Project Overview
The Wifi Searching App is a highly popular mobile application designed to help both locals and tourists effortlessly locate free WiFi networks nearby. With hundreds of thousands of downloads across multiple regions, it has established itself as a go-to utility app for travelers and remote workers alike.
However, as the app expanded its user base into China, it encountered a critical operational hurdle: China’s internet regulations, which restrict access to all Google services and APIs. Since the original version of the app depended heavily on Google Maps for location data and Firebase for backend communication and push notifications, it became increasingly unstable and inoperable for users within the Chinese market.
The Challenge
The client needed a fast and reliable solution to maintain the app’s functionality and user experience in regions where Google infrastructure is inaccessible. The primary challenges included:
Incompatibility with Google services in China (Google Maps, Firebase)
Loss of core functionalities, including WiFi map display and user engagement via push notifications
Risk of losing a fast-growing market due to regional restrictions
The need for minimal downtime and a seamless transition to retain user trust
MOHA Solution
To ensure uninterrupted service and a smooth user experience for the Chinese market, we engineered a comprehensive technology migration strategy that maintained app integrity while replacing the blocked services.
Step 1: Replace Google Maps with Mapbox
We integrated Mapbox, a high-performance mapping platform, as an alternative to Google Maps. Mapbox offered the flexibility to:
Render high-quality offline/online maps
Maintain location accuracy and marker interactivity
Customize map themes to match the app’s branding
Step 2: Replace Firebase with Huawei Push Kit
We substituted Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) with Huawei Push Kit to handle:
Push notifications to users based on location
Backend messaging capabilities
Real-time user engagement
Step 3: Code Replication & API Integration
We carefully refactored the original codebase, implementing:
Custom wrappers to handle different API logic for new services
Backward compatibility testing to support users in non-restricted regions
Rigorous QA testing to ensure smooth operation across all platforms (Android/iOS)
Business Impact
After implementation, the Wifi Searching App successfully:
Restored full functionality for users in China
Expanded into a previously blocked market without rebuilding the app from scratch
Ensured compliance with local digital policies
Retained its unique value proposition while operating on an entirely new service stack
This project demonstrated our ability to respond quickly to regional restrictions, migrate complex apps with zero data loss, and ensure consistent performance in sensitive, regulated markets.