Android for Privacy
Android for Privacy
Introduction
This guide is a personal reference for installing and configuring my de-Googled cellphone. Android provided by mainstream brands is deeply integrated with Google's ecosystem, pushing users to rely on big tech services while obscuring the trade-offs related to privacy and the so-called "free" services.
Alternatives OS
To avoid this, there are several alternative operating systems for Android. I've tested LineageOS and CalyxOS because they support my current hardware, but you could also consider GrapheneOS and DivestOS. One advantage of these alternatives is the ability to update your phone to the latest Android version (e.g., Android 14).
These OS options provide a minimal, pure operating system as a starting point, allowing you to install apps that meet your needs for functionality while balancing privacy.
There are many ways to achieve this, and that's why I’m documenting my choices to learn and reflect on them later.
Apps that track info from you
My approach is to avoid all big tech services and replace them with community-driven options. This requires a mindset of self-custody, meaning you'll need to take care of your backups, emails, calendars, contacts, etc.
Transitory time is acceptable to use some tracked apps, but important to you know how to check that and decide considering the risks.
The most popular way is use Exodus Privacy reports to verify this info, basically the web site tell you how many "tracks" the app has, and track means a inside codes in app that collect data from you.
Twitter/X has 4 tracks and you check will have information about the data that are collect from you.
It's a pain in the ass verify and decide, much time to test and consider witch app you will use.
Apps
List of Alternatives Awesome-Privacy and DeGoogle
The first app I recommend installing is F-Droid. It’s an unpopular store that doesn’t require a Google account, serving as a trusted repository compared to downloading APKs from other sources. I also recommend installing Aurora Store, which is linked to the Play Store but allows anonymous logins and includes reports from Exodus Services, making it easier to check for trackers.
Store: F-Droid, Aurora Store
Home: TCP/UDP WIDGET (developed by KJM), Ewlink
Sec: Aegis Authentication, OpenKeyChain.
Chat: Telegram Foss, Signal, SimpleX, Proton-Mail.
Browser: Mull, Firefox.
Social: Amethyst nostr Client.
Media: Spotube, Tubular, LibreTube, Materialious, FocusPodcast.
Maps: OsmAnd, GMaps WV.
Others: Material Files, ConnectBot
VPN/Firewall: Orbot, Wireguard Client, NetGuard.
Exodus Reports are amazing to help you to decide, if you really need install an app or not, sometimes is better to use the service in the web-browser to avoid tracks, sure that on web-site they can collect data, but you can use Firefox extension like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger that will mitigate that and block the track .
Your Firefox/based Firefox browser is a good option, you need to configure and remove the telemetry about mozilla, but is easy to do this, the extension to improve the privacy are enough.
Conclusion
Today, there are excellent privacy-focused services like Proton and NextCloud. The best option is to take ownership of your data by creating your own setup. Although it requires more effort, it provides far greater privacy.
#blog #tech