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Google Now Is Banned in Several Countries—Here's How to Enable It

Nov 11, 2016 08:47 PM
Nov 11, 2016 08:57 PM
Google search page displayed on a smartphone in an outdoor setting.

For some strange reason, Google Now is unavailable in several countries across the globe. Users from Albania, China, Cyprus, Malta, Nepal, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, and many more big countries have reported for years that the service doesn't work in their area, mostly likely because Location Reporting is not available in their region. This is really a shame, because Google Now has some great features.

Luckily, though, developer CzBiX has discovered a way to enable Google Now regardless of the country you live in. His app patches your existing Google app to bypass location checks, which activates Google Now features in any country. It requires root access, but all you have to do is tap a single button, so you can get Google Now working in just a few quick seconds.

Requirements

Install Google Now Enabler

First up, head to the following link to download the app, which is called Google Now Enabler. From here, just tap the Download complete notification, then press "Install" when prompted.

Notification of a completed download for "GoogleAdminDrop_1.3.apk" on a mobile device.
Google Now Enabler installation prompt with options to cancel or install.
Notification of a completed download for "GoogleAdminDrop_1.3.apk" on a mobile device.
Google Now Enabler installation prompt with options to cancel or install.

Enable Google Now

Next, simply open the app, then tap "Grant" on the Superuser access request. From here, press the button that says "Put Skynet Online," then you'll be all set to go. Yes, it's really that easy to enable Google Now.

Google Home Enabler app prompt for system access request.
Google Now Enabler app interface with instructions to disable Google App.
Google Home Enabler app prompt for system access request.
Google Now Enabler app interface with instructions to disable Google App.

Enjoy Google Now

From now on, when you open your Google App, you'll see the Google Now feed directly beneath the search bar. These cards try to give you relevant information before you even search for a topic, so it's a very useful utility, and one that should have been available in every country to begin with.

Google search interface displaying stock information for Procter & Gamble Co. and Apple Inc.
Weather forecast for San Diego, showing a high of 82°F and mostly sunny conditions.
Google search interface displaying stock information for Procter & Gamble Co. and Apple Inc.
Weather forecast for San Diego, showing a high of 82°F and mostly sunny conditions.

Cover photo and screenshots by Dallas Thomas/Gadget Hacks

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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