But Huawei isn’t giving up. With HarmonyOS, strong hardware, and constant improvements, they are trying to build something unique. Whether it works or not depends on how well they can attract users and developers outside of China.
Bottom-Line
The story of Google and Huawei is more than just a tech breakup—it’s a look into how politics, privacy, and innovation shape the devices we use every day. Since 2019, Huawei has taken bold steps to survive without Google, creating its own systems and building a new path.
For some users, these changes have been difficult. For others, they’ve been exciting. Whether you decide to stick with Huawei or explore other options, the important thing is to stay informed and choose what works best for your needs.
We hope you found this article helpful. The mobile world is always changing, and Huawei’s journey shows just how quickly things can shift. If you’re thinking about getting a Huawei phone in 2025, now you know exactly what to expect.
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