Solution to the problem The device is not certified by Google. Adding a device to Google Play. Backups. Or not

Google officially introduces the concept of a “Certified Android Device.” Therefore, in the near future, on boxes, smartphones/tablets and some other equipment Android based OS, a logo will appear saying " Google Play Protect." What this means and what it is required for, we will find out in detail in this material.

Read also: " Price of free Android OS ».

Certification concept

In simple terms, certification is the process of testing a device for compliance minimum requirements for full operation of Android OS. The test helps determine hardware compatibility and ensure that apps downloaded from Google Play work as expected.

Why is certification needed?

Certification is one of the requirements of the signed agreement (MADA) between the manufacturer and the search giant for the use of the Google Play application store and related services. This is also a way to find flaws that may negatively affect the interaction between the owner and the device. And also oblige the manufacturer to use a modern version of the operating system and up-to-date components, which will reduce OS defragmentation and improve application optimization by developers.

What is Google Play Protect

The corresponding marking on the box is Google way to draw users' attention to the fact that the search giant imposes some requirements on electronics manufacturers. It is also a guarantee that the device has passed compatibility tests, meets Android security requirements and includes licensed Google services.


In addition to labeling, certified devices include a set of protective measures aimed at additional security, as well as identifying unlicensed applications and services. Devices that do not pass certification will be forcibly deprived of access to the Google Play application store. Such stringent measures are the result of the activities of some companies, mainly Chinese, using the services of the search giant, bypassing certification.

The fact is that in order to certify one model, you need to pay an average of up to 10,000 USD. In a small batch, this leads to an increase in the cost of each device by an average of 5%, and the certification process often takes up to two weeks. If problems are identified, the manufacturer is obliged to fix the problems and undergo re-certification for a fee. And so on until the device meets the set requirements.

To save money, some manufacturers resort to adapting operating systems from other devices. Use Google services with incompatible parts. As a result, applications and software components do not work properly, causing the end consumer to suffer and the image of the Android OS to deteriorate.


How to check for certification

To make sure that the device has passed certification, you need to run Google program Play, in the application menu or via a shortcut on the desktop screen. Next, click on the button in the form of three long stripes so that a hidden panel appears on the left side of the screen. Select “settings” and scroll to the very bottom, where the corresponding section is presented.

If there is no certification, it is not recommended to purchase these devices. It is better to return the purchased equipment for several reasons:

  • Unsafe storage of personal information.
  • Lack of application and operating system updates.
  • Google services are fake because the company has not issued a license to the manufacturer.
  • Applications do not work or function incorrectly.
  • Insecure backup process.

It is also worth noting that the process of blocking access to the Google Play application store only works on Android 7 and higher. Models with more earlier versions The OS will continue to operate as normal.

Conclusion

Google has developed an effective lever of influence on unscrupulous manufacturers who enjoy all the benefits of Google Play, but avoid certification in every possible way, which is why consumers ultimately suffer. Therefore, restricting access to the application store is fair to companies that comply with the rules of the MADA agreement.

If you are asking the question: “How to add a device to Google Play?”, then you probably recently purchased a brand new smartphone. And this article will give you an informative answer. In addition to the usual instructions, I will add a few recommendations of my own that will help you use your phone effectively. So, further instructions will be presented on the topic: “How to add a device to Google Play.”

Preparation

Before we begin to consider the instructions themselves, we will define the necessary means and bring a little clarity. Many users don’t even know Play, but still want to add their device to it. Google Play is a special service that was created. The purpose of this project is to help owners of phones on the Android platform synchronize and configure their device. Through this service, you can install applications on your smartphone without even touching it. This is achieved, of course, through wireless network Internet. In order to add a device to Google Play, you must have an Internet connection on your phone. This process is discussed in more detail below.

Instructions

Regardless of the model and brand of your Android device, the instructions are the same for everyone. Since the general interface is almost the same on all smartphones.

  • Go to the phone settings menu. As a rule, it has a gear icon.
  • We are looking for the “Background mode” item. Let's choose it.
  • Click on the “Add account” button.
  • You should have postal services. We are only interested in the Google item.
  • Read all the rules and click next.
  • Here we are asked to create a Google account or enter the details of an existing one account. We choose one of the options. A Google account is an email account created on the Gmail server. Registration takes place in a matter of minutes, just enter your first name, last name and desired email. Therefore, if you do not have an account, you can quickly create one.
  • As soon as you have created or selected the “Login” item, you are taken to the data entry menu. Enter your email and password.
  • After a few minutes, adding the device will be completed.

additional information

If you didn’t know how to add a device to Google Play, then you probably don’t know how to use this service. You can log into the website of this service from your computer using a previously created account. Here you will see many applications, games, books, movies, and more recently, music. And all this is available for download. Some content is paid, but some is free. This site contains the largest database of applications for Android devices.

Conclusion

The question (regarding the Google Play service) “how to add a device” is asked by almost every new user of phones on the Android platform. Device developers are trying to make this process as easy as possible so that everyone can understand this system. But, as practice shows, not everyone copes with this problem on their own. I hope this article helped you understand how to add a device to Google Play.

Users and smartphone manufacturers have long been accustomed to the fact that Google does not monitor the distribution of its own services and the Android operating system. In this regard, on any phone, even one intended only for the Chinese market, you can install full-fledged services from the set Google Apps(GAPPS). However, as it became known today, many Android smartphones will be blocked by Google, and this will result in very serious consequences, which may not be resolved at all.

In China, Google services on smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system are partially blocked, so they are used by only 3.4% of all owners mobile devices based on this OS, this is stated in a study that was conducted in August of this year. In this regard, all manufacturers of various electronic devices prefer not to think at all about certification called Google Mobile Services, which is mandatory.

Google Mobile Services certification is an absolutely free procedure, but it is easy to get through only in Europe and the USA, while in all other regions, even extremely developed ones, it is very difficult to obtain such a license, especially when it comes to some “small” company , and not a large Chinese corporation, which has all the necessary resources for this. Google Guide completely unhappy that Chinese manufacturers are violating the rules for using its proprietary services by installing them on their own smartphones without the necessary certification.

Independent expert Arkady Markaryan claims that by the end of 2017, many Android smartphones will be blocked by Google. The company will simply disable all of its GAPPS services on mobile devices, tablets, computers and any other devices that have not passed mandatory certification. Since most smartphones in Russia, China and other regions of the world do not have such a license, owners of such phones will lose access to all Google branded services.

All this will result in the fact that absolutely all Google services, starting from the application store, will stop working on most Android smartphones in the world. Play Store” and ending with a client for watching YouTube videos. Absolutely all smartphones, tablets and other devices are under the threat of blocking, not only from Chinese brands, but also from many others, including Russian ones, which also do not see the point in free certification.

When Google will block smartphones on the operating system Android system who do not have a license, then the only way to return the previous functionality will be the mandatory Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification procedure, through which everyone Chinese manufacturers you will have to check all models of your mobile devices released over time. Only in this case, owners of Android phones will be able to gain access to Google services again.

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Owners of smartphones from leading manufacturers can safely ignore this material. But for those who purchased an inexpensive Chinese-made device, produced not under a well-known brand, but under a little-known brand, it may prove useful. Have you already encountered problems when trying to download an application from Google Play with a situation where the service does not start and the message “Device is not certified” appears on the screen? Then this article is just for you. In it, we will explain why this failure occurs, tell you what the lack of certification entails, and suggest a safe way to solve the problem.

The reason for the problem with launching the Play Store and the appearance of the “” message lies in Google’s desire to protect its rights and provide users with a full and comfortable experience with services and applications. To this end, the corporation obliges manufacturers whose devices use software and services from Google to undergo certification. This process is available in most different countries, and a network of laboratories has been created specifically for certification. Get GMS ( mobile services Google) can be used by almost any manufacturer on their smartphones. There are only three requirements:

  1. The hardware specifications of the device must provide the minimum possible functionality included in the version of Android OS used by Google.
  2. The deadline for submitting for certification for the selected version of Android OS should not expire at the time of contacting the laboratory (a very reasonable requirement that stimulates the development of the platform and the expansion of device capabilities).
  3. It is necessary to pay for certification (the amount ranges from 10 to 15 thousand US dollars per model).

It is clear that for OEM manufacturers the question of the feasibility of undergoing certification does not arise at all - they calmly sign the MADA contract ( Mobile Application Distribution Agreement) and receive the right to official inclusion Google services into the functionality of their smartphones. Unlike market leaders, small companies that produce their phones in quantities of 1000 units or more and survive due to their affordability cannot afford such luxury. After all, with an average retail price of $5, an extra dollar markup automatically throws the company’s products out of the competition. The increased demands on hardware are no less painful. If we talk about smartphones with firmware from Chinese factories, some of them use Google services unofficially, but the corporation will soon get to them.

Of course, in Google’s desire to present its software in the most favorable light, there is also concern for users - for full functionality, productivity and comfort. Those who buy uncertified smartphones are given a fair warning on the corporation’s website:

  • These devices may be unsafe.
  • On such devices, applications and the Android system may not be updated.
  • They may not have genuine Google apps installed because Google has not licensed the app to the manufacturer.
  • Applications and system functions may not work correctly.
  • Data may not be backed up securely.

Google has already informed partners that GMS will be blocked on uncertified devices. The first time you activate such a smartphone or tablet, a pop-up message will appear stating that the operation of Google services (including the Play Store) on this device is not guaranteed, after which downloading applications from the Play Store will be disabled. The buyer will only have to look for an alternative application store, or install applications manually via APK. However, the desire to save is sometimes stronger. And in this case, you shouldn’t be surprised if, when you try to download an application you like from Google Play, you see the following message on the screen: “ The device is not certified»

How to solve the problem with downloading applications from Google Play on an uncertified device?

It is clear that Google has approached the fight against MADA violators and those who refuse to undergo certification of their smartphones and tablets globally. Soon this program will cover the whole world - it is only a matter of time and a specific region. So far, after one of the Google Play services updates, a new line “ Certification" Fortunately, it is still possible to circumvent the prohibitions.

A solution to the problem of downloading applications from Google Play on uncertified devices has yet been found. But before taking decisive action, users are advised to read the following warnings:

  1. First of all, you must realize: using the method is risky - the device may turn into a brick forever or temporarily lose its functionality.
  2. No one guarantees that the method will be effective in your case.

Weigh the pros and cons and only then make an informed decision.

Requirements:

  • Availability of root rights;
  • File Manager Root Explorer;
  • Build.prop files (stock and custom);
  • Common sense.

Actions:

1. Replace the contents of the following lines from your build.prop file with lines from a custom build.prop (you can use the application BuildProp Editor):

ro.product.brand = ro.product.manufacturer = ro.build.product = ro.product.model = ro.product.name = ro.product.device = ro.build.description = ro.build.fingerprint =

2. Save;

3. Go to Settings -> Application Manager -> Google Play Store -> Erase data;


It's no secret that in order to use Google Play and other services from Google, you need to sign a MADA contract, which imposes certain obligations on the hardware manufacturer. For example, this contract requires you to submit your devices to Google-authorized laboratories for certification and testing, which can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 per device and take up to two weeks. For large manufacturers, this is not the money that affects the cost of the final device, but for small companies that produce one model with a circulation of 5-10 thousand pieces, it is noticeable and completely changes the cost of the device. It's no joke when you have to spend a dollar on each device. And if its cost is 40-45 dollars, then this turns out to be noticeably more than 5%, and the manufacturer’s efficiency suffers. Therefore, factories in China have found several schemes in which they add Google Play and related services without signing a direct contract with Google. This is a violation of the concept that was developed for Android, and a direct path to the fact that anything can appear on devices - viruses and Trojans, malicious software, or simply programs that noticeably worsen the performance of devices. Also, the lack of direct relationships between manufacturers and Google allows them to be the first to release their devices on older ones. Android versions at a point when everyone who complies with MADA can no longer do so. An interesting situation has developed over the past year: those who already comply with MADA are complaining about those who do not, because, in their opinion, they are gaining an advantage. Google promised to resolve this issue within 2017 and has already begun implementing its plans. The result will be a completely redesigned Android smartphone market, and the way Google does it is beautiful and simple, but will affect us all.

Three steps to disabling Google Play - certified devices

Google has approached the fight against those who violate MADA and do not receive certificates for their smartphones or tablets globally. The program affects the whole world, although the specific timing of implementation in one country or another may differ. But they are approximately the same, and there are no differences in the steps that will be taken. At the first stage with one of the Google Play Services updates in the settings Play Market the line “Certification” appeared.

Just look here in your device to understand how your smartphones comply with Google certification. Open the Play Market, then settings and see this line at the very bottom. Many B and C brands do not have such certification, and, to my sincere surprise, Meizu did not certify its devices.

The second step took place during MWC and a little earlier, when Google informed partners that they were going to “disable” uncertified devices. Technically this will be implemented very simply. When you first activate a smartphone or tablet from a company that has not certified the device, a pop-up message will appear stating that the operation of Google services, including the application store, is not guaranteed on this device. It will then disable downloading applications from Play Store, that is, the buyer will have to either use an alternative application store, or install applications manually from the APK. Considering that these will be devices with a price comparable to smartphones of similar characteristics from other B/C brands, no one will need such torment; people will simply start returning them to retail stores. Oddly enough, it will be retail that will be hit; it will be the first to suffer, as people will take their smartphones back.

It is important to note that for all smartphones that are already activated and in people’s hands, a kind of amnesty is coming. No sanctions will be applied to them, people will not see restrictions. There is also a kind of grace period for manufacturers - everyone who signs MADA in the coming months, but does not have time to certify certain batches of devices, will be able to declare a range of IMEI numbers for which an exception will be made. Google is aware that devices may be in retail and warehouses, meaning there will be a short transition period. But it won't be possible to take advantage of this loophole for a long time.

Google's strategy is very simple and clear: in every country in the world they will force hardware manufacturers to sign MADA and comply with the rules of the game. Theoretically, you don’t have to do this, but then you won’t have services from Google, that is, you will have to use empty Android, which is uninteresting. Also, in theory, you can try to sell smartphones without MADA and assume that users will begin to solve their problems themselves. But from my experience, this is possible with a striking difference in cost, and no one can achieve this, the maximum difference in price will be 5-15%, this is not the money that will attract consumers and make them suffer headaches.

The main question is when this will start to happen. No one gives a clear answer, but they are talking about the third quarter of 2017, or it will happen a little earlier. You can perceive the first shutdowns as a public flogging; this will become a kind of scandal, and outraged users will begin to return newly purchased devices. Oddly enough, in Russia both operators and retailers perceived this approach by Google positively, as they saw for themselves in this a reduction in the number of problems due to devices that have flaws. For example, a number of operators have encountered over the past month the fact that smartphones from a number of C-brands are sending paid SMS to Africa, and users are complaining. They are compensated for this money, since the smartphones were purchased in the retail networks of operators and are sold by them, but the story itself looks like a never-ending one, requiring blocking of these numbers at the operator level so as not to replace the smartphones themselves. Very big headache.

In retail they are saying that they will simply add one more point when purchasing devices, the need for Google certification, which will give them confidence that there will be no problems with the end buyer.

As you can see, big business approached this issue blissfully and calmly, I expected more turbulence and discussion of this point, but this did not happen.

Fast Pass Program – Certification Compensation for the Manufacturer

Google has come up with a way to solve a number of its problems and compensate the costs of manufacturers. Starting from the second quarter of 2017, the Fast Pass program will begin operating; this is a quick certification of devices, which is paid not by the manufacturer, but by Google. On this moment This program includes devices based on the most popular chipsets from MediaTek, that is, most budget smartphones on Android, the biggest piece of the market. Devices based on Qualcomm will appear in the program later; at the moment, Qualcomm is not ready to bear partial costs for this program, so it is not there. But I’m sure that as soon as Fast Pass starts working and Qualcomm sees that it is necessary to invest in this program, they will quickly get involved - the level of costs for Qualcomm is scanty, but the return is large.

So, if your smartphone is built on a chipset that is described in the Fast Pass program, you have a contract with Google, then you send the device for certification to one of the laboratories. The certification period takes up to 10 days, usually faster. Google bears all certification costs. In theory, this program will gradually spread to all devices and become the main one.

But there are several important points here - the manufacturer cannot use additional programs, similar to Google search, e-mail, Chrome browser and a number of others. That is, it turns out that you need to use your smartphone only with GMS services; you won’t be able to install anything else. The second point is that any smartphone that uses the shell does not fall into this program. In my opinion, this was done deliberately in order to attract manufacturers to use pure Android. Google understands that large manufacturers will continue to use their add-ons and shells for Android, but small companies, on the contrary, will focus on a pure system. At the same time, Google’s task is to standardize the offer of small manufacturers, to make it identical - in this approach, the task looks quite real and can be solved in the next couple of years. That is, it turns out that large manufacturers have their own shells, small companies have a clean and at the same time well-functioning Android, the second is achieved by certification (it also imposes restrictions not only on the software, but also on the hardware that is used by the manufacturer - that is, it sets the level of performance) .

All these efforts on Google’s part look like a planned “cleanup”; the company is trying to put its relationships with hardware manufacturers in order, remove complex issues and make Android guaranteed to be productive on both expensive and cheap devices. And so far it looks like the approach will work.

It is clear that there will be scandals when newly purchased devices report that the Play Market and other Google applications will not work for them. People who fall for such purchases will begin to return them to retail in large numbers. This will impact cross-border trade and create confusion as buyers fear that a smartphone ordered from China will not work. In a word, we are in for a period of emotional statements, but in the end, what Google is doing is right - they are bringing order to the budget segment of Android, and not only there.

What do you think of this Google approach? Will you miss smartphones in which Google Play was installed using the wrong methods?