this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2025
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Privacy

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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.

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[–] Neptr@lemmy.blahaj.zone 30 points 1 month ago

"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 points 1 month ago

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

[–] scott@lem.free.as 8 points 1 month ago

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

[–] vector@no.lastname.nz 8 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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 1 points 1 month ago

Didn't know it has Wireguard! Interesting..

[–] RheumatoidArthritis@mander.xyz 6 points 1 month ago

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

[–] toomuchrdio@retrolemmy.com 5 points 1 month ago

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 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)
[–] dysprosium@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago

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 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

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 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

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