What to do about being unable to use a custom ROM?

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.

40 points · 11 comments · view on lemmy.world

11 Comments

Neptr@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 30 pts · 322d

"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."

https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation

corvus@lemmy.ml · 15 pts · 322d

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

vector@no.lastname.nz · 8 pts · 322d (1 reply)

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 · 2 pts · 321d

Didn't know it has Wireguard! Interesting..

scott@lem.free.as · 8 pts · 322d

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

RheumatoidArthritis@mander.xyz · 6 pts · 322d

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

toomuchrdio@retrolemmy.com · 5 pts · 322d

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.

merde@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 322d

install netGuard and lockdown both wifi and mobile data.

https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/

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

dysprosium@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 1 pts · 322d

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

mudkip@lemdro.id · 1 pts · 321d (1 reply)

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 · 1 pts · 321d

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