Develop Bugs

No Google Now after 4.3

I have been running 4.1.2 for a long time and google now always worked fine. When the 4.4 home screen apks came out I installed them and was really enjoying having google now as a homescreen page. Last week I installed the ditto note rom and ever since then I can not get google now to work, I have tried everything that I have found when searching (Why doesn't xda search support speech marks though?) Last night I did a super wipe and installed pheonix rom but still the problem persists. What am I doing wrong?
Since installing DN3 I have tried:
changing language to english us - still no google now
changing to english uk and downloading offline data - still no google now
clearing google search app data - still no google now
upgrading google search to lastest version - still no google now
downgrading to dn3 default version - - still no google now
installing 4.4 apks - still no google now
super wipe and install phoenix rom - still no google now (shouldn't superwipe kill any possibility of it being something on phone that did it?)
languages again - still no google now
installing launcher enabler - still no google now
So is it one of the following?
Google decided that an English speaker in China doesn't get google now anymore? On the exact day I upgraded my rom?
I'm being punished for installing the 4.4 apks early?
These two roms don't support google now?
superwipe isn't super?
Google now was bad for me and the universe is staging an intervention?
Please help

Im living in China too and have this problem on my nexus 4

AntiNSA said:
Im living in China too and have this problem on my nexus 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm.. looks like it must be something similar to how location reporting got disabled for many countries.. For a company that talks so much about transparency I sure wish they would explain why they are disabling these features that used to work fine simply because I happen to be in another country. Is it an international law thing?

joshofbass said:
Hmmm.. looks like it must be something similar to how location reporting got disabled for many countries.. For a company that talks so much about transparency I sure wish they would explain why they are disabling these features that used to work fine simply because I happen to be in another country. Is it an international law thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes me really uupset to. I know that google now/voice search requires active location settings... I think the Chinese government demanded that googole disable location tracking for internal security (closed market/monopoly),,,,
I dont want to see maps blocked here s I guess it is a balancing act. I hate to see the other features of googe blocked....

From what I can tell it works perfectly fine if you set it up from an earlier version of google search.. For me that means probably a reflash without install search then finding an earlier apk version to initialize it.. Will report back on progress..

joshofbass said:
From what I can tell it works perfectly fine if you set it up from an earlier version of google search.. For me that means probably a reflash without install search then finding an earlier apk version to initialize it.. Will report back on progress..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Success!
What worked for me was:
I reflashed the rom I was using but chose not to install google search as a system app. You could just try to remove the app with Titanium, it should have the same effect.
On first boot I didn't sign in to google at all. Instead I first installed the search2.6 apk from the below link.
Then I opened google play and signed in and quickly went to turn off auto update.
Then I opened google search and it asked me to opt-in to google now.
Once it was all running I went back to google play and let it update and also installed the launcher enabler app.
Hope this helps someone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47492354&postcount=106

Great! Let me know if you can make it work also let me know if the Google now, voice search works with the new KitKat and old search apk
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

working just fine for me
I am using pohnix rom v15 with 4.3 and google now is workin!!

AntiNSA said:
Great! Let me know if you can make it work also let me know if the Google now, voice search works with the new KitKat and old search apk
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Working 100% now. I'm pretty sure it's a location at time of setup issue. Good luck trying it on your nexus4.

[Q] uk 3.6.6 are we stuck without google services

i like many other bought this on sale day under the assumption that i would be able to get google play store and services on.
this however doesnt look the case as we are on 3.6.6
does this look like we are doomed forever without it
any help to myself and others would be most grateful
thanks in advance

goldenbolux said:
i like many other bought this on sale day under the assumption that i would be able to get google play store and services on.
this however doesnt look the case as we are on 3.6.6
does this look like we are doomed forever without it
any help to myself and others would be most grateful
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we are stuck. I installed 3.5 AT&T but doesn´t work either. The only thing I could get is Swiftkey

I've been able to successfully install Google play services, account manager and the services framework previously. Managed to get apps such as YouTube, gmail and others to run without crashing. Problem is, I used specific versions and I can't remember which ones they were ? I'm trying to find out what I did right and then I can document it so I won't forget again lol. Bare with me.
Google play store is a no go on 3.6.6 though. Use 1mobile or something instead.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

lu1gj3s said:
I've been able to successfully install Google play services, account manager and the services framework previously. Managed to get apps such as YouTube, gmail and others to run without crashing. Problem is, I used specific versions and I can't remember which ones they were I'm trying to find out what I did right and then I can document it so I won't forget again lol. Bare with me.
Google play store is a no go on 3.6.6 though. Use 1mobile or something instead.
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm... Sounds interesting.
Having Gmail would be awesome. Please let us know which versions are you using, we would appreciate that

Okidoki, sorted. Get them from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365224
Then download the latest Google play services from apkmirror.com and update the one you installed from the above link. Reboot and get YouTube and whatever other stuff you need ?
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

lu1gj3s said:
Okidoki, sorted. Get them from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2365224
Then download the latest Google play services from apkmirror.com and update the one you installed from the above link. Reboot and get YouTube and whatever other stuff you need
Sent from my SD4930UR using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but... It didn't work. I tried that this morning and it didn't allow me to install even 1 of the apks
Thanks anyway

does this require root to the device

thanks for any replies , forgot to add this
thanks

The method that lu1gj3s posted above would require rooting, as that's the same method for all Kindle Fire tablets. As for the Fire Phone I assume it's the guaranteed to way to make it work
Has anyone tried Baidu root or something similar? I think I'll give it a try tomorrow and then go through the method of putting Google Play on again

WalkableBuffalo said:
The method that lu1gj3s posted above would require rooting, as that's the same method for all Kindle Fire tablets. As for the Fire Phone I assume it's the guaranteed to way to make it work
Has anyone tried Baidu root or something similar? I think I'll give it a try tomorrow and then go through the method of putting Google Play on again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no haven't messed on that much with it yet as I am waiting for a couple of nano sims to arrive for the 2 that I bought. im not that bothered about the play store itself but more about maybe gmail, google chrome and you tube. As I have a nexus 4 now I am pretty used to google being a part of everything i use plus it works well with my chromebook

Easiest way to root is towel root.
For rooting and google services etc. take a look into my guide - follow these steps and your phone should work well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2898921

thanks for info
will try and have a good go when house is quiet and no kids about lol

No root needed to make it work. I got it running without root on 3.6.6 except for the play store.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2118914&d=1373921344
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2118885&d=1373920818
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2118892&d=1373921084
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google.../google-play-services-6-6-03-1681564-070-apk/
Install account manager > services framework > play services > reboot > update play services > install youtube/gmail etc

Must say its disappointing.
The main selling point for me is, its dirt cheap and we can run android apps off it
I will be trying to root this little bad boy, anybody had much luck?

B1ackByte said:
Easiest way to root is towel root.
For rooting and google services etc. take a look into my guide - follow these steps and your phone should work well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2898921
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as you've had people say that the downgrade to 3.5 from 3.6.6 works I guess I'll give it a try
But no harm in trying Baidu Root first

Can you update to 3.6.8? In that version there's no problem with Google Apps

ya same here 3.6.6 no google play
ya im in Ireland got phone for 99pound need google play badly need to update to 3.6.8

If anyone hasn't yet figured out that play store won't work on any version of 3.6.6 haven't even tried to solve the problem by looking it up.
I've got it all working but every now and then get play services have stopped coming up on my phone (if anyone knows how to get rid of that let us know, thanks). I've used blackmart but most of all I use aptoide for all my apps. What I have noticed as well any apps that confirm purchases with play store load up.
I have to say, the fire phone with Google services and gapps is 1 of the best phones out. I think it's great and while they've hacked the price, I'd hope more devs would invest more time in to roms and other goodies. £99 you'd have to be stupid not to get 1.

jerico9 said:
If anyone hasn't yet figured out that play store won't work on any version of 3.6.6 haven't even tried to solve the problem by looking it up. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well what did you do to get it working on 3.6.6? Instead of saying that people should just look it up...

WalkableBuffalo said:
Well what did you do to get it working on 3.6.6? Instead of saying that people should just look it up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 here..
"google services framework has stopped"
the process "com.google.process.gapps" has stopped
Have tried numerous guides to get this to work on 3.6.6 and none of them work for me, and yes i've looked it up
If not how about being helpful and providing a link or copy and pasting the guide that works?, GoogleFu isnt working out for me.
All the youtube guides and plagiarised articles i can find all reference the same method that doesn't work out.
Alternatively they recommend moving them to system apps which you cant do unless you're rooted and that would mean a downgrade to 3.5

Removing HTC apps

Anybody know how to remove the HTC apps like people, messages, mail?
Also is there a Google version of the people app?
Is there a way to get stock Android lock screen?

Only if you can disable them, otherwise you need root.
To replace people:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.contacts&hl=en

Electronic Punk said:
Only if you can disable them, otherwise you need root.
To replace people:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.contacts&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't disable the apps I mentioned (I did with others) and it says my device is incompatible with Google contacts for some reason!

fishluke said:
You can't disable the apps I mentioned (I did with others) and it says my device is incompatible with Google contacts for some reason!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same thing. shame . I haven't seen that in a while I guess its a google thing.

Not sure if this is the most recent version but you could try http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google...ontacts-1-1-android-5-1-android-apk-download/
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app

twistednl said:
Not sure if this is the most recent version but you could try http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google...ontacts-1-1-android-5-1-android-apk-download/
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Managed to find and install the latest version but still didn't make it show up in the play store so decided it's not worth it right now I guess.

fishluke said:
Thanks!
Managed to find and install the latest version but still didn't make it show up in the play store so decided it's not worth it right now I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should it show up in play store? Maybe the screen dpi or something needs to get updates in the app to show up. If you installed it from the source I send, you should be able to use it. No need to update

twistednl said:
Why should it show up in play store? Maybe the screen dpi or something needs to get updates in the app to show up. If you installed it from the source I send, you should be able to use it. No need to update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't be bothered to keep manually checking if a new version comes out etc so was hoping perhaps installing apk would force it to show in the play store. Plus I still can't get rid of the HTC people app.
DPI seemed fine to me so not sure why it's not there.

Latest update adds a new service that installs bloatware

A little bonus update For those Verizon Galaxy S7 users who are unaware http://www.smartphonesupdates.com/latest-verizon-update-galaxy-s7-galaxy-s7-edge/ not mentioned in the change log.
please share your thoughts about this service.

Ah, so that's what that is. DISABLED

Thanks for letting us know, I just checked and disabled it.

Something like this should be illegal. Disabled.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

Thanks for this! I disabled it. I want my phone running as lean and mean as possible.

If you own the phone outright, paid in full, they should disclose what they are doing to it. I cleared and froze right after upgrading.

You all are welcome, i always try to share helpful info for my friends.

Thanks !
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

This was also present on S6 and forward. Not new, but this should never have been added in the first place. I don't want random games on my phone.

I tried to disable but asked "Would you like to replace app with factory version?" Is another app that does the same thing going to replace it? I can't disable DT ignite if I don't click yes

Woodruffsung said:
I tried to disable but asked "Would you like to replace app with factory version?" Is another app that does the same thing going to replace it? I can't disable DT ignite if I don't click yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its because DT ignite has updates installed. Click yes and it will put the "factory" non-updated version back on the phone. Then it will allow u to disable as normal.

Thanks so much for the find.
For those that may not have found it yet I have just started using Package Disabler Pro which let's you disable all of the verison and other bloatware without root...

zach.xtr said:
Thanks so much for the find.
For those that may not have found it yet I have just started using Package Disabler Pro which let's you disable all of the verison and other bloatware without root...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great app.
Sent from my SM-G930V using XDA-Developers mobile app

emmawilliam834 said:
A little bonus update For those Verizon Galaxy S7 users who are unaware http://www.smartphonesupdates.com/latest-verizon-update-galaxy-s7-galaxy-s7-edge/ not mentioned in the change log.
please share your thoughts about this service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DT ignite is a cancer waiting to spread. Forcing apps to install onto the device that has almost half its storage already taken by bloat. Haven't seen any apps besides the beam software install without my permission, had to install Nextradio manually ( which has annoying ads ). DT Ignite could one day install an app that can compromise your phones security due to programming flaws. All quickrooter exploits have been patched, however if it feels like a Trojan it is a Trojan

Just updated my VZ Galaxy S6 edge plus 64gb and this Cancerous AIDS is in that update as well. Before my eyes I had apps appearing like magic installing themselves one by one.
This is worse than most phones that have crap in their root preinstall folder that show up after every restart
Haven't had anything wacky installed, it's even installing an updated Instagram not from the Google play store

OP5T Arrives Today: Going 100% Google-less. Some questions...

Hello! Long (LONG!) time lurker. Decided to finally make an account today to ask you guys some questions...
My OnePlus 5T will be arriving today, and I plan to immediately flash FreedomOS - and wish to go as Google-less as possible.
RSalad said:
I simply want to minimize Google's presence in my day-to-day life... and that's a topic for a totally separate discussion that I don't really wish to partake in here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few years ago I heard about a way for the YouTube app to function without the Google Play Services. Is this still possible? I want to go completely without GApps, etc.
So far my plan(s) for application replacements are as follows:
1. Google Maps -> HERE WeGo
2. Google Drive -> Dropbox
3. Google PlayStore -> Use raw APKs downloaded from the internet + Aptoide + F-Droid
4. Google Calendar -> Etar or DigiCal
5. Google Photos -> QuickPic
6. SMS -> Signal
Anything I'm missing?
With that being said- Is there really any need for me to download/flash any GApps, whatsoever?

What are the benefits on going without gapps?

IonutP said:
What are the benefits on going without gapps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I simply want to minimize Google's presence in my day-to-day life... and that's a topic for a totally separate discussion that I don't really wish to partake in here.

funnoam said:
Better buy an iPhone then no ?
I mean even if you completely remove all Google apps, you pay a small percentage of the phone price to Google, then you're using AOSP but still coded by Google. Then by watching YouTube you're completely in the Google system too, and watching ads gives them money too.
So you want to do this the hard way ? Buy an iPhone, use Bing, stop watching YouTube.
There's no point just breaking android by removing Google services and play store...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, this is completely off-topic. If you have helpful insight to my questions then post it, if not- move along.

RSalad said:
Once again, this is completely off-topic. If you have helpful insight to my questions then post it, if not- move along.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just edited my message to give you some advices on some apps, but there's also a debate over buying an Android and in the same time do not want to support Google...
Do whatever you feel :angel:
Some apps are really broken when you don't have Play Services. Except crashes and missing features.
Also if you watch YouTube in browser (I suppose you won't use chrome then) you'll be limited to 480p.

funnoam said:
I just edited my message to give you some advices on some apps, but there's also a debate over buying an Android and in the same time do not want to support Google...
Do whatever you feel :angel:
Some apps are really broken when you don't have Play Services. Except crashes and missing features.
Also if you watch YouTube in browser (I suppose you won't use chrome then) you'll be limited to 480p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware that some apps will not function correctly. I can work around that. I'm not concerned about that.
As far as the YouTube app hack is concerned, it is not a part of a browser. It is a hacked version of the YouTube app. Completely different, and is fully functional.
I have several years of experience developing/modding android, and I'm sure I will do just fine without GApps.
I am simply here asking about the old YouTube app hack method, and seeing if I am forgetting any baser level GApp.
Thanks so much for your... help...

I use iYTBP for my YouTube app as it features a black design, no ads and background listening. Not sure if it will work without Play Services but you can still try it.
Your welcome for my ...help...
Less condescension can work too.

You can use microG to spoof the Google services (at least in YouTube's case) and use iYTBP (google it, read the xda post and download from their website). Otherwise you could try NewPipe.
You don't need another SMS app, the phone comes with one from OnePlus by default.
It also has a gallery application from OnePlus, so you should avoid QuickPic (as it is pretty much adware).
You could also try to look for a HydrogenOS image on the chinese OnePlus website, but I'm not sure if any have been posted. That way you won't even need to get rid of the Google apps, as there are none.

Dariusdd said:
You can use microG to spoof the Google services (at least in YouTube's case). Otherwise, try NewPipe?
You don't need another SMS app, the phone comes with one from OnePlus by default.
It also has a gallery application from OnePlus, so you should avoid QuickPic (as it is pretty much adware).
You could also try to look for a HydrogenOS image on the chinese OnePlus website, but I'm not sure if any have been posted. That way you won't even need to get rid of the Google apps, as there are none.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow is QuickPic really that bad? I've never tried it, but reading all about it, it seemed nice.
That's a shame.
Thanks for the notice about NewPipe by the way, I totally forgot about that!

Newpipe is a great replacement from YouTube and you can download videos/music
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

Some worthwhile reading for you:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/gapps-free-samsung-galaxy-s3-lte-gt-t3553620

FreedomOS does not give you the ability to remove all Google apps.
I flashed H2OS and microg as soon as I got the phone.

Didgeridoohan said:
Some worthwhile reading for you:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/gapps-free-samsung-galaxy-s3-lte-gt-t3553620
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy cow. I don't know of a more helpful or relevant post reference. Thank you so much for this!

The built in apps are pretty bad. Gallery is very limited. Messages is crippled. Dialer has a bug in it and Contacts is a bit wonky.
I put the Google apps back ON and disabled the built in apps.

You can also replace Chrome with Brave
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

n1kos said:
You can also replace Chrome with Brave
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Enjoy the amazing battery life going googless. I did this a few years back for a while and enjoyed it.

Baldilocks said:
The built in apps are pretty bad. Gallery is very limited. Messages is crippled. Dialer has a bug in it and Contacts is a bit wonky.
I put the Google apps back ON and disabled the built in apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally off-topic, but I purchased a phone from you on Swappa last year. LG G6 for $475.
Edit: Not last year. Got it on June 21, 2017.
Edit2: How funny is that... Small world. Nice to see you around.

I mean you can still use the YouTube app and I have ads if you use the Xposed app to install YouTube adaway molecule to be completely ad-free
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

RSalad said:
Hello! Long (LONG!) time lurker. Decided to finally make an account today to ask you guys some questions...
My OnePlus 5T will be arriving today, and I plan to immediately flash FreedomOS - and wish to go as Google-less as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lulz
Install adaway, import this
http://t-ryder.de/googlehosts.txt
Also comes in other flavours btw...
http://t-ryder.de/facebookhosts.txt
http://t-ryder.de/xiaomihosts.txt
http://t-ryder.de/spotifyhosts.txt (ads only)
(all that stuff is maybe outdated a bit)