GApps: definition and how to install it
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You will come across the term "GApps" sooner or later if you take a closer look at the operating system of your smartphone. In this practical tip, we explain what this is all about.
The purpose of GApps
The abbreviation generally stands for "Google Applications". This means all programs that the group has provided for the in-house Android operating system. But they are also used elsewhere.
- When you buy a smartphone, the operating system and important software components are usually firmly anchored on the device. This applies, for example, to the "Play Store", the camera or the calendar.
- In some cases, however, you have the option of making changes to the system apps or even installing an alternative operating system. But be careful: In very few cases, such "custom ROMs" are licensed by the manufacturers.
- It is mostly members of the community who are tinkering with their own smartphone OS - with different results. Google itself only provides the hobby developers with the source code for the Android base.
- As a user, you can then download the corresponding program packages via a licensed software portal, the so-called "Open Google Apps (short: GApps -) Project", obtain and integrate into your custom ROM.
Installation and use
If you want to design your smartphone according to your own ideas, but don't want to do without the usual Google programs, then GApps is the right choice for you. The prerequisite is that you have root access.
- Download the appropriate program package for your smartphone model from the OpenGApps homepage. The architecture of your processor reveals, for example, the free analysis tool "CPU-Z".
- If you have already decided on a specific custom ROM, make sure which Android version it is based on. It's best to install GApps together with the OS.
- To do this, download the zip file to your phone memory via USB. You open the file either at system startup or with the help of an appropriate tool via Custom Recovery.
- During installation, you select which programs from the GApps package you need on your smartphone. This way you can deactivate unwanted services and save space.
GApps are particularly suitable for older smartphones in order to bring them back up to date with a custom ROM. In the next practical tip, we will compare iOS and Android systems with each other.