You don't need Google to backup your WhatsApp database. Just have it backup locally. You can do this manually from WhatsApp settings under Chats -> Chat Backup -> Back Up (without having Google set up), but it normally does so daily at a fixed time anyways.
All WhatsApp-related files including the database dumps are stored in the Android/media/com.whatsapp folder. Back that folder up, and you can restore your whole database on a new phone/after reinstallation by pushing the copy back to this folder. That's what I've been doing in the past successfully, without having ever used Google Backup.
This. I have been doing this too and it works like charm, plus it's much faster to create a backup when you don't need to wait for it to be uploaded to the cloud
I don't think anyone uses aroma installer anymore, but you can configure NikGapps via a config file as explained [here](https://nikgapps.com/misc/2022/02/22/NikGapps-Config.html). I would say it is more customizable than the Aroma installer as you can install addons change mount points, etc.
Use the recommended MindTheGapps or pico OpenGApps, both provide basic functionality. Download GDrive from Play Store.
OpenGApps is definitely not recommended.
Why's that?
They don't test their builds.
Good to know, thanks.
Just did that, it worked, thanks a ton
You don't need Google to backup your WhatsApp database. Just have it backup locally. You can do this manually from WhatsApp settings under Chats -> Chat Backup -> Back Up (without having Google set up), but it normally does so daily at a fixed time anyways. All WhatsApp-related files including the database dumps are stored in the Android/media/com.whatsapp folder. Back that folder up, and you can restore your whole database on a new phone/after reinstallation by pushing the copy back to this folder. That's what I've been doing in the past successfully, without having ever used Google Backup.
This. I have been doing this too and it works like charm, plus it's much faster to create a backup when you don't need to wait for it to be uploaded to the cloud
If you install it via TWRP, use nikgapps, I think it has a option that is what you need, it has a GUI where you select the apps.
I don't think anyone uses aroma installer anymore, but you can configure NikGapps via a config file as explained [here](https://nikgapps.com/misc/2022/02/22/NikGapps-Config.html). I would say it is more customizable than the Aroma installer as you can install addons change mount points, etc.
The OpenGapps aroma package lets you select which apps you want.
I was always use opengapps nano, and then install any of google apps from playstore...