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Hi ... I'm a n00b when it comes to phone hacks but not technology so please don't dumb your answers down on account of me.
We bought two Tmobile Samsung Avants a cpl days ago (one to use and one as a spare) because the price was right and I'm leaving a WM device for Android. HOWEVER I don't like the idea that Google, who has no personal or business relationship with me, has access to all my personal information just because I'm using a phone they've branded. So I'm looking for an Android ROM that doesn't have Google tentacles in it.
I've been researching this since we got the phones but I'm not clear on what ROMS are avail for my phone ... it doesn't look like cyanogenmod has one (although they have one for my gf's old Exhibit T599!! ) - is there a repository, website or thread I haven't found that has a list of what's out there? am I stuck rooting the phone and MANUALLY removing everything? The phones have Kitkat installed.
I saw a youtube vid where they've ported Lollipop to the Avant - would that come de-Googled?
Do Android ROMs from Android come without a Google footprint? Some users have posted that Android as an independent company is not necessarily Google and their OS is NOT a Google product so my thoughts are you can have one without the other.
Any help / info is appreciated. thanks!
master-richie said:
Hi ... I'm a n00b when it comes to phone hacks but not technology so please don't dumb your answers down on account of me.
We bought two Tmobile Samsung Avants a cpl days ago (one to use and one as a spare) because the price was right and I'm leaving a WM device for Android. HOWEVER I don't like the idea that Google, who has no personal or business relationship with me, has access to all my personal information just because I'm using a phone they've branded. So I'm looking for an Android ROM that doesn't have Google tentacles in it.
I've been researching this since we got the phones but I'm not clear on what ROMS are avail for my phone ... it doesn't look like cyanogenmod has one (although they have one for my gf's old Exhibit T599!! ) - is there a repository, website or thread I haven't found that has a list of what's out there? am I stuck rooting the phone and MANUALLY removing everything? The phones have Kitkat installed.
I saw a youtube vid where they've ported Lollipop to the Avant - would that come de-Googled?
Do Android ROMs from Android come without a Google footprint? Some users have posted that Android as an independent company is not necessarily Google and their OS is NOT a Google product so my thoughts are you can have one without the other.
Any help / info is appreciated. thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a project that doesnt have google stuff but you lose alot. Like no app store and things like that. Also Android is a google project. Like WP is by microsoft.
No there is no site like you are looking for.
Android is not a company but an OS like IOS, Windows, Linux and such.
The issue is mainly that if your device is not widely used then there may not be anything available for it. You also need to find out if the bootloader is locked or not and if kernel source is available for the device.
Google doesnt brand phones persay. The android operating system is theirs.
master-richie said:
Hi ... I'm a n00b when it comes to phone hacks but not technology so please don't dumb your answers down on account of me.
We bought two Tmobile Samsung Avants a cpl days ago (one to use and one as a spare) because the price was right and I'm leaving a WM device for Android. HOWEVER I don't like the idea that Google, who has no personal or business relationship with me, has access to all my personal information just because I'm using a phone they've branded. So I'm looking for an Android ROM that doesn't have Google tentacles in it.
I've been researching this since we got the phones but I'm not clear on what ROMS are avail for my phone ... it doesn't look like cyanogenmod has one (although they have one for my gf's old Exhibit T599!! ) - is there a repository, website or thread I haven't found that has a list of what's out there? am I stuck rooting the phone and MANUALLY removing everything? The phones have Kitkat installed.
I saw a youtube vid where they've ported Lollipop to the Avant - would that come de-Googled?
Do Android ROMs from Android come without a Google footprint? Some users have posted that Android as an independent company is not necessarily Google and their OS is NOT a Google product so my thoughts are you can have one without the other.
Any help / info is appreciated. thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has not shown itself to be a malicious company. Is it a little creepy that they know everything about you? Yes. Will it make your user experience better? Probably. When you flash a custom ROM it removes all of the Google apps but the Google apps are really useful. Play Store, Maps, Gmail (can store all your contacts so if you get a new phone you can just import them), etc. are all very useful in my opinion. I don't personally need Google Music for example so I deleted that. All of my music comes through Spotify and Bandcamp downloads. But I can't imagine my phone without the Play Store and Gmail. It would make the experience very annoying. Cyanogen Inc. is looking into pushing their ROMs on to retail Android phones so the phone would come with Cyanogenmod and have their own equivalent to GApps. But, that won't happen for a while. The best bet to get Google out of your hair is to root it and delete the apps you don't need, or use SlimRom.
Edit: Make sure your phone is the same model as the ones that SlimRom is created for.
dictatorkara said:
Google has not shown itself to be a malicious company. Is it a little creepy that they know everything about you? Yes. Will it make your user experience better? Probably. When you flash a custom ROM it removes all of the Google apps but the Google apps are really useful. Play Store, Maps, Gmail (can store all your contacts so if you get a new phone you can just import them), etc. are all very useful in my opinion. I don't personally need Google Music for example so I deleted that. All of my music comes through Spotify and Bandcamp downloads. But I can't imagine my phone without the Play Store and Gmail. It would make the experience very annoying. Cyanogen Inc. is looking into pushing their ROMs on to retail Android phones so the phone would come with Cyanogenmod and have their own equivalent to GApps. But, that won't happen for a while. The best bet to get Google out of your hair is to root it and delete the apps you don't need, or use SlimRom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not true. Even without gapps there are still many google base system files that are built into the system. There is only one Google-less project that is being worked on but they do have issues as the OS is not built to run without them. Even Slim Rom still use alot of googles stuff.
zelendel said:
This is not true. Even without gapps there are still many google base system files that are built into the system. There is only one Google-less project that is being worked on but they do have issues as the OS is not built to run without them. Even Slim Rom still use alot of googles stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't say you can completely de-Google an Android device. But, you can make it appear to be de-Googled, although the system files you mentioned will still be there. But you can completely opt out of Gmail and the like.
dictatorkara said:
I didn't say you can completely de-Google an Android device. But, you can make it appear to be de-Googled, although the system files you mentioned will still be there. But you can completely opt out of Gmail and the like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to have an IT company not too long ago and I run a bunch of commercial grade servers in my house - My needs aren't the same as the typical phone user with respect to data redundancy, cloud computing, etc - I have that capability already. I pretty much use my phone to snap photos, internet browsing, texting, making calls and sometimes use the gps when driving. What I don't need is a copy of all my activity, contacts, calls, texts and browsing history stored on google servers to be sold or given to entities that I a. wouldn't consent to b. have no clue it's happening.
I don't really care if there is a Google footprint left in the phone, I just want to remove Google's ability to mine my personal data from my phone which also includes registering my device via a google+ account.
With respect to playstore, isn't Aptoid a suitable alternative?
What is SlimROM? where can I get more info on it? I saw the post you had linked to originally which prompted me to post my OP because I couldn't find any other info on it
master-richie said:
I used to have an IT company not too long ago and I run a bunch of commercial grade servers in my house - My needs aren't the same as the typical phone user with respect to data redundancy, cloud computing, etc - I have that capability already. I pretty much use my phone to snap photos, internet browsing, texting, making calls and sometimes use the gps when driving. What I don't need is a copy of all my activity, contacts, calls, texts and browsing history stored on google servers to be sold or given to entities that I a. wouldn't consent to b. have no clue it's happening.
I don't really care if there is a Google footprint left in the phone, I just want to remove Google's ability to mine my personal data from my phone which also includes registering my device via a google+ account.
With respect to playstore, isn't Aptoid a suitable alternative?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Dont use that. They are all warez and are known for including data miners, Keyloggers and screen recorders.
Ill be honest. You picked the wrong OS for that then. GPS itself uses google software to connect to the satalites.
This is your best option
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715375
Hi Guys,
I have a OnePlus 6 (oxygenOs rooted) and am very satisfied so far. I've been extremely bothered recently by google and Facebook and Instagram tracking us, thats why I want to de-googling my Oneplus 6. I am not a professional and would like to ask you for help. I did some research on the internet and read a lot about LineageOs and MicroG. I also tried / e / rom and some apps don't work without google services like Line and some apps.
Is there a manual somewhere where I can de-googgle my cell phone and all apps work as with google? I would prefer to lead on oxygen OS or hyrogenOs if these apps would work without google services.
I would be very happy about your tips.
Thanks in advance
greetings
Coktail
ciao
you have to get microG, if you go on their post you will have enought info (and app)
there Is also a magisk module for microG
and an unofficial zip installer (that I suggest, since It could replace Gapps keeping the most of google funtionality)
anyway a lot of google stufs could not work
contact and calendar there are a lot of post discussing
pay, search, assistant, discovery, maps, autofill, maybe netflix
some of them could be easily replaced, others no way...
and, It could be preferible run microG on a gapp-free rom, as omni, syberia, crDroid, etc
hi
Psk.It said:
ciao
you have to get microG, if you go on their post you will have enought info (and app)
there Is also a magisk module for microG
and an unofficial zip installer (that I suggest, since It could replace Gapps keeping the most of google funtionality)
anyway a lot of google stufs could not work
contact and calendar there are a lot of post discussing
pay, search, assistant, discovery, maps, autofill, maybe netflix
some of them could be easily replaced, others no way...
and, It could be preferible run microG on a gapp-free rom, as omni, syberia, crDroid, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you for reply. As i read before oxygen os cant run microG. Hydrogen Os is google free
but not have signature spoofing. I like this rom cause i like the ui and can run paralel apps.
So there is no possibility to run microG with oxy or hdyrogen os? I need Line app.
If you know a solution would be nice if you can post a link.
what you think about /e/rom?(its android9)
thanks alot
best regards
Coktail said:
Hello, thank you for reply. As i read before oxygen os cant run microG. Hydrogen Os is google free
but not have signature spoofing. I like this rom cause i like the ui and can run paralel apps.
So there is no possibility to run microG with oxy or hdyrogen os? I need Line app.
If you know a solution would be nice if you can post a link.
what you think about /e/rom?(its android9)
thanks alot
best regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hydrogen nowadays Is Google free, but it is designer for china market (there are other services inside, at the end It Is worse)
There are also app to make parallel space (i used Island in the cast)
but there are also different client for the most common apps, so you can simply use 2 of them on the same phone account
(example WhatsApp + FMWhatsApp, maybe cloud backup will not work, so it's up to you ti select the best way they fit your needs)
You have to make experiments by your own, because you only can check what is the best option for your usage
Psk.It said:
Hydrogen nowadays Is Google free, but it is designer for china market (there are other services inside, at the end It Is worse)
There are also app to make parallel space (i used Island in the cast)
but there are also different client for the most common apps, so you can simply use 2 of them on the same phone account
(example WhatsApp + FMWhatsApp, maybe cloud backup will not work, so it's up to you ti select the best way they fit your needs)
You have to make experiments by your own, because you only can check what is the best option for your usage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Hydrogen phone and i first wanted to change it to oxygen but after some tweaking it's going well.
First install feem : file transfer program works on every os ... http://feem.io ...it has some advertising but the best there is.
i've got rit of all the chinese software on the phone.
installed a new gui ... nova http://novalauncher.com/
installed acmarket : another market not associated with google.
now you can still install google software if you want to.
i even deleted the chinese browser and
mmm ... ok deleting chinese browser... but pay attention with alternative store
official apps in the PlayStore some times have malware or they sold your data to thirthies...
i wont immagine what can happend on a store where "common people" contributes on It...
let say, Google can make mistakes, anyway it's better than not checking at all... (it"'s a general discussion, i don't know feem in details)
You also are able to use Lineage OS and just don't install Google Apps. There you go. There is also F-Droid as a source for apps.
I got a P40 Lite 5G in the last couple of days, and didn't think or know about the Huawei / Google issues. I'm not from the US, so it was something I heard in the news, but wasn't sure if it would affect us.
I'm probably fine without having google services on my phone for personal use, the alternatives should be fine - never been a big fan of getting tracked like that anyways.
BUT, we use GSuite at work and I need Google Chat on my phone ... so it's a pretty hard stop for me
I'm not opposed to rooting the phone and installing a custom rom, but:
1. Does this solve all the problems, does google apps/services work fine on a rooted phone and custom rom? Or does google block it based on the hardware? (Is that what the spoofing circumvents, or would it still not work?)
2. Doesn't seem like there are any custom roms available even?
I searched through the forum here and did not see anything that looked like it works, I did try Googlefier, MicroG, etc - none worked so far. (My EMUI is already updated, which I understood you shouldn't do - didn't know).
That said, most of these posts were from a few months back, not sure if anything has changed by now?
Any help/advice appreciated, please
wb90 said:
I got a P40 Lite 5G in the last couple of days, and didn't think or know about the Huawei / Google issues. I'm not from the US, so it was something I heard in the news, but wasn't sure if it would affect us.
I'm probably fine without having google services on my phone for personal use, the alternatives should be fine - never been a big fan of getting tracked like that anyways.
BUT, we use GSuite at work and I need Google Chat on my phone ... so it's a pretty hard stop for me
I'm not opposed to rooting the phone and installing a custom rom, but:
1. Does this solve all the problems, does google apps/services work fine on a rooted phone and custom rom? Or does google block it based on the hardware? (Is that what the spoofing circumvents, or would it still not work?)
2. Doesn't seem like there are any custom roms available even?
I searched through the forum here and did not see anything that looked like it works, I did try Googlefier, MicroG, etc - none worked so far. (My EMUI is already updated, which I understood you shouldn't do - didn't know).
That said, most of these posts were from a few months back, not sure if anything has changed by now?
Any help/advice appreciated, please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know we can't root the phone.
The best work around I've found is using vmos to create a sandbox for Google login. It's not perfect but it does the job I need.
If I'm not wrong, you can still use the web browser version, like Doc, Sheet, Slide, Keep, Calendar and etc. So most probably you can still use Google Chat in your mobile browser without problem.
Yeah, but google chat doesn't have a mobile web version ... you can put Chrome into "Desktop Site" mode, but it's not a great experience.
Also, the important part for having it on my mobile is the notifications of new messages if there's any issues...
I thought id highjack to ask my own questons about the p40 lite 5g in relation to the dualspace method
how often do i have to reinstall dualspace?
Is the process of upgrading google apps any more complicated than stock android?
Are there any google apps that cant be installed?
are there any apps that have only partial functionality?
Do the apps crash any more often?
do the google apps have ads in them?
are the ads intrusive?
does it need to be rooted?
How does dualspace affect the phones and apps performance?
I didn't find any functionality of DualSpace ... on Mate40 pro.
Maps isn't working ok, banking apps isn't working (security warnings) ... Nothing new for me.
Hi,
I purchased a new phone a Motorola Edge S (hardware SKU XT2125-4), unfortunately it is a China ROM phone which means it didn't come with Google play store. This was side loaded and I am able to install apps from google. But I have SO many issues with this and I am hoping someone has something helpful to actually use this phone
1. When I try to use Google setup a nearby device (to transfer everything over to this phone), it simply can't find my new phone (despite having bluetooth and location on for both phones
2. I can't restore contacts from google drive even though I can connect
3. I downloaded the MAGISK app, however the file browser is unable to install as the app is not allowed. The toggle to trust the app can not be changed.
I am at a loss as to how to actually use this phone as essentially it's useless at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.
It is already running Android Version 11
Baseband version M55_HI20_209.334.01.60R NIO_PVT_SUPERSDS_CUST
Kernel Version 4.19.136-perf+
Build Number RRN31.Q1-20-17-6
I can provide any / all other information if needed
If the solution is to root the phone, I'm ok with that too, but see point 3.
I'm in the same situation. Purchased the XT2125 as well. Got the Google stuff working by side loading the play store, services and framework. However, initially, while everything else was working, the contacts wouldn't sync. After a few hours of searching, finally came across an article which said that I also needed to side load an apk called google contacts sync and give it permission. Contacts started syncing after that. Fast forward a couple of days and a system update later, SMS are delivered with really long delays and outbound ones fail. Google maps crashes constantly and navigation just doesn't work. I don't know what to do with this phone now honestly, since I need Google maps navigation on a regular basis. Have tried reinstalling maps, resetting permissions, clearing cache and data but nothing seems to work. And with the SMS delay, I can't sign on our complete transactions on a lot of apps because the SMS usually arrives after such a delay that the code has expired. Feels like such a waste of money this phone even though it's supposed to be great bang for the buck.
I am hopeful that when they release the Moto G100 (same phone actually), that we will be able to flash it with this ROM to make it usable.
Slartibartfast70 said:
Hi,
I purchased a new phone a Motorola Edge S (hardware SKU XT2125-4), unfortunately it is a China ROM phone which means it didn't come with Google play store. This was side loaded and I am able to install apps from google. But I have SO many issues with this and I am hoping someone has something helpful to actually use this phone
1. When I try to use Google setup a nearby device (to transfer everything over to this phone), it simply can't find my new phone (despite having bluetooth and location on for both phones
2. I can't restore contacts from google drive even though I can connect
3. I downloaded the MAGISK app, however the file browser is unable to install as the app is not allowed. The toggle to trust the app can not be changed.
I am at a loss as to how to actually use this phone as essentially it's useless at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.
It is already running Android Version 11
Baseband version M55_HI20_209.334.01.60R NIO_PVT_SUPERSDS_CUST
Kernel Version 4.19.136-perf+
Build Number RRN31.Q1-20-17-6
I can provide any / all other information if needed
If the solution is to root the phone, I'm ok with that too, but see point 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait it's like that with motorola too
I thought it's only like that with xiaomi
Seems like even with motorola it doesn't come with google apps if it's a china rom
Though it was only with xiaomi where if it's a china rom it doesn't come with any google apps guess im wrong
Slartibartfast70 said:
I am hopeful that when they release the Moto G100 (same phone actually), that we will be able to flash it with this ROM to make it usable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think it's being released in a couple of days. Anyway, I did a factory reset and the maps issues sorted out. Had to go through the pain of sideloading google again but the device is being shown as google play certified, but yeah, would be nice to just have the international rom on it.
Were you able to make any headway with your device? I didn't put a sim in mine but the rest of it seems to be working ok, except Youtube Vanced isn't signing in with a google account.
I'm having this problem ever since purchasing this phone, and it's really annoying. Sometimes I find out some games or apps I purchased from Google Play appear with the price tag, like if I never purchased them before. This happens also with subscriptions, I think is something about Xiaomi and Google maybe? The only solution I have found is clearing data/cache from Google services, framework and Google Play, then removing my Google account, restart the device and the sign in again with my account in Google. But doing this like every two weeks is frustrating sometimes it happen more often and I don't know what to do. I have the global version (MI) installed can someone please help? Does anyone have this issue as well? Thanks.
I got tired of the problems with Playstore paid apps and avoid them whenever possible and buy to app directly from the developer* if possible.
It's to the point now that I package and firewall block Playstore. Once a paid app is activated many times this and firewall blocking the app stops annoying "Do you wish to upgrade" etc bs.
Lol, I have Samsung Androids and similar issues. It's more like Playwhore...
*Google's pay protection is a sick joke. Just do a charge back on the card if you must. Most developers though provide good support. I haven't had issues outside of Playstore.
$5 is chump change but the time wasted trying to bring Playstore in line is far more costly!!!
Hmm, I have made purchases while being on MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 12.5 (EU) (debloated) . I had no issues with single/subscription purchases.
Are you sure you did not end up disabling some necessary background service from Google or Xiaomi?
Maybe a hard reset or switching to a debloated version of MIUI might help but this sounds more like a particular service not functioning properly.