I am not a nerd(respectful), but I would like to know how you’d set up your phone. I’d like to start leaning into more opensource/privacy minded apps and such to avoid having as much of my data harvested. I’m still going to use apps like Instagram which are obviously horrible but I figure trying to do better in other areas is better than nothing.
- what to delete
- what apps are a must (calendar, maps, app store etc)
- vpns?
- keyboards?
- email besides proton? Is there a way to have my emails from Google forward to this address?
- everything needs to connect to Google accounts is there a way around this?
And yes any other advice on making your phone functional/fast/anonymous/aesthetically pleasing is welcomed thankkkkks
I was curious about the ROM thing, what exactly would that do anyway?
I’ve never heard of the aurora store so that’s cool I’ll definitely check that out. I think I tried to use obtanium but had no idea what I was doing lol.
You mention deleting those stock apps manually, I imagine that could be something that someone (me) could screw up pretty easily if they don’t know what they are doing? It sounds tempting for some apps that I know I’d never touch in my life but also do not want to explode my phone.
Thank you for the info this was helpful
A ROM is the operating system on the phone. So you replace all the existing software from scratch.
In a prior comment I just suggested you installed CalyxOS which is a custom ROM. It is very easy and indented for use by non-nerds to provide them with the most private, secure phone which works as expected. You must still be brave to do things you aren’t used to perhaps. But it should proceed easily (as long as you get the right phone). Here is the instructions for installing on Pixel 7 from Windows computer as an example https://calyxos.org/install/devices/panther/windows. I was shocked the first time I did it that it worked properly on the first go. I had set the whole day aside assuming I would fuck it up again and again but it was done in like 20 minutes.
When you restart after install, it has everything you need set up: browser, email, chat, app stores, bluetooth works, etc. Just like a regular new phone except it has had as much as possible of the spy tech removed. And unlike some other ROMs it also keeps the device physically secure in case it gets stolen or something.
Oooo thanks for explaining. I read your other comment and fuck, I’m just gonna keep the oneplus lol. I have shit opsec and just want to improve a bit. That does sound tempting though, I’m not a luddite and can figure technological stuff pretty easily so.l that’s encouraging that it’s that quick to install