this post was submitted on 24 May 2026
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privacy

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Okay, thinking about uninstalling Google Play Services after finding out NewPipe may stop working. (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) by MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ca
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What will happen to my phone? Will it crash as soon as I uninstall it? Can I have Android but not Play Services?

Should I use MicroG? If yes, where do I download it? I can use Brevent to uninstall Play Services, but I'm quite wary of such a choice.

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[–] SeekPie@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

On GrapheneOS (or other deGoogled OSs) the only thing that's going to change are apps that require Google Play Services.

On commercial androids I don't think you even can uninstall it.

[–] MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Does Wire, NewPipe, IronFox, Tor and Brave require Play Services? If not, I can uninstall it.

I think I can use Brevent to uninstall it.

[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Wire might for push notifications.

I'm not familiar with Brevent, but you can use adb to uninstall some system level apps, though I'm not sure if adb will work on GPS. Worth a shot, I would suppose.

[–] MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Yes, Wire stopped sending me notifications, but it isn't really that much. Brevent is the same as Shizuka and ADB.

[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Signal requires GPS for push, too, but if GPS isn't available, it uses persistent notifications to stay "active". It uses a bit more battery, theoretically, but I really haven't noticed a difference.

Ah, ok, cool! I'm just so used to using cli adb, I didn't even think to search for another solution. I'm glad more exist!

[–] MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I don't use Signal anymore.

You're welcome :)

[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

I added that part of the comment to showcase a way that a messaging app could use to avoid the requirement of gps, in case Wire has something similar in the settings, is all. I wasn't suggesting you switch : )