So you just got your brand new Android handheld and you’re ready to get it set up. You go through the initial setup process, open the Google Play Store, and are met with a message saying “This device isn’t Play Protect certified.” Well, that’s strange, because it’s running Android, so it should be able to download apps from the Play Store, right?
Although that’s true, it isn’t the entire story. There are some Android devices that rely on modified versions of Android and didn’t go through Google’s official certification process. It’s something that we ran into with the ZPG A1 Unicorn, and also happens with dual-boot devices like the Anbernic RG353V.
Register Your Android Handheld (The Easy Way)
Another reason why you might see the “This Device Isn’t Play Protect Certified” message is if you root your handheld. Rooting your handhelds has a few advantages, namely being able to install custom ROMs, such as LineageOS onto it. Plus, you have the added benefit of being able to install Magisk modules, but we’ll save that for another day.
Nevertheless, if you want to be able to actually download apps from the Play Store, here are the steps you need to take:
- Download the Device ID app onto your Android handheld.
- Open your device’s File Manager app.
- Navigate to the Downloads folder.
- Tap the Device ID APK that you just downloaded to install it.
- Once installed, open the Device ID app.
- Copy (or write down) the Google Service Framework (GSF) number.
- Navigate to the Google Device Registration page.
- Paste or enter the GSF number from before.
- Confirm the reCAPTCHA and press the Register button.
- Once registered, restart your Android handheld.
- Open the Google Play Store and tap the Sign In button.
- Sign in with the Google account you want to use.
Patience is Key
In most instances, you’ll be able to sign into the Play Store on your Android handheld within 15 minutes of registering. However, there might be times when the registration process takes a bit longer. The longest we’ve seen is about 24 hours, between registering and being able to download apps on a previously uncertified handheld.
We’ve heard that there is one thing that you can do to try to speed up device registration. This involves clearing the storage and cache of both the Play Store and Play Services in the Settings app. Here’s how you can do so:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps.
- If necessary, tap the See all X apps drop-down.
- Scroll down and tap Google Play Services.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Tap the Clear Cache button.
- Go back to your list of installed apps.
- Select Google Play Store.
- Tap the Clear Cache button.
- Restart your handheld.
- Open the Google Play Store app and try to sign in.
In the event that clearing the cache doesn’t work, you can also clear the storage. Just follow the steps listed above, tapping Clear Storage instead of Cache. Restart your handheld again, and then try to sign in with your Google account.
It’s worth pointing out that once you register a device, you can’t really “speed things up.” Attempting to re-register the same ID will result in Google telling you that it’s already in progress. So again, just give it some time before trying to sign in and download apps.
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
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