Gmscore: Some apps won't recognize `microG` as Google Play services

[bzp99]

I have only switched to microG recently. I am using a Samsung Galaxy S6 (zerofltexx) phone with the microG fork of LineageOS 14.1. Let me say that I absolutely love this project; recently I started switching to FOSS and freeing my android phone from Google's claws is a big step.

However, there are still some proprietary apps that I would like to keep using, for example because I have a subscription for them. One of these apps is Spendee. I have this app from the Yalp Store now.

Now as far as I understand, microG mimics Google Play services, so even apps requiring them should function. Is this what is referred to as 'spoofing'? Some apps, most importantly Spendee don't work for me, because I get this error:

Spendee won't run without Google Play services, which are not supported by your device.

I also had this problem with other proprietary apps such as DigiCal and Inbox, but those two won't even start (they give a slightly different error), whereas Spendee starts, but pushes this dialogue in my face after every interaction.

In the self check, everything is ticked, except 'Play Store (phonesky) has correct signature'. I have 'Google device registration' and 'Google Cloud Messaging' enabled.

I have included screenshots (although I explained everything).

Is this intended behaviour? Is there a workaround for these apps? Thank you in advance!

[JonnyTech]

Which version of microg are you running? At the bottom of the settings page you will see a version number in the about section. The current version is: 0.2.5.12879

[bzp99]

I am using the current version: 0.2.5.12879

[JonnyTech]

Ah, I see that you have not installed a play store equivalent. Please install one (I use FakeStore) and make sure that all boxes on the check screen are ticked.

[ArchangeGabriel]

In the self check, everything is ticked, except 'Play Store (phonesky) has correct signature'.

This is exactly your issue. As @JonnyTech says, you should install FakeStore (it should normally have the spoofing signature right from the start on LineageOS4μG).

[bzp99]

I do have FaceStore installed, I got it from the F-Droid repo of microG

[ArchangeGabriel]

1. Did you reboot since installation?
2. Can you check if there is a Signature spoofing permission to be granted somewhere in applications permissions (generic menu, not per-app one)?

[bzp99]

1. I think so, but for the hell of it I have rebooted now, tried again, still got the dialogue. Then uninstalled FakeStore, reinstalled and rebooted again. The issue still persists.
2. I assume you mean the permissions menu I can get to by Settings > Apps > [gear icon] > App permissions. There is no such option there (see screenshot; it's not in additional either). Should I look somewhere else? I didn't find anything in per-app permissions either. FakeStore doesn't even request any permissions.

[ArchangeGabriel]

I don’t know then… I don’t have a LineageOS4μG device currently, so I don’t remember if there was anything special to do. Maybe @ncorna could help here…

[ArchangeGabriel]

I meant @corna…

[tokariu]

I'm having the same issue as OP - with Wire for android and Lineageos 14.1 + microG.
Wire released a new android version today (v3.18) and after updating, it does not detect Google Play Services anymore, and then it runs via websockets and drains the complete battery within hours..
The previous version of Wire (v3.16) had no problems detecting MicroG as google play services, it worked flawlessly. Now it just says I "don't have GPS installed, therefor (...)".

I think Wire (and similar apps) changed some code or frameworks that depend on newer Google Play Services and microG is not on the same updated level. (I'm just guessing here, but it looks logically.)

If anyone knows how to fix it I'd be glad to hear, because all these programs running now on websockets and thats a catastrophe for the battery.

PS: I was using lineage-14.1-20180829-microG-d855.zip

[tokariu]

The Problem seems to be fixed for me now.
I updated to: lineage-14.1-20180912-microG-d855, cleared dalvik+cache, the rest is the same. Wire seems to correctly detect GPS again. (I will update if it stops working)

[Nanolx]

The root cause for this is that your Play Store (or Fake Store) did not have signature spoofing permission initially, as seen from your screenshots.

Apps always report Play Services are missing, BUT this message is vague. It CAN also mean Play Store is missing, which either means no Play/Fake Store is installed at all or without signature spoofing permission.

[bzp99]

Since then I did a complete wipe and reinstall. I don't have any such problems now.