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I wish I could degoogle my android phone. Sadly, it would mean many of the apps I use would stop working..
As far as I understand, only F-droid apps would work on e.g. GrapheneOS - is this wrong? I believe there would be issues with
- Local chatting app
- Local map app (As good as OrganicMaps is, it seems to have limited support in route finding)
- Local banking app
- Local investing app
- Apps for university affairs
- Zoom
I feel so sad that I am locked to the platform..
EDIT: Just checked, seems like everything is reported to work except for local banking app. Sadly, it is too convenient to ditch..
You can install any app on GOS. You can use sandboxed google play to use the gplay store as normal, or Aurora Store if you just want gplay apps but not services.
GrapheneOS has the option to run sandboxed google play services which you can then download any google play store app. This allows for much greater security as the apps cannot see the other apps you download. Also, you could use Aurora Store which allows play store app downloads without a google account.
There are issues that can pop up and is something you'd need to look into on app by app basis. Lately, it seems they have most banking apps working though.
I feel like my local bank etc. is relatively shitty in terms of software, so I am expecting it to not work anywhere other than android & iOS. Local map apps and local messaging app is the bigger issue for me, though.
Yea it can be tricky. If you have the time to test it out its worth the privacy upgrade.
Just be sure you have an accurate image of your default OS, for your carrier if applicable, so you can revert.
You should check out Sapio maybe someone has already checked if your banking app works!
You can get by for most apps with MicroG which is a cut down implementation of play services but some apps will absolutely refuse to run on a non-factory Android image.
Last time I was on a custom ROM I got most things to work to some extent but some jush didn't work e.g. NFC payments via Google Pay.
IIRC there's legislation being discussed in the EU that could compel Google to offer hardware signatures for custom ROMs in future.
F-droid works on any Android phone, doesnt need to be GrapheneOS. I have installed in on regular installs plenty of times.
i know its not as easy / inconvenient, but is there any way to use the companies website instead of the app? For example, i usually log into my banks website to check things or to make a transfer between accounts. Yes you cant scan a check or make desposits, but i also not use a lot of companies App's in the first place. I just dont understand why everyone needs apps - do you really need an app for your ISP?
Yeah, I meant that most apps are not available from F-droid.
Local messaging app does not support web version. Silly/outrageous, I know; guess they want iron grip on the data. What can I do though, when everyone uses it.
You do not use banking through mobile at all? Seems that would be inconvenient at times.
As already commented, the vast majority of apps are fine with Graphene and its optional sandboxed Play Services. Mainly some banking apps can be tricky, but otherwise you're good. You can also use alternatives like Aurora Store rather than Google directly to get your existing apps which aren't on F-Droid; the only real exception there is paid ones.
I got a Pixel and made the switch over about a year ago, and it has been pretty smooth sailing. I also really do appreciate having full control over which permissions to allow each app. I know some people do prefer to run Google's stock camera app or keyboard, but it's easy enough to not give those network access to phone home.
For most of those things you could probably use the browser on a degoogled phone? I can't speak to your specific banking or university apps.
You might want to set up a separate work profile to sandbox that browser usage and/or dodgy apps (see Shelter if you can't do this through the Android settings).
How do people feel about e/OS? I just started playing around with it on an old phone and it seems to work with most apps, including banking and Google apps (their store has an optional Google login).
Depends what your reason for using it is I suppose. pricyguides.org only recommends GrapheneOS as an alternative for privacy and security reasons, but it requires a Pixel device unfortunately.
For route finding, what about GraphHopper Maps?