As everyone is aware, Google apps are not available in the Playstore on any Xiaomi phone produced in China; instead, you must manually install them..
How to Install Google Play on a Chinese Xiaomi Phone
How to install Google Play on a Xiaomi phone
- Launch the Mi App Store
- Search for Google
- Scroll down to the bottom of the list and select this option:
- Though the results will be in Chinese, you should be able to
- make out the Google Installer app from its icon
- Install, then when it has downloaded tap Open
- Hit the big blue circular button to begin installing the various components
- You will be prompted to allow the phone to install apps from unknown sources – select Settings, toggle on the slider, then proceed with the installation
- Allow any prompts for permissions that pop up
- You will first be prompted to install the Google Services Framework. Click Install, then Done
- Second is the Google Account Manager app. Click Install, then Done
- Third is Google Play Services. Click Install, then Done
- At this point the installation appears to hang. Hit the big blue circular button to begin installation of Google Calendar Sync. Again, tap Install, then Done
- Again hit the big blue button to begin installing Google Contacts Sync. Tap Install, then Done
- Hit the big blue button one last time to install Google Play itself. Tap Install, then Open
- Follow the familiar Google setup wizard to sign into your Google account
Now that your Google account is active on your device, you may believe that everything is set up and ready to go. False. You will still see a Chinese keyboard, a number of Chinese-language applications, and no access to your calendar or contacts. Below, we'll go over how to handle each of these situations.
Install Gboard – the Google Keyboard
Your device should be able to access Google Play. Open the application, type in Gboard, then select Install. Once it's done, click Open and grant any access requests.
Make this your default keyboard by setting it up. In the Settings, click Enable, then turn Gboard on (and off everything else). After selecting "Ok" from the security screen, select "Done."
Allow Sync Permissions for Contacts and other data
It won't display any of your contacts even if you install the official Google Contacts app. This is a result of you denying MIUI access to sync with Google.
- From the phone’s home screen launch Settings > Apps > Manage Apps
- Scroll down to and select Google Contacts Sync
- Toggle on the slider next to Autostart
- Open Permissions
- Allow the following permissions: Modify and delete contacts; Read your contacts; Access accounts on device; Start in background
- Exit the Permissions menu and open Battery Saver. Choose No Restrictions
- Next is Google Calendar Sync, which you should select from Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Google Calendar Sync
- Again, allow it to Autostart and turn off the Battery Saver, then allow the following permissions: Read Calendar Events; Start in background
- Finally, open Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Google Account Manager
- Toggle on Autostart and remove any Battery Saver options, then allow all permissions under the Privacy section
It is nearly always a Permissions, Autostart, or Battery Saver issue if any other apps on your phone won't work properly or for which you realize you haven't received any notifications in a while. Verify that the appropriate options are enabled for each affected app.
Remove the Chinese home screen search bar
- Open the phone’s Settings menu
- Use the Search option to find Home screen search bar, then toggle this off
Tidy up your home screen
Tap and hold the app shortcuts of any Chinese apps you want to uninstall, then drag the cursor to the Uninstall button at the top of the screen.
Make a new folder on the home screen and stash all of the Chinese apps you won't be using in there, if they can't be uninstalled. By clicking, holding, and dragging an app shortcut on top of another, you can make a new folder..
