Hi. I just got a new phone (Motorola) and spent a bunch of time manually removing access to location etc. I hate Google so much, “don’t do evil” my ass. I’m just looking for my blindspots. Im not in tech so, what should be disabled to keep my phone private?

  • shrek_is_love@lemmy.ml
    0·
    9 days ago

    Here’s what I’ve done:

    • Delete your advertising ID in the system settings
    • Disable the other ad-related settings
    • Disable tracking in the keyboard app (long-press , to get to settings, then click “Privacy”) or switch to HeliBoard
    • Avoid the Google Play store when possible
    • Use F-Droid and Obtainium instead
    • Install the DuckDuckGo browser and enable DuckDuckGo App Tracking Protection (I only use the DDG app for app tracking protection and email protection; I don’t browse the web with it)
    • Install Firefox with uBlock Origin
    • Set DuckDuckGo as your search engine in Firefox
    • Make sure your next phone supports GrapheneOS and install that instead of normal Android
    • Wait for real Linux phones to become viable and use that in a couple years

    Stuff I haven’t done yet but probably will eventually:

    • Replace the default home screen app (your home screen is an app, btw)
    • Replace the Google keyboard app

    I haven’t looked for good alternatives for these yet so if anyone has suggestions, I’m listening!

    • Fiery@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      0·
      9 days ago

      The launcher is just an app, but the way it’s set up ensures that different launcher apps cannot offer the same experience as the stock one.

      Rabbit hole I dove into trying to figure out why my back to homepage didn’t feel snappy (like the swipe up animation goes and only after it’s done the icons load). Turns out that’s pretty much intentional and the solution is rooting your phone.

    • Imaginary_Stand4909@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      0·
      7 days ago
      • Wait for real Linux phones to become viable and use that in a couple years

      God, as a GOS user I want this so bad. I know I can buy used, but having that G on the back of my phone feels dirty. I refuse to go back to Apple, Samsung sucks ass, and I don’t want Chinese phones, so I’m stuck here. But I want to be free.