How to Install microG

What is microG?

microG is a free software reimplementation of Google’s Play Services. It allows applications calling proprietary Google APIs to run on AOSP-based ROMs like LineageOS, acting as a free replacement for the non-free, proprietary Google Play Services (GApps). It allows you to enjoy core Android features without having to install proprietary Google packages.

Note: Apps that take advantage of microG may still be using proprietary libraries to communicate with microG, just as they do when communicating with the actual Google Play Services.

Installation

Download microG Services (GmsCore) and microG Companion (FakeStore) from microG Downloads.
Install the downloaded APKs.
Open microG Settings and complete the Self-Check checklist to grant all requested permissions.

Google Cloud Messaging (GCM)

Google Cloud Messaging delivers push notifications from app servers to the device without the app needing to run in the background.

Why enable GCM

Without GCM, apps cannot receive push notifications unless they run persistent background services, which will significantly degrade battery life and may lead to delayed or missed alerts.

How to Enable GCM

Open microG.
Select Google device registration and toggle it On.
Select Cloud Messaging and toggle it On.
In Cloud Messaging > Tap the 3 dots in top right corner > Advanced.
Configure ping intervals on cellular or Wi-Fi networks, if push notifications are delayed.
GCM is now enabled and it will be used automatically for all installed apps.

Network Location Provider (NLP)

Network location provides location services through Wi-Fi and cell tower positioning without relying on Google’s location servers. GPS alone can be slow to acquire a fix indoors or in dense urban areas. NLP provides fast, low-power approximate location fixes for applications by using alternative location services such as position.xyz and BeaconDB.net.

How to Enable NLP

Open microG > Location.
Select Location.
Tap the 3 dots in top right corner.
Select Online Location Service.
Select a location provider service.

microG Services Framework Proxy (GsfProxy)

Legacy apps that use older Google Cloud Messaging implementations will require microG Services Framework Proxy (GsfProxy) to communicate with microG. Modern apps will not require this package, so in most cases, you will not need to install it.

Installing the APK directly will fail, as it targets a lower SDK version than Android 14+. In order to bypass this restriction, you can sideload the APK from your computer using adb.

To install GsfProxy on LineageOS:

Make sure you have adb installed and set up on your computer.
Download GsfProxy.apk from the microG Downloads page onto your computer.
Enable USB debugging on your device in Settings > Developer options.
Connect your device to your computer via USB.
Run the following command in a terminal to bypass the minimum target SDK restriction:
```
adb install --bypass-low-target-sdk-block GsfProxy.apk
```