How to Install Google Apps (GApps) on Custom ROMs
Most custom ROMs don't include Google apps for licensing reasons. Here's how to add them.
Why GApps Are Separate
Due to licensing restrictions:
- Custom ROMs can't bundle Google apps
- You must install them separately
- There are multiple GApps packages to choose from
When Do You Need GApps?
✅ You need GApps if:
- You want Google Play Store
- You use Gmail, Maps, YouTube
- Apps require Google Play Services
- You need push notifications
❌ You DON'T need GApps if:
- You prefer privacy (de-Googled)
- You'll use Aurora Store / F-Droid
- ROM includes microG alternative
GApps Packages Compared
| Package | Size | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenGApps Pico | ~150MB | Play Store, Services | Minimal install |
| OpenGApps Nano | ~200MB | Pico + Gmail, Calendar | Light users |
| OpenGApps Stock | ~1GB | All Google apps | Full experience |
| MindTheGapps | ~200MB | Essential only | LineageOS |
| NikGapps | Variable | Customizable | Advanced users |
| BiTGApps | ~150MB | Minimal | Performance |
Option 1: OpenGApps (Most Popular)
Step 1: Download
- Visit opengapps.org
- Select:
- Platform: ARM / ARM64 (check your device)
- Android Version: Match your ROM (13, 14, etc.)
- Variant: Pico, Nano, Stock, etc.
- Download the zip file
How to Check Platform
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi
# Returns: arm64-v8a (use ARM64) or armeabi-v7a (use ARM)
Step 2: Flash in TWRP
1. Boot into TWRP recovery
2. Tap "Install"
3. Select the GApps zip
4. Swipe to flash
5. Reboot system
⚠️ Important
- Flash GApps immediately after ROM, before first boot
- GApps + ROM should be flashed in one session
Option 2: MindTheGapps (For LineageOS)
LineageOS officially recommends MindTheGapps.
Download
- Visit LineageOS Wiki
- Download for your Android version
- Flash via TWRP after ROM
Included
- Play Store
- Google Play Services
- Digital Wellbeing
- Google Location Services
Option 3: NikGapps (Customizable)
NikGapps lets you choose exactly which apps to install.
Features
- Addon packages (individual apps)
- Debloater included
- Smallest core package available
- Works on Android 10-15
Download
- Visit nikgapps.com
- Choose Core + desired addons
- Flash in TWRP
Core Package (~80MB)
Only includes:
- Google Play Services
- Play Store
- Basic framework
Add individual apps as addons.
Option 4: BiTGApps (Minimal)
Ultra-minimal GApps for performance.
Features
- Smallest footprint
- SystemUI patches included
- Works on most ROMs
Download
Installation Guide
Before First Boot (Recommended)
1. Flash ROM
2. Flash GApps (don't reboot yet)
3. Optional: Flash Magisk
4. Wipe Dalvik/Cache
5. Reboot System
After First Boot (Possible Issues)
You CAN flash GApps after first boot, but:
- Boot into TWRP
- Flash GApps
- Wipe Data/Factory Reset (required!)
- Reboot
Troubleshooting
"Insufficient Storage" Error
Cause: System partition too small
Solutions:
- Use smaller GApps variant (Pico)
- Use NikGapps Core
- Some ROMs need dynamic partitions resized
Play Store Crashes
# Clear data
adb shell pm clear com.android.vending
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms
Reboot after clearing.
SafetyNet Fails
- Install Magisk
- Enable DenyList for Play Store
- Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module
Apps Keep Crashing
- Flash matching Android version GApps
- Try different GApps package
- Clean flash ROM + GApps
GApps Variants Explained (OpenGApps)
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Pico | Minimum working Play Store |
| Nano | Pico + Gmail, Calendar, Search |
| Micro | Nano + Browser, Clock |
| Mini | Micro + Contacts, Maps |
| Full | Most G Suite apps |
| Stock | All Google apps like Pixel |
| Super | Stock + Play Games, Movies |
| Aroma | Choose apps during install |
Recommendation
- 🏆 Most users: Pico or Nano
- 💼 Power users: Full or Stock
- 🔒 Privacy-conscious: NikGapps Core
De-Googled Alternative: microG
If you want Play Store compatibility without Google:
- Flash ROM with microG support
- Or install microG manually
Quick Reference
| Android Version | ARM64 Package Name |
|---|---|
| Android 15 | open_gapps-arm64-15-pico.zip |
| Android 14 | open_gapps-arm64-14-pico.zip |
| Android 13 | open_gapps-arm64-13-pico.zip |
FAQ
Q: Which variant should I choose?
A: Start with Pico. Add individual apps from Play Store later.
Q: Can I uninstall GApps later?
A: Requires reflash without GApps (clean install).
Q: GApps not downloading, stuck at 0%
A: Try different mirror, or download on PC and transfer.
Q: Do I need GApps for notifications?
A: Most apps require Google Play Services for push notifications.
Keywords: install GApps custom ROM, OpenGApps Android 14, MindTheGapps LineageOS, NikGapps download, Google Play Services