Database Info

The status of Android without a Google Account

Hi everyone,
I have been researching and I've compiled a list of all the options available to use an Android device with Cyanogenmod without a Google account and I was wondering if anyone has a better solution considering the options I've found are all lacking.
Here is what I found including the issues for each option:
- Amazon web store (Not every app is available)
- Third party repositories, like apkmirror (Security implications of running apk that anyone can upload)
- F-Droid (Not every app is available)
- Getting the apps I need from the play store once and then backup the apks with a file manager (No updates) or I am going to need a different phone with a Google account and the play store.
Moral of the story, it's not easy to run an android phone without a google account.
Ps. A solution that I think could work (but I wasn't able to find a project that works) is an open source apk downloader (maybe on github) that get the apps straight from google via command line but all the projects I've seen are either out of date or not working...
Any suggestion is really appreciated! Thank you all!

Keep an android device with google play installed, then move the apks of things i really want, or bought already.
But honestly, after some choices I've made (running my own dropbox-like service on my server) I could definitely live with just F-Droid. Of course I'm not using some stuff like facebook or snapchat, so my needs in terms of apps isn't as extensive as others. Sometimes it does feel like i'm hamstrung when the next new fad comes and goes, but I'll live without them.

surfinpika said:
Keep an android device with google play installed, then move the apks of things i really want, or bought already.
But honestly, after some choices I've made (running my own dropbox-like service on my server) I could definitely live with just F-Droid. Of course I'm not using some stuff like facebook or snapchat, so my needs in terms of apps isn't as extensive as others. Sometimes it does feel like i'm hamstrung when the next new fad comes and goes, but I'll live without them.
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Hi surfinpika,
thanks for your input, I am starting to feel like your solution (of having a separate device with just the google account setup) is the cleanest option.
I am not into facebook or snapchat or the next fad either... but f-droid wouldn't cut it for me, stuff like keepass2android or some of the other apps I use are definitely not there. I wonder what are the security implications of using F-Droid compared to getting the apks from apkmirror. Considering my level of paranoia I wouldn't feel safe with either option.

_polymar said:
Hi surfinpika,
thanks for your input, I am starting to feel like your solution (of having a separate device with just the google account setup) is the cleanest option.
I am not into facebook or snapchat or the next fad either... but f-droid wouldn't cut it for me, stuff like keepass2android or some of the other apps I use are definitely not there. I wonder what are the security implications of using F-Droid compared to getting the apks from apkmirror. Considering my level of paranoia I wouldn't feel safe with either option.
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One issue I can think of with this approach is that both the device with google play store and the device where the apps are going to be installed will require the same CPU architecture.
Won't be able to download the apk on a cheap android (most likely ARM) and install it on ARM64...

_polymar said:
One issue I can think of with this approach is that both the device with google play store and the device where the apps are going to be installed will require the same CPU architecture.
Won't be able to download the apk on a cheap android (most likely ARM) and install it on ARM64...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, luckily my back up is the same architecture as my non-gapps phone.
And there are also ways of getting some of the apks straight from the sources, like keepass2android from the project's website. but even if it is google, they sort of give a sense of security in that the apk won't be messed with.
It's such a mess though otherwise, hard to separate the google from the android, and no other viable OSs are any better. hope some competition at least makes a nice little niche to get away from the big G.

OnePlus 6 without Google services?

Hi,
Like many people I don't trust Google.
They censor people, they remove websites from their rankings, they fire people for political beliefs, they track everybody, and of course their google play services app is capable of recording everything about you.
Is it possible to create a ROM for the OnePlus 6 that is without Google services?
How much of google can be stripped away at the ROM level?
How much of Android is necessary closed source from google?
Thanks.

frei6 said:
Hi,
Like many people I don't trust Google.
You know, they censor people, they remove websites from their rankings, and so on.
Is it possible to create a ROM for the OnePlus 6 that is without Google services?
How much of Android is closed source from google?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you may have chosen the wrong phone to avoid the prying eyes of google. I think that the services are directly integrated into the functions of everything in the system (with the exception of maybe play services as some phones are without play store). Certainly if i'm wrong, someone correct me. Good luck. :fingers-crossed:

thejase said:
I think you may have chosen the wrong phone to avoid the prying eyes of google. I think that the services are directly integrated into the functions of everything in the system (with the exception of maybe play services as some phones are without play store). Certainly if i'm wrong, someone correct me. Good luck. :fingers-crossed:
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Click to collapse
But isn't there a version of Android (AOSP) that doesn't have the google spyware?

frei6 said:
Hi,
Like many people I don't trust Google.
They censor people, they remove websites from their rankings, they fire people for political beliefs, they track everybody, and of course their google play services app is capable of recording everything about you.
Is it possible to create a ROM for the OnePlus 6 that is without Google services?
How much of google can be stripped away at the ROM level?
How much of Android is necessary closed source from google?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although Lineage for MicroG has not been released yet, you can run HavocOS which is a Lineage based ROM that includes the "spoof patch" and flash MicroG instead of an OpenGapps package.
Please note that the micro edition of Gapps is not the same thing as MicroG. MicroG contains no Google blobs and you cannot use the Play Store or other apps that require Google Play Services. You will need to use Fdroid, YALP, etc to install and update packages.
Another alternative is to use HavocOS or any other LOS based ROM with the "pico" version of OpenGapps which contains the bare minimum required to use the Play Store. This is what I'm doing currently and it works well while reducing Googles presence on your phone. OpenGapps are based on AOSP code, so there are still binary blobs. (not really open-source as the name implies.)

Hydrogen os , exact same as oos but without Google. Have a look in roms etc

Was about to say Hydrogen Os.

I am a flashaholic. I only flash roms in my home because i have everything i need to repair in case of need.
So, flash a new rom, connect to WIFI, login to google. Surprise !!!... "Google does not recognise this device".... Same device. On the same router, connection, house.
BS "security"...

Hydrogen OS, but then you may be dealing with Chinese government spyware. Pick your poison.

Switch from iOS to 8T - some questions

Hello
I did pick an Oneplus 8T on Prime Day, its still sealed and
last 3 Days i collect some Informations about Android / OxygenOS and about Custom Roms and Debloat Stuff.
I had an Samsung Galaxy S2 as my Daily Driver , at this time Android was really Bad
in the end i Root and used Cynagon with Android 6? idk anymore.
since those Days i used Apple Devices as my Daily Driver, i try some breaks from the Apple ecosystem with an P30 Pro and S10+ ( for an Month ) but switched back to iOS cuz Privacy issues.
And this is the Reason why i start the Thread "Privacy" is important for me.
So how is the Privacy and influence from Google to Track and Spy at you if u:
1. Create a New Account
2. Turn everything OFF u can
3. Dont use Google APP´s / Services ( Not that hard .. if coming from Apple )
4. Debloat with ADB
and using maybe only the Google Playstore.
Thanks for any helpfull comments

Lineage OS is officially supported on the 8t, for privacy i'd flash that and not use gapps. You can get your bootloader unlocked easily and be off the to races

Or just use oos and debloat all of Google apps with xxxnolimits magisk ROM

You can use Android without creating a Google account. You can also disable pretty much every app.
You do need a Google account to use the Play store. So if you want to install apps without an account, just download APKs from the internet.
Just curious, what kind of information do you not want to share with Google? Or Apple for that matter?

xocomaox said:
Just curious, what kind of information do you not want to share with Google? Or Apple for that matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you work for interpol or something?

sansanc said:
Do you work for interpol or something?
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Click to collapse
I don't believe so. Why?

Play Store is blocked by proxy

Hi everyone,
I'm a headmaster of a primary school. We don't have access to proxy configuration, unfortunately. Here is the thing :
We have bought several Android tablets, but we can't access to Play Store because the proxy is blocking Google services...
On my computer, there is no problem : I use Proxifier and it works well.
But on my tablets, we are stuck with the Play Store not working... which is primordial for us.
Do you know if there is anyway to do something ? A similar app to Proxifier for Android ?
A big thank you !

When it comes to installing APKs from the Google Play Store, ApkMirror can be used as an alternative.
Apkmirror.com is run by the same people behind AndroidPolice.com, one of the biggest Android news websites. All uploads are manually vetted and approved, and only free apps are allowed so you won't find any 'cracked' apks or 'warez'.

xXx yYy said:
Apkmirror.com is run by the same people behind AndroidPolice.com, one of the biggest Android news websites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And AndroidPolice is owned by Valnet who also owns XDA-developers.

Question Am I better off just debloating google apps?

I means systemly removing them maybe keeping ones I want? I got all the major ones removed except for Google play services on stock rom. Replaced google camera with open camera and replaced google photos with lineage gallery. That way I can still have some google apps in some form. I deleted YouTube and music and just added them as third party apps instead that I can uninstall. It's easier than installing a custom ROM these days.

Temporarily disable* Google play Services when not needed. Gmail, Google backup and Playstore are dependencies of it. That may increase your SOT by a couple percentage an hour.
* uncheck find my device as system Administrator first in security. Otherwise Google play Services disable option may be grayed out.

why not degoogle? do you rely on google play services for something?
you can gain tons of performance, battery life and privacy without the google play services, and for me its worked fine with aurora store and f-droid.

Can I get signature spoofing with micro g using stock firmware? If so how? I wanna get signature spoofing with youtube for when I'm out in public.

RDS5 said:
why not degoogle? do you rely on google play services for something?
you can gain tons of performance, battery life and privacy without the google play services, and for me its worked fine with aurora store and f-droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using online Gmail through the browser is a pain.
Some apps need Google play Services and some apps are only available on Playstore.
Google is a pig... just hog tie it.

With debloating apps and magisk I made a lot of Google apps disappear. Kept important ones like files. And you can make it seem like google play is sandboxed with stock ROM of you know what you are doing.

Why do you want a less capable camera?

UltimateGamer83 said:
Can I get signature spoofing with micro g using stock firmware? If so how? I wanna get signature spoofing with youtube for when I'm out in public.
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Click to collapse
what about newpipe (alternative youtube client). or vanced?
otherwise, im pretty sure there are magisk modules to enable signature spoofing, but im not sure if they work on stock..
EDIT: nanodroid seems to be exactly what you need
i use lineageos/aosp on most of my devices tho..
blackhawk said:
Using online Gmail through the browser is a pain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree honestly, its probably intentional to get you to download the app..
arent there 3rd party mail clients tho? maybe those dont work as well tho
blackhawk said:
Some apps need Google play Services and some apps are only available on Playstore.
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Click to collapse
aurora store can download apps from google play, and most apps that "need google play" dont actually need it and just throw warnings
blackhawk said:
Google is a pig... just hog tie it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at the end it all depends on the apps and services you use.
if you are reliant on google services (eg. gmail, gpay) then you need google play services, no matter the downside.
for me i havent had a use for these services (i use a phone to make calls, play some games, take photos and watch videos. all of these can be accomplished without google play) but for many they are tied to this.
i just hope antitrust can come and bite these companies in the ass
how come microsoft got sued for IE in the 90s but now, doing the exact same thing with edge, they arent in any trouble? just something to think about..

I don't know if I am just stupid or missing something?
Why buy a Pixel if you are not going to use Google services? Like that is the whole point.
You think that by disabling Google services, using 3rd party apps and app stores you will not be tracked?
Google makes OS, UI, and processor. You don't think they can track your use in other ways besides Google services and Google apps?
You think that the 3rd party apps are safe and not tracking you?
I mean I totally get why you want to have privacy and less use on the processes and ram but I just feel like there is no escape.
Plus you lose the great AI in the camera if you switch to something else.
I just figured if I get a Pixel part of the deal is I get Google. Android is pretty much a Google mobile OS so they can track what they want once you agree to the EULA to use the phone. At least I know going in most of what I do is being monitored and monetized. Unlike some other companies that hide that fact and act privacy focused.

Sounds like you might be looking for CalyxOS

Wi1son said:
Why do you want a less capable camera?
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Click to collapse
My question, too... One of the big selling points of Pixel is the camera, but it works in tandem with software?

krakout said:
My question, too... One of the big selling points of Pixel is the camera, but it works in tandem with software?
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Click to collapse
I too wondered this. That being said, doesn't graphene OS have the Google camera working on its entirety?

Agreeing with others here - if you are really heading down that road (which reasoning I can fully understand) then I would suggest Graphene OS or Calyx OS which do exactly this....

RDS5 said:
what about newpipe (alternative youtube client). or vanced?
otherwise, im pretty sure there are magisk modules to enable signature spoofing, but im not sure if they work on stock..
EDIT: nanodroid seems to be exactly what you need
i use lineageos/aosp on most of my devices tho..
i agree honestly, its probably intentional to get you to download the app..
arent there 3rd party mail clients tho? maybe those dont work as well tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like Gmail because of security, it's almost bulletproof. No Gmail related malware ever made it through in 15 years. Only a little common sense is needed. Spam filters are pretty good. Something equivalent or better be nice though.
RDS5 said:
aurora store can download apps from google play, and most apps that "need google play" dont actually need it and just throw warnings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A very few need Google play Services to run. Nothing critical though.
RDS5 said:
at the end it all depends on the apps and services you use.
if you are reliant on google services (eg. gmail, gpay) then you need google play services, no matter the downside.
for me i havent had a use for these services (i use a phone to make calls, play some games, take photos and watch videos. all of these can be accomplished without google play) but for many they are tied to this.
i just hope antitrust can come and bite these companies in the ass
how come microsoft got sued for IE in the 90s but now, doing the exact same thing with edge, they arent in any trouble? just something to think about..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Android 10 and scoped storage Google Android is the enemy. Might as well be Apple.
Google pushes to end support for expandable storage. They're are liberal technocrats and need to be removed like the cancer they are. So yeah my next phone may indeed be Gookill free.

Schroeder09 said:
I too wondered this. That being said, doesn't graphene OS have the Google camera working on its entirety?
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Click to collapse
yes, works perfectly on p7