Chinese Android Phones

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

Just downloaded the file and it does bring up and install Google play store. Only problem is it crashes the second i open it.

Like i have the app installed now.. Just crashes instantly.

That's what happens when you try to install play store without having google framework, play services and account manager installed first.

To do this normally your device has to be rooted but that 'google installer' app from the mi store does it all for you. Most people who have a Xiaomi phone use this method and it should work. If you are using mobile data, try wifi.

I'm not 100% sure how you'd go about doing it manually but someone else hopefully can help.

Mr Blobby

RossieMan wrote: »

as said earlier, simplest way is to google your version. which is gapps 4.4.4 I'd imagine with miui 6.

So go here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
Download Google stock package through the phone and it'll install itself?

Sorry for the noob questions its just that i'm fairly new to this.

RossieMan

sorry I assumed you knew what you are doing. do you know how to enter recovery? usually volume down and power button.

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

So go here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
Download Google stock package through the phone and it'll install itself?

Sorry for the noob questions its just that i'm fairly new to this.

No it won't install itself, would need to be done through recovery as the gapps will be flashed into the system partition (where roms go)

corwill

RossieMan wrote: »

sorry I assumed you knew what you are doing. do you know how to enter recovery? usually volume down and power button.

It's power and volume up on the Mi3.

You'll need to rename the gapps file to update.zip and then move it out of the downloads file or wherever else you might have it to the phone's main folder to use Mi Recovery to flash it.

This is a guide for flashing a new version of MiUi to the Mi3, but the same approach applies - http://www.technobuzz.net/flash-miui-rom-xiaomi-redmi-1s-mi4-mi3-note-pad/

Ps - decent selection of links here to guide you through some of this sort of thing - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057275344

ibFoxer

After careful deliberation i ordered this from gearbest.

Hopefully it gets through customs.

Mr Blobby

corwill wrote: »

It's power and volume up on the Mi3.

You'll need to rename the gapps file to update.zip and then move it out of the downloads file or wherever else you might have it to the phone's main folder to use Mi Recovery to flash it.

This is a guide for flashing a new version of MiUi to the Mi3, but the same approach applies - http://www.technobuzz.net/flash-miui-rom-xiaomi-redmi-1s-mi4-mi3-note-pad/

Ps - decent selection of links here to guide you through some of this sort of thing - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057275344

Had a look to see what rom i'm using and it says MIUI 5.1.9 Beta. Now i was told by the person selling the phone that he had updated it to the latest rom.

Now would i be correct in saying that i need to install CWM Custom Recovery? Here - http://en.miui.com/thread-19405-1-1.html

corwill

Mr Blobby wrote: »

Had a look to see what rom i'm using and it says MIUI 5.1.9 Beta. Now i was told by the person selling the phone that he had updated it to the latest rom.

Now would i be correct in saying that i need to install CWM Custom Recovery? Here - http://en.miui.com/thread-19405-1-1.html

I've been using a different ROM (Ivan's AOSP Android 4.4, you'll find posts from me about it on the Mi3 thread) since October, so I'm not too up to date on the constantly shifting state of play with MiUi, but it sounds like you have the most up to date version of the general release version of MiUi. There's a MiUi 6, but that's still in development, afaik. You can download a developer's version, they update it every Friday, and it's fairly stable, but a RAM hog.

You might be best to just go ahead and install CWM Custom Recovery, it offers an awful lot more options than Mi Recovery. I probably should have suggested that first, but I didn't want to go off point when you were specifically looking to get google apps sorted.

spix

corwill wrote: »

I've been using a different ROM (Ivan's AOSP Android 4.4, you'll find posts from me about it on the Mi3 thread) since October, so I'm not too up to date on the constantly shifting state of play with MiUi, but it sounds like you have the most up to date version of the general release version of MiUi. There's a MiUi 6, but that's still in development, afaik. You can download a developer's version, they update it every Friday, and it's fairly stable, but a RAM hog.

You might be best to just go ahead and install CWM Custom Recovery, it offers an awful lot more options than Mi Recovery. I probably should have suggested that first, but I didn't want to go off point when you were specifically looking to get google apps sorted.

He's currently on the latest version of miui 6 beta.

I don't think he should go about installing a custom recovery if he's a beginner. Just more chances to screw things up and won't it replace mi recovery? Best to keep things stock until you actually need to change it. Chances are he won't need any features from a custom recovery.

You could also go about flashing the global miui v5 rom (with gapps built in) http://en.miui.com/thread-52126-1-1.html This has a very different look to v6 but has been around a long time so is more optimized.

or miui v6 stable http://en.miui.com/thread-70114-1-1.html

The beta you are on may be the reason why google installer isn't working, these generally have a good few bugs in them.

Mr Blobby

spix wrote: »

He's currently on the latest version of miui 6 beta.

I don't think he should go about installing a custom recovery if he's a beginner. Just more chances to screw things up and won't it replace mi recovery? Best to keep things stock until you actually need to change it. Chances are he won't need any features from a custom recovery.

You could also go about flashing the global miui v5 rom (with gapps built in) http://en.miui.com/thread-52126-1-1.html This has a very different look to v6 but has been around a long time so is more optimized.

or miui v6 stable http://en.miui.com/thread-70114-1-1.html

The beta you are on may be the reason why google installer isn't working, these generally have a good few bugs in them.

The main thing i want is Google Play. If i can get that sorted then i'll be happy.
See for some reason when i click on the Google installer app it just spins for 20secs and then says "No internet access, please check and try to refresh"

Now the phone is connected to my WIFI and works fine when downloading apps,browsing etc.. But for some reason the Google installer app won't give me the option to install all the other apps.

I'll try this rom - http://en.miui.com/download-101.html#334 and get back to you.

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

The main thing i want is Google Play. If i can get that sorted then i'll be happy.
See for some reason when i click on the Google installer app it just spins for 20secs and then says "No internet access, please check and try to refresh"

Now the phone is connected to my WIFI and works fine when downloading apps,browsing etc.. But for some reason the Google installer app won't give me the option to install all the other apps.

I'll try this rom - http://en.miui.com/download-101.html#334 and get back to you.

Don't do anything with the rom yet. It's easy to flash roms to upgrade, but downgrading is more difficult. Let me find a guide for you.

Did you try deleting and redownloading the google installer, or reboot phone?

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

The main thing i want is Google Play. If i can get that sorted then i'll be happy.
See for some reason when i click on the Google installer app it just spins for 20secs and then says "No internet access, please check and try to refresh"

Now the phone is connected to my WIFI and works fine when downloading apps,browsing etc.. But for some reason the Google installer app won't give me the option to install all the other apps.

I'll try this rom - http://en.miui.com/download-101.html#334 and get back to you.

After experimenting with the Developer Rom, some of you may find out that it is better to use the Stable Rom. In that case we cannot use the same method above as it is considered as downgrading from Kit Kat to Jelly Bean, the safest way to do it is as follows:

- Enter MI recovery mode, either from the launcher (System - Updater - Menu - Reboot to Recovery mode) or shutdown your Mi3 then turn it on again by pressing Volume Up and Power Button (at the same time), and hold them until the Recovery Menu appear.

- Clean everything, Wipe SD Card then Wipe All Data. (Use volume to navigate and power button as enter)

- Shutdown / Turn off you Mi3

- Download MI Flash from : http://bigota.d.miui.com/tools/MiPhone20131108.exe and install it in your PC.

- Download latest Xiaomi Mi3 - WCDMA MIUI Stable Chinese Fastboot version Rom from : http://en.miui.com/thread-14641-1-1.html (use the global one you linked to instead)

- Extract it to C:\ (or create folder C:\Rom)
(Note: Do not extract it to the same directory of the MI Flash in C:\Program Files, error will occur, because it requires administrator access.

- Put your Mi3 into fastboot mode. First turn it off from recovery mode and then turn it on again by pressing Volume Down(not Up) and Power Button (at the same time), it will immediately enter into Fastboot. You will see a picture of a rabbit fixing a robot (android).

- Run MiFlash and then select browse and select the unzipped folder of the fastboot rom and then click flash button in Miflash.

Mr Blobby

spix wrote: »

Don't do anything with the rom yet. It's easy to flash roms to upgrade, but downgrading is more difficult. Let me find a guide for you.

Did you try deleting and redownloading the google installer, or reboot phone?

Yep i've downloaded and installed it a few times. Still the same issue.
I've also tried rebooting.

Edit: I just rebooted again and i got a message saying "Unfortunately, Google Services Framework has stopped" I've had that message a few times but i'm not sure if it means much.

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

Yep i've downloaded and installed it a few times. Still the same issue.
I've also tried rebooting.

Edit: I just rebooted again and i got a message saying "Unfortunately, Google Services Framework has stopped" I've had that message a few times but i'm not sure if it means much.

Go to apps in settings and delete everything related to google. Reboot phone and try the installer again.

Mr Blobby

spix wrote: »

Go to apps in settings and delete everything related to google. Reboot phone and try the installer again.

Still the same.
I've a feeling its because i'm using the developer Rom...


... But then again what do i know :v

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

Still the same.
I've a feeling its because i'm using the developer Rom...


... But then again what do i know :v

My guess is the seller previously had gapps installed and after the rom update it corrupted (not unusual) and is interfering with the google installer. Otherwise there shouldn't be any messages from google on the phone if you never got to the install stage in the installer app.

Need to know if he used the installer, or flashed them via recovery.

If he flashed them, someone with more knowledge will need to help, or you could try flashing the gapps package from xda in mi recovery. Just use the 'pico' one if you only need play store. I'm not 100% sure on this but what I think you need to do is rename the zip to 'update.zip' and then select 'flash to system one'.

If he used the installer and you're having the same problem after uninstalling everything google related, it's likely the beta rom and going back to stable version will fix it.

spix

Mr Blobby wrote: »

Still the same.
I've a feeling its because i'm using the developer Rom...


... But then again what do i know :v

Found this on miui forums. I'd try this before anything else.



In case you are not aware, the developer roms doesn't include Google Play Store. As mentioned earlier, those methods didn't work for me. The following method works for me.
1. Download the KitKat 4.4.4 PA NANO Modular Package Gapps. Refer to this thread in XDA Developers which has the updated links and mirrors.

2. Unzip it.

3. Copy the following apks to your device internal storage (by OTG cable or through USB cable connected to your Computer).

a. Phone sky.apk
b. PrebuiltGMSCore.apk
c. GoogleLoginService.apk
d. GoogleOneTimeInitializer.apk
e. GoogleServicesFramework.apk

4. Click on each of them to install.

5. Look for Google Play Store icon and click on it.

6. Enjoy a working Google Play Store.

thefinalstage

I can no longer reccommend the elephone p3000s. The reason being the mic randomly stops working for calls. It started 2 days ago and persists. Not sure why either, its a weird one.

Colemania

thefinalstage wrote: »

I can no longer reccommend the elephone p3000s. The reason being the mic randomly stops working for calls. It started 2 days ago and persists. Not sure why either, its a weird one.

Ah don't say that! I already have one ordered!

abarkie

Colemania wrote: »

Ah don't say that! I already have one ordered!

Me too

How long have you had it?

Can't have been very long

Colemania

abarkie wrote: »

Me too

How long have you had it?

Can't have been very long

Hopefully it's a one off problem anyway like people had problems with the Mi3 that I never had and I had problems with the Moto G that other people didn't have.

Mr Blobby

SUCCESS!!


I don't know how or why but for some reason Google installer actually worked.
Woke up this morning for Football and for some reason i just decided to try one more time.

Everything showed up and i got all the regular Google apps.

Paudee

Morning all,

I've been threatening to take the plunge on a Chinese android for awhile now, have discovered that my iPhone 5 is 'beyond economic repair' (sad face). I'm caught between an iNew v3 plus and an iNew v7 and was wondering if anyone cared to offer some guidance?

I'm open to other suggestions in the 130-170 euro range. Also, I've been trawling through this thread for days and the customs bickering is gold at times. I'm pretty sure my SO is going to fire me out of the house if I don't stop watching YouTube reviews so any info to expedite the process would be appreciated!

00sully

drool. http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_pro_is_official_with_qhd_display_snapdragon_810_chip-news-10774.php

this is my next phone. whooper! even the non pro is pretty damn good http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announced_new_mi_note_phablet_with_57inch_display-news-10772.php

Girlfriend has the mi3 which is pretty nice piece of kit so expecting this to be excellent. love the note pro specs - always said my next phone would have 4gb ram

Iseedeadpixels

For anyone who cant get google play use Aptoide, its a great alternative.

RossieMan

00sully wrote: »

drool. http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_pro_is_official_with_qhd_display_snapdragon_810_chip-news-10774.php

this is my next phone. whooper! even the non pro is pretty damn good http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announced_new_mi_note_phablet_with_57inch_display-news-10772.php

Girlfriend has the mi3 which is pretty nice piece of kit so expecting this to be excellent. love the note pro specs - always said my next phone would have 4gb ram

ah now, there is no need for those specs. 4gb of RAM? thats insane. I'd say you'll be looking at well over 500 for that.

Digital Solitude

00sully wrote: »

drool. http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_mi_note_pro_is_official_with_qhd_display_snapdragon_810_chip-news-10774.php

this is my next phone. whooper! even the non pro is pretty damn good http://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_announced_new_mi_note_phablet_with_57inch_display-news-10772.php

Girlfriend has the mi3 which is pretty nice piece of kit so expecting this to be excellent. love the note pro specs - always said my next phone would have 4gb ram

I think the specs are definitely overkill.

That being said, its nice to see a flagship and its backup with ridiculously good specs, unlike say Samsung, slapping the Galaxy name onto a lot of crappy phones

00sully

RossieMan wrote: »

ah now, there is no need for those specs. 4gb of RAM? thats insane. I'd say you'll be looking at well over 500 for that.

€450!

RossieMan

thats what it converts to. You've to add on the sell on fee.

eamonnq

RossieMan wrote: »

thats what it converts to. You've to add on the sell on fee.

and VAT !! :P