WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. However, some Huawei phone owners have reported issues downloading or installing WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. There are a few potential reasons why your Huawei phone may not be downloading WhatsApp properly:
Google Play Services
One of the most common reasons is that many newer Huawei phones do not come with Google Play Services pre-installed. WhatsApp requires Google Play Services to run properly. Without it, you cannot download WhatsApp from the Play Store. This is due to the ongoing ban on Huawei using Google services on its devices.
Region Lock
Some Huawei phone models sold in certain regions like China do not have WhatsApp installed or available for download. This region lock prevents users from downloading WhatsApp in restricted areas. You would need to use a VPN to bypass the region lock and access the Play Store in another country.
Insufficient Storage Space
WhatsApp requires a certain amount of free storage space on your phone to download and install. If your Huawei phone storage is full or nearly full, WhatsApp may fail to download. Try freeing up space by deleting unused apps, photos, or files before attempting to install WhatsApp.
System Software Out of Date
An outdated version of your Huawei phone’s Android OS can also prevent downloading apps like WhatsApp properly. Make sure your phone’s software is up to date by checking for and installing any available system updates.
Solutions and Troubleshooting Steps
If your Huawei phone is facing issues downloading or installing WhatsApp, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
Check for Google Play Services
First, check if your Huawei phone already has Google Play Services installed. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services. If Play Services is not installed, you will need to find an alternate way to install WhatsApp.
Use a VPN
If your phone is region-locked, connect to a VPN service to mask your location. Set your virtual location to a country where WhatsApp is available like the US or UK. Then try installing WhatsApp from the Play Store.
Free Up Storage Space
Make sure your phone has at least 100-200 MB of free storage before downloading WhatsApp. Remove unused apps, files, photos and videos to clear space. Then try re-downloading WhatsApp.
Update Huawei System Software
Go to Settings > System > System Update and check for any latest software updates for your Huawei device. Install available updates, then restart your phone. Try downloading WhatsApp again after updating.
Install WhatsApp APK
If you still cannot install from the Play Store, download the latest WhatsApp APK file directly from the WhatsApp website or other trusted sources. Install the APK file manually on your Huawei phone.
Use Huawei AppGallery
Newer Huawei phones come with Huawei AppGallery as an alternative app store. Search for WhatsApp in AppGallery and try installing it from there if available.
Using Third-Party App Stores
If the above troubleshooting tips do not work, you can try downloading WhatsApp through third-party app stores that work on Huawei devices, like:
APKPure
APKPure is a popular third-party app store with millions of Android apps. Search for WhatsApp and download the APK to install it.
Aptoide
Aptoide is another alternative app store that may have WhatsApp available for download. Look for the official WhatsApp app and install it.
Amazon Appstore
For Huawei phones with Amazon Appstore pre-installed, you can search for WhatsApp in Amazon’s store and install it from there.
F-Droid
F-Droid is an open source app marketplace. It has an unofficial WhatsApp client app called WhatsApp FOSS that you can try.
When using third-party stores, be careful to only download verified apps from reputable sources to avoid malware. Stick to the official WhatsApp from the provider’s website when possible.
Sideloading WhatsApp Using HMS Core
For Huawei devices without Google services, there is an alternate way to install WhatsApp using HMS Core:
Step 1
Install the latest HMS Core APK on your Huawei phone. HMS Core enables you to download apps without Google Play Services.
Step 2
Once HMS Core is installed, enable ‘Unknown Sources’ option under Settings > Security. This allows installing apps outside Play Store.
Step 3
Download the official WhatsApp APK file from WhatsApp’s website or other trusted source.
Step 4
Use a file manager app on your Huawei phone to find the WhatsApp APK file. Tap on it to trigger the installation.
Step 5
HMS Core will automatically detect and proceed to install WhatsApp smoothly. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6
Once installed, you can start using WhatsApp normally on your Huawei phone.
This method uses HMS Core to bypass Play Services dependency and sideload WhatsApp properly.
Alternative Messaging Apps
If you are unable to get WhatsApp working on your Huawei phone, there are some good alternative messaging apps available:
| App | Features |
|---|---|
| Voice calls, video calls, group chats | |
| LINE | Stickers, video calls, timelines |
| Telegram | Encryption, bots, channels |
| Signal | End-to-end encryption, minimalist |
| Skype | Video calls, chat, file sharing |
These apps offer similar messaging features and are available on Huawei’s AppGallery or as direct APK downloads.
Conclusion
Huawei phones not downloading WhatsApp is likely due to the lack of Google services, region locks, or insufficient storage. Troubleshooting steps like updating software, using a VPN, freeing up space, or manually installing the APK can help fix the issue. Third-party app stores provide an alternative for downloading WhatsApp on Huawei devices. If WhatsApp cannot be installed, similar apps like WeChat, LINE, or Telegram can be used instead for messaging. With the right workaround, Huawei users can continue to enjoy WhatsApp messaging.