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)
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Cutoff internet access on all apps that expressly do not need it. Install Netguard or the likes if you don’t used a VPN and see what apps are calling home.
I thought you needed root for app-level firewalls?
Straight from their site.
NetGuard provides simple and advanced ways to block access to the internet - no root required. Applications and addresses can individually be allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connection.
Blocking access to the internet can help:
reduce your data usage save your battery increase your privacy
Edit: Uses the same slot as VPN on a phone. Thus you have one or the other. Not both. PC is different.
Unfortunately I cannot use a VPN because several apps I use (including android auto) do not work with it.
Then perhaps this could be a way for you to lockdown internet traffic to and from your device. Major privacy improvement.
I don’t understand how if this requires a VPN which I can’t use?
I limit as much as I can through a combination of privacy-respecting apps and fewer apps (if I can reliably use the web browser for something, I will) and then use custom DNS filters (NextDNS) to minimise further leakage. I also disable any pre-installed applications I don’t need (you can remove them with Universal Android Debloater but I don’t need the extra storage space). I also use a VPN at all times.
What I did on my old Oneplus 7t (from a fresh install) was using Shelter to create a work profile and keep anything google related there. On the main profile I didn’t sign in to google or installed any google apps. I also disabled all OEM bloatware and apps I didn’t use. Not ideal, but better than nothing and all I could do before getting a new phone without unlocking the bootloader.
Every time I think about running custom roms or degoogled stuff, I remember that NFC payments will no longer work and then I get sad.
Wdym? Google Wallet won’t work, that’s correct, but if your banking app works and has a built-in nfc payments support, then you’ll be alright.
Use this tool.
That one is old and unmaintained. Use this newer version of it instead: https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/
Can also use Canta directly on the phone without needing a PC.
Just buy a new phone. Don’t waste your life micro-managing malware. Spend your time on making money to buy a new phone.
Downvoted by broke bois but they ain’t finding privacy anytime soon
