(Guide) Mate 20 X Chinese version for use outside of China - Huawei Mate 20 X Questions & Answers

Hey friends,
This is for those of us who are importing the Chinese model.
I thought I'd start this thread, so that we can help each other getting this phone working here in the West. I've never had trouble getting Chinese phones working in the past. I'm hoping that we can discuss some major issues, such as: getting the Google Playstore working & Getting Google Services working....Getting our favorite apps working... :fingers-crossed:

jeradjohnso said:
Hey friends,
This is for those of us who are importing the Chinese model.
I thought I'd start this thread, so that we can help each other getting this phone working here in the West. I've never had trouble getting Chinese phones working in the past. I'm hoping that we can discuss some major issues, such as: getting the Google Playstore working & Getting Google Services working....Getting our favorite apps working... :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my first China phone.. is it usually very hard to get things working? I thought it was basically just grab the apks and install them.

Jerky_san said:
This is my first China phone.. is it usually very hard to get things working? I thought it was basically just grab the apks and install them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct. It's a few you have to install, not just the play store apk.

antiochasylum said:
You're correct. It's a few you have to install, not just the play store apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
#_# Thank god.. for a little there I was scared lol. Never bought a china phone before but this phone looks absolutely amazing.. Have a friend coming back from China tmrw so asked them to pick it up for me before they left and they got me the last one in the store that was 8/256gb. Honestly I'm really hoping for a bootloader unlock and linage OS.. I've come to really love their flavor.

Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Yes there may be a few things you will need to do, because in China they have banned Google and Google Play. These things will need to be installed manually. Hopefully with Android 9 they've made it easier, not harder than previous years.

After installing the Play Store are you good to go then in terms of being able to install whatever you want (Google suite, traditional apps, etc.)?

I'm sorry but there are a lot of problems with a Chinese smartphone:
1) Ok google does not work because huawei blocks this function because you have to use their service and all google's system services (assistent, feed, routine) not work fine
2) The voice command on the keyboard for dictate often does not work expecially with gboard
3) Many application not work eg : banking application and similar
4) The chinese ROM not use whatsapp, telegram the native icon

It seems to get a little bit better each version of Android. I'm hoping that some of the older problems will be fixed with Huawei's Android 9.0 release.
Right now pretty much everything I need is working on my Huawei Mate 9 and as long as they haven't broken anything in the next version, I'll be happy. All my apps work, and I am very happy with Nova Launcher.

jeradjohnso said:
It seems to get a little bit better each version of Android. I'm hoping that some of the older problems will be fixed with Huawei's Android 9.0 release.
Right now pretty much everything I need is working on my Huawei Mate 9 and as long as they haven't broken anything in the next version, I'll be happy. All my apps work, and I am very happy with Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had just talk with italian store that sell the chinese version and there are these problems written above

Which Italian store sells Mate 20 x?

jeradjohnso said:
It seems to get a little bit better each version of Android. I'm hoping that some of the older problems will be fixed with Huawei's Android 9.0 release.
Right now pretty much everything I need is working on my Huawei Mate 9 and as long as they haven't broken anything in the next version, I'll be happy. All my apps work, and I am very happy with Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
piskr said:
Which Italian store sells Mate 20 x?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.ilmultistoredelzazza.eu/index.aspx?pageid=1748191&prodid=19236868

(I could be wrong) ... but the shop does not look very reputable,
and it's only 20 euros cheaper than Cect-shop.com

Speaking from my own experience. Usually I installed the Google suite from their brands own app store
They have a specific application that installs the framework, Google contact, play services, play store and maybe a couple more services.
After that pretty much everything works. I'll update more when I got my phone.

I can tell you from my experience that when I bought the Huawei Honor Note 8 it was the china version, and had absolutely no issues with it here in the US. Everything I installed worked, the only thing I did have issues with was I couldnt get HiVoice to work in English (Couldnt find any eng version that would work), Ok Google couldnt work due to Hivoice being the default. The other thing I had to tweak was permissions to getting Google voice to work correctly with Android Auto. All the banking and credit card apps worked fine, obviously the wallet program or other things built in didnt work, but wasnt a deal breaker.

mimmog said:
I'm sorry but there are a lot of problems with a Chinese smartphone:
1) Ok google does not work because huawei blocks this function because you have to use their service and all google's system services (assistent, feed, routine) not work fine
2) The voice command on the keyboard for dictate often does not work expecially with gboard
3) Many application not work eg : banking application and similar
4) The chinese ROM not use whatsapp, telegram the native icon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the store contact, after considering pros and cons I've just ordered the phone from this store. What drives my decision are few simple facts:
I talked to the seller and he assured me that there is no problem with Gapps and payment systems (like GPay). As I'd had a Chinese phone before I was confident in his assurance.
I'm fully aware of problems with G Assistant but I use it primarily as phone tool with Android Auto and I believe that I could manage to use voice in that restricted purpose.
I don't use voice with the keyboard, health or fitness apps at all. So any misconduct regarding those apps doesn't worry me. It's the same with whatsapp and telegram - don't use them.
Far more annoying is the integration of lousy swift keyboard and ms translate into the system and connecting those applications with primary functionality (camera, AR..). They are really far behind Gboard and G Translate and therefore not only pretty useless but rather the disturbance in the system. But they are integrated into the global rom as well and you can't get rid of them in any region. So tolerate them and suffer or don't have Huawei at all.
But what really prevail in my decision is the fact that I'm buying the phone from a European seller. This not only abolishes any additional taxes and duties on the set price but also gives me an enforceable European warranty and delivery claims.

once you install Google play you can use any app I've never had a problem with WhatsApp or any other app tbh

stestesteste said:
once you install Google play you can use any app I've never had a problem with WhatsApp or any other app tbh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but the problem is that not work "ok google", google assistent, gboard with vocal dictate and other (services not application)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjAFROlOKKs&feature=share
Widevine L3
Enviado desde mi iPad utilizando Tapatalk

bloodydawn01 said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjAFROlOKKs&feature=share
Widevine L3
Enviado desde mi iPad utilizando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is this? Mate 20 x with global rom?

mimmog said:
What is this? Mate 20 x with global rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, the prize is from Thailand
Enviado desde mi iPad utilizando Tapatalk

Related

What Is Lost by Staying with FireOS instead of Switching to CM?

There is an XDA thread entitled What Is Lost by Moving to CM from FireOS. This thread is the opposite: What is Lost by Staying with FireOS instead of Switching to CM?
Now, obviously, there is a difference in UI, which involves a substantial amount of individual preference. Some people like FireOS, others like CM.
But what concrete things are unavailable that a typical Android user may want?
For example, as of this posting, it appears that Amazon Underground will not (ironically) work on the Amazon Fire Phone.
Which common apps will still not work reliably with FireOS?
Anything else?
That depends. Do you mean to side load Google Play services and the Play Store?
I think FireOS (with root, Google Framework etc) you would keep all Amazon stuff.. on CM, you would lose everything related to the Amazon framework stuff. I personally just stay on root for now.
DePingus said:
That depends. Do you mean to side load Google Play services and the Play Store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From everything I'm reading here on XDA, there does not seem to be a reliable way to get it work (and stay working)... or has someone found a way?
rockpaperlizard said:
From everything I'm reading here on XDA, there does not seem to be a reliable way to get it work (and stay working)... or has someone found a way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had Google services running OK since I installed several months ago. I'm sticking with rooted stock with a third party launcher. IMO this combination works fine and I've pretty much zero annoyances with it.
The threads for the roms are pretty clear on the bugs: lots of camera issues, no mute, no nfc, Play service crashes. Some people are also reporting call drops and wifi issues on certain channels. If you read through the thread you'll notice a few people end up switching back to stock FireOS.
My phone updated to 4.6.4 when I got it so Google Play Services won't work (unless I downgrade to 4.6.3, but I don't want to start flashing stuff just yet). Right now I'm using a combination of F-Droid and apkmirror to sideload apps like FireFox and alternate launchers. I've gone through the pre-installed apps and disabled some of the Fire OS crap like Quick Start, AT&T app, Facebook and Twitter connect, Telemetry junk, etc. Some apps like Silk Browser will not stay disabled (because it does an update and I haven't figured out how to stop it from auto-updating).
Right now I'm REALLY missing Google Inbox.
DePingus said:
Some apps [...] will not stay disabled because it does an update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disable the following apps:
• Amazon Device Client Platform
• DCP Platform Contracts
• System Update(s) - yes, there are 2 apps with that description, disable BOTH
This will stop all updates: app updates and OS related OTA updates.
ratbags said:
I've had Google services running OK since I installed several months ago. I'm sticking with rooted stock with a third party launcher. IMO this combination works fine and I've pretty much zero annoyances with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DePingus said:
,,,,My phone updated to 4.6.4 when I got it so Google Play Services won't work (unless I downgrade to 4.6.3, but I don't want to start flashing stuff just yet). Right now I'm using a combination of F-Droid and apkmirror to sideload apps like FireFox and alternate launchers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the part that confuses me... some people say Google Play store is working fine on FireOS and others say it won't work. Can you explain why the different reports? Does it all come down to downgrading to FireOS 4.6.3 and sticking with that version? If so, isn't Stagefright an issue?
rockpaperlizard said:
Can you explain why the different reports? Does it all come down to downgrading to FireOS 4.6.3 and sticking with that version? If so, isn't Stagefright an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bottom line: Google Play Store & services...
• ...work well on the "GSM unlocked" OS versions - 35.4.6.1 (461013820) and 35.4.6.3 (463001620).
• ...doomed on the "AT&T" OS versions - 32.4.6.1 (461013320) and 32.4.6.4 (464000420)
• GER version of the OS was problematic as well, tested it myself in the beginning (just as another example)
Using the latest US "GSM unlocked" 4.6.3 (463001620) is the best option, all known Stagefright vulnerabilities are patched in this one*.
And yes, all OS versions can be installed on all devices, netlock is ofc. not affected, multi language support is available.
Using the AT&T verson is a lost cause, because you have to use a work around, e.g. blocking updates of the Play services or uninstalling Play services updates everytime they update.
It's a dead end, because (some) apps will demand a newer version of the Play services, so all the effort is not worth it.
*A little bit of history: Stagefright Patch Round 1: 4.6.3 (463001420) / Stagefright Patch Round 2: 4.6.3 (463001620)
rockpaperlizard said:
This is the part that confuses me... some people say Google Play store is working fine on FireOS and others say it won't work. Can you explain why the different reports? Does it all come down to downgrading to FireOS 4.6.3 and sticking with that version? If so, isn't Stagefright an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I blocked updates after 461 as I anticipated problems. Stage fright isn't much of an issue because I use a third party SMS app and block auto retrieval of MMS messages. Then again, I never send or receive MMS.
Bingo Bronson said:
Bottom line: Google Play Store & services...
• ...work well on the "GSM unlocked" OS versions - 35.4.6.1 (461013820) and 35.4.6.3 (463001620).
• ...doomed on the "AT&T" OS versions - 32.4.6.1 (461013320) and 32.4.6.4 (464000420)
• GER version of the OS was problematic as well, tested it myself in the beginning (just as another example)
Using the latest US "GSM unlocked" 4.6.3 (463001620) is the best option, all known Stagefright vulnerabilities are patched in this one*.
And yes, all OS versions can be installed on all devices, netlock is ofc. not affected, multi language support is available.
Using the AT&T verson is a lost cause, because you have to use a work around, e.g. blocking updates of the Play services or uninstalling Play services updates everytime they update.
It's a dead end, because (some) apps will demand a newer version of the Play services, so all the effort is not worth it.
*A little bit of history: Stagefright Patch Round 1: 4.6.3 (463001420) / Stagefright Patch Round 2: 4.6.3 (463001620)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! That is great info! THANK YOU! :good: That should be part of a FAQ (or a FAQ on its own).
Questions:
If you buy an AT&T Fire Phone, and it includes the unlock code, will you still have the problems since it still is the AT&T ROM?
When buying a phone, besides asking the seller to turn it on and tell you the version of the ROM (which they may not do if it is new in the box), how do you know if it is a GSM unlocked version or the AT&T version?
Does the GSM unlocked version of FireOS only auto-update to new GSM unlocked versions, or has Amazon merged everything into one FireOS version at this point?
rockpaperlizard said:
If you buy an AT&T Fire Phone, and it includes the unlock code, will you still have the problems since it still is the AT&T ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the unlock only changes some information stored in a chip, eeprom maybe, who knows...
Problems are caused by the ROM, so the best thing to do is:
Receive new phone, boot it up, don't register anything and don't connect to WiFi, check the installed version, if AT&T:
Power off the device, sideload the 4.6.3 image via ADB recovery (there's a link in my sig. "Fire Phone stock recovery: factory images")
When buying a phone, besides asking the seller to turn it on and tell you the version of the ROM (which they may not do if it is new in the box), how do you know if it is a GSM unlocked version or the AT&T version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fortunately, the seller doesn't need to boot it up, on the box is a sticker with basic info like: storage size, OS version, IMEI, UPC... so as long as the seller is honest, it should be clear which version is actually on the device.
Does the GSM unlocked version of FireOS only auto-update to new GSM unlocked versions, or has Amazon merged everything into one FireOS version at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each version is independent and it will stay that way, wouldn't make much sense for them to change it and I guess there are some agreements they made with AT&T which have to be met...
Bingo Bronson said:
...
Fortunately, the seller doesn't need to boot it up, on the box is a sticker with basic info like: storage size, OS version, IMEI, UPC... so as long as the seller is honest, it should be clear which version is actually on the device.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the super helpful info! :good:
Do the outside of the boxes indicate sufficient version info to tell if it is AT&T or not?
rockpaperlizard said:
Do the outside of the boxes indicate sufficient version info to tell if it is AT&T or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it does read the short version number, like "OS V 3.6.0" but the seller knows ofc. that he bought (e.g.) a pallet full of AT&T devices because it has to be declared on the paperwork.
edit: A 2nd sticker on the other side of the box states: "the device can only be used with a SIM card from T-Mobile" (dark grey font on black background, neat ^^)
I guess they will have a sticker like this in the U.S. for the AT&T variants as well, so that's another good indicator to know "what's in the f***ing box !?!"
The two biggest sellers (regarding Fire Phone) on Ebay (US site of ebay, fer sure) sell the remaining "AT&T UNLOCKED (+ PRIME)".
Bingo Bronson said:
• ...work well on the "GSM unlocked" OS versions - 35.4.6.1 (461013820) and 35.4.6.3 (463001620).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me if I missed in this thread... Which versions of the Play Service and Play Store are you referring to?
FWIW, I am running 4.6.4 with Player Services 7.8.99 and Play Store removed. I get "XXX relies on on Google Play services which is not supported on your device" complaints from some apps, but most things continue to work anyway. That is most non-Google apss - Hangouts and YouTube are problematic.
jwernerny said:
Which versions of the Play Services and Play Store are you referring to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No version in particular. (All versions I were referring to are Fire OS version numbers)
On the GSM unlocked version, I never had trouble with any version of Play Store & Services, so I just used the latest at that time (updates were also without issues).
I am running 4.6.4 with Play Services 7.8.99 and Play Store removed [...] complaints from some apps, but most things continue to work anyway [...] Hangouts and YouTube are problematic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as long as it's working for you and all your favorite apps keep working properly, you don't need to switch. Livin' on the edge!
Speaking of YouTube, if you like to download videos / audio from there:
SnapTube (Received more updates lately, still beta, supports multiple media sites, can download audio only on YT as well)
NewPipe (Very lightweight, watch or download videos, just released this week, still new & buggy = be gentle ^^)
So If you have an ATT phone there is no way to get the software off the unlocked version on it?
I have the ATT and if I need to I will buy an "factory unlocked for learning rooting and installing mods as It has been a couple of three years since I have done this.
I hope the fire phone mod project succeeds and I think it will be great when the bugs get worked out. I enjoy following this but I bought the unlocked ATT because I needed a new smart phone and for $115 with a year of prime...
Ask me about my warranty service from Amazon!!!!!!!! Horror story but thats another forum!!
RandB fan said:
So If you have an ATT phone there is no way to get the software off the unlocked version on it?
[...] but I bought the unlocked ATT because I needed a new smart phone and for $115 with a year of prime...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry, there is no "AT&T phone" only an AT&T OS variant.
All Fire Phones are the same, regarding hardware, netlock is no biggie since you already received an unlock code.
You can install the 4.6.3 version on your device, since it is the preferred version when it comes to Google Play Store & services.
Maybe you could explain that process for all of us ATTers? links?
So I don't screw things up...
Hey guys... could you clarify things up a bit so I do things correctly. My case is this:
I've ordered a brand new in box Fire Phone off Ebay that should be arriving in a couple of days, and I know for sure (as it's clearly stated by the seller) that this is the AT&T version. According to the seller they don't open the box, they just provide you the unlock code and you do the whole unlock and activation yourself.
The main reason I ordered this phone is to give it to my kid as his first smartphone but at the same time enjoy the year of Amazon Prime service, since I've been a Prime subscriber for a good 3 years now and I'm up for renewal in November. So essentially my goal is to renew my Prime subscription and give my son a decent Android phone for $35 at the same time.
Based on what I've read I'd be planning initially to keep FireOS to make it stable for him. He also has a Nexus 7 Tablet where he does most of his gaming and school stuff, so I think we can live with FireOS to keep it stable as a phone but still I'd like to install Google Playstore to have access to Google's apps, so I'd guess I'll have to replace the AT&T Rom the Unlocked-GSM FireOS ROM as described by Bingo.
What should be the recommended path for my case?... I don't want to compromise the initial activation so I get the Prime-year with no issues, after that I could play with all the Roms, roots and sideloads that are necessary (and have fun in the process). My concern is that I'd suppose that once I go through the initial activation process for the phone with my Amazon account most probably it will try to update to the latest OS version right?... since these is just a Rom I'd suppose that there should not be issues to let it update and then do the whole safetrap/rooting and sideload the GSM Unlocked Rom?... or should I take a different approach.?
Thanks, George

Nokia 8.1 vs Nokia X7

Has anyone got a Nokia X7 (Chinese version of Nokia 8.1) and managed to install Play services and PlayStore, since I want to order X7 and would like to know is it possible to use play services without problems (language is not an issue for me since it has English)?
TrtMrtBC said:
Has anyone got a Nokia X7 (Chinese version of Nokia 8.1) and managed to install Play services and PlayStore, since I want to order X7 and would like to know is it possible to use play services without problems (language is not an issue for me since it has English)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can simply install Google Playstore apk. Play service is already inbuilt. No need to install Play service. Just install Playstore apk
TrtMrtBC said:
Has anyone got a Nokia X7 (Chinese version of Nokia 8.1) and managed to install Play services and PlayStore, since I want to order X7 and would like to know is it possible to use play services without problems (language is not an issue for me since it has English)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, here's what I know about the CN ROM. What Rajeev has said is all correct. There are just a few changes with the Android Pie update.
1. It supports more languages out of the box. Sounds like they will make this global at some point and meanwhile cooking only in China.
2. Play Services are inbuilt, yes. However there are certain Google apps which don't work as you'd expect. A few examples are: Ok Google, Google Location History, Google Pay wireless payments, etc.
3. I have noticed that Google Contacts Sync was removed with the Pie update. So, syncing Google contacts to and from the phone has become slightly harder now. If you only need occasional sync then it is okay.
All said, the Global version of the ROM should be available at some point. So, there are chances (subject to compatibility. 90% of Nokia phones can do that) that you'll be able to flash it and convert it into Android One ROM.
I have purchased Nokia x7 from China (Taobao). It can install google play. You can select language when first turn on the phone. English version is also available. However, I still find Nokia 8.1 rom for x7 phone.
Sophia Wong said:
I have purchased Nokia x7 from China (Taobao). It can install google play. You can select language when first turn on the phone. English version is also available. However, I still find Nokia 8.1 rom for x7 phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you satisfied with the phone in general, and do you have issues with Google Contacts Sync like singhnsk mentioned above? Thanks
Nokia 8.1 has no Gorilla Glass ,,, Not even CG1 ,,, do X7.1 +, or 7.1 has
avi_loveindia said:
Nokia 8.1 has no Gorilla Glass ,,, Not even CG1 ,,, do X7.1 +, or 7.1 has
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply use a rugged armor case + a good Temperd glass like me. Happy life
Rajeev said:
Simply use a rugged armor case + a good Tempered glass like me. Happy life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that should be done ,,but then its still no justification for no use of Hardened glass at this price point ,considering that Cheaper ones now giving CG6(Max pro M2)
avi_loveindia said:
that should be done ,,but then its still no justification for no use of Hardened glass at this price point ,considering that Cheaper ones now giving CG6(Max pro M2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what happened in your friend's phone but i already put 3 times before my case arrive. Nothing happens. 3rd one is around 3 feet. Nothing happens. Thats the reason i orderd Case.
Nothing different
X7 cheaper
Rajeev said:
Not sure what happened in your friend's phone but i already put 3 times before my case arrive. Nothing happens. 3rd one is around 3 feet. Nothing happens. Thats the reason i orderd Case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly I have dropped mine once from 4 feet height,without any case or glass,just using a simple flexible screen protector as I used on Nokia 7 plus, nothing at all on screen has happened
For reference hope this has some value and information
https://mobile.twitter.com/NokiaMobile/status/1075709834429952000
I'm having trouble activated and sms activating for Google apps such as google Duo,google Allo, ... I've installed Playstore easily and sign in with google account, but anothe e app installed but not sign up.(eror:unable to send the request. please check the connection and try again) but evry thing is correct. My phone is Nokia X7 or 7.1 Plus, which is not included in your list . device name: Nokia X7 Android version :8.1.0 Model: TA-1131 Android securitty patch level: November 1,2018
Is there a possibility to switch this phone to the global mobile phone? Is There a global rom for this phone?
Is this a problem with Rom? So why was Google Play installed? And these apps are installed, but Just activation SMS not work?
thanks
Mehrdad x7 said:
I'm having trouble activated and sms activating for Google apps such as google Duo,google Allo, ... I've installed Playstore easily and sign in with google account, but anothe e app installed but not sign up.(eror:unable to send the request. please check the connection and try again) but evry thing is correct. My phone is Nokia X7 or 7.1 Plus, which is not included in your list . device name: Nokia X7 Android version :8.1.0 Model: TA-1131 Android securitty patch level: November 1,2018
Is there a possibility to switch this phone to the global mobile phone? Is There a global rom for this phone?
Is this a problem with Rom? So why was Google Play installed? And these apps are installed, but Just activation SMS not work?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unable to understand your query though. I have used the CN ROM for long and the Google account verification SMS just comes out fine to the device. Maybe you can temporarily turn of 2-factor authentication or use SIM card in another phone temporarily to receive the SMS messages.
loveuhp said:
Nothing different
X7 cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are differences between the Nokia 8.1 and X7.
- Nokia X7 doesn't have Android One
- Nokia X7 doesn't have NFC
- Nokia X7 doesn't support all the LTE bands

MIUI 11 Closed Beta

Miui 11 Closed Beta 9.9.24
Link : https://hugeota.d.miui.com/9.9.24/miui_MI8_9.9.24_4d86fc4349_9.0.zip
Awesome. Thanks!
Be Aware that this is a Chinese beta rom. Unless you are familiar with westernizing Chinese Roms, you may want to wait for the Xiaomi.EU version that should come out ASAP.
If you install this, install Google chrome, and Google search through the Xiaomi store, then you can install Play Store and freeze all unwanted apps. If it's not in the store , it can be downloaded from any APK website.
Glad that Miui 11 is finally here bust isn't It annoying that Xiaomi makes most of us, the western world wait so long for the best features?
I have been using Xiaomi.EU for the past two months and it's been fantastic. Yesterday I installed the latest Global Stable 10.3.5 and it's like going back to March. It is missing A LOT! of stuff that the Chinese Beta Miui 10 per Xiaomi.EU has.
I would definitely wait for the release of Xiaomi.eu. It will be polished, without the bloatware and with the Play Store and Google Services already included. In three days, we should have a Update on the website.
I have tried Pixel Experience( Android 10 ) on the MI 8, and it's good, but it's far, very far from the functions that we have with our MIUI.
bcuraman said:
I would definitely wait for the release of Xiaomi.eu. It will be polished, without the bloatware and with the Play Store and Google Services already included. In three days, we should have a Update on the website.
I have tried Pixel Experience( Android 10 ) on the MI 8, and it's good, but it's far, very far from the functions that we have with our MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What functions for example? Miui is ugly af and I don't think there are actually many useful, not gimmicky, features that make it worth using Miui over other custom rom. Also from what I am seeing, Miui 11 is still based on Android 9.
Kurz97 said:
What functions for example? Miui is ugly af and I don't think there are actually many useful, not gimmicky, features that make it worth using Miui over other custom rom. Also from what I am seeing, Miui 11 is still based on Android 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q edit : it pie for or now but will switch to Q
It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
tsongming said:
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q, you didn't know that? It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so abrasive? I was making a genuine question. From all the videos I've seen, and the dipper group in Telegram, this version of MIUI 11 is based on Pie.
I do not use any kind of modifications other than custom roms, I don't even root anymore so for me all those functions you are claiming (which I was asking out of curiosity) seem completely unnecessary and gimmicky in my opinion.
Kurz97 said:
Why so abrasive? I was making a genuine question. From all the videos I've seen, and the dipper group in Telegram, this version of MIUI 11 is based on Pie.
I do not use any kind of modifications other than custom roms, I don't even root anymore so for me all those functions you are claiming (which I was asking out of curiosity) seem completely unnecessary and gimmicky in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that I misunderstood your initial comment, which I took as being abrasive and if that wasn't your intent then I absolutely apologize.
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, ( My bad its Pie, but Q is coming) and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Awesome job mate. That's really cool. The description you gave and the steps provided, helps a lot.
Yes, not all of us understand Chinese, so it will be difficult to read what they say , but still, I will wait for the launch on Xiaomi.eu, even though, I know that Root was already working on Android 10 since a few days ago.
What bugs have you encountered so far? You say that Mobile Data works, Calls and SMS. Dark Mode, and apparently everything.
What about the Camera? Are there any big differences?
Now, replying to @Kurz97 : Do you wanna know why I bought a phone with a MIUI interface? Because I like it. Don't get me wrong, I worked with AOSP a lot of time, and the beauty of Pure Android. Pay attention, Pure, means Pure, no mods, no changes in the UI, just plain simple. Only changes are Root, Adaway, and that's it.
Second, there are plenty of Rom's to choose from for MI 8, most of them, based on AOSP and the changes that the developers enable. I have tried as said before, Pixel Experience, and it's gorgeous. I really love the transition from the recent apps, and it's a very smooth Rom as well. But the fact that I can choose to have a MIUI based Rom or a AOSP it just makes it so much better.
In the past, I owned a Nexus 6p, and guess what? There was no MIUI for it. I was stuck with AOSP. So for me, the fact that I can choose from two distinguished interfaces, it's always better than being stuck to just one, isn't it? Have a good day
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting for global beta
Can I flash with twrp; I have ARB 1, will be ARB 3 or 4 after flash?
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
is there any fastboot Chinese rom download?
Uraru said:
is there any fastboot Chinese rom download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does not go into fastboot
tsongming said:
Okay so I installed Miui 11 and its flat amazing, its hard to believe that this is the first beta! tremendously smooth. The animations and scaling down of Miui makes it seem almost like something else. I was very happy to see that all of my data was restored, and I was able to install Playstore and Play Services from the miui App Store.
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else. I like it, alot. If you plan to install. Be sure to turn off automatic updates, this way you can control when they get installed and there's is no surprises. I am using the latest official Twrp and the latest Magisk Canary, and I flashed DM verity and Magisk prior to booting. One last thing, I formatted user data, wiped and rebooted my phone prior to installing the rom within recovery.
Edit:
If you do not have an extensive mI cloud backup, install Gboard or your keyboard of choice as soon as you can. Otherwise you may get confused by the multi language keyboard.
For me it's no big deal because I have used Chinese roms many times in the past and speak basic chinese. However, it is possible to click a button and move the keyboard into chinese if this happens just click the chinese character on the bottom left to return to English. You will not run into these issues if using swiftkey or Gboard. Next, after you have signed in to Google and have verified your apps, you can use a different launcher if wanted and install app freeze to install any unwanted apps.
Be sure to attempt uninstalling unwanted apps before freezing them, some are easily uninstalled. Finally, I have not seem a single ad. Dark mode works extremely well and so does the themes store. Be sure to format to avoid issues. Make sure that you use root, this is a beat do not expect things like Google pay , or whatsapp to work, maybe they will work I don't know. My cellular service gets LTE, I can send and receive text, and I can use Hangouts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some screenshots please
my phone after flashing miui 11 stuck to Mi logo with unlocked indicator and then reboots to twrp!
tsongming said:
Next yes its based on Android Q, and so far I have no plans to use anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, according to xda, last Miui 11 beta for Mi8 is Android P based:
https://www.xda-developers.com/download-miui-11-beta-now-for-13-xiaomi-devices-changelog/
tsongming said:
First I like AOSP a lot , and noone is making you use Miui, so.......
a quick google search would have told you that Miui 11 for the Mi8 is based on Android Q, you didn't know that? It's been well publicised that its totally redesigned and will have a look and feel closer to OneUI. Yes, devices older than 4 years will get Miui 11 on their existing SDK. The Mi8 will get Q
By the way, since you hate Miui so much why bother commenting?
It seems that your post serve's zero purpose and simply just clutter's up the thread. A lot of people feel the same way about AOSP, that it's boring and bland, so your point is what exactly ?
Also, so many people install AOSP, and then immediately start installing Xposed, Substratum, Custom lock screens, ultimately making it closer to what Miui is. At the end of the day, nothing is better than anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does the file say 9.0?
najabi said:
Well, according to xda, last Miui 11 beta for Mi8 is Android P based:
https://www.xda-developers.com/download-miui-11-beta-now-for-13-xiaomi-devices-changelog/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came here to tell you know that it's Q. However, I was going to attach a screenshot and it is in 9 WTF. Okay, I just found out from the Mi Forum that this initial and maybe the next few releases are 9. However, Q is definitely coming once the wrinkles gets ironed out. Apparently there are a lot of problems Q right now.
@ eternitys : I was certain that I saw 10 under Android Version, I don't know how I messed that up. Q is coming and this build is still worth seeing. but it is a hassle to get working. However, it is working flawlessly with Google services once I froze the Xiaomi services. Maybe wait for Xiaomi.EU
---------- Post added at 02:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------
DimitrisVerlis said:
my phone after flashing miui 11 stuck to Mi logo with unlocked indicator and then reboots to twrp!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not format storage
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:15 PM ----------
Tekkamen77 said:
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to first uninstall chinese apps, then freeze some of the Xiaomi updater services.. This is done most easily with App Quarantine.
Next,download and install all google apps that you typical use and give them all permission and at least temporarily turn off battery manager. I did this and will supposedly get 12 hours SOT in regular mode.
For contact you need to ad your Google account, it's in settings.
---------- Post added at 02:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------
Tekkamen77 said:
installed miui 11 I can fast and stable but I can't synchronize google contacts do you know how I can do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to first uninstall chinese apps, then freeze some of the Xiaomi updater services.. This is done most easily with App Quarantine.
Next,download and install all google apps that you typical use and give them all permission and at least temporarily turn off battery manager. I did this and will supposedly get 12 hours SOT in regular mode.
For contact you need to add your Google account, it's in settings.
eternitys said:
Some screenshots please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is some screenshots

Black Shark 3 : chinese version -> flash global

Hey,
I ordered chinese Black Shark 3 and I would like to know if I can flash a global ROM on it ?
Which features could not work after flash ?
Any tuto to flash please ?
Anyway, we are ok to say the only thing between a chinese phone with global rom and global phone is B28 ?
Thanks.
apparently there is no such capability on black shark 3
But you can google about Google installer v3 this works to install google play store and framework which enable you to use as usual global
Chinese bs3 have b28 I test here. I just want to know if bs3 global have widevine l1 ?
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Google apps worked perfectly and too bad Black shark 3 pro unlocking bootloader currently not availabale...
Anybody here unlock the bootloader bs3 ?
wrinkletit said:
apparently there is no such capability on black shark 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the roms are available for download, it will be possible.
Same problems with mine with notifications. BS3p
They don't work for ages and then all of a sudden everything is rosey for a few hours, the phone works great, then out of the blue notifications just stop. Like now it's working great WhatsApp, Gmail etc all coming through straight away. In a few hours or a few minutes it'll all go Pete tong.
Then occasionally I'll get 6 notifications all in one hit.
Chrome does work fine though, it's all synced up.
It's very strange.
The only way to get global firmware is hit the door from xiaomi and request this.... china have banned netflix, amazon and whatsapp. This explain why global firmware have widevine L1 and china firmware have L3... and explain too why whatsapp notification never works on china rom, but global works.
jbaggs said:
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you have allow all permission on each app? by all permission i mean all permission including the sms etc2 make everything green tick
and put the important apps like whatsapp or gmail to no be affected by miui battery saver (appinfo>batterysaver)
and put autostart on, if you want your device to start the app without you launch it first time every reboot.
be prepare! poor battery oerformance is coming
jbaggs said:
Was going to write a few things in the pro forum. Essentially it's the same hardware. I have the BS3 Pro. Installed the V3 apk google installer. Things are a bit messy though. I knew it going into it as I've owned Chinese phones before Huawei etc but no experience with Xiaomi/joyui.
+Google play store, services etc install but there are issues. 2 main ones seem to be GPS being an issue on any app that needs it. Google maps just has a gray dot and can't update my location. Have tried a few things from various sites but it seems Joyui 11 has updated things that make the workarounds useless.
+Chrome browser can't sync with my Google account to let me use bookmarks, passwords, history etc. Clicking on the button does nothing.
+WhatsApp notifications are useless. Can't get them to come through unless I'm in the app. Again lots of previous workarounds don't work. Given all the permissions needed and turned off the battery saver option, locked the app in the background etc.
+This isn't anything official and might be obvious but worth noting. I ran it for over a week without installing google services and the battery was awesome but when google was loaded I can see it drain very quickly.
Hoping to get these issues sorted, had hoped it would be easy enough to flash a global rom but that's looking unlikely based on the BS2 success etc. Otherwise a cracking phone but might have to return it due to these issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So by chance did you ever get whatsapp up and running? Im having the same problem with my phone. I dont even mind the hit to the battery life because the warp charging means its never down for long but the lack of incomming messages is a dealbreaker for me.
I don't know much this will help but I was able to fix location issues. You must allow location access all the time for Google Play services. Location now works in Google Maps and Uber.
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
i need your help
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a BS3PRO chinese rom i need it to be Global rom
Hi guys, heard my friend going to release bs3pro global fastboot ver. Please wait for it but not sure when...
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Hey, and for BS3 pls too
For those of you that are interested in doin the conversion yourself there is a thread in the bs3 pro section that has the files and instructions
https://forum.xda-developers.com/bl...bootloader-t4140001/post83225465#post83225465
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
free?
hehk1234 said:
Chinese bs3 have b28 I test here. I just want to know if bs3 global have widevine l1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you upload a twrp backup bro? I want to go back to Chinese version
hoangtieubao said:
If anybody want to change chinese to global
Please contact me telegram @hoangtieubao
I will help u
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need help for blackshark 2 china unlock bootloader I will pay

CalyxOS has been released

CalyxOs has been released. This is great news for us.
Download and install instructions: https://calyxos.org/news/2021/01/26/pixel5-pixel4a5g-support/
Features: https://calyxos.org/features/
Do not forget to join our Telegram channel to stay up to date:
Telegram: Contact @pixel4a5gupdates
t.me
Let's use this thread for a Calyx discussion.
Screenies
radogost said:
Screenies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Esim support?
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
FooYoungHi said:
Happy days!! This is the reason for getting the 4a 5g.
Is it already daily driver ready?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
shannoncole05 said:
I got it running and no issues with the ROM itself, I like it alot, but the whole playstore and getting aurora to work made me give up, I was not able to get my preferred playstore apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solution: Uninstall Aurora and reinstall it from F-Droid.
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
FooYoungHi said:
Before I dive in, 2 questions:
- I'm still runnin the december update, do I need to update to the januari update before I can flash Calyx?
- Is there a way to backup my current install?
Edit: I bit the bullet anyways, first updating to the Januari update, painless process, btw. I decided that I didn't care about a backup.
First impressions: Very nice looking and I saw pretty quickly that within CalyxOS you can back stuff up outside of the bootloader.
Had the 'Aurora store' bug, fixed after reinstalling it.
Gonna love exploring the OS in the coming days.
I have one question about a launcher: I have the paid version of Nova Launcher, and I'm logged into Aurora anonymously, so I can't DL paid apps. Does anyone have an alternative to Nova Launcher? I absolutely love this app (the gestures etc. are a dream) so preferably a FOSS alternative with close to the same functionality would be awesome. I have been able to migrate to FOSS/free apps for all of my paid ones, but I still can't find anything better as a launcher.
Edit2: Might have been nice for them to put a warning before flashing that it will completely wipe your phone.. I made a few last minute backups on the internal storage before flashing. Everything is lost now. Luckily I back stuff up often, but I still lost stuff, so a warning from them might've been nice.
Edit3: I now can't log into my google account (for retrieving my whatsapp backup Fixed by using another phone and copying the local backup to my Pixel) because it can't connect to the server... know error apparently, but I can't find a fix for it.
Why oh, why, do I always decide to try this stuff on a sunday evening when I should go to bed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
shannoncole05 said:
Try Lawnchair Launcher and sideload
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/deletescape/lawnchair/lawnchair-2-1-2627-ci-q-merge-release/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
FooYoungHi said:
Thanks, I'll give that one a shot.
I ran into something I didn't see for years on a smartphone: ADS!! Since root is impossible and not recommended, adaway won't work.. Any other solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for ADs try Blokada: https://blokada.org/
or the new Adaway, also with rootles mode VPN: https://github.com/AdAway/AdAway
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
FooYoungHi said:
Just got the februari update.. the most painless update I've ever had on a smartphone. Really digging CalyxOS.
About the adblockers; I already run a 'normal' VPN, so VPN based ablocking won't work, right?
Some other random questions:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
I also have some shared calendars from google that I unfortunately need to use, but I don't want to sign in to google on my phone. Any tips to get this to work? I can import regular google calendars into my nextcloud, but not the shared ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
radogost said:
About the adblockers with VPN - you can utilize "Secure DNS" option in Android. I highly recommend NextDNS or BlahDNS for no-logging, adblocking DNS service.
As for the keyboards, there are AnysoftKeyboard (has swipe), OpenBoard and FlorisBoard. I am using Anysoftkeyboard and I am pretty happy. I'm beta testing it, and new version should be out soon. Also, Calyx has a firewall feature that allows you to block internet access for any app you want. Just go to the Settings -> Apps and then Data Usage and you can block Swiftkey from there. Calyx Team is currently working on a better UI for firewall, should be out in the following months.
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I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
FooYoungHi said:
I'm liking Anysoftkeyboard so far. I only wish you could remove the smilie and voice buttons, that would make the spacebar a bit wider.
Will the scureDNS stuff work nicely with a VPN, since they use their own ones, AFAIK. I got it to work, just wondering if it doen't mess with the security of the VPN.
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You can delete the smiley button. Look in "bottom" layouts, and pick minimal or classic
FooYoungHi said:
Any suggestions for (preferably FOSS) keyboards? I currently use love swiftkey, but I refuse to sign up to download skins, can't seem to restore my backup, and I don't trust Microsoft. I can't seem to find a lot of open source ones.
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I love using Anysoft Keyboard
I just tried calyxos first time it today myself for 8 hours today. It ha sbeen very nice so far, although most of that 8 hours went in to setting everything up.
Soemthing I hate is that the google camera apk from aurora store is super old.. Ibut that is not calyxos fault.. Probably not that the small arrow to lower the keyboard is ont he left side and doesnt seem to be adjustable either..?
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
cHECKjAM said:
Will have to look around for some safe place to download a more recent gcam or I guess use some port.. Too bad I heard the ports are always buggy and bad and since I got a true pixel for the first time ever I was looking forward to run it with the best possible camera software.
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I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
ichino_o said:
I am using GCam 7.3.018 by Urnyx05 since few weeks and it is all good... If I remember well, I got it here https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-urnyx05/
I don't know if the version 8 does the job on this device, I did not try but am interested to hear back if you try
Edit: check this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/gcam-camera-px-for-google-pixel-1-2-3-3a-4.3875663/post-84514901
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I went ahead and installed the latest official Google camera software from apkmirror. I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
cHECKjAM said:
I didnt want to go through the rabbithole of finding what port is the least broken, while also getting the latest and greatest update wise..
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I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
cHECKjAM said:
Altough now that I've used it for a few days im suspecting I don't have HDR. I cant find any options with HDR anywhere in the app, so maybe something wrong as I heard that if you run googles own gcam on custom roms (I guess calyxos as well?) You loose HDR?
Also its quite annoying that you have to use Google photos to o preview the pictures and I don't want to use that.
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Click to collapse
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
ichino_o said:
I can just say that downloading the version 8.1 linked in the thread I referred to in my previous post should make you happy... I just tried it and all seems to be working without any hassle. And it does not look like leading you to a rabbithole.
I guess that is why people are porting the app. I have working HDR (at least the option is here and can be switched, how to make sure that hdr is ok btw?) and I can check the photos with the alternative gallery apps, or at least with the default gallery. There is an option in GCam to allow using gallery other that Google Photo.
May I ask why Google photo is a problem? Looks like you can block all privacy-concerning behaviors...
Then, more generally, I am running CalyxOS with default microG settings on this device since two weeks and everything is just perfect. All is working perfectly and the battery consumtion is really good.
Great job! Perfect ROM for me on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exciting! I just went ahead and downloaded the gcam mod you linked to, latest version.
I was already quite happy with the camera just moving from a xiaomi Mi 8 with lineage - using the f-droid open camera only.. Totally worthless experience imo..
At first glance there is definetly more options here including HDR. However the third party picture viewer is still not optional..
Honestly you are right I could use google photos and just remove internet access but I would rather not.. But if Im forced I guess I must.. Did you do anything special to get third party gallerys to work?
About the calyxos on pixel 4a 5g .. I absolutely LOOOOVE it man.. It is lightyears ahead of lineage experience that Ive had past 2 years. Love it!

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