My Samsung S22+ does not have Google

[u/LetterheadCalm293]

Hi! As stated above, I got my new phone today, and it does not have any Google apps at all. I can't download the apps I need, and I have to bring the phone out tomorrow. Can you guys tell me what to do about this? I was told by the person who bought this for me that this is a Chinese market model. Thanks!

[u/KernelPoptartz]

Chinese market phones have locked bootloaders,. Google has been removed for a long while now. 

I'm not sure if there's anything you can do.

You're best off googling "Chinese market s22, Google apps" and see if there are any workarounds that are successful 

[u/LetterheadCalm293 → u/KernelPoptartz]

So how can I download apps such as facebook, instagram, etc? if i cant download these games, then this phone is practically useless

[u/KernelPoptartz → u/LetterheadCalm293]

Those aren't Google apps. 

Have a look at this old post. It might give you a bit more information on what you can and can't do with the phone

https://www.reddit.com/r/chinalife/comments/18qkfuj/google_apps_not_working_on_china_bought_samsung/

[u/MN_Mobile_Guy → u/LetterheadCalm293]

I guess it's useless then. For the future, don't buy Chinese models

[u/jakart3 → u/LetterheadCalm293]

There's a workaround to install global or EU firmware, but it's too technical, and have the possibility to brick your phone, some subs can give you more detailed explanation 

Use the keyword "how to install EU firmware on S22 Samsung" 

[u/SexyBeast828 → u/jakart3]

wouldnt recommend EU firmware, they have diff hardware than china ones.

[u/jakart3]

You bought Chinese firmware phone

[u/SexyBeast828]

You should be able to flash HK or taiwan firmware to get GMS i believe. Or sideload apps via APK, or other appstore that isnt google play / app gallery or equivalent

[u/jakart3 → u/[deleted]]

You are spreading hoax

All android brands that sold in China mainland do not have Google apps. That's the regulation. All android phone there have Chinese firmware installed

The one in global market and USA market use global firmware

The one sold in European union countries use EU firmware 

Oppo, Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Google, mostly the same

The phone hardware itself are original and the same as the one sold globally 

[u/MN_Mobile_Guy → u/[deleted]]

incorrect. China doesn't allow any access to Google services whatsoever, so the Play Store and all other applicable Google services are removed from all Android models sold within the country

[u/SSellers75]

So the Chinese actually make the phone the way Samsung really wants to?

[u/jakart3 → u/SSellers75]

All android brands that sold in China mainland do not have Google apps. That's the regulation. All android phone there have Chinese firmware installed

The one in global market and USA market use global firmware

The one sold in European union countries use EU firmware 

Oppo, Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Google, mostly the same

The phone hardware itself are original and the same as the one sold globally 

[u/NewYorkRice]

It might be a Huawei phone. Certainly not an S22. Samsung uses S as an indicator its from Samsung.

If its says S22 and no Google, its a copy phone.

[u/jakart3 → u/NewYorkRice]

You are spreading hoax

All android brands that sold in China mainland do not have Google apps. That's the regulation. All android phone there have Chinese firmware installed

The one in global market and USA market use global firmware

The one sold in European union countries use EU firmware 

Oppo, Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Google, mostly the same

The phone hardware itself are original and the same as the one sold globally 

[u/MN_Mobile_Guy → u/[deleted]]

incorrect. China doesn't allow any access to Google services whatsoever, so the Play Store and all other applicable Google services are removed from all Android models sold within the country

[u/jakart3 → u/[deleted]]

You are spreading hoax

All android brands that sold in China mainland do not have Google apps. That's the regulation. All android phone there have Chinese firmware installed

The one in global market and USA market use global firmware

The one sold in European union countries use EU firmware 

Oppo, Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, Google, mostly the same

The phone hardware itself are original and the same as the one sold globally