Unlock Google Play on Huawei P60 Pro
The long-running drama between Huawei and Google has left many recent Huawei devices without access to Google Mobile Services and the Google Play Store. But thanks to unofficial workarounds like the Gbox app, tech-savvy Huawei users can regain access to their favorite Google apps. In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of installing the Gbox app to unlock Google Play on the brand new Huawei P60 Pro.
A Brief Background on Huawei‘s Software Restrictions
Once a fast-rising star in the smartphone world alongside Samsung and Apple, Huawei ran into trouble in 2019 when it was placed on a US trade blacklist over national security concerns related to the company‘s alleged ties to the Chinese government. This blockade prevented Huawei from accessing key US technologies and partnerships.
One crucial loss for Huawei was Google Mobile Services, which provides Android phones with seamless access to apps like Gmail, Maps, YouTube and Google Play Store. Newer Huawei phone models have shipped without these Google apps installed, forcing users to seek workarounds.
The recently launched P60 Pro flagship phone is no exception. Out of the box, this otherwise feature-packed device lacks pre-installed access to Google apps and services. But with the help of apps like Gbox, tech-savvy users can unlock the Google Play Store plus other key Google apps.
Downloading and Installing The Gbox Application
The Gbox app from Gboxlab.com provides simple access to Google Mobile Services without advanced technical knowledge. Available as a free download, this Android application creates a sandboxed Google environment that lives alongside the Huawei firmware.
To get started, open the Gboxlab website on your P60 Pro and tap the download button. Install Gbox like you would any other Android application.
Next, you‘ll need to enable key permissions and disable battery optimizations so Gbox can operate properly in the background. Open Settings > Apps > Gbox and toggle on permissions like Allow Background Activity. Also add Gbox to the Unmonitored Apps list under Battery Optimization.
With Gbox configured, open the app and add your Google account when prompted. Be patient during the account verification steps. Once your account is authorized, you‘ll see Google apps populate in Gbox.
Accessing Google Apps and Services in Gbox
Inside the Gbox sandbox environment, you can now freely access Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Drive and other apps previously unavailable on the P60 Pro. These will feel like native apps while in use, with no major performance issues.
When first configuring these apps under Gbox, follow any onboarding steps like enabling account syncing. For apps like Gmail, enable background activity permissions and disable battery optimizations where possible for proper push notifications.
Downloaded apps live within the Gbox container and you can add shortcuts your home screen. But for key communication apps, we recommend installing them separately from Gbox so they operate independently from the sandbox.
Installing Apps Outside The Gbox Container
For apps like Gmail and YouTube, install them directly from Gboxlab website, not the Gbox menu. This way, they download to your device‘s main storage instead of within Gbox.
You‘ll then be able to open them outside Gbox while still signed into your Google account. This allows you to use these apps even if Gbox isn‘t currently running.
WhatsApp and Google Drive are two other apps we recommend downloading separately from the Gboxlab website. Then when prompted within Gbox, choose to complete your account setup in the standalone app instead.
Enabling Account Syncing and Notifications
A limitation of sandboxed Google apps is unreliable background syncing and notifications. To enable proper account syncing on your P60 Pro, you‘ll need to adjust some system settings.
Open Settings > Accounts > Google and enable options like Account Sync, Automatic Sync, and Background Data. You can also enable Notifications for individual Google apps here.
For the most reliable notifications and performance, open Settings > Battery > More Battery Settings > Unmonitored Apps and add key Google apps like Gmail, YouTube and Chrome. This prevents Huawei battery optimizations from interfering with Google Mobile Services.
With notifications permissions enabled both globally and for specific apps, you‘ll now receive push notifications as expected when using Google apps on your P60 Pro outside the Gbox container.
Syncing WhatsApp Chat History from Google Drive
Since WhatsApp won‘t transfer your chat history directly from an iOS or old Android device, leverage Google Drive sync as a workaround.
First, install the latest WhatsApp version from Gboxlab.com. Open the app and enable Google Drive backups in WhatApp‘s Chat Backup settings. Log into your Google Drive account when prompted.
Wait for WhatsApp to complete a full cloud backup. Then on your old device, manually back up WhatsApp chats to Google Drive via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up to Google Drive.
Once fully backed up into Google Drive, your WhatsApp chat history will now auto-restore when you log into your Google account in the standalone WhatsApp app on your P60 Pro.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some other usage tips for unlocking the full Google experience on your Huawei flagship:
• Access even more apps beyond what Gbox offers by installing the Play Store Shortcut module from Gboxlab. This clones the Play Store inside Gbox, enabling direct Play Store searches.
• Sync your photos seamlessly with Google Photos by uploading new pics taken with your P60 Pro‘s camera. Enable backup and sync in the Google Photos app.
• Don‘t forget to disable battery optimizations for crucial Google apps like Play Services, Play Store and Google Pay to prevent interference with normal operation.
• If Google contacts aren‘t syncing correctly on your P60 Pro, use the Dovex application from Gboxlab to sync contacts in real-time.
• Plan on re-installing Gbox and re-enabling permissions after major Huawei software updates, as updates may reset previous settings.
Unlocking The Full Google Experience
As this guide has shown, with some technical know-how and the right tools like Gbox, you can regain access to Google‘s ecosystem despite Huawei‘s software blocks. These workarounds allow you to utilize your brand new P60 Pro just like any other Android phone when it comes to enjoying Google apps.
While Gbox does involve some manual app installations and permission tweaks for fully functioning performance, the payoff is huge. You can make the most of your P60 Pro‘s stellar hardware while still having your favorite Google apps and services back in working order.
Timestamped Summary of Video Instructions
For those following along with the YouTube tutorial from System Hacks, here‘s a quick timestamped summary of the step-by-step process outlined in the video:
[00:00] Overview of using the Gbox app from Gboxlab.com to install Google Mobile Services on the Huawei P60 Pro and other Huawei devices [02:25] Downloading Gbox app and accessing various Google apps including Maps within the Gbox sandbox environment [04:52] Recommendation for installing key apps like YouTube separately from Gboxlab website for standalone functionality [06:22] Details on enabling Google account sync, background notifications and adjusting battery usage settings [08:04] Syncing WhatsApp chat data from Google Drive backup by enabling drive backups [09:02] Additional tips like using Huawei App Gallery and syncing photos to Google Photos [10:41] Instructions showing Play Store shortcut to enable direct Play Store downloads [12:19] Demo of real-time Google contacts sync with Dovex application and overview of native-like Google servicesFrequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about unlocking Google services on your Huawei P60 Pro:
How can I download apps from the Google Play Store onto my P60 Pro?
By installing the Play Store Shortcut module from within Gbox, you can access the Play Store directly and download/install apps normally. Just search for apps and tap install.
Will Google apps installed via Gbox slow down my P60 Pro?
There should not be a noticeable performance impact since Gbox runs these services in a separate container. Just be sure to enable proper background permissions.
Can I still use Huawei App Gallery alongside Google Play apps?
Yes, apps installed via Gbox and Google Play run alongside the existing App Gallery apps just fine on EMUI interface. You have the combined benefits of both Huawei and Google services.
What happens if I reset my P60 Pro to factory settings?
Resetting your P60 will wipe Gbox along with installed Google apps. You‘ll have to repeat the Gbox installation process from scratch. Be sure to backup data beforehand.
Will Google apps installed via Gbox receive push notifications?
By carefully adjusting permissions and disabling battery optimizations as outlined above, your Gbox Google apps can receive near real-time push notifications like normal.
What Other Huawei Models Support Gbox?
Besides the P60 Pro covered in this guide, Gbox has been verified to work properly enabling Google services on a wide range of recent Huawei phones and tablets including:
• Huawei Mate 50 Pro
• Huawei MatePad Pro 12.6
• Huawei MediaPad M6
• Huawei Enjoy 60 Plus
• Huawei Nova 10 Pro
• Huawei MateStation X
Essentially any currently released Huawei device running EMUI 12 and above can utilize Gbox for accessing Google Play apps. Just repeat the installation process outlined above.
Unlocking Google On Huawei: Closing Recommendations
Hopefully this guide has shown you that with a little technical finesse, sideloading the Gbox application can restore full Google services functionality on otherwise restricted Huawei devices like the stunning new P60 Pro flagship phone.
While power users will have no problem toggling settings and ongoing maintenance for peak performance, casual users may prefer to explore Android alternatives with native Google support out of the box.
But for those invested in Huawei‘s hardware and camera innovations, Gbox provides the ultimate workaround to counter software limitations, successfully fusing Huawei‘s technology with Google‘s services – the best of both worlds in one powerhouse mobile device.