Unlocking the Google Play Store: How to Install Google Apps on the Nokia X
The Nokia X, Nokia’s first foray into the Android market, initially generated a lot of excitement. However, it quickly became apparent that the phone came with a heavily customized version of Android, prioritizing Microsoft services like Bing and OneDrive over the Google Play Store and Google services. While this decision aimed to differentiate the phone, it left users frustrated with the lack of access to the vast Google Play app ecosystem. Fortunately, a process called rooting can unlock the phone’s full potential and grant users access to the Google Play Store.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to install the Google Play Store on the Nokia X, covering two distinct methods: one for older software versions and another for newer updates. It’s important to note that rooting your device voids its warranty. Additionally, following these steps incorrectly can potentially brick your device, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Rooting the Nokia X: Unlocking the Potential
Rooting refers to granting a user administrative control over the Android operating system – a process that allows for greater customization and access to system-level features. For Nokia X users, rooting is a necessary step to install Google apps and the Google Play Store, as the phone’s default settings restrict access to these features.
Method 1: Rooting with Framaroot (Older Software Versions)
This method works with older Nokia X software versions, specifically prior to version 11.1.1. It utilizes the Framaroot app to obtain root access and then proceeds with installing the Google Play Store.
Enable USB Debugging: This is crucial for allowing your Windows PC to communicate with your phone.
- Navigate to Settings > Developer options on your Nokia X. If Developer options isn’t visible, go to Settings > About Phone > Build number and tap it multiple times until you see a message confirming that Developer options are enabled.
- In Developer options, enable USB Debugging.
Download Farmaroot.apk: This app is the key to rooting your Nokia X.
- Download Farmaroot.apk from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2566341&d=1391850491 to your Nokia X or to a Windows PC.
Install Farmaroot.apk: This app will provide the tools to root your phone.
- If downloaded to your Nokia X, navigate to the Farmaroot.apk folder and click the file. Follow the on-screen instructions for automatic installation.
- If downloaded to your PC, transfer the Farmaroot.apk to your Nokia X using a USB cable. You can use the pre-installed ASTRO File Manager on your Nokia X to locate the file.
Root Using the Gandalf exploit: The Framaroot app will offer several options. Choose the Gandalf exploit to root your Nokia X.
Reboot your Nokia X: Upon successful rooting, you’ll receive a confirmation message. Reboot your Nokia X to ensure the changes take effect.
Install Google Apps (APK Files): Download the necessary Google app APK files from http://www.mediafire.com/download/8yr0fsrgnhyq46t/NokiaX_Gapps_KashaMalaga_28.02.2014.zip to your Nokia X or a Windows PC and transfer them to your Nokia X using a USB cable.
Extract the APK Files: Use a root explorer app to extract these files.
- Download a root explorer app like Root Explorer from the Play Store.
- Navigate to the folder containing the Google APKs and select all the files. Choose "Extract All" from the menu. Note that the extracted files will be stored in the SpeedSoftware folder on your microSD card.
Move APK Files to /system/apps Folder: Utilize the root explorer to move the extracted Google APK files to the /system/apps folder.
- Navigate to the SpeedSoftware folder on your microSD card using the root explorer. Select all the extracted files and choose "Cut" from the menu.
- Access the /system/apps folder and select "Paste" from the menu.
Change File Permissions: Ensure the extracted files have the correct permissions.
- Select all the extracted Google APK files in the /system/apps folder.
- Access the Permissions option from the menu.
- Ensure that the Owner, Group, and Other options have the Read Only checkbox selected.
- Additionally, check the Write option for Owner only.
Reboot: After changing permissions, reboot your Nokia X to stabilize the device.
- Access Google Apps: You should now find icons for Hangouts, Gmail, Google Play Store, and other Google apps in your app drawer.
Method 2: Rooting with KingoRoot (Newer Software Versions)
This method is recommended for use with Nokia X software version 11.1.1 or later. Due to enhanced security measures in newer software versions, a different approach is required.
Download and Install Necessary Files:
- Nokia composite ADB interface: Download this from http://www.mediafire.com/download/3ocdsk2metj9okl/Root_NokiaX_v11.1.1_KashaMalaga_25_03_2014.zip.
- Framaroot.apk: Download this from http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2566341&d=1391850491.
Install Framaroot on Your Nokia X: Follow the instructions provided in Method 1 to install Framaroot.apk on your phone.
Install Nokia composite ADB interface: Extract the contents to your Windows PC. Note that it will contain two subfolders: KingoRoot_NokiaX_Mod and Nokia X USB drivers.
Install USB Drivers:
- Connect your Nokia X to your Windows PC using a USB cable.
- Open Device Manager on your Windows PC.
- Right-click on the connected device and choose Update Driver from the menu.
- Select "Browse my computer for driver software" and locate the Nokia X USB drivers folder from the Nokia composite ADB interface installation.
Start KingoRoot: Open the KingoRoot.exe file from the KingoRoot_NokiaX_Mod folder. Ensure your Nokia X remains connected throughout the process.
Root Your Device: KingoRoot will display the status of your device as "Not Rooted." Click the Root button to initiate the rooting process.
- This step also automatically installs the SuperSU app on your Nokia X.
Reboot: Once the rooting process is complete and your device’s status displays "Rooted," reboot your Nokia X.
Grant SuperSU Permissions: After reboot, open the SuperSU app on your Nokia X. Grant it permission to access your system settings when prompted.
- Install Google Apps: Repeat the steps from Method 1 to install the Google APK files using the root explorer.
Note Regarding Software Versions:
It’s highly recommended to install Google apps when your Nokia X is running software version 10.0.3 instead of updating to version 11.1.1 or later. This is because the rooting process with Framaroot is significantly simpler than using KingoRoot, which is required for newer software versions.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Nokia X’s Full Potential
By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can successfully install the Google Play Store and Google services on their Nokia X, granting access to a wider app selection and improved functionality. While rooting your device can be intimidating, it grants users greater control over their phone and unlocks its full potential.
It’s essential to remember that rooting is a complex process, and errors can potentially lead to device malfunctions. Before embarking on this journey, ensure you understand all the potential risks and proceed only if you’re comfortable with the possible consequences.
