I have degoogled my phone few years ago it really hit me how much the phones depend on Google services. Few examples from of my daily usage when I compromised:

  1. Communication

I’m in students group, people there have own group chat on facebook messenger. They share info regarding tests, deadlines etc. Basically standard uni messaging. Unless I had fake Facebook account to be there I would have to collect all info by myself. The alternative is a discord server, which in privacy terms is questionable choice too.

At least I have few friends who use Signal or Element, but it’s minority.

What do you usually use and offer when people ask you for contact?

  1. Banking app

Banking app I used has blocked me from app after few years of using it when they realized I have it from “unofficial” source - Aurora store. That motivated to switch the bank and app, which doesn’t really on Google Play services. The easiest way to do that was browsing Huawei app store and finding the most suitable app. Do you use baking apps?

  1. Taxi/Transport

Of course theres no way to use Bolt/Uber for transport on degoogled device. What’s your way of transport after having few beers in pub? Do you use taxi via calling it directly or use that weird Telegram taxi addon?

  1. Map directions

Is there a way to convert google map pins to open source solutions and vice versa? What’s your recommended software for directions? What do you use for driving?

  1. Fitness

Do you track fitness activities?

  1. Phone

Do you have good phone recommendations? I know that GrapheneOS+Pixel is one, but what about others?

  • OnePhoenixEnglish
    71·
    2 days ago

    I think it’s a lot to do with developing a threat model that works for you, and understanding that, unless you’re trying to be Jason Bourne, there’s always going to be SOME compromise - the level of compromise again, depends on you.

    A couple years ago when I started down this rabbit hole, I was doing EVERYTHING that I read on every privacy blog: I started using GrapheneOS, completely degoogled my phone, didn’t use any non-FOSS apps, no location apps, the whole 9 yards.

    I soon came to realize I had to find a compromise. I now follow a threat model that best works for me… Naturally there are weaknesses in it, but it’s things I’m willing to risk.

    1. I use Element with anyone willing to use it with me. I use QKSMS with anyone else.
    2. I created a separate profile on my phone with Graphene that only has my banking apps. It still uses Aurora store and sandboxed Google services.
    3. I don’t live in an area where things like Uber are available so that ones not a problem for me. I just call for a taxi oldschool.
    4. OSMand+. I won’t turn it on (or location) until I’m away from my house and already on the way. You can also manually download apps for offline and use it like an old school paper map.
    5. Kind of unrelated but, I use Obsidian for almost everything I keep track of in my life. I document my fitness exploits on Obsidian.
    6. I use a Pixel 8 with GrapheneOS. I use my phone calls as per normal but usually try and text (see #1 above) my phone also has a record button when you call someone - I’ll generally record every conversation I have with anyone from any company, etc., which has already saved me some headaches in a few cases where service providers promised something and then didn’t follow through and I could go back in the recording and prove they said a certain thing.

    A few extras:

    1. I also have an audio recorder on my phone with a shortcut that turns it on when I double tap my screen. I use this whenever I go somewhere strange/alone like a Kijiji meet up or something, get pulled over by the cops, etc. - just for safety/contingency.
    2. I use Kmeet for video chat with family, friends.
    3. I use Pipepipe, Newpipe, etc. for videos and most music.
    4. Proton for VPN
    5. Proton/Tuta for email.
    6. Ente for photos.

    That’s just my little process… I know some of these aren’t directly related to common phone usage but it’s how I use my phone daily, so hopefully some of it is interesting to you.