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Hi guys. I just received my HTC Droid DNA from the US. It has an unlocked bootloader and has been rooted with TWRP installed. Most of the Verizon bloatware has been removed too.
But after logging into my UK Google Play account I can only access the Apps category. Nothing else. No Music, Books, or Movies.
I updated the Google Play services but no luck. I even tried with an updated APK and it still won't work.
I also tried accessing the Movie store from the Play Movies app but it just takes me to the site.
Any ideas? This has never happened before with an import device.
Thanks.
Could it be because I dont have a SIM card installed?
Its so strange. Whenever I load the Play Store it just automatically starts in the Apps page. It doesn't open the regular homepage with options for Apps, Music, Movies & TV, Books etc.
I have attached a screenshot showing what its like. Normally in the top left corner there would be an option to go from the apps page back to the main page but there simply isn't.
I have even tried changing the locale to English UK using apps like MultiLocale2 and others. When I load the Play Store after it looks like its about to load the main page but then it goes back again to the Apps page.
Even attempting to access the Book store from the Play Books app diverts me to the Play Store website http://play.google.com.
Clearly something is going on here. Something is blocking access to the other Play Services.
Also everything is in dollars $. I don't mind this as I had the same thing on my old Motorola Xoom, but the fact that the other services have gone is very strange.
This is really annoying now. I have tried the following:
Updating Google Play Services in the Play Store
Installing the latest Google Play Store APK
Turning on all location services
Changing my locale to English UK/GB and English US
Attempting to access the store categories from their respective apps e.g. Play Music app (just diverts me to the Play Store website)
Trying different languages in the Setup Wizard
Edited my Google Account and added my region as UK
Deleted preinstalled Play Music, Movies, Books APK/odex files
Restored my phone
None of these methods have worked. I can only access Apps in the Store. Nothing else.
Is it because the phone is rooted? Did deleting the bloatware cause any issues?
Are you running custom rom ? you mite wanna clear your cache IDK. I am a noob who is just trying to help.
syler2012 said:
Are you running custom rom ? you mite wanna clear your cache IDK. I am a noob who is just trying to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Stock rom, just rooted and debloated. Tried clearing the cache earlier. No luck. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Bilhouse said:
No. Stock rom, just rooted and debloated. Tried clearing the cache earlier. No luck. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me share a story with you when I first rooted my thunderbolt I unstalled "freezed" verizon backup service it screwed my phone up BAD.... mainly the google play services... It maybe something you have "froze* just a thought
syler2012 said:
Let me share a story with you when I first rooted my thunderbolt I unstalled "freezed" verizon backup service it screwed my phone up BAD.... mainly the google play services... It maybe something you have "froze* just a thought
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just reinstalled all the Verizon bloatware to system/app via the file manager in TWRP. Rebooted the phone, turned on location services logged into my Google account and still no luck.
Only the Apps still in the Play Store.
Getting really annoyed now. I have tried nearly everything. Last shot is to swap out the GooglePlayServices Framework and Play Store APK's with different more upto date ones.
Tried swapping the GoogleServicesFramework.apk and Phonesky.apk with updated versions in system/app.
Rebooted the device and the Play Store just crashes and comes up with an error.
Went into recovery and deleted the associated odex files for both of them and tried again. Now I get a server error in the Play Store.
Restored the device from a backup now. So annoying! I doubt this device will work properly with Google Play outside of the US.
Bilhouse said:
Hi guys. I just received my HTC Droid DNA from the US. It has an unlocked bootloader and has been rooted with TWRP installed. Most of the Verizon bloatware has been removed too.
But after logging into my UK Google Play account I can only access the Apps category. Nothing else. No Music, Books, or Movies.
I updated the Google Play services but no luck. I even tried with an updated APK and it still won't work.
I also tried accessing the Movie store from the Play Movies app but it just takes me to the site.
Any ideas? This has never happened before with an import device.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wipe your data and cache in TWRP. It's a nuisance to put all of your things back the way you had them, but this usually solves odd problems like this.
I give up.
Tried everything and nothing is working. It just simply wont load the main Play Store page. It jumps automatically to Apps. In that I have noticed that there is a Verizon category and everything is in USD$. But that still doesnt explain why its not working properly.
On top of that I have pushed new Phonesky.apk and GoogleServicesFramework.apk. Tried them with both odex files present as well as deleted.
Comes up with either Server Errors or Error Retrieving Information From Server [RH-01].
Does any one with more knowledge like a dev have any idea how to fix this?
2 questions...
Did you have this issue prior to device unlock?
Have you wiped data as reccomended by several other users in this thread?
I know its not a perm solution but i suggest that you create a new google email account and attempt to log into the playstore using these new credentials. This will allow you to test your theory that its related to your uk goog account. If that is the case then reg an account with US google and your problem is solved. I know it inconvenient to have to lose paid apps and what not but if this is truly a location issue then you may not have a choice my friend. Good luck.
jonesin said:
2 questions...
Did you have this issue prior to device unlock?
Have you wiped data as reccomended by several other users in this thread?
I know its not a perm solution but i suggest that you create a new google email account and attempt to log into the playstore using these new credentials. This will allow you to test your theory that its related to your uk goog account. If that is the case then reg an account with US google and your problem is solved. I know it inconvenient to have to lose paid apps and what not but if this is truly a location issue then you may not have a choice my friend. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
Thanks for the response.
I personally did not perform the unlock. The seller in the US did, as well as rooting the device. Upon receiving it, I immediately reset the device and logged in with my Google account. Thats when I noticed the problem. Its only been connected to WiFi as I have no Micro SIM yet to try it out on it.
I have wiped Data via TWRP as well as the Cache and Dalvik Cache. I have cleared data and cache in the Application settings for both the Play Store and Google Play Services. Nothing seems to work.
And its a very strange problem. Not one I have encountered before and searching on the internet it seems to be very rare. If I try to access the Books category by clicking on the little Play Store logo in the Play Books app, it switches to the Play Store and then immediately opens a new tab in the browser sending me straight to the website.
Surely as a Global device with unlocked GSM capabilities they should expect a foreigner or even someone on holiday from the States to try and use Google Play in another country.
Bilhouse said:
Hi.
Thanks for the response.
I personally did not perform the unlock. The seller in the US did, as well as rooting the device. Upon receiving it, I immediately reset the device and logged in with my Google account. Thats when I noticed the problem. Its only been connected to WiFi as I have no Micro SIM yet to try it out on it.
I have wiped Data via TWRP as well as the Cache and Dalvik Cache. I have cleared data and cache in the Application settings for both the Play Store and Google Play Services. Nothing seems to work.
And its a very strange problem. Not one I have encountered before and searching on the internet it seems to be very rare. If I try to access the Books category by clicking on the little Play Store logo in the Play Books app, it switches to the Play Store and then immediately opens a new tab in the browser sending me straight to the website.
Surely as a Global device with unlocked GSM capabilities they should expect a foreigner or even someone on holiday from the States to try and use Google Play in another country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still say make an attempt at creating a new goog account just for the sake of sanity and process of elimination.
jonesin said:
I still say make an attempt at creating a new goog account just for the sake of sanity and process of elimination.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried it now mate. Created a new Google account with US details. Logged into Google Play and still the same problem. I even went through the Setup Wizard route on the phone just to be sure. It must be detecting my location via my IP address.
OK Guys.
Im getting somewhere now.
I have downloaded Market Enabler APK and set the phone to US Verizon settings. I then used Droid VPN with a US server and now I can access the Play Store properly with all the categories. So its clearly an IP issue. But now the question is how the hell do I get past it?
Just to confirm this. I logged out of my new US Google Account and back into my old UK one. At the same time I kept Market Enabler and Droid VPN active.
It worked fine. I was able to access the Play Store properly with all categories. After this I logged out of Droid VPN and deleted Market Enabler and it still worked! (I attached a screenshot) The last piece was to see if it would function after a reboot.
Turned the phone back on, went into the Play Store and the same problem as before. Only Apps. So its clearly to do with my UK IP address.
But at least I now know. Looks like I will be selling the Droid DNA.
What I don't understand, is that if i'm in the UK with a UK IP address, with a working UK SIM and a UK Google Account why cant I access the UK Google Play store on an unlocked GSM device?!
Bilhouse said:
What I don't understand, is that if i'm in the UK with a UK IP address, with a working UK SIM and a UK Google Account why cant I access the UK Google Play store on an unlocked GSM device?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the device is not technically an unlocked GSM device. Your bootloader is unlocked but that has nothing to do with the ability to use it on another carrier. The device was released under verizon as a flagship verizon exclusive with GLOBAL CAPABILITY meaning all applicable consumers would have purchased in the us and be roaming on all other carriers, so technically was never meant to be a GSM only phone. The fact that it works on GSM carriers is because of the radio chip they decided to use. Now because it can pick up these bands doesnt mean that vzw released the device with the intentions of it being used on other carriers. What you need sir is the HTC j butterfly which is a GSM "Carrier UNLOCKED" global version. Anyway I imagine with a little wizardry there is a way around this for you. I cant provide a fix but I'm sure there is a way. I'll ask a couple people and see what their thoughts are.
Thanks for the reply. I understand where your coming from. I know that its a Verizon exclusive, but if anyone was to use it abroad even for a short while why cant they just reroute you to the local Google Play store or better yet base your Play Store off your country details in your account.
I think this is also due to the fact that the phone is ultimately only for US consumers like you said. Even when setting up the phone there is no option for English UK or English AU etc. Just the US.
Oh well. Thanks for everyones help.
Hi All,
I really would like to change my play store location to UK (as I'm from UK, just don't currently live there), there are a few apps I would like but are "currently unavailable in your location". I have tried every method I have found through googling to change the play store location; I have changed address and credit card in google wallet to a UK one, I have used a UK VPN, a UK sim card and cleared data and cache of play store and download manager, I have bought an app using uk card, even left it on the pay screen for over 30 minutes after paying for it but nothing seems to work, I am still stuck on the crappy UAE play store
Can anybody shed any light on google's current way of changing the play store please?
Hello
You can try that :
1. install a VPN application and choose the UK country
2. Go in PlayStore
3. Select your account in the Menu\account > OK.
4. Playstore will restart and a popup will ask you to confirm something. At this time you will see a playstore without restrictions
5. Stop the VPN
6. Return in the playstore. It's ok now until you restart the phone
Hi cyrillem, thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately if I click on my name in the menu bit on the left hand edge of the play store it just takes me to "recent shared activity on play"
Does anybody have any other ideas please?
Well, this is plain strange. I have got all the necessary Google components installed on a 7D-501U running Emui 3.0.
I'm in China.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over Wifi and a VPN back to the UK, it just gives connection errors.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over China Unicom and a VPN back to the exact same place in the UK, I can use the play store as normal - but of course it gobbles up my data allowance.
Any theories / suggestions etc as to why one works and the other doesn't? And any possible fixes?
ralphrmartin said:
Well, this is plain strange. I have got all the necessary Google components installed on a 7D-501L running Emui 3.0.
I'm in China.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over Wifi and a VPN back to the UK, it just gives connection errors.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over China Unicom and a VPN back to the exact same place in the UK, I can use the play store as normal - but of course it gobbles up my data allowance.
Any theories / suggestions etc as to why one works and the other doesn't? And any possible fixes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did u get 3.0 on 501L?
ralphrmartin said:
Well, this is plain strange. I have got all the necessary Google components installed on a 7D-501L running Emui 3.0.
I'm in China.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over Wifi and a VPN back to the UK, it just gives connection errors.
If I try to connect to Google Play store over China Unicom and a VPN back to the exact same place in the UK, I can use the play store as normal - but of course it gobbles up my data allowance.
Any theories / suggestions etc as to why one works and the other doesn't? And any possible fixes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
only suggestion .. try to sign out and sign in again and clear data of playstore app
Oops, sorry, meant 501U, not 501L. (Edited first post).
I've done all the usual stuff like resetting accounts, reinstalling google apps, etc. None of this makes a difference.
OK, I installed shadowsocks, and can now access the Play Store. Great Firewall is to blame - I suspect its messing about with the DNS or somesuch.
I bought Sharp Aquos S2 from TWN, evething works fine with original play store except Sharp widget does not work (System UI no permission). Don't know how to set permission system UI?
PS: reset several times but does not work.
Please help.
Thank you
Kinda off-topic but how did You get google play store to work on Aquos S2?
I can't install it at all. Did You have it preinstalled on your phone?
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
_haker_1 said:
Kinda off-topic but how did You get google play store to work on Aquos S2?
I can't install it at all. Did You have it preinstalled on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
liuhaychiv said:
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you don't know how to install CH play to Sharp S2?
Everyone,
Pls let me know the way to install CH play.
Thank you so much.
liuhaychiv said:
I bought from Taiwan, it has google play store original but the problem is the phone widget is N/A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky You with play store preinstalled. I'd suggest you to simple get rid off original widget and install any other widget from google play store. The original one is not working for me either (N/A). I'm gonna keep fighting with mine. Does anyone know how to enter recovery mode on S2? I was able to boot in safe mode (power + volume down) but idk what's the combination for recovery. Maybe under recovery mode I'll be able to install all those google services. I was also unable to root this device.
If anyone got some info how to install google services on this I'd appreciate it!
Cheers,
Hi, first lucky owners of this brand new phone; could you share any benchmarks, please?
maxecume said:
Hi, first lucky owners of this brand new phone; could you share any benchmarks, please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~70k antutu
~325k droidfish
Still no luck with play store :-/ @liuhaychiv
Can You tell me what's Your ROM version?
_haker_1 said:
~70k antutu
~325k droidfish
Still no luck with play store :-/ @liuhaychiv
Can You tell me what's Your ROM version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must install Google Play Services in order to have Google Play Store and other Google apps. Both apps can be found here: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/. Choose the right services, this one works for me: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/googl...s-11-7-41-248-171017412-android-apk-download/
piskr said:
You must install Google Play Services in order to have Google Play Store and other Google apps. Both apps can be found here: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/. Choose the right services, this one works for me: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/googl...s-11-7-41-248-171017412-android-apk-download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exacly what I did. I've checked dpi, android version, cpu architecture. I've installed services, framework, account, play store in order. Still no luck. I've also installed google installer which is downloading all neccesary services automaticaly and... same story. Everything installs without any problem but it freezes when I want to open any google app.
Have You installed gaaps on Sharp S2 without those apps being preinstalled?
Actually, I haven't. I had Gapps preinstalled this time. But I had some Chinese phones before and not all of them came with Gapps. I never had problem with installing them.
S2 has plenty options to set rights and restrictions per app. They are in 3 sectors - under SIM settings (about use of networks), apps settings and S boost. I couldn't get internet radio working before I assign necessary rights to it. Have you checked that you gave all gapps needed rights?
Hm.. Maybe I've found the problem. Under SIM and S-boost everything looks good. In apps settings I'm unable to give "get location" for Google Services. I can see it needs "access precise location" to work. Can You tell me whether You have "get location" set for google services on your phone?
I gave GPS all possible permissions. Always.
Well, I can't. The phone is crashing when I want to swipe "location: ON" in google services. It freezes, going black-screen and then going back to settings. It's exacly the same when I want to allow Google Services Framework to read/write instant messages (as far as I can see online those two are by default OFF anyway). All the other permissions for all google apps are ON. Also, most of the other apps with location needed are crashing when I have gaaps installed. Idk why I cant give it all permissions, didn't find any similar problem online.
_haker_1 said:
Well, I can't. The phone is crashing when I want to swipe "location: ON" in google services. It freezes, going black-screen and then going back to settings. It's exacly the same when I want to allow Google Services Framework to read/write instant messages (as far as I can see online those two are by default OFF anyway). All the other permissions for all google apps are ON. Also, most of the other apps with location needed are crashing when I have gaaps installed. Idk why I cant give it all permissions, didn't find any similar problem online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then, it seems that the problem is serious. When I bought the phone I noticed that the system has flaws, so first thing I did was factory reset. Even after that I still have two errors, fingerprint scanner is slow and sometimes after unlocking the screen just turns blank and after using power button it turns out that phone is unlocked already. And after every resetting the phone Android Pay simply disappeared and has to be enabled in Google Play again. I've gotten one OTA already and nothing regarding both issues has been changed.
I guess you have 3 options: factory reset and set all bunch of Gapps again, returning the phone or waiting for next OTA. It is obvious that the problem is on the sw side and it is in proprietary Smile UI system precisely.
Hopefully they gonna sort it out soon.
Yeah, exacly. I've already done factory reset multiple times. I'm installing proper version of google service and I can't give it location permisions. I'm almost sure I'm doing everything right.
Gonna wait for OTA, I'll use it without play store atm.
I have no problems at all with fingerprint sensor and unlocking. I think we might have slightly different softwares. Can You tell me whats your ROM version? Mine is 00CN_1_27L with android patched September 1, 2017. Kernel Version 4.4.21
Cheers
_haker_1 said:
Yeah, exacly. I've already done factory reset multiple times. I'm installing proper version of google service and I can't give it location permisions. I'm almost sure I'm doing everything right.
Gonna wait for OTA, I'll use it without play store atm.
I have no problems at all with fingerprint sensor and unlocking. I think we might have slightly different softwares. Can You tell me whats your ROM version? Mine is 00CN_1_27L with android patched September 1, 2017. Kernel Version 4.4.21
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is 00WW_1_27L and that is the difference. WW stays for worldwide and CN for china (kernels are the same). And WW has Gapps installed. But it has other issues caused by incorrect android system modification (smile UI).
Result of that erroneous system is obviously in Gapps failure. My previous phone was Chinese (there was ww version as well), without Gapps, but system was good and I had no troubles installing Gapps.
I understand - thanks for information. I guess I'll have to wait for root manual and flash rom to WW in future.
You don't need root, just OTA or factory image. If I were you, I'd ask both the seller and Sharp for it Describing troubles and they might hear you.
Sharp didn't even reply. Seller said that I bough device with CN rom and it is as it is. They are both kinda right. How can I OTA with region change? I dont think I can use factory image as my image is CN atm. WW images are not available online.
It's the same kernel, exactly the same hw, there is no difference, only the system. You can flash either ww ota or factory image. Another problem is to get any if supplier doesn't cooperate.
I bought and first activated my Samsung Note 8 in Saudi Arabia a couple years ago. The phone is still in factory state. It is still going great except since then I moved to Philippines and are now using it in Philippines with Philippine numbers in it.
Unfortunately I found out that Playstore refuses to install some localized apps I would like to use. The problem apps do not even show up in a Playstore search. One such app is GCash. I have to download the apk and install manually. The issue now is that it will not update through the Playstore and every couple weeks I have to re-download the apk and manually update it. A major pain coz i only find out when I need it. Another apk that I had to manually install was Angkas. Luckily something changed with this app and as of recently it updates through the Playstore. I tried but obviously spoofing a location wasnt going to work anyway since I am already in Philippines.
Can this be fixed in phone, Playstore or google account settings that I can quickly change or is this some deep down factory setting for which a fix is a bit more involved? Would maybe a factory reset resolve the issue? Any suggestions or pointing me to a source for resolving the problem would be appreciated.
MutantWizard said:
I bought and first activated my Samsung Note 8 in Saudi Arabia a couple years ago. The phone is still in factory state. It is still going great except since then I moved to Philippines and are now using it in Philippines with Philippine numbers in it.
Unfortunately I found out that Playstore refuses to install some localized apps I would like to use. The problem apps do not even show up in a Playstore search. One such app is GCash. I have to download the apk and install manually. The issue now is that it will not update through the Playstore and every couple weeks I have to re-download the apk and manually update it. A major pain coz i only find out when I need it. Another apk that I had to manually install was Angkas. Luckily something changed with this app and as of recently it updates through the Playstore. I tried but obviously spoofing a location wasnt going to work anyway since I am already in Philippines.
Can this be fixed in phone, Playstore or google account settings that I can quickly change or is this some deep down factory setting for which a fix is a bit more involved? Would maybe a factory reset resolve the issue? Any suggestions or pointing me to a source for resolving the problem would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a vpn or install xmlpak magisk module
NecromancerViper said:
Try a vpn or install xmlpak magisk module
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't figure out how a VPN would help but I earlier played around with it anyway. Could not get any joy out of it. My Playstore account is already set to Philippines.
I looked up xmlpak, not sure how it really works and I am reluctant to try it. Seems I would need to install the manager and the xmlpak and still no guarantee it would work. Besides there seems to be some issues reported with it. Will keep this as a last resort option.
Would really like to try to solve the issue through the phone setup if possible.
Try AURORA STORE: it's an alternate to Google's Play Store, with an elegant design, using Aurora you can download apps, update existing apps, search for apps, get details about in-app trackers, spoof your location and much more.
MutantWizard said:
I bought and first activated my Samsung Note 8 in Saudi Arabia a couple years ago. The phone is still in factory state. It is still going great except since then I moved to Philippines and are now using it in Philippines with Philippine numbers in it.
Unfortunately I found out that Playstore refuses to install some localized apps I would like to use. The problem apps do not even show up in a Playstore search. One such app is GCash. I have to download the apk and install manually. The issue now is that it will not update through the Playstore and every couple weeks I have to re-download the apk and manually update it. A major pain coz i only find out when I need it. Another apk that I had to manually install was Angkas. Luckily something changed with this app and as of recently it updates through the Playstore. I tried but obviously spoofing a location wasnt going to work anyway since I am already in Philippines.
Can this be fixed in phone, Playstore or google account settings that I can quickly change or is this some deep down factory setting for which a fix is a bit more involved? Would maybe a factory reset resolve the issue? Any suggestions or pointing me to a source for resolving the problem would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this is for what u search?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/rumboalla/apkupdater/