How to Install Apps on Your Huawei Device: A Comprehensive Guide

Huawei devices, known for their sleek designs and powerful performance, have faced some challenges in the app ecosystem in recent years. Due to restrictions on Google services, the traditional Google Play Store isn’t readily available on newer Huawei phones. However, this doesn’t mean you’re locked out of apps! There are several safe and reliable methods to install your favorite apps on your Huawei device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method step-by-step, ensuring you can enjoy the full functionality of your device.

Understanding the Huawei App Ecosystem

Before diving into the installation methods, it’s crucial to understand Huawei’s current app ecosystem. The primary alternative to the Google Play Store is the Huawei AppGallery. This is Huawei’s official app store, which is constantly expanding its catalog. You’ll find many popular apps here, but not all. Therefore, knowing other methods to get your apps is essential.

Key considerations:

• Huawei AppGallery: This is the recommended first place to look for your apps. It’s pre-installed on your Huawei device.
• APK Files: These are installation files for Android apps. You can download them from trusted sources, but exercise caution.
• Third-Party App Stores: There are other alternative app stores, which can offer apps not available on the AppGallery. However, tread carefully and only use reputable sources.
• Gspace/DualSpace/Lighning Space: These are virtual app environments that provide Google Services frameworks that can allow apps requiring Google services to function normally.
• Web versions of Apps – While it’s not as convenient as the app version, sometimes accessing the web version of an app directly can get around the installation limitation.

Method 1: Using the Huawei AppGallery

This is the easiest and safest method. The Huawei AppGallery is pre-installed on your device and functions similarly to the Google Play Store.

Steps:

1. Locate the AppGallery: Find the AppGallery icon on your home screen or app drawer. It usually looks like a stylized red and white shopping bag.
2. Open the AppGallery: Tap the AppGallery icon to open it.
3. Search for Your App: Use the search bar at the top of the screen to type the name of the app you want to install.
4. Select the App: Tap on the app’s listing in the search results.
5. Install the App: Tap the ‘Install’ button. The app will download and install automatically.
6. App Permissions: During installation, you might be prompted to grant permissions for the app to access certain features on your device (e.g., camera, storage, location). Carefully review these permissions before granting them.
7. Open the App: Once the installation is complete, you’ll see an ‘Open’ button. Tap it to launch the app. The app will also appear on your app drawer.

Tips for Using the AppGallery:

• Keep the AppGallery Updated: Regularly check for updates to the AppGallery itself. Updates often improve performance, fix bugs, and add new apps. You’ll usually find update notifications in the app’s settings.
• Browse Categories: Explore the various categories (e.g., Games, Social, Productivity) in the AppGallery to discover new and interesting apps.
• Check App Ratings and Reviews: Before installing an app, look at its ratings and read reviews from other users to get an idea of its quality and functionality.
• Manage Updates: You can manage app updates from within the AppGallery. You can choose to automatically update all apps or manually update them individually.

Method 2: Installing Apps Using APK Files

APK files are the installation files for Android apps. This method allows you to install apps from sources outside of the Huawei AppGallery. While convenient, it also carries more risk, so it is crucial to be cautious. Always download APKs from trusted sources.

Important Considerations Before Using APKs:

• Security Risks: APKs from untrusted sources can contain malware, viruses, or other harmful software. This can compromise your device’s security and personal data.
• App Updates: Apps installed via APK files usually don’t receive automatic updates through the AppGallery. You’ll need to manually download and install newer versions of the APK files.
• Compatibility Issues: Some APKs may not be fully compatible with your Huawei device, leading to crashes or other problems.

Steps for Installing APK Files:

1. Enable Installation from Unknown Sources:
   • Go to your device’s Settings.
   • Tap on ‘Security’ or ‘Biometrics & Security’. (The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Huawei device).
   • Look for an option like ‘Install unknown apps’, ‘Unknown sources’ or something similar.
   • Tap on it.
   • Find the app from which you will be installing the APK, usually this will be the File manager or the web browser you are using to download the APK. Tap it and Enable ‘Allow from this source’.
2. Download the APK File: Use a trusted website to download the APK file for your desired app. Popular and safe websites includes Apkpure, and Aptoide. Make sure that the website you choose is reputable and known.
3. Locate the Downloaded APK File: Once the APK is downloaded, it will typically be saved in your device’s ‘Downloads’ folder. Use your file manager app to navigate to this location.
4. Tap on the APK File: Tap on the downloaded APK file.
5. Grant Permissions: You might be prompted with a permission screen for the file manager or browser, asking if you would like to install from it, Accept it.
6. Install the App: A new window will appear asking if you would like to install the application, Press ‘Install’. The app will begin installing and could prompt you to give it more permissions. If you feel safe to continue, do so.
7. Open the App: Once the installation is complete, tap ‘Open’ to launch the app.

Tips for Using APK Files:

• Use Trusted Sources: Only download APK files from reputable websites that are known for safe downloads. Do not blindly click on website you don’t know, this greatly increases the risk of downloading viruses and malware.
• Check Reviews and Comments: Before downloading an APK file, check if other users have left reviews or comments about the website or the file itself. This will help identify risky links.
• Use Antivirus Software: Consider having a reputable antivirus app installed on your Huawei device to scan APK files for potential threats before installation.
• Regularly Review Unknown Sources: If you have installed many APK files, keep your Unknown sources access limited and disable them when you are not using them.
• Keep the browser in check – If you use the browser to install APK files, clear its history and keep an eye on the list of installed apps, to ensure they are the ones you intended.

Method 3: Using Third-Party App Stores

Besides the Huawei AppGallery, there are other alternative app stores that offer a wider selection of apps, especially those that may not be available on the AppGallery. However, proceed with caution and use reputable stores only.

Examples of Third-Party App Stores:

• Aptoide: A well-known alternative store with a large selection of apps, including those that might not be available elsewhere.
• Aurora Store: This store can be used as a Google Play store alternative and provides a great number of the apps available in the Google Play store.
• Amazon Appstore: This store has a good selection of apps and is backed by Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, this might be a good place to look for apps.

General Steps for Installing Apps via Third-Party App Stores:

1. Install the App Store: Similar to installing an APK file, you’ll need to download the APK for the third-party app store from their official website. Then, follow the instructions in Method 2 to install the app store’s APK.
2. Open the App Store: Launch the newly installed third-party app store.
3. Search for the App: Use the search function to find the app you want to install.
4. Install the App: Tap the ‘Install’ button. The app will download and install automatically.

Important Considerations:

• Verify Authenticity: Make sure to download the APK file of the third party store from their official website and not from an external source.
• Security Risks: Similar to APK files, apps from third-party stores may carry security risks. Use reputable app stores and always check for user reviews before installing apps.
• App Updates: Updates for apps installed through third-party stores will usually be done through the app store itself and not the AppGallery.

Method 4: Using Gspace/DualSpace/Lightning Space and similar Apps

Gspace, DualSpace, and Lightning Space are app cloning and virtual environment apps that create a virtual space on your device where apps that rely on Google Services can work normally. If you are trying to use an app that needs Google Services to work and you cannot do so directly, you may use one of these apps to install and use your app.

Steps:

1. Install the App from the AppGallery or an APK File: Look for Gspace, DualSpace or Lightning Space in the AppGallery, or download their respective APK from their website.
2. Open the app: Once the app is installed, open it.
3. Give the permissions needed: The app will ask for some basic permissions to run normally. Accept them
4. Choose the Google App you need: In the main screen you should find Google apps such as Google Play Store, Youtube or Gmail, but also other popular ones like Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc. Choose the one you want to use, or install.
5. Log into your Google account: If needed, log into your Google account.
6. Install your app: Now you can use the Google Play Store, if installed, to look for and install any app you want.
7. Use the installed apps: Once the apps are installed, you will need to open them from inside the Gspace, DualSpace or Lightning Space app. It is also possible to create a shortcut for the app on your home screen for convenience, however the main app must be open on the background to the virtual app to work.

Important Considerations:

• Multiple apps installed: These virtual space apps create a duplicate installation of the same apps you might have already installed on your main device. This means that both your original apps and the ones within the virtual app may be open and will need to be managed differently.
• Limited resources: These apps need to have certain permissions to work and will use your device resources to function, consuming battery and processing power.
• Not all apps work: While these apps can make most Google dependent apps function normally, not all apps might work as intended.
• Updates: Updates to apps installed via this method will usually be performed via the virtual app store (like Google Play) and not via the AppGallery.

Method 5: Using Web Versions of Apps

A simple but often overlooked way to use many services is via their respective web pages. Most popular apps also have web based versions, and while they are not as integrated or feature-rich as their app versions, sometimes they can be enough.

Steps:

1. Open the browser: Open your favorite browser app.
2. Search for the website: Search for the webpage of the app you are trying to access.
3. Add a shortcut to the homepage: You may add the shortcut to your homescreen to access the website quickly.

Important Considerations:

• Limited functionalities: Web versions are usually limited in functionality. If you need to access all the features of an app, a web version might not be the solution.
• Inconvenient: Using web versions may be more inconvenient to access, having to open the browser and the web page instead of the dedicated app, that you can just click on from the app menu.

Conclusion

While the absence of Google services on newer Huawei devices might seem limiting, there are various ways to install and enjoy your favorite apps. The Huawei AppGallery is your primary resource, but APK files, third-party app stores, virtual environment apps, and web versions can provide access to a wider range of options. Always remember to prioritize safety and use trusted sources when installing apps from outside the AppGallery. With a bit of knowledge and caution, you can fully utilize your Huawei device and enjoy your favorite apps.

By following the detailed steps and considering the potential risks involved, you can confidently install and use your desired apps on your Huawei device. Remember to always stay vigilant about the sources you use and enjoy the capabilities of your Huawei device!