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Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
R5WEmSK.png


Hi Everyone,

Here I'd like to Introduce you with my custom Gapps package that I use on day to day basis when I flash a new Rom. As I've observed many people struggling with finding the correct version of gapps to flash, I decided to build a package of my own which lets you flash stable google apps with a lot of variants so you can decide for yourself which package suits you.

What is NikGapps?
  • NikGapps project started with the goal to provide custom gapps packages that suits everyone's needs. A package that a user needs but cannot find and ends up setting up the device installing more apps and removing unwanted apps manually.
  • NikGapps is a gapps package built from my own device. As my device is always updated with latest version of Google Apps, every time I build a new package, I am on latest and stable version of Google Apps
  • NikGapps also comes with Android Go package for low end devices.
  • NikGapps is a bit different than other Gapps packages (written from scratch, it isn't a port of OpenGapps). It focuses on providing apps that most of the people uses but can't find it in other Gapps packages and ends up installing the apps manually
  • NikGapps supports split-apks
  • NikGapps also comes with nikgapps.config and debloater.config which allows you to control your installation and debloat unnecessary stuff from your Rom respectively.
  • NikGapps is built on a different architecture, the installation method is completely different (Every Package comes with installer.sh that installs itself). Also, it installs the gapps to /product partition instead of /system partition
  • NikGapps also allows you to configure the installation, it can be installed to any partition (be it /system or /product or any other partition which may get added in future)
  • NikGapps also allows you to keep the aosp counterpart of google app if you want (just by using nikgapps.config you can choose whether to remove the aosp counterpart or remove it)
  • NikGapps allows you to dirty flash it anytime you want, it also supports installing on top of Roms with Gapps (except for the pixel flavored Roms)
  • NikGapps also comes with addon packages (useful ones) so that users don't have to flash the whole gapps package just to have the app installed.
  • NikGapps supports the Privileged Permission Whitelisting, providing the necessary permissions to the privileged apps.
  • It supports addon.d so you need not flash the package again and again after every nightly flash
  • NikGapps addon.d functionality is built from scratch which allows you to completely control which app you want to backup/restore on dirty flash.
  • It also allows optimizing Google Play Services (when you turn off Find My Device) so that you can sleep with peace without having to worry about Google play services eating your battery. (Requires support from Rom too in order to work)
Also, since these are custom build, I can include as many packages as I want (which I do, you can pm me if you want that package)

NikGapps comes with following packages
» Core
» Basic
» Omni
» Stock
» Full
» Go (for low end devices)

Although these packages cover a large user base, there are few users who like things differently that is where NikGapps Addons Comes into picture. These Addon packages are separate and meant to flash over NikGapps original packages.

Everything about NikGapps

How to create your own custom NikGapps packages!

Flashing Instructions for A/B devices (Clean Flash is recommended)

  • Flash Rom in Slot A, Flash twrp, reboot to recovery
  • Flash Rom in Slot B, Flash twrp, reboot to recovery
  • Flash NikGapps
  • Flash Debloater (Optional)
  • Reboot

Flashing Instructions for A-only devices (Clean Flash is recommended)
  • Flash Rom
  • Flash NikGapps
  • Flash Debloater (Optional)
  • Reboot
How to clean flash NikGapps update without losing data?
  • Delete /system/addon.d folder
  • Dirty flash Rom
  • Flash newer version of NikGapps
How to remove/uninstall an Addon or Package?

Here's how

Enjoy the package! hope it helps you somewhat!

Downloads
 
Last edited:

Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Credits
» osm0sis (for the shell scripting template)
» Arya (for logo and his suggestions and help)
» Vanced Team (for YouTube Vanced)
» maartenfonville, nezorflame for creating and maintaining opengapps
» Lawnchair Team (for Lawnchair)
» HootanParsa (for MixPlorer)
» xXx (for his NoLimits module - Amazing work!)

Frequently Asked Questions

ChangeLog
 
Last edited:

shahabazas

Senior Member
Jun 5, 2012
370
113
Pune
Xiaomi Poco F1
Google Pixel 5a
Hey can we have a package which will replace the default ROMs aosp apps like Google calendar, Google clock, Google dailer, Google contact, google message, google calculator, google gboard, youtube vanced, pixel launcher and wallpaper, Latest Gcam with all the goodies like playground ar sticker included if you cant provide it in a single zip then provide gcam all in one zip separately. Rest all other apps can be downloaded but these apps are needed as default apps in the ROM.

Sent from my Poco F1 using Tapatalk
 

therealMarcGeneson

Senior Member
Feb 19, 2014
249
36
Hey can we have a package which will replace the default ROMs aosp apps like Google calendar, Google clock, Google dailer, Google contact, google message, google calculator, google gboard, youtube vanced, pixel launcher and wallpaper, Latest Gcam with all the goodies like playground ar sticker included if you cant provide it in a single zip then provide gcam all in one zip separately. Rest all other apps can be downloaded but these apps are needed as default apps in the ROM.

+1 to this but without the pixel launcher because I like the built launcher
 

Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Hey can we have a package which will replace the default ROMs aosp apps like Google calendar, Google clock, Google dailer, Google contact, google message, google calculator, google gboard, youtube vanced, pixel launcher and wallpaper, Latest Gcam with all the goodies like playground ar sticker included if you cant provide it in a single zip then provide gcam all in one zip separately. Rest all other apps can be downloaded but these apps are needed as default apps in the ROM.

+1 to this but without the pixel launcher because I like the built launcher
I'll create one tomorrow. I'll exclude pixel launcher as we can install it separately and there are ported versions available which are preferred over stock.
As for ar sticker in Google camera, I'll create a separate addon zip as the file size will increase tremendously and not everyone wants to install it.
 

shahabazas

Senior Member
Jun 5, 2012
370
113
Pune
Xiaomi Poco F1
Google Pixel 5a
I'll create one tomorrow. I'll exclude pixel launcher as we can install it separately and there are ported versions available which are preferred over stock.
As for ar sticker in Google camera, I'll create a separate addon zip as the file size will increase tremendously and not everyone wants to install it.
Ok can you let me know how to install pixel launcher or any other launcher by replacing the default launcher

Sent from my Poco F1 using Tapatalk
 

eLaDiio

Senior Member
Nov 27, 2011
150
49
Santiago
i will report my feedback later on lineage OS

EDIT:

Well for me its more comfortable using your mod in comparison with opengapps just because acelerate the setup of the phone, it has all that i need too, the only problem that i see is that a person who need more apps isn't the best, in that way probaly its better opengapps, anyway, the thing that contain youtube vanced is the best for me, so i really appreaciate your mod of gapps, thanks ;)
 
Last edited:
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ytgbg

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2013
657
260
Hey can we have a package which will replace the default ROMs aosp apps like Google calendar, Google clock, Google dailer, Google contact, google message, google calculator, google gboard, youtube vanced, pixel launcher and wallpaper, Latest Gcam with all the goodies like playground ar sticker included if you cant provide it in a single zip then provide gcam all in one zip separately. Rest all other apps can be downloaded but these apps are needed as default apps in the ROM.

Sent from my Poco F1 using Tapatalk
Great suggestion. +1

Sent from my Poco F1 using Tapatalk
 

pipyakas

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
1,150
281
The idea for the project is great, but to satisfy the configuration of everyone is kinda imposible. With opengapps we can customize each part that we want and I think the ultimate goal for this one could be like that, creating a "master package" with a small config file to just install the components we need (or just delete them from the zip file, with instructions of course)
 
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Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Ok can you let me know how to install pixel launcher or any other launcher by replacing the default launcher
Let me know the path of default launcher, I will create a flashable zip for you which will replace the default launcher with pixel launcher.

i will report my feedback later on lineage OS :eek:
Sure, hope it helps.

Also please see if we can have basic Google addons like Digital Wellbeing, Google TTS, ARCore, Backup and Restore libs. . ?
Yeah, actually I missed Digital Wellbeing in the package that I created, I will include in next build. Backup and restore libs are included I believe. No?
ArCore will be provided as an add on zip soon.

The idea for the project is great, but to satisfy the configuration of everyone is kinda imposible. With opengapps we can customize each part that we want and I think the ultimate goal for this one could be like that, creating a "master package" with a small config file to just install the components we need (or just delete them from the zip file, with instructions of course)
You're right, I used to create aroma gapps when I had Mido with me, unfortunately poco doesn't support aroma installer, that makes it difficult to serve everyone.

May be I will implement a way in which I will ask user to provide an input while installing a particular Google app through NikGapps (vol + button for 'yes' and vol - button for 'no'). Will have to check its feasibility. ;) till then, I will provide 2 packages, one which is shared in OP and the other one with all the Google apps replacing stock aosp apps.

This is a great idea, for starters can you post which all apps are included in the uploaded zip?
Certainly! Thanks for the tip! :)


I personally create a package which includes latest magisk, the kernel I prefer to flash, Google Sans fonts, some cool ringtones, notification tones, my favorite browser, mixplorer, SwiftKey, telegram, adaway, fk app, etc. In one zip. It pretty much covers all the basic apps. Let me know if anyone is interested in such kind of zip.
 

pipyakas

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
1,150
281
May be I will implement a way in which I will ask user to provide an input while installing a particular Google app through NikGapps (vol + button for 'yes' and vol - button for 'no'). Will have to check its feasibility. ;) till then, I will provide 2 packages, one which is shared in OP and the other one with all the Google apps replacing stock aosp apps.
It doesnt have to be aroma, currently Im still using custom opengapps config by a gapps-config.txt file that got read before it tries to install gapps. Making a script that determine some on off value should not be that bad, not that I know about how to actually code it :D
 

Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
i will report my feedback later on lineage OS

EDIT:

Well for me its more comfortable using your mod in comparison with opengapps just because acelerate the setup of the phone, it has all that i need too, the only problem that i see is that a person who need more apps isn't the best, in that way probaly its better opengapps, anyway, the thing that contain youtube vanced is the best for me, so i really appreaciate your mod of gapps, thanks ;)

A person who need more apps? Like which apps?
Thanks for the feedback!

It doesnt have to be aroma, currently Im still using custom opengapps config by a gapps-config.txt file that got read before it tries to install gapps. Making a script that determine some on off value should not be that bad, not that I know about how to actually code it :D

Yeah, can you share your custom opengapps? I can code it but it will take some time.
 
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Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
like maps, google photos, gmail could be.
Is it possible change the gcam that it include by default for the sannity mod? i think it's better, anyway isn't a problem for me install the other apk
It's certainly possible. The package I use personally has all these apps in it. Not everyone uses all the Google apps hence I included the bare minimum ones and the essential ones specific to our device. :)


OH! I never paid this much attention to opengapps since I had been using my gapps for a long time :D
Thanks for sharing! I'll certainly work on something which allows users to have a choice. :)
 

pipyakas

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
1,150
281
OH! I never paid this much attention to opengapps since I had been using my gapps for a long time :D
Thanks for sharing! I'll certainly work on something which allows users to have a choice. :)
Yes, if choices is an option then it would be much cooler.
Also, do you have any experience with microg? Since if it's possible to to a package like this but with microg for people who wants to use the Google apps without the excessive battery & data hog nature of google play service, then it would be even better :)
 

Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Yes, if choices is an option then it would be much cooler.
Also, do you have any experience with microg? Since if it's possible to to a package like this but with microg for people who wants to use the Google apps without the excessive battery & data hog nature of google play service, then it would be even better :)

I do have experience with microg but like I said earlier, I build the package from my device and I don't use microg as of now (last I used, it was unstable, couldn't use apps dependent on google libs like uber, not sure about it's current status) and building a package without having microg installed is not possible for me. However, I'm inclined to take requests/suggestions with regards to current package that I am providing.
 
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Nikhil

Senior Member
Sep 26, 2012
1,652
2,593
Ahmedabad
OnePlus 7 Pro
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Update!

Downloads
NikGapps Basic
NikGapps Stock

Changelog:
-Updated to latest version of Google Apps (30th March)
-Included Digital Wellbeing in basic version of NikGapps
-Introduced NikGapps Stock (Google Apps Package which replaces stock aosp apps with Google Apps. More details in OP)

Updated OP with the name of the apps included in corresponding gapps package. I'll provide an addon zip for ARCore later.
Enjoy! :)
 
Last edited:

Top Liked Posts

  • 5
    I've been told that the Pixel Launcher included in your package is meant for QPR1 only. Is it true?
    The Packages are never meant to last a specific release only. They need an update when google brings a bigger change. There are bunch of fixes and features introduced with Pixel Launcher with QPR2 (just like QPR1) which is probably why it needs attention. The dumps are not yet up (should be soon enough) after which we will have an updated apk with their overlays shipped in NikGapps.
    My bad, I could've explained that better.

    After my last OTA where Eleven and Seedvault weren't removed due to the Addon zip Debloater bug, I just went and deleted those APKs manually.

    So then even though I'd recently dirty flashed the NikGapps with the fixes, the Debloater config didn't add anything to the addon.d since I had already manually removed them beforehand.

    My question is, why does the exact path need to be detected during the install at all? Couldn't the Debloater config (in my case just the two keywords: Eleven
    Seedvault) just be dumped directly into the addon.d script and then the addon.d script could handle it all from there?
    The idea behind shortlisting the paths that were debloated by the system was because the execution of finding the folder and deleting it takes a while and we may have multiple folders listed in debloater.config (say 10) but actually only a few exist (say 2). So the execution of deleting "two known paths" vs 10 "find and delete" is faster and optimized.

    I did have this in place before and eventually removed it and brought in 'prop' concept which captures the folders we're deleting and operates on them only.

    I will try to find an optimized solution and implement a way to delete the predefined folders always.

    And, heck yeah, I'm really impressed by the scope and robustness of NikGapps so I'm pretty excited to see it become a bugless beast! Glad you don't mind my rigorous testing! 🤠
    Thanks! There are a lot of new things to implement that actually gives full control over gapps. :)
  • 8
    New Stable Release is up - 19th Mar 2023 (Android 10-13)

    Changelog:
    - Fixed the incorrect naming convention of addonlogs
    - Fixed the debloater not surviving OTA update in some scenarios
    - Enable pixel launcher animations
    - Update the Go apps to latest available versions
    - Update NikGapps Logo in recovery
    - Minor Script Improvements

    Note:
    - Clean flash is recommended!

    Happy Flashing!
    5
    I tried clearing data on those and TTS using Swift Backup and then rebooted and still no luck. Oh well.

    As for the OTA process, major success! Everything appears to have worked(!), with only one minor exception:

    Debloater addon.d appears to not have worked, so Eleven and Seedvault came back after the update.

    On my device ROM the respective apps are located at:
    /product/priv-app/Eleven
    /system_ext/priv-app/Seedvault

    And debloater does work perfectly on a zip flash, so the issue is isolated to the addon.d. /sdcard/NikGapps config/logs directory zip attached.

    P.S. I noticed /sdcard/NikGapps/addonLogs/NikGapps_addon.log continues to grow with subsequent OTAs, not sure if intentional; maybe it should have a date like the other or get cleared with each OTA, or it should all be in the dated logs?
    Both the issues are fixed.
    Fix the debloater not surviving OTA update
    Fix the incorrect naming convention of addonlogs

    It will be released as soon as I finish updating go apps for android 12 and 13.
    5
    One final bug for now.. 😛

    Android System Intelligence seems unable to download language packs.

    Settings > System > Languages and input > On-device recognition > Add a language

    Then you'll see it just spins and never downloads. If you stop the download and tell it to try again then you'll get a "Download failed" notification.

    It's like it's missing a network/WiFi/data access permission or something. 🤔
    Next Release will have this working! :)
    5
    I've been told that the Pixel Launcher included in your package is meant for QPR1 only. Is it true?
    The Packages are never meant to last a specific release only. They need an update when google brings a bigger change. There are bunch of fixes and features introduced with Pixel Launcher with QPR2 (just like QPR1) which is probably why it needs attention. The dumps are not yet up (should be soon enough) after which we will have an updated apk with their overlays shipped in NikGapps.
    My bad, I could've explained that better.

    After my last OTA where Eleven and Seedvault weren't removed due to the Addon zip Debloater bug, I just went and deleted those APKs manually.

    So then even though I'd recently dirty flashed the NikGapps with the fixes, the Debloater config didn't add anything to the addon.d since I had already manually removed them beforehand.

    My question is, why does the exact path need to be detected during the install at all? Couldn't the Debloater config (in my case just the two keywords: Eleven
    Seedvault) just be dumped directly into the addon.d script and then the addon.d script could handle it all from there?
    The idea behind shortlisting the paths that were debloated by the system was because the execution of finding the folder and deleting it takes a while and we may have multiple folders listed in debloater.config (say 10) but actually only a few exist (say 2). So the execution of deleting "two known paths" vs 10 "find and delete" is faster and optimized.

    I did have this in place before and eventually removed it and brought in 'prop' concept which captures the folders we're deleting and operates on them only.

    I will try to find an optimized solution and implement a way to delete the predefined folders always.

    And, heck yeah, I'm really impressed by the scope and robustness of NikGapps so I'm pretty excited to see it become a bugless beast! Glad you don't mind my rigorous testing! 🤠
    Thanks! There are a lot of new things to implement that actually gives full control over gapps. :)
    3
    Thanks for looking into the space calculation issues, that'll be great to have dirty flashing fixed.

    But how could it all fit in my subsequent actually clean flash, where the addon.d restore apparently ran out of space? There either is space or there isn't, no? Suggests maybe the addon.d scripts aren't removing something they should, as well.
    The space calculation issue should be fixed with this. I am checking how long the indexing in addon.d script's name will take. if it takes long, I will make a hotfix release with this change and implement indexing later.

    Usually, its the mounting/unmounting of partitions that can result into failure of the addon.d execution or the order of the scripts execution. Storage space should most likely not cause an issue as you're playing around same amount of space that was previously allocated when you clean flashed. Unless dynamic partitions behave differently.

    Could you please check your /sdcard/NikGapps folder to see if you have addonlogs folder in it? would be great if you could share the files.
  • 232
    R5WEmSK.png


    Hi Everyone,

    Here I'd like to Introduce you with my custom Gapps package that I use on day to day basis when I flash a new Rom. As I've observed many people struggling with finding the correct version of gapps to flash, I decided to build a package of my own which lets you flash stable google apps with a lot of variants so you can decide for yourself which package suits you.

    What is NikGapps?
    • NikGapps project started with the goal to provide custom gapps packages that suits everyone's needs. A package that a user needs but cannot find and ends up setting up the device installing more apps and removing unwanted apps manually.
    • NikGapps is a gapps package built from my own device. As my device is always updated with latest version of Google Apps, every time I build a new package, I am on latest and stable version of Google Apps
    • NikGapps also comes with Android Go package for low end devices.
    • NikGapps is a bit different than other Gapps packages (written from scratch, it isn't a port of OpenGapps). It focuses on providing apps that most of the people uses but can't find it in other Gapps packages and ends up installing the apps manually
    • NikGapps supports split-apks
    • NikGapps also comes with nikgapps.config and debloater.config which allows you to control your installation and debloat unnecessary stuff from your Rom respectively.
    • NikGapps is built on a different architecture, the installation method is completely different (Every Package comes with installer.sh that installs itself). Also, it installs the gapps to /product partition instead of /system partition
    • NikGapps also allows you to configure the installation, it can be installed to any partition (be it /system or /product or any other partition which may get added in future)
    • NikGapps also allows you to keep the aosp counterpart of google app if you want (just by using nikgapps.config you can choose whether to remove the aosp counterpart or remove it)
    • NikGapps allows you to dirty flash it anytime you want, it also supports installing on top of Roms with Gapps (except for the pixel flavored Roms)
    • NikGapps also comes with addon packages (useful ones) so that users don't have to flash the whole gapps package just to have the app installed.
    • NikGapps supports the Privileged Permission Whitelisting, providing the necessary permissions to the privileged apps.
    • It supports addon.d so you need not flash the package again and again after every nightly flash
    • NikGapps addon.d functionality is built from scratch which allows you to completely control which app you want to backup/restore on dirty flash.
    • It also allows optimizing Google Play Services (when you turn off Find My Device) so that you can sleep with peace without having to worry about Google play services eating your battery. (Requires support from Rom too in order to work)
    Also, since these are custom build, I can include as many packages as I want (which I do, you can pm me if you want that package)

    NikGapps comes with following packages
    » Core
    » Basic
    » Omni
    » Stock
    » Full
    » Go (for low end devices)

    Although these packages cover a large user base, there are few users who like things differently that is where NikGapps Addons Comes into picture. These Addon packages are separate and meant to flash over NikGapps original packages.

    Everything about NikGapps

    How to create your own custom NikGapps packages!

    Flashing Instructions for A/B devices (Clean Flash is recommended)

    • Flash Rom in Slot A, Flash twrp, reboot to recovery
    • Flash Rom in Slot B, Flash twrp, reboot to recovery
    • Flash NikGapps
    • Flash Debloater (Optional)
    • Reboot

    Flashing Instructions for A-only devices (Clean Flash is recommended)
    • Flash Rom
    • Flash NikGapps
    • Flash Debloater (Optional)
    • Reboot
    How to clean flash NikGapps update without losing data?
    • Delete /system/addon.d folder
    • Dirty flash Rom
    • Flash newer version of NikGapps
    How to remove/uninstall an Addon or Package?

    Here's how

    Enjoy the package! hope it helps you somewhat!

    Downloads
    43
    Credits
    » osm0sis (for the shell scripting template)
    » Arya (for logo and his suggestions and help)
    » Vanced Team (for YouTube Vanced)
    » maartenfonville, nezorflame for creating and maintaining opengapps
    » Lawnchair Team (for Lawnchair)
    » HootanParsa (for MixPlorer)
    » xXx (for his NoLimits module - Amazing work!)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    ChangeLog
    10
    Downloads
    NikGapps Basic
    NikGapps Stock

    Changelog:

    -Fixed FC with Face Unlock
    -Added Google Sounds
    -Added Pixel Launcher
    -Updated YouTube Vanced to latest
    -Updated Google Camera to latest
    -Latest Google Apps (25th June)

    I've created Telegram Release channel for NikGapps. Those who find this useful can get the builds there faster.

    Enjoy! :)
    9
    Hey can we have a package which will replace the default ROMs aosp apps like Google calendar, Google clock, Google dailer, Google contact, google message, google calculator, google gboard, youtube vanced, pixel launcher and wallpaper, Latest Gcam with all the goodies like playground ar sticker included if you cant provide it in a single zip then provide gcam all in one zip separately. Rest all other apps can be downloaded but these apps are needed as default apps in the ROM.

    +1 to this but without the pixel launcher because I like the built launcher
    I'll create one tomorrow. I'll exclude pixel launcher as we can install it separately and there are ported versions available which are preferred over stock.
    As for ar sticker in Google camera, I'll create a separate addon zip as the file size will increase tremendously and not everyone wants to install it.
    9
    Time for another Q update! (12-Jan-2020)

    Changelog

    - Fixed NikGapps installation issues with config values not reflecting in installation
    - Added a nikgapps.config value "2" to retain aosp apps (set the value to 2 if you don't want the installer to delete the aosp counter part of Google app)
    - Aosp Dialer is now deleted by default starting omni package to maintain the uniformity.

    Note: set Dialer=2 in nikgapps.config before flashing if you want the gapps to skip removing aosp Dialer, the installer will remove the Dialer by default.

    Full Changelog and download links are in OP

    Thank you for choosing NikGapps!