Huawei Phones Without Google Apps: What It Means and Who They Suit
Huawei phones can be great value, but many of the newer models come without Google apps. For some people that rules them out; for others it barely matters. This guide explains what "no Google apps" really means, what still works, and which of the Huawei phones we sell have Google and which don't.
Why some Huawei phones have no Google apps
US trade restrictions in 2019 stopped Google from supplying its apps and services for new Huawei models. Phones already on sale, such as the P30 series, kept them. Huawei's newer phones, including the P40 series, come without them. A few models were reissued with Google services, so always check the listing rather than going by the model year.
What you don't get
- Google Play Store: apps come from Huawei AppGallery instead.
- Google's own apps: Gmail, Google Maps and YouTube aren't pre-installed.
- Google Pay: Google's payment platform isn't supported.
- Some other apps: an app that relies on Google services may not work fully, even if you manage to install it.
What still works
- All the basics: calls, texts, mobile data, Wi-Fi, the camera and the rest of the phone work as normal.
- AppGallery and Petal Search: AppGallery is Huawei's app store, and Petal Search helps you find apps.
- Google in the browser: you can use Google Search, YouTube, Gmail and Google Maps on their websites.
- Phone Clone: Huawei's transfer app moves your contacts, photos and most apps across from your old phone.
Check these before you buy
- Your bank: look up your banking app in AppGallery. If it isn't there, you may need to use your bank's website instead.
- Your daily apps: search AppGallery and Petal Search for the apps you use every day, including anything you need for work.
- Paying by phone: if you tap to pay with Google Pay, a phone without Google won't do that.
Huawei phones we sell without Google apps
| Phone | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei Y6p 64GB | Refurbished | £99.99 |
| Huawei P40 Lite E 64GB | Brand new | £136.99 |
| Huawei P smart 2021 128GB | Refurbished | £149.99 |
| Huawei P40 Lite 128GB | Brand new | £169.99 |
| Huawei nova 10 | Brand new | £379.99 |
The P40 Lite E has a big 6.39-inch screen and a 48MP triple camera. The nova 10 is the one for selfies, with a 60MP ultra-wide front camera and 66W charging. Every listing without Google says so clearly in the description.
Huawei P40 Lite E 64GB, Midnight BlackView product
Huawei P40 Lite 128GB, Crush GreenView product
Huawei nova 10, Starry BlackView product
Huawei P smart 2021 128GB (Refurbished)View product
Huawei Y6p 64GB (Refurbished)View product
Huawei phones we sell with Google apps
| Phone | Condition | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Huawei P20 64GB, Twilight | Brand new, sealed older stock | £199.99 |
| Huawei P30 Pro | Brand new, sealed older stock | £349.99 |
| Huawei P30 128GB | Brand new, sealed older stock | £439.99 |
These come with the Play Store, but they are older phones that no longer receive software updates, so some modern apps may not support them. Check the apps you rely on first.
Huawei P30 Pro, BlackView product
Huawei P30 128GB, Aurora BlueView product
Huawei P20 64GB, TwilightView product
Retro Huawei and Honor classics (with Google)
Our Retro Huawei collection is full of phones from before 2019, so they all come with the Google Play Store. The Mate 20 Pro (£299.99) was one of the first phones with a Leica triple camera and in-screen fingerprint reader. The Mate 10 (£299.99), P9 in Rose Gold (£272.99) and Honor 7A (£154.99) are sealed old stock. Like any older phone, they no longer get updates, so check the apps you need.
Huawei Mate 20 Pro 128GB, BlackView product
Huawei Mate 10 64GB, BlackView product
Huawei P9 64GB, Rose GoldView product
Honor 7A 16GB, BlueView product
Which should you choose?
- Go without Google if you want a lot of screen and camera for the money, you mostly use the phone for calls, messages, photos and browsing, or it's a second phone.
- Go with Google if you like Huawei's Leica cameras and want the Play Store, and you're happy with an older phone.
- Skip Huawei if you need current Google apps, tap-to-pay and years of updates. Look at our Samsung phones or refurbished phones instead.
Huawei without Google: FAQ
Can I install Google apps myself?
Huawei recommends using AppGallery, and we can't support or promise that Google apps will work on these phones. If you want Google apps, buy a model that comes with them.
Can I watch YouTube?
Yes. Open the YouTube website in the phone's browser.
Will it work on my UK network?
Check the listing. Our Huawei phones above are unlocked, so they work with any UK SIM. If you're unsure what that means, read our guide to unlocked vs network phones.
What does refurbished mean here?
Our refurbished phones are tested, graded and covered by a 12-month XTEC warranty. See how the grades work.
Browse all Huawei phones, or message us on WhatsApp (07599 803768) and we'll help you pick one.
Prices and stock are correct at the time of writing and can change.