“Google blocks installation of Google apps on non-certified devices”

Google takes measures to prevent manufacturers from installing Google apps on Android devices without being certified. The search giant makes an exception for users of custom ROMs, by allowing them to register their Android ID.

XDA Developers writes that it has received a tip that Google is taking stricter measures, so that new firmware with a build date after March 16 can no longer access Google apps, or GApps, without certification. People would have encountered this problem in the past as well, but the work-around that was suggested at the time does not seem to work anymore, the site says. Users cannot sign in with their Google account on blocked devices.

Warning, via XDA

An exception has been created for users who have a custom rom. For example, Google has created a page where users can register their Android ID in that case. XDA Developers notes that this number can be found via adb.

According to the source, the measure is intended to allow manufacturers to go through the certification process in the form of the Compatibility Test Suite. This way they could no longer ignore this process and still promise customers that they can sideload Google apps. GApps include, for example, applications such as Gmail, Maps and the Play Store, which are usually standard on Android devices.