What to do about being unable to use a custom ROM?
from devxyn@sh.itjust.works to privacy@lemmy.ml on 04 Nov 06:29
https://sh.itjust.works/post/49165387

I use a Google Pixel and I can’t use GrapheneOS since my phone is carrier locked.

Google play services is likely the biggest privacy invasion I have right now, and I can technically disable it entirely since I don’t use many proprietary Google apps; I mostly use FOSS and privacy respecting alternatives.

What do I do to improve my privacy? I have location services off constantly but am sure that Google play services just bypasses it.

#privacy

threaded - newest

Neptr@lemmy.blahaj.zone on 04 Nov 06:48 next collapse

“Cross-platform GUI written in Rust using ADB to debloat non-rooted Android devices. Improve your privacy, the security and battery life of your device.”

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

scott@lem.free.as on 04 Nov 08:15 next collapse

Logout from all your Google accounts and then use Aurora Store in anonymous mode to install and update apps.

dysprosium@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 04 Nov 08:15 next collapse

Indeed try turning it off and see if you can find alternative apps to restore full functionality. I did the same, although eventually I’m going custom ROM, obviously, but idk when

vector@no.lastname.nz on 04 Nov 10:28 next collapse

Install Rethink DNS app. Configure it to be an Always On VPN. Block any unwanted apps.

The best thing is their on-device block-list. You can even block Google all together. Its super customizable.

You can also use Wireguard VPN with it and it can do split routing.

It has been a game changer for me.

leviathan@feddit.org on 04 Nov 19:13 collapse

Didn’t know it has Wireguard! Interesting…

corvus@lemmy.ml on 04 Nov 12:42 next collapse

Don’t fall into the illusion that you can have privacy with stock android. Google has admittedly igrored user settings to continue spying them.

toomuchrdio@retrolemmy.com on 04 Nov 14:31 next collapse

use FOSS apps as much as possible, avoid google account login. we have the same problem, i use CPH1853 and theres no way i could install GrapheneOS.

RheumatoidArthritis@mander.xyz on 04 Nov 14:43 next collapse

Sell it and get the same one but unlocked. Should be about the same price.

merde@sh.itjust.works on 04 Nov 15:27 next collapse

install netGuard and lockdown both wifi and mobile data.

github.com/M66B/NetGuard/

f-droid.org/packages/eu.faircode.netguard

mudkip@lemdro.id on 05 Nov 04:43 collapse

your carrier still sees you, deal with it or use airplane mode + wifi calling like a ghost. next time just buy an unlockable pixel from google, flash grapheneos, and ascend.

devxyn@sh.itjust.works on 05 Nov 05:40 collapse

my threat model doesn’t include carrier location tracking, im not that extreme in danger of anything