Since 2019, several Huawei devices do not have Google services or the Play Store pre-installed, due to trade restrictions. However, it is entirely possible to install WhatsApp on a Huawei without Google safely and easily.
In this guide, we explain step by step how to do it, using official methods compatible with the HarmonyOS system or EMUI Android versions without access to Google.
What do you need before starting?
- A Huawei device with internet connection
- Free space in the phone's memory
- Allow the installation of apps from external sources (we explain it below)
Step by step: install WhatsApp on a Huawei without Google
1. Access the official WhatsApp website
Open the browser (for example, Huawei Browser) and go to: https://www.whatsapp.com/android
Click on “DOWNLOAD NOW” to get the official and secure APK file.
Do not use unofficial pages to avoid viruses or modified versions.
2. Install the APK file
When the download is complete, tap the downloaded .apk file from the notification bar or file manager.
If it is the first time you install an app outside the AppGallery, the system will ask you to enable “Install from external sources”. Accept and activate the permission.
Once this is done, WhatsApp will be installed like on any other Android.
3. Set up WhatsApp
Open the application and follow the usual steps:
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Enter your phone number
- Verify the number via SMS
- Restore your backup if you used WhatsApp on another device (only if it was linked to Google Drive, this step will not be possible, but you can recover chats from a local backup if you have one)
Alternatives to install WhatsApp
Besides the direct method, you can use these alternatives:
Huawei AppGallery + Petal Search
- Open the AppGallery and search for “WhatsApp”
- If it does not appear as a direct download, click on “Search in Petal Search”
- Petal Search will take you to the official download site or a verified repository
Phone Clone
If you had WhatsApp installed on your previous phone, you can use Huawei Phone Clone to transfer the app and your data (although the history is not always fully transferred if the backup was on Google Drive as it will be restored with the chats saved on the date and time of the last backup).
Is it safe to install WhatsApp without Play Store?
Yes, as long as you download the app from the official WhatsApp website or from trusted sources like AppGallery, Uptodown, or APKMirror.
Additional tips
- Enable manual updates: WhatsApp downloaded by APK does not update automatically. You must regularly visit whatsapp.com/android to download the latest version.
- Make local backups on your Huawei to not lose your chats.
- Use Petal Search as the main search engine to find applications not available in AppGallery.
