I’ve had a Galaxy S22+ for 2 years and still want to use it. When I look up how to maximize privacy on Android, many results say to install custom ROMs which I can’t since its a US model and the bootloader is locked. I just want to minimize tracking and sharing of personal information. I could use a firewall app like RethinkDNS to block trackers, but could I completely block tracking from Google and Samsung? Are there any lists of packages to uninstall to improve privacy? (I’ve used ADB to remove a bunch of bloatware. Ex: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.arzone)
You should use a VPN or an tracker blocker like DuckduckGo. This is the only way to slow down the information you are sending out. You might not be able to completely stop Google and Samsung from tracking you, but there’s no reason to share yourself with all other data harvesting services.
You have to obfuscate the info that makes it through by using multiple, unlinked Google accounts that let you put separate components of your life into separate silos.
I used ADB for years, but I recently started using two Android apps, Canta and Shizuku. With these two apps you can uninstall any app (even the hidden ones) directly from your phone without connecting to a computer. I can be a little tricky to set up, but it’s by far the best and clearest method for uninstalling bloat and spyware from your phone. Even better than Universal Android Debloater (which is still a great option).
I dont think there is a way. 90% of the tracking is performed by the OS itself. That’s why the first thing you have to do is log into a Google account so they can immediately begin tracking you, and that’s why they lock the bootloader.
Funny enough, one of the few devices that allow you to unlock the bootloader is made by Google.
As for privacy, I cant think of any approach for base roms aside from piping your connection through a vpn that screens every IP or domain from that device whatever it reaches to. Unfortunately, I dont know any vpn that could do that.
You are not logged in. However you can subscribe from another Fediverse account, for example Lemmy or Mastodon. To do this, paste the following into the search field of your instance: !privacyguides@lemmy.one
In the digital age, protecting your personal information might seem like an impossible task. We’re here to help.
This is a community for sharing news about privacy, posting information about cool privacy tools and services, and getting advice about your privacy journey.
You can subscribe to this community from any Kbin or Lemmy instance:
Check out our website at privacyguides.org before asking your questions here. We’ve tried answering the common questions and recommendations there!
Want to get involved? The website is open-source on GitHub, and your help would be appreciated!
This community is the “official” Privacy Guides community on Lemmy, which can be verified here. Other “Privacy Guides” communities on other Lemmy servers are not moderated by this team or associated with the website.
Moderation Rules:
We prefer posting about open-source software whenever possible.
No soliciting engagement: Don’t ask for upvotes, follows, etc.
Surveys, Fundraising, and Petitions must be pre-approved by the mod team.
Be civil, no violence, hate speech. Assume people here are posting in good faith.
Don’t repost topics which have already been covered here.
News posts must be related to privacy and security, and your post title must match the article headline exactly. Do not editorialize titles, you can post your opinions in the post body or a comment.
Memes/images/video posts that could be summarized as text explanations should not be posted. Infographics and conference talks from reputable sources are acceptable.
No help vampires: This is not a tech support subreddit, don’t abuse our community’s willingness to help. Questions related to privacy, security or privacy/security related software and their configurations are acceptable.
No misinformation: Extraordinary claims must be matched with evidence.
Do not post about VPNs or cryptocurrencies which are not listed on privacyguides.org. See Rule 2 for info on adding new recommendations to the website.
General guides or software lists are not permitted. Original sources and research about specific topics are allowed as long as they are high quality and factual. We are not providing a platform for poorly-vetted, out-of-date or conflicting recommendations.
https://thenewoil.org/en/guides/quick-start/mobile/
You should use a VPN or an tracker blocker like DuckduckGo. This is the only way to slow down the information you are sending out. You might not be able to completely stop Google and Samsung from tracking you, but there’s no reason to share yourself with all other data harvesting services.
You have to obfuscate the info that makes it through by using multiple, unlinked Google accounts that let you put separate components of your life into separate silos.
I used ADB for years, but I recently started using two Android apps, Canta and Shizuku. With these two apps you can uninstall any app (even the hidden ones) directly from your phone without connecting to a computer. I can be a little tricky to set up, but it’s by far the best and clearest method for uninstalling bloat and spyware from your phone. Even better than Universal Android Debloater (which is still a great option).
Fwiw
I’m actually really glad u showed me this, MUCH more convenient than using adb!
I dont think there is a way. 90% of the tracking is performed by the OS itself. That’s why the first thing you have to do is log into a Google account so they can immediately begin tracking you, and that’s why they lock the bootloader.
Funny enough, one of the few devices that allow you to unlock the bootloader is made by Google.
Apple aside, which brand doesn’t?
Doesnt what?
Allow unlocking the bootloader.
Pretty much all of them?
For bloatware, this is what I use if you have access to adb https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/
As for privacy, I cant think of any approach for base roms aside from piping your connection through a vpn that screens every IP or domain from that device whatever it reaches to. Unfortunately, I dont know any vpn that could do that.
Some bloat is marked as system app and can’t be removed that way.
Not in my case anyway.
Run the VPN right from the device itself, allowing for DNS blocking of whatever you want. Previously, Blokada was used, now Rethink DNS is preferred.
Or NextDNS.io
Cool