Why Cortana Does Not Work on Huawei P40 Pro Without Google Play
Question details
The user is unable to set up or use the Cortana mobile app on a Huawei P40 Pro that lacks Google Play Services and Huawei Celia.

- Product
- Cortana Mobile App
- Device & OS
- Huawei P40 Pro
- Scenario
- Attempting to install, retrieve information, and complete the setup for Cortana in a region without Google Play Services.
- Observed behavior
- The Cortana application displays an error, fails to retrieve necessary information, and cannot complete the setup process.
Acknowledge that Microsoft has officially ended support for the Cortana mobile application across all Android and iOS devices, which permanently affects its functionality.
Switch to a Supported Voice Assistant Alternative
Since the Cortana mobile app was discontinued by Microsoft, the best approach is to uninstall it and use a voice assistant that is actively supported in your region.
Microsoft officially discontinued the Cortana mobile app for Android and iOS after March 31, 2021. Because the app is no longer supported, it cannot connect to Microsoft's servers to retrieve information or complete the initial setup.
This discontinuation affects all mobile devices, regardless of whether they have Google Play Services installed. Troubleshooting or reinstalling the app on your Huawei P40 Pro will not resolve the issue.
Navigate to Settings > Apps on your Huawei P40 Pro, locate Cortana in the application list, and tap 'Uninstall' to remove the defunct application and save storage space.
Open the Huawei AppGallery on your device and search for alternative voice assistant applications that are actively maintained and supported.
Download and install an alternative like Huawei Celia (if it becomes available in your specific region) or another highly-rated third-party productivity assistant, then follow the in-app prompts to set it up.

Enhance Your Mobile Productivity with WPS Office on Huawei
While Microsoft's mobile assistant is no longer available, you can still maximize your productivity on your Huawei P40 Pro. WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that runs seamlessly without requiring Google Play Services.
- 1. Open Huawei AppGallery: Launch the AppGallery natively installed on your Huawei P40 Pro.
- 2. Search for WPS Office: Type 'WPS Office' into the search bar and locate the official application.
- 3. Install and Edit Files: Tap 'Install' to download the suite and immediately start editing your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents without needing Google services.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Cortana suddenly stop working on my Android phone?
Microsoft officially discontinued the Cortana mobile app for Android and iOS after March 31, 2021. All backend services were permanently disabled, which prevents the app from logging in, retrieving data, or functioning.
Can I fix the Cortana setup error by installing Google Play Services on my Huawei?
No. Even if you manage to install Google Play Services on your Huawei P40 Pro, the Cortana app will still fail to set up because the service itself has been shut down by Microsoft for all mobile platforms.
Are there any workarounds to use older versions of Cortana via APK?
No. Sideloading an older APK file will not restore Cortana's functionality. The app requires a connection to Microsoft's servers, which no longer accept requests from mobile applications.
What is the best alternative to Cortana for a Huawei P40 Pro?
The best native alternative is Huawei Celia, provided it is supported in your region. Otherwise, you can browse the Huawei AppGallery for third-party assistant apps that do not rely on Google Mobile Services.




