Thursday, November 01, 2018

Setting up Google Play on Mi5X

I always have problem with Google Play using Mi5X. It is not available when shipped. Installed Google Play Apk from websites and it can launch Google Play.

One of it works just fine but the other one will prompt "Server Busy" on and off. Following netizen advice to totally remove Google Services and Google Play store. The result is that I cannot restore Google Play at all despite installing Google Services and Google Play apk from sites that provide the apk. Even my account information does not list the Mi5X as a device.

While looking for ways to restore back Google Play by searching for "Google" in Mi Store, I notice Mi Store has a prompt saying something like it is not able to list Google products due to limitation. Thus whatever advice on the web does not apply.

Searching for "MiUi Google Play" turn out something like a installer for Google Play. Tried to go to Mi Store again and look for "谷歌安装器”。 It still turn out nothing.

This calls for drastic measures. I notice there is a "去豌豆荚搜索“ in Mi Store when searching for "Google". Tried that and it  actually shows one app called "谷歌安装器”. It is not by Google but look rather like a "Google Play Installer".

Followed instruction to allow for "unknown sources" in Settings.Additional Settings,Privacy. The apk was installed successfully. Running it and it prompts for installation of a number of Google Apps. Upon completion, Google Play can start without issue.

The next thing to do is just wait and see if "server busy" prompt will show again.