Why WhatsApp won't install on Honor phone - briefly?
WhatsApp may not install on an Honor phone due to the absence of Google Play Services, which are essential for the app's functionality. To resolve this issue, users can download and install the APK file directly from a trusted source.
Why WhatsApp won't install on Honor phone - in detail?
The inability to install WhatsApp on a Huawei or Honor device can be attributed to several factors, primarily stemming from the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. In May 2019, the U.S. government placed Huawei on its Entity List, effectively banning American companies from doing business with the Chinese tech giant without explicit approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This action was taken due to concerns about national security and espionage, as well as allegations of intellectual property theft.
One of the immediate consequences of this ban was Google's restriction on Huawei devices, which meant that new Huawei and Honor smartphones could no longer come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed. GMS includes popular Google apps such as the Play Store, Gmail, and Maps, among others. WhatsApp is a Facebook-owned application and relies on Google Play Services to function properly on Android devices.
The absence of GMS on Huawei and Honor devices prevents users from installing WhatsApp directly from the Google Play Store. However, there are alternative methods to install the app, such as downloading it from third-party websites or using Huawei's own AppGallery. It is crucial to ensure that the source of the download is trusted to avoid security risks and potential malware infections.
Another factor contributing to the installation issue is the lack of support for WhatsApp on Huawei's proprietary app ecosystem, AppGallery. While Huawei has been actively working to populate its app store with popular applications, some gaps remain due to the ongoing trade restrictions and the need for developers to adjust their apps to comply with Huawei's requirements.
In conclusion, the primary reason WhatsApp won't install on a Huawei or Honor phone is the U.S. government's ban on doing business with the Chinese company, which has led to restrictions on Google services and the subsequent lack of support for popular apps like WhatsApp. While alternative installation methods exist, users must exercise caution to ensure the safety and security of their devices.