Ask HN: How to make An Android phone more private and secure

3 pointsxlaacid6y ago2 comments

Does anyone have any advice on making an android phone more private (from google) and secure.

I have done some of the basics; turn off location, encrypt the phone, limited the access of some programs, etc.

I'd appreciate any deeper dives into this

Thanks

2 comments

2 comments · 1 top-level

agsilvio6y ago· 1 in thread

I attempted this. I'm sure it's not water tight but it was successful at preventing me from giving away my usage data too easily.

In brief:

- a custom android ROM and NO gapps - no Google play services - f droid for apps - yalp store (from f droid) for must have play store apps (although support is questionable) - I took a new email from proton mail - OSM for maps. SUCKS but a good alternative. Can't complain. - dickduckgo privacy browser - then just avoid the big tech companies (google, Facebook, Amazon, etc)

Cons: a much less streamlined experience.

Pros: some peace of mind about data. Because the phone is more basic, you don't want to fiddle with it as much. Enjoy life!

xlaacidOP6y ago

Thanks! I forgot to mention im on a pixel 3a. The only custom ROM I've found is GrapheneOS and its still a bit raw.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse