Is there much benefit at all in using vpn on Google Android OS?
from unicornBro@sh.itjust.works to privacy@lemmy.ml on 12 Jul 00:09
https://sh.itjust.works/post/41985693

I have a normal Googled Android phone and tinkered with a bunch of settings so that only what I can’t uninstall or disable remains on it.

If I run a vpn on it then the Googled OS may still know my location(from wifi and bluethooth scanning that it may be doing nonstop) and browser searches.

In that case, would the vpn only mask my activity from my internet service provider?

Thanks in advance

PS: This is a locked phone and I understand that it’s spyware but I can’t afford an unlocked one yet thanks

#privacy

threaded - newest

Steve@communick.news on 12 Jul 00:14 next collapse

Yes. Exactly.
But why give your ISP (or any wifi you connect to) all your browsing habits?

ryannathans@aussie.zone on 12 Jul 04:04 collapse

It’s either them or VPN provider, but with most VPN providers you lose ipv6

merde@sh.itjust.works on 12 Jul 00:15 next collapse

like i wrote under your last post, install netGuard as a VPN and activate “manage system apps” which will permit you to block google calling home

also, with ADB you can uninstall almost anything (be careful!)

you can also choose a dns which would block those (mullvad, for example

RyanUrq1328@programming.dev on 12 Jul 00:16 next collapse

It can mask your ip from other sites, some have adblocking on them too.

I personally use PiVPN which gives me access to PiHole so I have adblocking on the go.

So like Google still gets stuff, but I figure in trying to get privacy, every little helps.

Dust0741@lemmy.world on 12 Jul 00:53 collapse

Just an FYI, pivpn is in a weird semi-maintained mode. You’re probably fine, and I loved using Pivpn, but wg-easy is more maintained.

RyanUrq1328@programming.dev on 12 Jul 02:11 collapse

Oh i didnt know that! Thank you! I’ll have a look

Mynameisallen@lemmy.zip on 12 Jul 00:33 next collapse

Worth doing, I’d also recommend looking into ADB and removing Gemini and other google apps. It’s not an ideal setup but perfect is the enemy of good

Ulrich@feddit.org on 12 Jul 06:30 next collapse

If I run a vpn on it then the Googled OS may still know my location(from wifi and bluethooth scanning that it may be doing nonstop)

The VPN has nothing to do with your phone’s location settings.

would the vpn only mask my activity from my internet service provider?

Yes, plus it’s a shared server so it makes it harder for websites to know your location or to track your activities across sites.

hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org on 12 Jul 12:11 collapse

Try Universal ADB Debloater, you can probably remove most spywares from it. Surely I can’t trust it as much as a FOSS rom, but from my quick network inspection my samsung stock rom with UAD makes pretty much no network connection at all.

sqgl@sh.itjust.works on 12 Jul 12:22 collapse

Try Universal ADB Debloater,

I don’t see that in the Play store.

Griffus@lemmy.zip on 12 Jul 12:45 next collapse

A quick Qwant search gives github link as first result

hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org on 12 Jul 13:19 collapse

Have you tried searching before commenting?

github.com/…/universal-android-debloater-next-gen…

Squizzy@lemmy.world on 12 Jul 14:00 collapse

Have you tried being nice, the link you provided wasnt for the playstore and not everyone is as digitally literate as you.

hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org on 12 Jul 21:58 next collapse

Sorry if I sounded mean but this is a privacy community and search engine is literally where you go to search for things you don’t know.

jjlinux@lemmy.ml on 13 Jul 03:53 collapse

Have you tried searching instead of coming straight to a group of nerds focused on privacy and crying about something not being in the Play Store, which many of us avoid like the plague?

Squizzy@lemmy.world on 13 Jul 14:21 collapse

If your opsec was so great you’d realise I was not the OP and just found the comment to be dismissive.

Communities thrive on dialogue and providing context and links can help with longevity for the community and platform.