Related
So i have a pending update for Maps for my android. Why is it pending? because it wants new permissions. It wants permission to access my contacts. Why does it need to access my contacts all of the sudden?
Also, Another app, a white noise generator wanted the same permission. I have removed that app cause i saw no need for it to access that information.
(also, why is there a checkbox for "Is this a question" if the forum is going to ***** at me for it not being a Q&A forum?)
I believe its because it wants to mix the Latitude app, the Navigation and the Maps all in one. That and I think Google wants to make people use Google Plus as well.
dwappo785 said:
I believe its because it wants to mix the Latitude app, the Navigation and the Maps all in one. That and I think Google wants to make people use Google Plus as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've found that now ALL google apps want access to contact information. I am not updating any of them because i dont see why it needs legitimate access to that personal information.
Lyian said:
I am not updating any of them...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm keep your software outdated certainly will not help you to have a secure system, google probably already has all your contacts (sync,mail,etc..) I don't think he would need to steal them.
Rather, you should ask if there is a method to deny these permissions without unistalling the app, considering that the smartphone is your, like the contacts...
Greetings.
as you know, even if we disable "android device manager" from settings->security->device administrators, it still can be enabled from https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager "enable lock & erase"
from one side it is good, but from other side it is bad - i don't want that my phone can be remotely erased by google
this functionality definitely resides in gmscore.apk
of course, we can just kill all google services, but we loose too much.
so : probably someone from devs here already know answer what to patch in gmscore to disable this behavior ?
with latest gmscore update ( 6.1.74 (1511752-038) ) the only message i can see, when pushing "enable lock and erase" :
GCM message com.google.android.gms 0:1414056810224892%136ddda63e77bab2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course, hex payload different each time.
disabling service
Code:
com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService
did job
:good:
Thanks you, I 'm searching since 10 minute.
the_laser said:
disabling service
Code:
com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService
did job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I was wondering how to do that.
thanks, but...
the_laser said:
disabling service
Code:
com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService
did job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to find that service, heck I can't even find gmscore.apk
When I use find / -name gmscore.apk in terminal nothing came up.
Running 4.4.2 on galaxy S5, google framework 4.4.2-940549
Any ideas?
I would really not want my device wiped If my google account was compromised (really only have it for android)
as i remember, this service because build into gmscore from 4.4.4 and enabling downloading some external application.
can be wrong, though.
damn it google!
This is really frustrating. I can't find a way to disable it and I can't find 'com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService'.
This a serious security flaw, let me explain why.... I have a company account on my phone, just for the purpose of receiving gmail, and that's very important to me. This also means this account can access my phone through android device manager. So, anyone that can log in to firm's gmail can lock and erase my phone and there's no way to disable it. Best I could do was turn off location reporting and hide my phone from showing in device list. However, anyone that can log in to this account, can also change this in settings and unhide it, enable lock and erase, make it ring and.... well, lock and erase it.
This is very worrying when you have a lot of people with access to gmail account that you also have on your phone. ATM only solution I see is to remove account on my phone and search for other email app.
Anyone knows how one could deal with this and still use gmail app?
gimche said:
This is really frustrating. I can't find a way to disable it and I can't find 'com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService'.
This a serious security flaw, let me explain why.... I have a company account on my phone, just for the purpose of receiving gmail, and that's very important to me. This also means this account can access my phone through android device manager. So, anyone that can log in to firm's gmail can lock and erase my phone and there's no way to disable it. Best I could do was turn off location reporting and hide my phone from showing in device list. However, anyone that can log in to this account, can also change this in settings and unhide it, enable lock and erase, make it ring and.... well, lock and erase it.
This is very worrying when you have a lot of people with access to gmail account that you also have on your phone. ATM only solution I see is to remove account on my phone and search for other email app.
Anyone knows how one could deal with this and still use gmail app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of a problem with ADM, this sounds like a massive security issue on your company's side. I don't know why your company need to share the same email account, but the more people who have access, the more likely someone will spill the beans. If I am you, getting my phone wiped will the least of my worries.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you, that is what I want. Great!
Ok so Im facing the same problem is there any way to disable this process ?
gimche said:
This is really frustrating. I can't find a way to disable it and I can't find 'com.google.android.gms.mdm.services.GcmReceiverService'.
This a serious security flaw, let me explain why.... I have a company account on my phone, just for the purpose of receiving gmail, and that's very important to me. This also means this account can access my phone through android device manager. So, anyone that can log in to firm's gmail can lock and erase my phone and there's no way to disable it. Best I could do was turn off location reporting and hide my phone from showing in device list. However, anyone that can log in to this account, can also change this in settings and unhide it, enable lock and erase, make it ring and.... well, lock and erase it.
This is very worrying when you have a lot of people with access to gmail account that you also have on your phone. ATM only solution I see is to remove account on my phone and search for other email app.
Anyone knows how one could deal with this and still use gmail app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
deadwolf666 said:
Ok so Im facing the same problem is there any way to disable this process ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tamuin said:
I can't seem to find that service, heck I can't even find gmscore.apk
When I use find / -name gmscore.apk in terminal nothing came up.
Running 4.4.2 on galaxy S5, google framework 4.4.2-940549
Any ideas?
I would really not want my device wiped If my google account was compromised (really only have it for android)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install My Android Tools then go to Service>Google Play Service then disable the corresponding service.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.myandroidtools&en
How about using a ROM without gapps?
Cyclu said:
Install My Android Tools then go to Service>Google Play Service then disable the corresponding service.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.myandroidtools&en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This dosent appear to be working, as after I disable all the above services, clicked on "enable lock and erase" from my google account it reactivated said services. So which service is activating and overriding the services I disabled?
Im running Android 4.4.2(goldeneye rom, Googymax kernal) on a Samsung i9505, I use Xprivacy, Android firewall, and Appmaster(app uninstaller & autostart manager)
Trying to secure an oem samsung Rom from google and its services while still using all the factory apps is going to be like herding cats...
It's similar to going to the pool and expecting to swim but not getting wet.
If you use Google apps and use the accounts feature of Android then you are going to have Google play services and other Google services running, and sadly you can stop them all you want they update and restart themselves regularly.
You just can't get away from Google, if you still use Google play, the Google mail app, Google voice search, Google account verifier, Google download manager, Google hangouts, Google plus or the host of other Google services and apps that a baked into your rom.
All you will do in find yourself with a lot of force closes from apps, and less hair more cats.
What @Cyclu said was the right way. there are several services and receivers that have "mdm" , probably what you could do is use the search function in the app while viewing the services for GooglePlayServices. at the top of the screen, click menu, toggle full, (full/short option) then tap the magnifying glass, then the search box and type "mdm" , then do the same thing under the receivers section
This is so annoying. Can you imagine disabling admin on the phone, knowing that after reading the description in that area of the settings that it cannot be used to wipe the phone? Then someone testing it to prove it and they click "Enable" and wipe the phone? Know how dangerous that is? My phone is an S5 mini, stock firmware and rooted with SuperSU. What can I do to just prevent admin mode being enabled? I want to be able to track my phone's location but I do NOT want my phone able to be remotely wiped by anyone including myself, remotely.
I tried all. Looks like there is no way to disable ADM. Even if u disable corresponding service for ADM still when u restart that service gets re-enables it self again. Had any got a solution to disable this crappy android device manager fully?? thx in advance.
Forgive me, but this thread is just pathetic. If you have Gapps, your device is not yours. It is Google's. Period. If you can't live without hangouts and similar garbage, then enjoy them, but stop *****ing about remote wipe. You can't be half-pregnant. By the way, remote wipe is not the worse thing that could happen to you. Anything could be silently installed on "your" phone, even if you somehow disable ADM. It could be done through Google play and google services framework. Not to mention thar google analytics record everything about your activities and gsf regularly reports the same "home" i.e Google.
To gmail at work guy: if you can't use another client to access your work gmail, get a separate feature phone.
even "android = google" ? much less gapps , eh ?
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
mrrocketdog said:
even "android = google" ? much less gapps , eh ?
"all i can really do is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android, unlike Gapps, is open source. So, you can get under the hood and clean lots of things.
I understand the basic architecture of standard Android and how Google adds Google Play Services and Google apps to make it their own. Even as a privacy fan, I like the architecture of implementing APIs in this add-on to remove dependency from the OEMs, and allow updating Android apart from the OEM participation. I am a bit disturbed by the amount of data that can go through these API's, which would be transmitted to Google.
My question is, is Google Play services simply providing privacy intrusive APIs? If I owned an Android device with no Google Play Services, and absolutely no Google apps (other than AOSP), would adding Google Play Services itself (removing all permissions from it) reduce privacy in any way? I guess what I'm asking is, does Google Play Services perform any privacy intrusive functions in and of itself without other Google apps? If it simply provides an API for apps to use (mainly Google apps) to access functions that are privacy violators, but no app was on your device that utilized these functions, do you sacrifice anything?
Thanks
brainysmurf said:
I understand the basic architecture of standard Android and how Google adds Google Play Services and Google apps to make it their own. Even as a privacy fan, I like the architecture of implementing APIs in this add-on to remove dependency from the OEMs, and allow updating Android apart from the OEM participation. I am a bit disturbed by the amount of data that can go through these API's, which would be transmitted to Google.
My question is, is Google Play services simply providing privacy intrusive APIs? If I owned an Android device with no Google Play Services, and absolutely no Google apps (other than AOSP), would adding Google Play Services itself (removing all permissions from it) reduce privacy in any way? I guess what I'm asking is, does Google Play Services perform any privacy intrusive functions in and of itself without other Google apps? If it simply provides an API for apps to use (mainly Google apps) to access functions that are privacy violators, but no app was on your device that utilized these functions, do you sacrifice anything?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been wondering about the same thing and am surprised that your post has received zero replies so far. Since posting the question did you find out anything more about this that you think is worth sharing?
From my understanding Google Play services are like a black box that you have no control over so I am not sure that removing permissions would work or be feasible. My understanding* is that Play Services can be upgraded/changed by Google without requiring your permission and are effectively working like a backdoor - so from that point of view it may be best to avoid them completely.
*I am no Android expert and if anyone with more knowledge cares to chime to correct me please do!
fishnetfancy said:
I have been wondering about the same thing and am surprised that your post has received zero replies so far. Since posting the question did you find out anything more about this that you think is worth sharing?
From my understanding Google Play services are like a black box that you have no control over so I am not sure that removing permissions would work or be feasible. My understanding* is that Play Services can be upgraded/changed by Google without requiring your permission and are effectively working like a backdoor - so from that point of view it may be best to avoid them completely.
*I am no Android expert and if anyone with more knowledge cares to chime to correct me please do!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't since discovered much on the matter. The details behind GPS are still obscured. Sometimes I hear that it is another android app, constrained by the standard permissions model. Other times, I hear that it is a special systems application that can "do things"... Nevertheless, I have heard from many that using android devices without GPS is easier these days. You can try that out... I too was surprised that I didn't get much response, though there are other discussions which can help inform you on how to deal with the privacy concerns over GPS.
Situation:
I have somewhat of a "love-REALLY HATE" relationship with Google apps and ecosystem.
On one hand, they are great at what they do.
On the other, it's like having a spy satellite overhead, given how much telemetry it does.
Question:
I'd like to cut all of the Google apps' internet, location, sensor and background activity access for good when not in use. Or at least spoof whatever personal data is being sent (Device info, location, activities, etc). Any way to do that?
What I've done so far:
My current way-to-go method involves installing RethinkDNS+firewall, then blocking every single one of google apps including Gboard. It sort-of works, but very inconvenient, as I have to manually enable internet access for a particular app and/or service when needed. I also tried edXposed's XluaPrivacy module to cut off access to certain permissions. Again, cumbersome.
After going through F-Droid, I found an app called "Insular", that claims being able to put all of the "big brother" apps (such as Gapps) behind an isolated sandbox, a digital gulag of sorts.
Thanks for the pointer to Insular whose advertising on F-Droid says:
Insular is a FLOSS fork of Island.
With Insular, you can:
Isolate your Big Brother apps
Clone and run multiple accounts simutaniuosly
Freeze or archive apps and prevent any background behaviors
Unfreeze apps on-demand with home screen shortcuts
Re-freeze marked apps with one tap
Hide apps
Selectively enable (or disable) VPN for different group of apps
Prohibit USB access to mitigate attacks with physical access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, I suspect this XDA thread about "Island" may be useful.
[APP][5.0+][BETA] Island - app freezing, privacy protection, parallel accounts
"Island" is a sandbox environment to clone selected apps and isolate them from accessing your personal data outside the sandbox (including call logs, contacts, photos and etc) even if related permissions are granted. Device-bound data is still accessible (SMS, IMEI and etc).
Isolated app can be frozen on demand, with launcher icon vanish and its background behaviors completely blocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totesnochill said:
Question:
I'd like to cut all of the Google apps' internet, location, sensor and background activity access for good when not in use. Or at least spoof whatever personal data is being sent (Device info, location, activities, etc). Any way to do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you, my relationship with Google is strained where I don't set up any Google Account on Android and it works just fine.
I don't have a contacts.db sqlite database for that reason too, so my favorite communication apps are all designed to store their own contacts db internally to the app itself.
I replace Google apps with FOSS equivalents such as NewPipe (or, more recently, Vanced YouTube) for example.
And I spoof my GPS location by default (using Lexa Fake GPS, for example).
Of course, given I don't have a Google Account on my phone, I use the Aurora Store instead of the Google Play Store. Of course, I strive for apps that don't require Google Framework Services (GSF) which Aurora neatly filters out for us.
Since I'm not rooted, I can't delete Google Play Store, but I can disable it, which is almost as good.
And, I use privacy-aware apps for my messenger, calendar, contacts, and dialer apps (many of which come from Simple Mobile Tools' suite which are available on F-Droid).
To keep my WiFi SSID/BSSID/GPS/Strength/etc. out of the hands of Google (& Mozilla and Kismet and Wigle, etc.), I add "_nomap" to the SSID and I turn off the SOHO router SSID broadcast (which "hinders" most cellphones from uploading my BSSID information to Google public servers); but then I have to also turn off "AutoReconnect" on Android 12 and also I have the Developer Options set in Android 12 to randomize the MAC address on EACH connection; however that means I need to set any "static" connections on my LAN from the phone and not with address reservation on the router (which typically utilizes the MAC address).
And it's not just Google we need to keep our data out of their hands, as I even use WhatsApp privacy aware tools such as the WhatsApp dialer and WhatsApp Click to Chat mechanisms (to keep my contacts out of Facebook's hands too).
For offline maps, I use a quick web browser lookup on a privacy browser (such as Tor or Epic or Opera), since the Google address lookup is still the best in the world... (which is the love/hate relationship, right?)... and then I paste the GPS coordinates that the privacy browser found on the maps.google.com web site into a local routing application (such as a shortcut to a browser to google maps on the phone or better yet, to a dedicated offline map program such as OSM And~), and even traffic can be gotten without Google (e.g., Sigalert & 511 apps).
I used to reset the Advertising ID with a homescreen shortcut that could be activated from Windows via a batch file over Wi-Fi, but now with Android 12 we can wipe out the Advertising ID altogether (i.e., reset it to all zeroes). However, I still periodically change my GSF ID and other supposedly unique identifiers.
I'm still trying to figure out the implication of "trackers", so if anyone has more information about them, please advise.
Off hand there must be scores more things I do for privacy, where we probably should have a main thread on this site of all the myriad things people can do to increase their privacy on Android (some of which I've screenshotted for you below).
GalaxyA325G said:
Like you, my relationship with Google is strained where I don't set up any Google Account on Android and it works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks heaps for the very in-depth response. Really opens up on a lot of things I wasnt aware of, and I realized that unlike desktop, when it comes to mobile privacy I'm still a bit behind.
Are there any guides where I can do some reading on the concepts and techniques you've described? Especially regarding contacts.db sqlite database, GPS spoofing and privacy-aware options for accessing WhatsApp.
Also, what are your thoughts on MIcroG?
Totesnochill said:
Thanks heaps for the very in-depth response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try to put effort into the response so that others can benefit (but nobody ever presses the like button so maybe it's not worth the effort).
For example, when I mentioned I spoof my GPS, I looked up the app I used and linked to it so that you wouldn't have to test a score of apps like I did to find the best one.
Totesnochill said:
Really opens up on a lot of things I wasn't aware of, and I realized that unlike desktop, when it comes to mobile privacy I'm still a bit behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was just off the top of my head where there has to be at least a hundred different privacy things I do on Android to distance me from Google that most people don't bother to do.
I admit, sometimes it feels like we're putting a dozen locks on the front door, but in the end, we LEARN a lot about Android in the process.
A lot of the protection is to protect ourselves from others who don't know how to configure their phone, so they are uploading our private information (like our contacts and home locations) to Google databases.
For example, the typical Android phone when it drives by your front door uploads to google your exact location, your signal strength, your unique BSSID and your SSID... where you'll note in my response above I had to do a half dozen things on my phone and router to prevent that from happening (i.e., just adding "_nomap" doesn't work but most people don't realize that because they don't think about it).
Totesnochill said:
Are there any guides where I can do some reading on the concepts and techniques you've described?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure there are plenty.
But I have been in MANY situations where there are none.
Take, for example, changing the GSFID... almost nowhere on the net is that described how to do it. Almost nobody does it, but it can be done if you know how.
I really should write a set of privacy tutorials so that everyone can do it but I have to find the time, and this web site doesn't like text tutorials I found out recently. So they make it a PITA in the end to help people. Sigh.
Totesnochill said:
Especially regarding contacts.db sqlite database, GPS spoofing and privacy-aware options for accessing WhatsApp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look at the links I gave you in my response for contacts, gps spoofing and privacy-aware WhatsApp, you'll get a good start.
A quickie is to not have a contacts.sqlite database, which means you need your own contacts.csv or more likely contacts.vcf file, which you can maintain on the PC if you like (works with Excel for example).
Now that you don't have a contacts.db sqlite database, you need to find the contacts and dialer and mms/sms apps that can suck in their own contacts.vcf file, which I pointed you to in the Simple Mobile Tools suite.
For GPS spoofing, I didn't mention you need to turn "Mock Location" on in the Android Developer Options, but that's what most people already do so I assumed you knew that. Once you turn that on, you can just select the mock location app of your choice (where I suggested one above which isn't perfect but none of them are).
That particular app moves your location every few feet and it gets the altitude and it can easily be stopped and started, etc., but I'd like it if it didn't move just "west by 10 feet every minute" but instead if it would follow a pre-determined route that I could give it. So they need a lot more work to be as good as we'd like them to be.
For What'sApp privacy, look at the two apps I linked to in the prior post as they don't need the contacts.sqlite database to work.
Your WhatsApp should only have an icon in your folders for the people you contact and nothing else, IMHO. That's the best privacy you can get, although WhatsApp does decent hashing on the contacts file when it uploads it to their servers - but still - why give them your entire contacts when you only contact 10 people (or whatever) on WhatsApp. Right?
Totesnochill said:
Also, what are your thoughts on MIcroG?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny you mentioned microG since I installed it for the first time yesterday when I was setting up Vanced Youtube based on this thread.
I generally choose apps that don't use GSF but sometimes you have to use a GSF app (e.g., Zoom meetings), and then it's nice to use MicroG instead of Google Services Framework.
I only installed it yesterday so I really don't know how well it will work for me as I didn't even need to install it to install VancedYoutube. You just need it to log into YouTube but I never do that anyway.
In summary, there's probably a hundred things we do to our phones to set up privacy but I'd have to write each one up in detail to help everyone and that's a lot of work.
Especially if almost nobody reads these threads.
GalaxyA325G said:
I try to put effort into the response so that others can benefit (but nobody ever presses the like button so maybe it's not worth the effort).
In summary, there's probably a hundred things we do to our phones to set up privacy but I'd have to write each one up in detail to help everyone and that's a lot of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for doing God's work out there. Ethics like these are what creates the content that keeps the internet from becoming a dumpster fire otherwise. Tutorials and explanations that come from the fellow users are THE best and usually directly on-point.
When I was just starting setting up Linux environment, I wrote "how-to notes" on every successful step. At first it was more like the "sticky notes" to help me remember, but eventually (as the list grew) I started writing these tips in a way as if they were to be read by someone with little background in the subject. What used to be the "Linux notes" file became 10563 lines monstrosity now... So every time I need to answer someone's question I just copypaste from this file.
GalaxyA325G said:
That was just off the top of my head where there has to be at least a hundred different privacy things I do on Android to distance me from Google that most people don't bother to do.
I admit, sometimes it feels like we're putting a dozen locks on the front door, but in the end, we LEARN a lot about Android in the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. I've spent about 2 weeks tweaking my new phone (Nokia X6), trying out different roms/recoveries and app setups. Pissed off a bunch of people in the process - most wouldn't understand that I'm setting up a system to last another 7 years, just like my previous phone (Galaxy Gprime). Not to mention that with the amount of sensitive info on the phone, security and privacy are a legit concern, and worth learning about just how one learns to install and use the lock on the front doors.
Phones became disposable both in software and hardware, and so have the general attitude towards the devices.
My final setup became AOSP PixelPlusUI Rom (comes with about openGapps nano worth of Google stuff) with most other stock apps (contacts , dialer, keyboards, msg etc) removed via ADB and replaced with F-Droid alternatives.
I've also used Rethink DNS with whitelist set up/AppInspector to put Google in the Goolag - no internet access for anything google-related at all times. So far my phone has 253 apps blocked (including almost all of the system apps). Surprisingly, all of the necessary apps off google play store (Whatsapp, FB messenger) still function well. Whenever I need a particular Gservice (like a translator), I just enable access for that (and only that) until I dont need it anymore.
GalaxyA325G said:
If you look at the links I gave you in my response for contacts, gps spoofing and privacy-aware WhatsApp, you'll get a good start.
A quickie is to not have a contacts.sqlite database, which means you need your own contacts.csv or more likely contacts.vcf file, which you can maintain on the PC if you like (works with Excel for example).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm not sure why the links didnt show up at first. I'll give this a look. I've been using "simple mobile tools" for quite a while, and I must say I like how they are completely autonomous and transparent about what prems they need and why.
GalaxyA325G said:
For GPS spoofing, I didn't mention you need to turn "Mock Location" on in the Android Developer Options, but that's what most people already do so I assumed you knew that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely saw the option in the dev settings, but didnt experiment with it. Well, now I know, thanks!
Funny you mentioned microG since I installed it for the first time yesterday when I was setting up Vanced Youtube based on this thread.
I generally choose apps that don't use GSF but sometimes you have to use a GSF app (e.g., Zoom meetings), and then it's nice to use MicroG instead of Google Services Framework.
I only installed it yesterday so I really don't know how well it will work for me as I didn't even need to install it to install VancedYoutube. You just need it to log into YouTube but I never do that anyway.
In summary, there's probably a hundred things we do to our phones to set up privacy but I'd have to write each one up in detail to help everyone and that's a lot of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will give microG a try (in a form of LineageOS for MicroG). In fact I did install this rom before but I was a bit confused about what it did and assumed that it is a regular LinOS repack with Gplay store and apps built-in. Time to test again.
Especially if almost nobody reads these threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Threads like these is how I passed my uni exams. Not even exaggerating XD. Thanks again for a very detailed insightful read!
Hello my friends, very happy to meet good hearted people who think alike about Gugle.
as my name suggests I'm noob still and didn't understand much of discussion but very happy to meet you friends. My love & warm regards to all here. Here is what I did uptill now before I saw this thread :
1> Load GSI/ROM.
2> Load TWRP
3> Load Magisk
4> Load microG
5> Install Service Disabler
5.1> Disable bunch of internal services like telemetry, analytics, location (FusedLocation not possible to disable) for every app (3-rd party & system app), contacts sync etc.
6> Install SD-Maid Pro
6.1> Freeze apps like Gugle Calendar Sync Adapter & Gugle Contacts Sync Adapter
7> Install CIAFirewall Fake VPN & configure it.
8> I use Opera browser for Banking, Youtube, Cab booking, Surfing, Gmail, Food Order etc.
9> Install Aurora Store for general app management & installation
10> For contacts I save all contacts in notepad app, and let all calls purposely bounce then I call back aftter checking whose call it was & state false apologies.
#FYI :- Gugle, Mycrowsowft , eFbee are not really to be blamed, rhey are having to comply with FBI, Phentagon, Central Intelligence Agencies, Interpol, etc. or they have to shut bizness.
GalaxyA325G said:
Like you, my relationship with Google is strained where I don't set up any Google Account on Android and it works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I’m glad to have found this thread as I’m not happy with how my normal Android phone is spied upon by google. But I’m not technically knowledgeable and I don’t want to risk bricking my phone by trying amateur attempts at rooting, or installing Insular, etc…
So far I have not signed in, I allow only minimum permissions, use Netguard, Aurora and FDroid, and have disabled bloatware. I also force-stop apps as much as possible when not in use, and enable Location and Bluetooth only when needed.
I know this is just an amateur, token attempt to reduce spying - so I may have to eventually buy a degoogled phone.
I’ve also done some of the privacy suggestions in the attachments you posted.
Could you help me with a couple of newbie questions…
1): I might have minimised some personal data harvested by most of the apps I use, but I guess my privacy precautions will have no significant effect on the amount of telemetry collected by google?
2): If my precautions really have no significant effect, I’m wondering if would it make any real difference if I was signed in as I don’t use any of the google backup services anyway?
Thanks.
Boost carrier Moto g Stylus 5G 2022 XT2215-4 with Android 12. Google Play Services App is DISABLED. I cannot completely disable the Google Play Services Availability alert option in the Phone App (SHOW NOTIFICATIONS locked). Other apps allow the user to disable the Google Play Services Availability alert. Is there a fix for the Phone App?
TIA,
F
You can temporarily disable Google play Services. I normally do unless it's needed like for Gmail. Playstore, Backup Transport are also a dependencies of it. Pretty much a menace... even on Android 9
Change the default phone app and disable Google Dialer.
blackhawk said:
You can temporarily disable Google play Services. I normally do unless it's needed like for Gmail. Playstore, Backup Transport are also a dependencies of it. Pretty much a menace... even on Android 9
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. I disabled Google Play Services. Even removed it using ADB. Unfortunately, I cannot turn off the alert in the PHONE APP that's looking for Google Play Services (see attached screen shots). The radio button to disable the alert is greyed out.
TheMystic said:
Change the default phone app and disable Google Dialer.
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Click to collapse
1. Are you recommending that I install another phone app instead of the default Android? Any recommendation.
2. Isn't Google dialer part of the phone app?
Phone app is fully functional. The issue is the alert message prompting the activation of Google Play Services. I can turn off this prompt with other apps, but not the phone app.
furballi said:
1. Are you recommending that I install another phone app instead of the default Android? Any recommendation.
2. Isn't Google dialer part of the phone app?
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Click to collapse
Yes. Since the notification cannot be disabled, it can become annoying after a while.
Google Dialer is currently your phone app and is set as default.
Install a 3rd party dialer app of your choice and set it as default. Now you'll be able to disable Google Dialer (or Phone) app from its app info page.
My recommendation
Simple Dialer - Apps on Google Play
Manage phone calls with this simple phone dialer app with phonebook
play.google.com
If you're fine without call recording feature, the above is an excellent and safe alternative.
Alternative Source
Simple Dialer | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository
Manage phone calls with this simple phone dialer app with phonebook
f-droid.org
TheMystic said:
Yes. Since the notification cannot be disabled, it can become annoying after a while.
Google Dialer is currently your phone app and is set as default.
Install a 3rd party dialer app of your choice and set it as default. Now you'll be able to disable Google Dialer (or Phone) app from its app info page.
My recommendation:
Simple Dialer - Apps on Google Play
Manage phone calls with this simple phone dialer app with phonebook
play.google.com
If you're fine without call recording feature, the above is an excellent and safe alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Will install the other option. I also have the 6 GB RAM version of this phone from Metro. Per app inspection, the other phone app is identical in revision number, but it doesn't have the Google Play Services Availability radio option.
If time permits, I may remove Phone App via ADB, then download the next Phone App apk. I don't know if Google Play Services Availability is hard coded into Boost's Android 12 build. Thank you very much for your input.
furballi said:
Thanks for your input. I disabled Google Play Services. Even removed it using ADB. Unfortunately, I cannot turn off the alert in the PHONE APP that's looking for Google Play Services (see attached screen shots). The radio button to disable the alert is greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Samsung's they use their own phone/messaging apps and Google play Services isn't mandatorily intergrated into them so they will run fine without it. You're going to have to play with it.
Completely removing Google play Services could cause headaches. It maybe possible to block the popup via a adb edit but no idea how or if possible on a non-rooted phone.
All Gookill apps are a pain and Google play Services is integrated into them to a greater or lesser extent. 3rd party phone app... maybe.
furballi said:
Excellent! Will install the other option. I also have the 6 GB RAM version of this phone from Metro. Per app inspection, the other phone app is identical in revision number, but it doesn't have the Google Play Services Availability radio option.
If time permits, I may remove Phone App via ADB, then download the next Phone App apk. I don't know if Google Play Services Availability is hard coded into Boost's Android 12 build. Thank you very much for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest that you install the alternative app first, set it as default and test everything is working fine (although there is no reason why it wouldn't) before attempting to remove the stock dialer.
blackhawk said:
On Samsung's they use their own phone/messaging apps and Google play Services isn't mandatorily intergrated into them so they will run fine without it. You're going to have to play with it.
Completely removing Google play Services could cause headaches. It maybe possible to block the popup via a adb edit but no idea how or if possible on a non-rooted phone.
All Gookill apps are a pain and Google play Services is integrated into them to a greater or lesser extent. 3rd party phone app... maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A whole lot of apps are dependent on Google Play Services. On one of my devices, I disabled it and soon after I got some 12 to 15 notifications from different apps asking me to enable it. The notifications were so frequent and annoying that I just re-enabled it for peace of mind. 🫣
TheMystic said:
I suggest that you install the alternative app first, set it as default and test everything is working fine (although there is no reason why it wouldn't) before attempting to remove the stock dialer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the dialer is part of the core function of a... phone.
Lol, proceed with caution unless you enjoy factory resets
blackhawk said:
On Samsung's they use their own phone/messaging apps and Google play Services isn't mandatorily intergrated into them so they will run fine without it. You're going to have to play with it.
Completely removing Google play Services could cause headaches. It maybe possible to block the popup via a adb edit but no idea how or if possible on a non-rooted phone.
All Gookill apps are a pain and Google play Services is integrated into them to a greater or lesser extent. 3rd party phone app... maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
TheMystic said:
A whole lot of apps are dependent on Google Play Services. On one of my devices, I disabled it and soon after I got some 12 to 15 notifications from different apps asking me to enable it. The notifications were so frequent and annoying that I just re-enabled it for peace of mind. 🫣
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got a lot of trashware running...
blackhawk said:
You got a lot of trashware running...
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Click to collapse
Maps (not just Google Maps), SMS app, mail apps, taxi apps.... aren't trashware.
TheMystic said:
A whole lot of apps are dependent on Google Play Services. On one of my devices, I disabled it and soon after I got some 12 to 15 notifications from different apps asking me to enable it. The notifications were so frequent and annoying that I just re-enabled it for peace of mind. 🫣
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will test drive the alternate phone app. I also saw a bunch of alerts, but I was able to kill them by going into each app and disable the Google Play Services alert radio button. The GPS's main function is probably to update the app. All the apps are fully functional without GPS running in the background.
Google's is in the business of data mining. That's why I want tight control of all Google apps whenever possible.
furballi said:
Will test drive the alternate phone app. I also saw a bunch of alerts, but I was able to kill them by going into each app and disable the Google Play Services alert radio button. The GPS's main function is probably to update the app. All the apps are fully functional without GPS running in the background.
Google's is in the business of data mining. That's why I want tight control of all Google apps whenever possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updating is handled by Google Play Store.
Google Play Services offers a whole range of services that apps use, such as location, push notifications, etc.
If you are able to find apps that offer full functionality without depending on GPS, then you'll be fine disabling it.
TheMystic said:
Maps (not just Google Maps), SMS app, mail apps, taxi apps.... aren't trashware.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, they are... sorry.
Gmaps runs fine without it. Less some of the junk features.
Driving a taxi sucks... people are trouble.
Drunks are the worst.
TheMystic said:
Maps (not just Google Maps), SMS app, mail apps, taxi apps.... aren't trashware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use HERE drive. Download the map into your phone and turn ON location. Hopefully, I only need to use the SMS and Clock app. But I agree, a lot of useful stuffs are in the Google ecosystem. Chrome is significantly faster than Firefox per my setup. Edge was fast until it got bogged down with AI search. This is how they push you to upgrade the processor.
blackhawk said:
Driving a taxi sucks... people are trouble
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I'm referring to taxi services as a customer though.
TheMystic said:
I'm referring to taxi services as a customer though.
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Click to collapse
Than no need for Google play Services 99% of the time. It's a data mining parasite.