I highly recommend lineageOS, or better yet lineageOS with microg.
Running a completely degoogled android phone right now, and it feels smooth as butter.
Microg has gotten so good, the vast majority of playstore apps work completely fine even without Google services, including things like my banking apps.
Feels liberating as fuck, not gonna lie.
Only apps that don’t work for me are ones that require IaP’s. About 30% of those I can crack with LuckyPatcher. I can also crack other paid apps with license protection.
Mostly I havent needed to do any of that though, because I’ve found that there are so many great open source apps that do the things I need.
I also run LineageOS, but some apps installed using Aurora will not work since the phone can not prove to be part of the Google bootnet. I think it’s called SafetyNet. How do I get around that problem?
There is an option in the microg settings to enable SafetyNet. I can’t confirm whether it works, since I don’t have any apps that require it. I’ve heard it’s a bit of a cat and mouse game.
I don’t know much about this, since I haven’t needed it myself. But personally, if safetynet uses Google servers or code for authentication, then I’d rather just leave it turned off. Even if it breaks a few apps.
Not being beholden to Google in any way just feels too damn good.
The problem is when those apps are required for banking, identification with government websites and money transfer and no free software alternative exists. Somwhow the government dont see it as a problem to force people to be Google or Apple customers. At the moment I am forced to have two phones. One relatively secure and free with LineageOS and one insecure and nonfree used for banking ++ which I only turn on when I need.
Yeah for sure, it’s pretty fucked.
Hopefully I can do my banking through a web browser if my bank ever decides to pull some dumb shit like that.
One thing that really fucks me off, are schools requiring students to use proprietary nonfree software. Windows, adobe, MS office, etc
IMO all schools should be using desktop Linux, and teaching students on free and open source software.
It respects student freedom and privacy, and doesn’t unfairly punish the less financially fortunate. On top of that, it teaches students important lessons about sharing and collaboration. Imagine what the FOSS movement might look like if free and open source became the standard in education.
Paid apps are harder to get working, but I’ve had some success patching them with luckypatcher.
Honestly though, the biggest surprise to me was how little I needed those proprietary apps.
Usually with a bit of digging I was able to find great open source alternatives.
Same here. Running F-Droid and Aurora Store on CalyxOS. Every app like banking, authenticators and all the others work like a charm. True freedom. You can do everything with your phone what you want. Can even imagine to go back to Google restrictions and horrible bloatware.
I highly recommend lineageOS, or better yet lineageOS with microg.
Running a completely degoogled android phone right now, and it feels smooth as butter. Microg has gotten so good, the vast majority of playstore apps work completely fine even without Google services, including things like my banking apps.
Feels liberating as fuck, not gonna lie.
Only apps that don’t work for me are ones that require IaP’s. About 30% of those I can crack with LuckyPatcher. I can also crack other paid apps with license protection.
Mostly I havent needed to do any of that though, because I’ve found that there are so many great open source apps that do the things I need.
Where do you get the apk for banking apps if not the play store?
I also run LineageOS, but some apps installed using Aurora will not work since the phone can not prove to be part of the Google bootnet. I think it’s called SafetyNet. How do I get around that problem?
There is an option in the microg settings to enable SafetyNet. I can’t confirm whether it works, since I don’t have any apps that require it. I’ve heard it’s a bit of a cat and mouse game.
I don’t know much about this, since I haven’t needed it myself. But personally, if safetynet uses Google servers or code for authentication, then I’d rather just leave it turned off. Even if it breaks a few apps.
Not being beholden to Google in any way just feels too damn good.
Thank you. I will look into those settings.
The problem is when those apps are required for banking, identification with government websites and money transfer and no free software alternative exists. Somwhow the government dont see it as a problem to force people to be Google or Apple customers. At the moment I am forced to have two phones. One relatively secure and free with LineageOS and one insecure and nonfree used for banking ++ which I only turn on when I need.
Yeah for sure, it’s pretty fucked. Hopefully I can do my banking through a web browser if my bank ever decides to pull some dumb shit like that.
One thing that really fucks me off, are schools requiring students to use proprietary nonfree software. Windows, adobe, MS office, etc
IMO all schools should be using desktop Linux, and teaching students on free and open source software.
It respects student freedom and privacy, and doesn’t unfairly punish the less financially fortunate. On top of that, it teaches students important lessons about sharing and collaboration. Imagine what the FOSS movement might look like if free and open source became the standard in education.
You’re mistaken. The vast majority of Android apps do not work without Play Services installed.
I don’t know what to tell you mate. Have you tried microG recently?
I’m running my banking app, social media apps, a bunch of games, mail app etc, all without play services.
https://community.e.foundation/t/list-apps-that-work-or-do-not-work-with-microg/21151
Paid apps are harder to get working, but I’ve had some success patching them with luckypatcher.
Honestly though, the biggest surprise to me was how little I needed those proprietary apps. Usually with a bit of digging I was able to find great open source alternatives.
Same here. Running F-Droid and Aurora Store on CalyxOS. Every app like banking, authenticators and all the others work like a charm. True freedom. You can do everything with your phone what you want. Can even imagine to go back to Google restrictions and horrible bloatware.
MicroG used Play Services. That’s why you have to log into an account.