So, I have a Pixel 3 which I bought hoping that sooner rather than later I would be able to install a custom ROM and have a Google-free device.
As I'm new to flashing ROMs etc, some questions are in order:
1. I've been searching the XDA forums and it seems there aren't yet that many ROMs for my device. Any recommendations? Everybody says Lineage is a stable ROM, but as of now there's only an unofficial build. What are the issues of going for the unofficial? Should I just wait for the official or try another ROM?
2. I'd like to, if possible, not install GApps. Would microG enable me to: (a) use my bank's app? (b) be able to remotely lock and/or wipe my device in case it gets lost or stolen?
I think that's all for now. I had not used Android since 2012 and though I'm enjoying the control I have over my device and availability of FOSS apps, the privacy implications of this close relationship with Google is really bugging me.
Thank you for any help and clarifications you can offer.
Related
I'm having an issue with my bank's mobile app, because it's trying to test for the presence of a fingerprint reader using FingerprintManager.isHardwareDetected() but my phone (OnePlus One) doesn't have one. On LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2) this was fine, because there was still a FingerprintManager registered as a system service, so that method was still usable and returned false. On LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1.0), it seems like because there is no fingerprint reader, the system FingerprintManager is never registered, so trying to call the method belonging to it results in a NullPointerException and the app crashes.
https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/36720301 describes the issue existing on upstream AOSP on a Pixel C tablet (which obviously has no fingerprint reader) so does this suggest that it's an intentional change in behaviour and not necessarily a bug in LineageOS and that it'll have to be fixed by all app developers that use fingerprints rather than a fix to the OS? I've already tried to feed this back to the bank, but since they don't support rooted phones and custom ROMs, if this is a LineageOS issue then I doubt they will fix it...
https://imgur.com/a/GziEpbj
I am a noobie when it comes to custom ROMs and Android. So if more experienced readers say don't do it, listen to them and not to me.
A) Since your phone is rooted, is there a way to sideload a patch that hard codes a "no fingerprint reader" response when the device is queried?
B) Can you sideload a compatible version of Fingerprint Manager and register it?
C) If Fingerprint Manager is already present is there a means of registering it?
I have some experience dealing with banks. Have you explained that your phone's OEM ROM developer Cyanogen has gone out of business. You have no option but to use custom ROMs if you want to stay current with Android development and security updates. Sometimes all it takes is providing the germaine information to a decision maker to obtain optimal results.
Sent from my OnePlus 5 using XDA Labs
Pack Leader said:
I am a noobie when it comes to custom ROMs and Android. So if more experienced readers say don't do it, listen to them and not to me.
A) Since your phone is rooted, is there a way to sideload a patch that hard codes a "no fingerprint reader" response when the device is queried?
B) Can you sideload a compatible version of Fingerprint Manager and register it?
C) If Fingerprint Manager is already present is there a means of registering it?
I have some experience dealing with banks. Have you explained that your phone's OEM ROM developer Cyanogen has gone out of business. You have no option but to use custom ROMs if you want to stay current with Android development and security updates. Sometimes all it takes is providing the germaine information to a decision maker to obtain optimal results.
Sent from my OnePlus 5 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A) my phone isn't rooted - I've actively avoided it because I want to use it as an everyday phone for banking and stuff without messing about with Magisk and the like. I don't do anything on it that needs root, and LineageOS ships without root as standard so I've never bothered.
B) It's not really a thing you load, it's part of the OS - I would imagine there's a way of writing a "mock" fingerprint service but I'm far from any kind of developer, let alone Android hardware specific, so it's beyond me
C) This seems the most likely fix, but like I said, it's way beyond my expertise. Building LineageOS, just fine - there are fairly idiot-proof instructions that were easy to follow, but I wouldn't know where to start in modifying it
I did send a tweet to the bank (they have no proper channels for feedback on their apps) and sent them a link to an AOSP bug of the same error happening on stock Android on a Google Pixel C (which is a tablet with no fingerprint reader) which contained a potential solution (checking for the system reporting that it has fingerprint capability, rather than just blindly relying on the FingerprintManager being present) but all they said was "thanks, we'll pass it on to the appropriate team". So who knows whether they get the problem and are interested in working around it - if it's an issue with AOSP and therefore all 8.1 devices without fingerprints, I might get lucky, otherwise I'm sure a fix won't be forthcoming
Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Did you change the ROM in your device or only de-bloated it? Tell me your experience. Easy to install, need to root, unblock the bootloader, update, what is NOT working, speed, battery, ...?
I own a Samung Tablet S5e LTE few months old, under guaranty and would like to de-google it. I was thinking to change the ROM, is tit the best way?
What is your advice? If needed, what ROM to use? What way, software to de-bloat?
Many thanks
MrNice said:
Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully agree with this.
Thank you for your fast answer.
Could you be more specific and tell me why, how (big picture) and if you have experience what tools did you use?
People most times use terms "De-google" and "De-bloat" not knowing what they are really speaking of.
The Vanilla Android ( read: AOSP - today often called GSI ) is totally free of apps developed by Google ( topic: GMS ) and the service ( GFS ) they need to run, this because NOBODY basically needs these to operate a phone. But the overwhelming majority of the users of mobile devices want an Android what is extended by features, so they can download & install more apps, play games, listen to music, watch porn videos. OEMs respect this wish - they want to sell their products - and therefore typically add GMS & GFS to their Android OS, so it in reality becomes a Custom ROM.
Resume: Vanilla Android - and all ROMS that are based on Vanilla Android ( like Lineage OS and many others ) must not get "De-googled".
Bloatware ( or Potentially Unwanted Programs - PUP ) is software users don’t want, that burdens and slows down a mobile device. It usually comes pre-installed by vendors, manufacturers or carriers. IMO "De-bloating" is the first thing a user should do when starting up a new device.
Bloatware typically is installed as system-app, hence phone's Android must got rooted before you can start "De-bloating".
As I am not very skilled in Android, I appreciate your post.
I installed LineageOS 17.1 on my Samsung S6, it working fine, I am happy for the usage but the only issue I have is that I can't update. This is another story in another XDA forum.
My need are usual plus
Read books, music sheets, social networks, Internet TV, news, training, conference (low bit-rate), email, messaging, GPS travel, basic pictures,
some specific app for music practice (tuner, metronome), veg gardening (I need to find one suitable for me).
but no game, no HD movie (download or stream), no large download
Backup locally (I need to learn more), no cloud usage.
As I run GNU/Linux for around 20 y, I hate to have to register for account in any app from GAFAM and I don't want as much as possible give them my data. I try to select the app without tracker, FOSS and I block the permissions as much as possible.
If I can de-google this is the best for my mindset.
I understand that de-google or de-bloat, I 'll have to root so break Knox. Right?
I don't know if I need GMS and/or GFS for my use. Could you tell me? For what app it is mandatory?
With my S5e I want to be more cautious, I need a way as secure as possible to not brick it.
With all these info, what do you advice?
MrNice said:
Hi there,
Few months ago, I was told in XDA site that nowadays changing the ROM is not anymore the best way to de-google a device. Now it is better to de-bloat and tweak the device.
Do you agree with this statement?
Did you change the ROM in your device or only de-bloated it? Tell me your experience. Easy to install, need to root, unblock the bootloader, update, what is NOT working, speed, battery, ...?
I own a Samung Tablet S5e LTE few months old, under guaranty and would like to de-google it. I was thinking to change the ROM, is tit the best way?
What is your advice? If needed, what ROM to use? What way, software to de-bloat?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the Tab S5e de-googling it is next to impossible with stock samsung rom. LOS works great on it and not too difficult to install, CRDroid works well on it but is better with google installed, /e/ rom was being developed for it but I don't know if they are still working on it. I built an /e/ rom locally for my Tab S5e last year and it worked very well. If you want to get away from google you need to ditch the OneUI or whatever they are calling it.
tek3195 said:
For the Tab S5e de-googling it is next to impossible with stock samsung rom. LOS works great on it and not too difficult to install, CRDroid works well on it but is better with google installed, /e/ rom was being developed for it but I don't know if they are still working on it. I built an /e/ rom locally for my Tab S5e last year and it worked very well. If you want to get away from google you need to ditch the OneUI or whatever they are calling it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you advice, I'll work on it soon.
I have one of these coming in the mail, I bought it used. I bought it only because it's the smallest modern device with lots of modding support, and I already downloaded the necessary tools to try out a bunch of roms. I am mostly interested in CalyxOS and Lineage, but I was wondering, is there some degoogled stock rom, or something else based on the stock Pixel rom with Google removed? Also what are some other custom roms without Google that I can try out? I'm mostly interested in something that is fast and customizable, I don't like Google but I also don't need something as hardened as GrapheneOS.
AFAIK there is no de-googled stock or even stock-ish ROM. The recent Google devices are extremely hard to de-google. Google integration goes into the software for the radios.
You can look at this thread on the e/os support forums for info on the Google Fi app still being in custom ROMs. (I'm tnadovada)
I tried Calyx and couldn't stand it. I don't need a ROM constantly nagging me about making plain phone calls being "insecure". I'm not going to pester my friends to use Signal.
You can try e/os it's based on Lineage, but uses the bliss launcher, which is very different from stock Android. You could put Trebuchet on top of e/os for a more stock-like experience.
The dev for SuperiorOS had compiled a version without gapps if I remember and was looking for someone to test it. You might get in touch with him.
i was using grapheneos on my pixel 3a, its good but i missed googles services so i went back to lineage with a few google services i use.
Its the camera i need most, you can use this to bypass (https://github.com/lukaspieper/Gcam-Services-Provider/) but i end up needing Lineage
Thank you for the replies. Eventually something happened with the shipping and I'm still waiting on my delicious 4A. I'll look into the roms you recommended and report back if needed. Thanks again.
I've been struggling for several years, more off than on, with successfully rooting a phone. Bought two inexpensive Moto phones with full acceptance of me screwing up and ending with 2 bricks. So far, I've accomplished getting TWRP on one (XT-1925-6 ali) and apparently this device is so old that no custom OS exists. The second device ( XT2117-4 borneo) is newer but locating a reliable TWRP has been mildly frustrating but not yet giving up.
It occurred to me this morning (would have been nice a few years ago) that my expectations for a rooted phone may be unreasonable. So, here is what I was/am hoping for a result in rooting a phone.
1- freedom from Google surveillance & tracking activity .
2- usable phone service with a carrier & Internet capable (WiFi & data) browser
3- The only must have apps are: Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Bitwarden, Aegis or other non-Google OTP
4- I use few apps and most are not Play Store based. I currently use no Play Store apps but was told that
some custom OS packages include Play Store clones that don't have surveillance. ?
I would appreciate one of the resident experts commenting on my wishes. I don't mind burning the hours to get to my goal but can use the time profitably in other arenas if it isn't feasible.
Cordially,
WVmtn249
PS- for those with a broad streak of curiosity- I'm a long retired mechanical engineer with experience in PC's going back to the IBM 5100 but starting from scratch in the Android world. Cancer came calling 7 years ago and suddenly I had lots of time but then maybe not so much. This explains the more off than on.
If you are 40's or older and not getting an annual prostate exam, I strongly encourage you to begin immediately. Feel free to contact me if you need further motivation.
Hi, welcome aboard.
I have a borneo too. While I've hacked other devices extensively I haven't been motivated to do much with this one.
I don't do much with TWRP, usually preferring to just patch the stock recovery for rooted, permissive ADB.
With EDL you can easily pull boot or recovery images. Yeah, there are some of these on the internet. I prefer to see what's actually on my device.
Unfortunately, the only Firehose loaders for EDL that I can find have this Lenovo/Motorola "range restricted" where you can't just dump everything.
So, in the meantime, I work on other projects.
wvmtn249 said:
So far, I've accomplished getting TWRP on one (XT-1925-6 ali) and apparently this device is so old that no custom OS exists
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know how well they work as I have not tried them. But there are a bunch linked at https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/moto-g6-roms-kernels-recoveries-other-develop.7639/ , some with, or most do not include gapps.
wvmtn249 said:
4- I use few apps and most are not Play Store based. I currently use no Play Store apps but was told that
some custom OS packages include Play Store clones that don't have surveillance. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I have not tried these roms so don't know the details of their contents. But this one is simple enough to get similar results even on whatever you are running now. Just install Aurora Store from here: https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.aurora.store/
Some roms include this instead of play store, maybe some on the above linked page might include it too.
My phone is 5 years old, and hasn't had any OTA updates in years and its got no warranty. Apparently my older version of Android 8, isn't recognized as much and I'm starting to encounter more and more Play store apps that want a newer version of android and refuse to load. Hence I had to learn how to sideload stuff which is really annoying.
After a quick google search I learned you can root your phone and there is an Android 11 image called Lineage OS 18.1 ... which sounds pretty sweet. BUT after additional searches, I'm reading so many cons about rooting a phone. If bricking it isn't a concern, and I don't have a warrantee to void. What's at risk? I was probably going to buy a new phone anyways but now I'm intregued with this rooting process and wondiering if it might buy me time on a older phone that still works amazingly well. Why replace it if it still works, it just needs new software.
Questions: If I install Lineage OS 18.1 successfully...
Will the Play Store and Apps continue to update, or will I stop receiving notifications regarding available updates? Or am I forever stuck with sideloading?
If I don't install G Apps is this bad? I don't use stock Google Apps, I've opted to use the Microsoft equivalent like Outlook for email and calendar... or do I still need to install Google Apps to gain the ability to layer Microsoft products on top?
Why is there so much negative talk about malware infection with rooted phones? If I'm not downloading and installing apps constantly, the risk would still be no more threatening than it is now correct?
Are there any apps that would realize the phone is rooted and refuse to run? Some searches told me that security apps may not like a rooted phone. Does rooting it affect Microsoft Authenticator app?
Lastly, if I only want to pick and choose specific G Apps - can you install only the ones you need? or do they come all bundled together?
Thanks in advance,
What's really at stake if rooting an older phone?
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Click to collapse
Ii is easy to answer:
Pro: Complete Control Over Your Device
One of the most significant benefits of rooting your Android device is the ability to have complete control over it. You can remove any pre-installed apps that you don’t need, customize the look and feel of your device, and control every aspect of its performance. With rooting, the possibilities are endless, and you can make your device truly your own.
Con: Risk of Bricking Your DeviceOne of the most significant risks of rooting your Android device is the potential to brick it. Bricking is when your device becomes completely unusable due to a software malfunction. If you’re not careful, you can render your device useless. However, if you follow the instructions carefully and take the proper precautions, you can minimize the risk of bricking your device.
Speed up older Android hardware with a custom ROM
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Click to collapse
Installing a custom ROM ( or a 3rd-party OS ) allows your device to live a second life, provided you can stomach the somewhat lengthy process. Custom ROMs become especially useful once your smartphone’s manufacturer stops delivering software and feature updates. Most ROMs are also based on vanilla Android ( AOSP ), which means you get a lighter and faster experience than default manufacturer skins.
Having said that, it’s worth noting that custom ROMs are completely unofficial. Some work perfectly, while others may exhibit bugs and instability - you’ll need to do some due diligence for your specific device model. But don’t worry, here is a guide on how to install Lineage OS, one of the most popular custom ROMs.