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Huawei & Google – advice for customers

What’s happened exactly?

So, here’s an update for you: Google has said that they will restrict the use of their Android operating system on Huawei handsets and tablets, including their sub-brand, Honor.

Why though? Well it all came about after a decision by the US government to add Huawei to a list of companies that American firms cannot trade with unless they have a licence.

The US Commerce Department has granted a licence, allowing Huawei to continue to support security upgrades and after-sales support to all existing smartphone and tablet products until August 2019. And, this covers all products sold and currently in stock around the world.

We will continue to monitor the news and make sure we update you online and in our stores as soon as we can.

I already own a Huawei or Honor phone, what does this mean for me?

Huawei and Google have confirmed that, at the moment, if you already have a Huawei or Honor handset, it will continue to be supported and can update their devices as normal:

  • Huawei have said they will support security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products.
  • Google has confirmed Google Play and Google Play Protect will continue to work
  • The availability of software updates (including apps, operating systems and security updates) after 19 August 2019 cannot be confirmed currently.

I’m planning to buy a new Huawei or Honor phone, what does this mean for me?

Huawei and Google have confirmed that, all existing Huawei or Honor handsets in the market, including those that have not yet been purchased, will continue to be supported as normal:

  • Huawei have said they will support security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products.
  • Google has confirmed Google Play and Google Play Protect will continue to work
  • The availability of software updates (including apps, operating systems and security updates) after 19 August 2019 cannot be confirmed currently.

Further Q&A.

Can I get a refund or exchange for my Huawei/Honor phone as a result of this?

You won’t need to. Huawei has confirmed there is currently ongoing support for existing devices, so our Returns and Exchange policy remains in place. You can find the details here. https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/returns-cancellations

Will my current Huawei/Honor device continue to work as normal?

In short, yes – but here’s a little more info.

Huawei and Google have confirmed that, at the moment, those who already have a Huawei or Honor handset will continue to be supported and can update their devices as normal:

  • Huawei will support security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products
  • Google has confirmed Google Play and Google Play Protect will continue to work

The availability of software updates (including apps, operating systems and security updates) after 19 August 2019 cannot be confirmed currently and it’s possible the ongoing issue could prevent the upgrade of existing apps from taking place.

I’ve seen some reports that security patches won’t be made available on Huawei or Honor devices – is that true?

Here’s what we know so far, Google and Huawei have confirmed security patches will continue to be made to Huawei and Honor devices both up to and beyond the date of the temporary licence. After the temporary licence expires in August 2019 open source security patches would be available, though the user experience and frequency of updates may be different.

The availability of software updates (including apps, operating systems and security updates) after 19 August 2019 cannot be confirmed currently and it’s possible the ongoing issue could prevent the upgrade of existing apps from taking place.

This is Huawei’s statement: “Huawei will continue to provide security updates and after-sales services to all existing Huawei and Honor smartphone and tablet products, covering those that have been sold and that are still in stock globally.”

Will you carry on selling Huawei and Honor devices?

Yes, we will. But – some of our network partners like EE and Vodafone have decided to press pause on selling Huawei 5G phones. This is why we unfortunately won’t be able to include Huawei phones as part of the line-up for our 5G pre-order plans.

What are the alternatives if I want a 5G enabled handset?

Watch this space. We’ll be announcing a super exciting line-up of 5G phones to pre-order very very soon…

Are you offering any compensation as a result of this issue?

Because your Huawei or Honor phone is still supported and can be updated as normal, we’re not offering any kind of compensation.

Who can I speak to if I have more questions?

If you’ve got any questions or need help buying a new phone, either pop in store and chat to one of our colleagues - or give us a call on 0333 003 7777.