Earlier this week, Redmi launched the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition (aka Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition) in China. We got our hands on a review unit. While playing around with the device, we found out that it does not support GMS (Google Mobile Services) installation.

Back in February, Xiaomi confirmed that it will no longer include the GMS framework on its future smartphones running MIUI China ROM. With the MIUI 12.5 update, the company has been also removing the framework on older phones.

The firm claims that this move will reduce the storage space consumed by the OS. The Chinese handset maker even allows users to uninstall a bunch of system apps on MIUI 12.5.

Since the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition ships with MIUI 12.5 out of the box, it does not have the necessary GMS framework files that are required for Google apps and services. Hence, users cannot install GMS from the Mi App store on this phone.

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We can confirm that this is the case with all the units and not only ours alone. We enquired about this matter with a local Mi Store executive. They revealed that the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition does not support GMS installation as of now. There are also multiple discussion threads on this issue on forums like Kuan.

That said, it is worth noting that Xiaomi could add the GMS framework in a future system update. Because the company had earlier stated that it will ship phones with the GMS framework based on demand. 

Since the Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition is the brand’s first gaming smartphone, it is already popular internationally. We expect more enthusiasts to import it. Hence, there’s a high chance Xiaomi could bring GMS installation support to this handset.

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The post PSA: Redmi K40 Gaming Edition does not support GMS installation appeared first on Gizmochina.

A few days back, news broke out that Xiaomi is blocking users from installing GMS (Google Mobile Services) on its devices running MIUI China ROM. To this, the company has now issued an official statement.

Xiaomi posted an image on Weibo via its ‘Xiaomi Company Spokesperson’ account. This image includes a total of four points

The first one says that the information regarding GMS on Xiaomi phones was shared by an unofficial Xiaomi Community group. Whereas, in the second one, the company denies that it is blocking GMS installation and calls this news a ‘rumor’.

However, the firm’s third point contradicts the first two. In this, the company notes that the GMS framework, which is required for GMS apps comes pre-installed on certain smartphones sold in China. But it will be not the case in the future. 

Hence, users will not be able to install GMS on their phones (from the app store) themselves without the required framework. Anyway, Xiaomi does say that it will be shipping select handsets with the GMS framework based on demand.

Looks like instead of ‘future’, the Chinese smartphone maker has already removed the framework with the latest MIUI update on some of its models. Therefore, we think that with multiple users reporting on the issue, the unofficial Xiaomi Community Group brought this news to a wider public.

Lastly, the fourth point confirms that international models are not affected. Thus, Xiaomi’s global customers need not worry about GMS on their smartphones.

So who all are affected by this change? First and foremost, people who import Xiaomi handsets from China. These users will no be able to install GMS on their device if it does not come with the required framework. Secondly, Chinese citizens who want to try out GMS.

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