[APP] microG GmsCore - lightweight free software clone of Google Play Services

Search This thread

Alanon

Senior Member
Oct 17, 2013
213
94
Belgrade
Hello, I'm contemplating removing Google from my phone, so I have a few questions to clear up before making up my mind on the best course of action. I tried a quick keyword search so as not to duplicate questions, but I haven't really found anything, so I'm hopeful that I won't be flooding the thread. I realise that many of these will seem obvious to veteran NoGapps-ers, but bear with me.

In principle, I have no problem with going cold turkey and removing Google altogether, as long as my apps actually work. Seeing some of the issues people have been having with MicroG, is it safe to assume that without any Google apps whatsoever, many apps won't work at all? Despite that, even if I were to find working replacements for some such apps, many of the apps that use Google to deliver notifications still won't work, and there's no standalone solution to spoof Google push notifications? So important apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram, etc. might be dead silent? Something tells me that all of these are true, and in that case MicroG seems to be the more effective option overall.

Now, in perusing the thread I became aware of a way to retain Calendar and Contact synchronisation through copying some of Google's apks, and I'm generally fine with that. My question is, does this mechanic include call history, messages, app setting backups and other things I seem to get restored through Google's setup wizard? If not, is there a way to include it? Which part of Google's suite controls backups? The way I see it, if I'm going to retain some of Google on the device, I might as well get some of the features that seem most useful. Alternatively, if none of that is doable, is there a way to extract that data from Google and add it in after a clean flash? Perhaps with something like Titanium Backup?
 

kurtn

Senior Member
Hello, I'm contemplating removing Google from my phone, so I have a few questions to clear up before making up my mind on the best course of action. I tried a quick keyword search so as not to duplicate questions, but I haven't really found anything, so I'm hopeful that I won't be flooding the thread. I realise that many of these will seem obvious to veteran NoGapps-ers, but bear with me.

In principle, I have no problem with going cold turkey and removing Google altogether, as long as my apps actually work. Seeing some of the issues people have been having with MicroG, is it safe to assume that without any Google apps whatsoever, many apps won't work at all? Despite that, even if I were to find working replacements for some such apps, many of the apps that use Google to deliver notifications still won't work, and there's no standalone solution to spoof Google push notifications? So important apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram, etc. might be dead silent? Something tells me that all of these are true, and in that case MicroG seems to be the more effective option overall.

Now, in perusing the thread I became aware of a way to retain Calendar and Contact synchronisation through copying some of Google's apks, and I'm generally fine with that. My question is, does this mechanic include call history, messages, app setting backups and other things I seem to get restored through Google's setup wizard? If not, is there a way to include it? Which part of Google's suite controls backups? The way I see it, if I'm going to retain some of Google on the device, I might as well get some of the features that seem most useful. Alternatively, if none of that is doable, is there a way to extract that data from Google and add it in after a clean flash? Perhaps with something like Titanium Backup?
Your most valuable piece of data stored on your Google account are contacts. That can easily be extracted as vcf file.
There is no universal method to restore app settings. Titanum Backup can help.
WhatsApp works fine without Google cloud messaging.
Keeping some Google apps is no good idea. In that case you can keep all.
 

updesh94

Senior Member
Hmm

-Edit-

Figured out a way to pass both safetynet checks with micro-g working on multiple devices, pm'd the OP for this thread. Not sure if already known by some. Was not very extensive process but did require framework not sure if it could be worked into anything officially but I hope. Did have to restore snapchat from backup but that is only app I use that is effected.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kAEBmqd9DB7HCAaIepfqJ_nTtthVkOeY/view?usp=sharing
-suggested module, shout outs to bdoel (hiddencore passes too but screen stays on)
https://github.com/Juxstin/EdXposed-SnapChat-Bypass/releases
-suggested framework (someone should test taichi also to see if xcheck is avoidable)
https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_RemoteDroidGuard/issues/24
-more info

Have you checked using Magisk only or other apps also. Please try verifying safety net using some other apps. :fingers-crossed:
 
D

Deleted member 8828390

Guest
Have you checked using Magisk only or other apps also. Please try verifying safety net using some other apps. :fingers-crossed:
It seems the comment that was here earlier was deleted, but there was this guy seeingly decompiled the apk which was linked to, and it was snake oil, it just forced true values for cts profile and basic integrity, thus not acctually fixing the problem at hand.
But yes, checking with other apps aswell should produce same result, though using the bypass apk would just fool you thinking you acctually pass safetynet, when the reality is that its lying to your face.
Atleast thats what I recall from the removed comment. Im sure someone else here can verify it by decompiling the .apk, and sharing if this is the case, or not.

Edit: the comment was over at the nanodroid thread.
https://xdaforums.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928/post80382929
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: updesh94

updesh94

Senior Member
It seems the comment that was here earlier was deleted, but there was this guy seeingly decompiled the apk which was linked to, and it was snake oil, it just forced true values for cts profile and basic integrity, thus not acctually fixing the problem at hand.
But yes, checking with other apps aswell should produce same result, though using the bypass apk would just fool you thinking you acctually pass safetynet, when the reality is that its lying to your face.
Atleast thats what I recall from the removed comment. Im sure someone else here can verify it by decompiling the .apk, and sharing if this is the case, or not.

Edit: the comment was over at the nanodroid thread.
https://xdaforums.com/apps/magisk/module-nanomod-5-0-20170405-microg-t3584928/post80382929
Yes, its just a placebo as it just changes the strings ..
So, do we have a custom server set up for safety net as there is an option to use it..
 

Mynacol

Senior Member
Sep 9, 2016
315
208
Hello, I'm contemplating removing Google from my phone, so I have a few questions to clear up before making up my mind on the best course of action. I tried a quick keyword search so as not to duplicate questions, but I haven't really found anything, so I'm hopeful that I won't be flooding the thread. I realise that many of these will seem obvious to veteran NoGapps-ers, but bear with me.

In principle, I have no problem with going cold turkey and removing Google altogether, as long as my apps actually work. Seeing some of the issues people have been having with MicroG, is it safe to assume that without any Google apps whatsoever, many apps won't work at all? Despite that, even if I were to find working replacements for some such apps, many of the apps that use Google to deliver notifications still won't work, and there's no standalone solution to spoof Google push notifications? So important apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram, etc. might be dead silent? Something tells me that all of these are true, and in that case MicroG seems to be the more effective option overall.

Now, in perusing the thread I became aware of a way to retain Calendar and Contact synchronisation through copying some of Google's apks, and I'm generally fine with that. My question is, does this mechanic include call history, messages, app setting backups and other things I seem to get restored through Google's setup wizard? If not, is there a way to include it? Which part of Google's suite controls backups? The way I see it, if I'm going to retain some of Google on the device, I might as well get some of the features that seem most useful. Alternatively, if none of that is doable, is there a way to extract that data from Google and add it in after a clean flash? Perhaps with something like Titanium Backup?
Hi there,
Regarding push notifications you need to know that microG perfectly replicates this feature by using Google's servers. Without it, you miss this functionality and it's up to the app if push messages work without this "system" service. WhatsApp works just fine, most email clients should too and by the userbase of the other apps you mentioned I would guess they can handle push messages without Google too.

Regarding the backup/restore topic, I recommend to get away from google. To extract contacts and calendar, but also ALL other data from your Google account, you can visit https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3024190?hl=en . Alternatively, you can download your contacts and calendars directly from your account.
To retain your call log and messages, I have found the following app, without testing it myself: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idea.backup.smscontacts
And apps and app settings are best managed with, you named it already, Titanium Backup. It also includes ways to backup/restore WiFi passwords, messages, call logs, contacts, calendars, and other accounts. Although I had problems restoring messages from a backup. Therefore I recommend some app like the linked, that can backup/restore call logs and messages.

If you want to stay with Google, you have to look and try yourself which Google system apps are responsible for synchronizing of app settings, call logs etc.

And always remember: You do not simply wipe Google off your life in a weekend. It is a process that takes months or years. With this in mind, it may be appropriate to use Push Messages through microG for now.
And you may think about your relation to other big tech companies like Facebook (WhatsApp and Instagram are both owned by the big blue), or maybe Microsoft (guess in the blue)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: SGH-i200 and marcdw

bertino

Senior Member
Oct 17, 2014
293
117
Hi there,
Regarding push notifications you need to know that microG perfectly replicates this feature by using Google's servers. Without it, you miss this functionality and it's up to the app if push messages work without this "system" service. WhatsApp works just fine, most email clients should too and by the userbase of the other apps you mentioned I would guess they can handle push messages without Google too.

Relying on apps to provide their own push service seems kinda impractical and having every app that wants to have push run a service in the background has an impact on battery life. I wonder if it would be possible to have a self hosted replacement for Google's gcm/fcm. Maybe we could have DNS redirect all requests from googles server to your server?
 

kurtn

Senior Member
Relying on apps to provide their own push service seems kinda impractical and having every app that wants to have push run a service in the background has an impact on battery life. I wonder if it would be possible to have a self hosted replacement for Google's gcm/fcm. Maybe we could have DNS redirect all requests from googles server to your server?
Cloud messaging will always be a centralised service. No chance for self hosters. I think
 

Mynacol

Senior Member
Sep 9, 2016
315
208
Relying on apps to provide their own push service seems kinda impractical and having every app that wants to have push run a service in the background has an impact on battery life. I wonder if it would be possible to have a self hosted replacement for Google's gcm/fcm. Maybe we could have DNS redirect all requests from googles server to your server?
We cannot substitute the Google servers, because the push messages originate from the app vendors. They send the push message to Google's servers which relays it to the specified smartphone. As the message gets sent from many different companies to Google, we would have to convince them to send the message to another server, based on user preference.

This seems unrealistic and would be still a centralized service, assuming the app vendors don't offer choices to specify which is his/her push server, as otherwise that would require automatic changes on the vendors side.
 

Enthused9801

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
63
12
Help!

I just installed /e/ ROM, it includes microg by default. But can't seem to get notifications for Skype. How do you get this to work? I went to microg settings and passed the self test.

Google device registration is on, so is Google cloud messaging but it says current state is disconnected. I don't know what to try next. I'm running magisk for root could that be a problem? Safety check maybe failing?

I'm new to microg and magisk, bare with me.
 

kurtn

Senior Member
Help!

I just installed /e/ ROM, it includes microg by default. But can't seem to get notifications for Skype. How do you get this to work? I went to microg settings and passed the self test.

Google device registration is on, so is Google cloud messaging but it says current state is disconnected. I don't know what to try next. I'm running magisk for root could that be a problem? Safety check maybe failing?

I'm new to microg and magisk, bare with me.
I don't have skype. A general rule for cloud messaging: first enable gcm. Sometimes its necessary to dial in with *#*#2432546#*#*. Finally install skype or whatever. Don't restore the app from a backup

https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore/wiki/Helpful-Information
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Enthused9801

Enthused9801

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
63
12
I don't have skype. A general rule for cloud messaging: first enable gcm. Sometimes its necessary to dial in with *#*#2432546#*#*. Finally install skype or whatever. Don't restore the app from a backup

https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore/wiki/Helpful-Information

Thanks! That did it. I just had to dial that code and it said connected for 15 seconds. I loaded Skype up and it said it was a registered app for cloud messaging. Woohoo! Trying to test it now. Thanks again, I was hoping to get this google free phone working with notifications once i found out about this project, awesome.

Though i wonder why is this information about dialing that code not front and centre in the instructions as the last step? I searched on YouTube and the op on how to setup microg and couldn't find it.
 

kurtn

Senior Member
  • Like
Reactions: drnightshadow

Top Liked Posts

  • There are no posts matching your filters.
  • 568
    hXY4lcC.png

    Introduction
    microG GmsCore is a FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) framework to allow applications designed for Google Play Services to run on systems, where Play Services is not available. If you use your phone without GAPPS this might become a useful tool for you.
    microG GmsCore is one of the two core components of the microG project.
    More up-to-date descriptions and instructions might be available on the wiki

    Instructions
    Preparation:
    1. You need a 4/5/6 ROM that is GAPPS-free. Either don't install them or remove them, if your ROM ships them. Please note that microG GmsCore might run on a cleaned stock ROM, but it might also brick it or cause random bugs. Be aware that only latest Android versions (4.4+) are regularly tested and thus prioritized over older versions when issues occur.
    2. You need a ROM that supports signature faking. Some custom ROMs are patched to support signature faking out of the box, including all OmniROM-based ones. Stock CyanogenMod denied the inclusion, as the possibility of third-party play services implementations is considered a security issue (read here about why it's not). Please ask your ROM developer if unsure. The latest version of signature spoofing for Android < 6.0 has to be enabled at the bottom of the developer settings first. If your ROM does not support signature faking, but you use Xposed, you can grab a Xposed module here.
      If you are a ROM developer or just do custom builds for whatever reason, you can download and include the patch from here and here for Android 5.1 or here for Android 6.0.
    3. Remove UnifiedNlp. In case you installed it before. You can keep your backend modules installed, microG Services will be able to use them later and provide the same feature set (to be precise, microG Services includes UnifiedNlp).

    Installation:
    The installation does not require any modification of the /system partition. All installations should be done using the default app installer included with Android or using `adb install`. This means you need to enable third-party sources or developer mode first.
    1. Install GmsCore.apk as provided in the download section below.
    2. If you want to use Google Cloud Messaging ("Push-Notifications"), Install GsfProxy.apk as provided in the download section below. The GsfProxy version does not need to match the GmsCore.apk version.
      • If you have BlankStore installed, continue with the next step.
      • If you want to be able to access the Play Store, install BlankStore from its thread. It is not a requirement that you set it up correctly and this is not covered by this instructions. If you need help ask in the original thread.
      • If you don't care about Play Store access, Install FakeStore.apk as provided in the download section below.
    3. Open the microG Settings, which are available in the launcher now. If you want to use any Google services (Log-In, Cloud Messaging), tick both checkboxes for background services. This is the only supported setup, but you are free to disable them if you like playing with fire. You can also open the UnifiedNlp settings to enable the location backends of your choice. If you don't have any yet, check out F-Droid. For further questions and concerns regarding UnifiedNlp, use its corresponding thread.
    4. Reboot your device. If you skip this step, everything unwanted is possible.

    Using it:
    • You can test Google Cloud Messaging using this test application. Push notifications do not require account registration.
    • You can add an account through the system settings. Some applications might ask you to do so, if you don't.
    • Use your applications as you like. But note that apps that use Cloud Messaging must be installed after GmsCore, else they will not work. Some hint of applications that can run due to microG GmsCore: TextSecure/Signal, Play Music, YouTube
    • When using AdAway make sure to put mtalk.google.com on your whitelist, else problems are likely to occur when using Google Cloud Messaging. Thanks @benstyle1 for the hint.

    Downloads
    See this wiki page for Downloads. You can find details on the F-Droid repository on https://microg.org/fdroid/.

    Signing key
    The NOGAPPS and microG Project use a shared signing key. Apps and the F-Droid repository are signed using this key. You can verify app signatures using the Checkey app (not when signature spoofing is enabled) and the F-Droid key in F-Droid repository details.
    The SHA-256 hash of the key is:
    9B D0 67 27 E6 27 96 C0 13 0E B6 DA B3 9B 73 15 74 51 58 2C BD 13 8E 86 C4 68 AC C3 95 D1 41 65

    Current implementation progress
    Please check this wiki page for up to date implementation progress.

    Please report bugs
    This project is still rather unstable. Please report bugs as they occur. Whenever you report a bug, please tell us what application caused the bug, including its exact version. If you're the developer, name the play services library you are using. Please do not bother the original app author when it might be related to microG services. If the problem is related to geolocation with UnifiedNlp, report it in the UnifiedNlp thread, even if you're using it through GmsCore.

    Thanks
    Big thanks to everyone who continuously supported me doing this, by donating, pull-requests or just feedback.

    XDA:DevDB Information
    microG GmsCore, App for all devices (see above for details)

    Contributors
    MaR-V-iN
    Source Code: https://github.com/microg/android_packages_apps_GmsCore


    Version Information
    Status: Beta
    Current Beta Version: v0.2.13.203915
    Beta Release Date: 2020-10-19

    Created 2015-10-04
    Last Updated 2020-10-20
    56
    I am still alive, but just super busy.

    Starting end of February, I set aside 20 hours a week to work solely on microG.

    But please don't expect any update earlier than that, I have to ensure that there are no loose ends before I remove myself from some of the obligations I have right now, so probably will be even busier than before.

    Thanks for your ongoing support everyone.
    28
    Nice! Even original Play Store started to work with this! Not fully, but now you can login, search for apps and see already installed ones. Just download doesn't work yet. Keep up good work! Original GMSCore is android cancer.
    26
    Thanks for your feedback @emandt. I appreciate it, although it's impossible for me to not agree with @Ultramanoid that it feels like trolling. I will try to answer to all your concerns.

    It's true that Google API change. This project has some history and still uses some code from 2013. In the meantime, I saw some API changes, but most APIs stay stable. This is because not all play services users update directly and Google does not want important system features to break. I know that Google is aware of this project (or atleast some Google employees are) longer than you are and atleast one change in the web service implementation was targeting a third party software, with microG being the only one I know that fits into that. So yes, I agree that Google is unlikely to be happy with this project. But as Ingress players know, even the mighty Google is not able to block users out that really want to do something with their services. We will always find a way.

    This project is all about privacy. As mentioned above it existed long before I posted it here on XDA and it was reviewed by several people. I also know that at least one "Android company" is working with it. The source code is still fairly simple to follow, and if you want you can check every future commit (and those from the past) one-by-one. It should also be noted that I built privacy related tools for Android the last years, some of them being published here on XDA as well or being integrated in e.g. OmniROM.
    As I don't want users credentials to end up in wrong hands, microG GmsCore doesn't even safe or access your google account password, the login is done through Google's OAuth based website.

    You complained that not "any warning/advice about privacy, credential or critical actions" was stated on the first post. As you mentioned that you're a XDA user for ten years, this can only be trolling: I never saw a ROM or Patched WhatsApp or darkened Play Store or anything else on XDA state something like this in the first post. And most of them were not open source. I expect users to be able to think theirself that, if you enter confidential data, random things might happen with that. I actually pointed that out by mentioning that "This is currently alpha-grade Software. Don't use it if you're not aware of possible consequences." in red letters :)

    I agree that payments are crucial and it is important that they work fluidly. Until now I did not implement anything related to payments for that reason. Inside Play Store, payments are not directed through Play Services, so this is nothing to fear about (this is all about microG GmsCore now, not about a future implementation of the Play Store). On the other hand, as already pointed out by others, payments should be managed server side. It should NEVER be possible to pay more than needed.

    Reducing the enormous size and bloat in Play Services is one of the goals of the project. And I'm quiet sure that this will be possible, because some things inside Play Services just don't need to be there or can be made a lot simpler. The majority of the size until now actually do not really belong to the project (but is the map rendering library used in the backend and the android-support libraries). I did not use proguard until now, I have a single release for all major instruction set (play services use multiple) and 500KB of assets that can also be reduced in size. Although i did not try it yet, I am quiet sure the size final packages size will stay below 10MB. I am not going into details why play services is so huge here, if you're interested in that, ask me when we meet in person.

    And finally I wanted to point out that most Google applications do not user Play Services intensively. Play Store is using it primarily for Auth and checkin, as well as some smaller things like advertisement id. Only Google Plus related apps (Google+, Hangouts) use Play Services a lot. This is not really a surprise considering that Play Services was originally invented for Google+ and OAuth 2 APIs.

    Finally, I'd like to thank you for the insights in your feelings about this project. I guess these answers will not sufficiently satisfy you, but there is not a lot more I can do. Trust me or don't - it's up to you.

    Puh, what a post...
    26
    what is the best way to download this these days? little confused by all the different updates and forks.

    is f droid repo a good place to install from still?

    Here's what I know:

    NanoDroid is an app pack that contains, among other things, MicroG. It also replaces system apps and is compatible with Magisk overlays. It is configured with a text file that can be generated using a zip installer with Aroma. It is currently using @Setialpha's fork of microG. There are also basic subset packs for just MicroG or just system app replacements. It comes with a patched version of Play Store that allows for IAP, but can also install FakeStore.
    @ale5000's zip I think was the first of the unofficial zips and AFAIK just installs official MicroG and related dependencies, as well as removing conflicting apps (important for location services), which NanoDroid does as well. I'm not following the thread for this zip for some reason, and probably should find it so I can follow it. AFAIK, there is no simple configuration for this zip.

    My zips are built by downloading the latest MicroG apps by parsing the F-Droid repo's index file for URLs and thus only follows official releases. There are separate zips for installing with FakeStore, official Play Store, and the NanoDroid patched Play Store. There are also separate NoGapps packs that mirror OpenGapps but with apps from F-Droid (and no MicroG, as that's in a separate installer). Configuration is done at build time, but I provide my build tool and build recipes for easy modification.

    The NoGoolag installer I think is most similar to NanoDroid in that it installs its own fork of MicroG as well as F-Droid system app replacements. I'm least familiar with it, but it's in pretty active development, for what that's worth. I don't know much more about it than that, though.

    All of the above zips AFAIK will ensure best compatibility with your device by uninstalling system apps that will interfere, e.g. with location services; extracting libraries from apps that get installed to /system (Android generally can't find the libraries otherwise); and similar things. This tends to provide a better/easier experience than installing straight from F-Droid, though that is still a valid option. Also, if you use an installer that uses the official MicroG, you can get updates from that F-Droid repo.

    TL;DR: Which installer you use will depend on what you're looking for from it. I will almost always recommend mine, but I am opinionated on the subject. It may be worth you looking deeper into what each does and does not provide and if you need that thing, then make a decision. I would highly recommend using one of the zip installers though, even if it's not mine.