When installing Binance on Huawei HarmonyOS, you most commonly encounter two prompts: "This app is not certified by the App Gallery" and "Pure Mode has blocked the installation". The core solution is a three-step process: Turn off Pure Mode → Enable installation from external sources → Manually trust the developer certificate. If you're short on time, save these entries: Register an account via the Binance Official Website, and download the package directly from the Binance Official APP; for the iPhone region-switching process, see the iOS Installation Tutorial. This article will clarify the differences between HarmonyOS 4.2 (Android compatible), HarmonyOS NEXT (pure HarmonyOS, not Android compatible), and EMUI 13, and tell you which 4 permissions are mandatory and which one can be skipped.
I. The 3 Layers of Interception for Binance on Huawei
Huawei introduced a whitelist mechanism for its App Gallery starting with EMUI 10, which HarmonyOS has further tightened. Currently, installing a Binance APK on a Huawei phone will trigger three layers of interception:
| Layer | Name | Trigger Point | Bypassable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer 1 | Pure Mode | Before Installation | Can be turned off |
| Layer 2 | External App Sources | First Installation | Can be authorized per APP |
| Layer 3 | App Signature Verification | During Installation | Manual trust required |
Note: HarmonyOS NEXT requires "Developer Mode" to be enabled, otherwise even external sources cannot be opened. The following sections break this down by system version.
II. Steps for HarmonyOS 4.2 Installation
HarmonyOS 4.2 is a version based on AOSP modification and is compatible with Android APKs. The installation process is similar to traditional Android but with stricter interception.
Step 1: Confirm System Version
Go to "Settings → About Phone → Software Version". The HarmonyOS 4.2 version number format is HarmonyOS 4.2.0.xxx, with a Linux 5.10 kernel. Distinguish this from NEXT later: NEXT's version number is HarmonyOS 5.0.x and is labeled "NEXT".
Step 2: Turn Off Pure Mode
Path: "Settings → System & Updates → Pure Mode", then tap "Turn Off". The system will pop up a warning "Turning off will reduce device security"; tap "Confirm Turn Off".
If you can't find this menu, Huawei might have hidden it in a sub-menu. Backup path: "Settings → Security → More Security Settings → Install apps from external sources", and enable "Trust this app".
Step 3: Authorize File Manager to Install Unknown Apps
- Open the "Huawei File Manager" app and locate the downloaded binance.apk.
- Tap to install. The system prompts "Current app does not support installing other apps".
- Tap "Go to Settings".
- Toggle on the "Allow app installs" switch.
- Go back and continue the installation.
Huawei's approach differs from Xiaomi's: It doesn't authorize the browser directly, but rather the "File Manager" system app. So if you tap "Open" to install immediately after downloading in Chrome, you'll still be blocked. The correct way is to open it via Huawei File Manager after downloading the file.
Step 4: Bypass Signature Verification
During the APK writing phase, a prompt "This app is not certified by the App Gallery and may pose a risk" will appear. There are two buttons:
- "Don't install" (default highlight)
- "Install anyway" (requires one more confirmation)
Tap "Install anyway". The system will pop up a second confirmation, requiring you to check the "I understand the risks of this app and assume them voluntarily" checkbox, then tap "Continue Install". The checkbox is intentionally greyed out, making users think it's unclickable, but it can be checked with a single tap.
III. Special Handling for HarmonyOS NEXT
HarmonyOS NEXT (commonly known as "Pure HarmonyOS") completely abandons AOSP and is not compatible with Android APKs. This is a change introduced in HarmonyOS 5. The way to use Binance on NEXT is entirely different.
Step 1: Confirm Your Binance Package Type
- .apk files (Android package) → Cannot be installed directly on HarmonyOS NEXT.
- .hap files (HarmonyOS Ability Package) → Can be installed.
- .app files (HarmonyOS Signed App Package) → Can be installed.
As of April 2026, Binance has not yet released a native HarmonyOS NEXT version. On NEXT models, the Binance team suggests two paths:
- Use the Binance Web Version (binance.com) with the HarmonyOS browser.
- Use a secondary Huawei device still running HarmonyOS 4.x.
If your model is a new device like the Mate 70 Pro / Pura 80 Ultra / nova 13 that ships with NEXT by default, you currently can only use the web version.
Step 2: Enable Developer Mode (Required for NEXT)
Even to install .hap apps, you need Developer Mode: "Settings → About Phone → Build Number", tap it 7 times until "You are now a developer" appears. Then go back to "Settings → System & Updates → Developer Options", and turn on "USB Debugging" and "Apps from Unknown Sources".
Step 3: Use hdc tool to install .hap
The .hap format cannot be installed by double-clicking like an APK; it must be installed via the hdc (HarmonyOS Device Connector) tool. This path is intended for developers and is not suitable for average users. Most NEXT users should currently use the web version directly.
IV. EMUI 13 and Older Versions
If your Huawei phone hasn't upgraded to HarmonyOS and is still using EMUI 13 / EMUI 12, the barrier to installing Binance is actually lower:
Step 1: Open External Sources
"Settings → Security → More Security Settings → Install apps from external sources", and toggle the switch on.
Step 2: Turn Off Smart Protection (If applicable)
"Settings → Biometrics & Password → Smart Protection", if there is an option to "Automatically block unknown APKs", turn it off.
Step 3: Install Normally
EMUI is not as strict as HarmonyOS regarding signature verification. As long as the first two steps are done, the Binance APK can be installed by double-clicking. Some EMUI 13 models will pop up a "Huawei Priority Detection" prompt after installation; just select "Ignore".
V. 4 Mandatory Permissions for Binance on Huawei
Different Android brands have different permission granularities. Huawei breaks down permissions into over 30 items. After installing Binance, you must authorize the following 4 to trade normally:
| Permission | Path | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | App Info → Permissions → Storage | Yes | Save K-line cache, download statements |
| Network | On by default | Yes | Trade requests, market push notifications |
| Notifications | App Info → Permissions → Notifications | Yes | Execution alerts, login verification push |
| Camera | App Info → Permissions → Camera | Yes | KYC face recognition, QR code payments |
| Location | App Info → Permissions → Location | Optional | Login location verification (Frequent 2FA without it) |
| Contacts | App Info → Permissions → Contacts | No | Binance does not need contact data |
| Calendar | App Info → Permissions → Calendar | No | Binance does not need calendar data |
Location info can be skipped, but it affects the login experience: The Binance backend will frequently request a 2FA code because the "login location is inconsistent with previous ones". Granting location permission ensures smooth logins. As for Contacts and Calendar, the official Binance version does not request these; if the version you installed asks for these two, it's likely a fake package, uninstall it immediately.
VI. 2 Extra Issues Due to Lack of GMS
Huawei phones since the Mate 30 Pro no longer pre-install Google Services (GMS). This affects Binance in two main ways:
Issue 1: Google Authenticator Cannot Be Installed
If your account's 2FA is bound to Google Authenticator, you need to switch to an alternative that can run on Huawei:
- Authy (Requires sideloading APK)
- Microsoft Authenticator (Requires sideloading APK, but icon is abnormal on some models)
- Binance Built-in 2FA (Recommended, no installation required)
The easiest way is to migrate Google Authenticator 2FA to Binance Built-in 2FA (after logging in, switch under "Security → Two-Factor Authentication").
Issue 2: Push Notification Latency
Huawei devices receive Binance notifications via the Huawei Push Service (HMS Push), but the official Binance APK uses the Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) channel. On Huawei phones without GMS, notifications will degrade to a long polling mode, increasing latency from the normal 1-3 seconds to 20-60 seconds.
Solutions:
- Increase notification frequency in the Binance APP: "Settings → Notifications → Real-time Push"
- Add Binance to the whitelist: "Phone Manager → Launch Manager → Allow background activity"
- Turn off restrictions on Binance in EMUI/HarmonyOS "Power Saving Mode".
FAQ
Q: When will HarmonyOS NEXT be able to install Binance APKs? A: NEXT's incompatibility with Android APKs is architectural; it will never be able to install APKs. To use Binance on NEXT, you must wait for the official release of a native .hap version or use the web version at binance.com.
Q: Will turning off Pure Mode lower the Huawei security score? A: No. The Pure Mode switch does not affect Huawei account credit, warranty, Huawei Wallet, mobile payments, or any other functions. it only adds one confirmation the next time you install an APK.
Q: Why can't I find "Binance" in the Huawei App Gallery? A: Huawei App Gallery in China mainland does not list overseas exchanges. The overseas version of App Gallery may have a Binance entry, but it is still subject to regional restrictions. Downloading the APK from binance.com is the only legitimate path.
Q: What if Phone Manager repeatedly prompts "Risk App" after installation? A: Open "Virus Scan → Scan Settings → Trusted Apps" in Phone Manager and add Binance to the trusted list. It will stop prompting after that.
Q: Can I install Binance on a Huawei tablet? A: Yes. The HarmonyOS 4.2 on the Huawei MatePad series (Pro 13.2 / MatePad Air, etc.) is compatible with Android APKs. The installation process is the same as the phone process described in this article. MatePad Paper (E-ink screen) is not recommended for installation as the refresh rate does not support K-line rendering.
Q: Can I install Binance on my Huawei Vision (Smart Screen)? A: Huawei Vision uses HarmonyOS TV edition, which has an app ecosystem independent of the phone version and cannot install the Binance phone APK. Since there are no trading scenarios for a smart screen, installation is not recommended.