In China, there are restrictions on software companies operating within the country, which unfortunately means that Chinese citizens are unable to access popular social media platforms and some software applications. This limitation becomes particularly frustrating when it comes to Android smartphones, as devices sold in China do not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. Without access to the Play Store, users miss out on a wide range of apps and games that are typically available through this platform.
To address this issue, users of Chinese OnePlus phones can manually install the Google Play Store, Play Services, and other Google Apps on their devices. This process allows the OnePlus One, 2, 3, 3T, and all future models to access and download apps from the Play Store, ensuring that their Android device is not lacking in functionality. By following certain steps, users can overcome the restrictions imposed in China and enjoy the benefits of having access to a wider range of applications on their OnePlus phones.
Most Android phones in China can have the Google Play Store manually installed through custom methods, such as using a Google Installer or a custom ROM. The former option is straightforward, while the latter may sometimes pose challenges. However, for OnePlus One smartphones in China, the first option is not feasible, and users may need to resort to flashing a stock ROM as an alternative. Chinese OnePlus One devices operate on Hydrogen OS, a version of the Android firmware that does not include any Google services. Meanwhile, OnePlus devices sold outside of China run on Oxygen OS, which provides access to essential Google apps and services like Play Store and Play Music.
Now, the key is that you can install Oxygen OS on your Chinese OnePlus phone and enable Google Apps on it. This process is quite simple to carry out, as OnePlus is supportive of users unlocking the bootloader and flashing custom recoveries. The company even provides an official guide for doing so, making it clear and straightforward. All that is required is to have a custom recovery installed on your phone and then flash a stock file of Oxygen OS. This not only allows Google Apps to run on your device but also introduces a new operating system to enhance your phone’s functionality.
Before moving forward, it is essential to back up all critical data, including contacts, call logs, text messages, and media content. It is important to meticulously follow the procedure to prevent any errors or complications. Ensure that your phone is adequately charged before beginning the instructions.
Now, let’s explore how to accomplish this.
OnePlus Phone: Installing Guide on Google Play on Chinese OnePlus Phones
- Download and install TWRP recovery on your OnePlus phone:
- TWRP Recovery for OnePlus One
- TWRP for OnePlus 2
- TWRP for OnePlus X
- TWRP for OnePlus 3
- TWRP for OnePlus 3T
- Download the latest official Oxygen OS from the official OnePlus firmware page.
- Copy the downloaded firmware file to your OnePlus’s internal or external SD card.
- Boot your OnePlus phone into TWRP recovery by pressing and holding Volume Down + Power Key.
- In TWRP, tap Install, locate the OnePlus Oxygen OS firmware file, swipe to confirm, and flash the file.
- After flashing the file, reboot your phone.
- You will have Oxygen OS running on your phone with all the GApps.
That concludes the process. I trust that you found this method effective. Rest assured, this method will not cause any harm to your phone. It will simply replace your current Hydrogen OS with an Oxygen OS.
Feel free to ask questions concerning this post by writing in the comment section below.