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.
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.
my threat model doesn’t include carrier location tracking, im not that extreme in danger of anything
Don’t fall into the illusion that you can have privacy with stock android. Google has admittedly igrored user settings to continue spying them.
“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
Sell it and get the same one but unlocked. Should be about the same price.
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.
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.
Didn’t know it has Wireguard! Interesting…
Logout from all your Google accounts and then use Aurora Store in anonymous mode to install and update apps.
install netGuard and lockdown both wifi and mobile data.
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
