I have a phone that is outdated (Android 12). Assuming that security is not optimal, I will configure this device for secondary, non-personal use only (podcasts, music, weather… no photos, no SIM card…). No Google account linked.
However, I would like to know if, in such a configuration, I could disable Google Play Services and other invasive system processes (Google One Time Init, Google Partner Setup, Market Feedback Agent…) without further compromising security ?
Thanks,
Disable it as in uninstall it or disable it?
If the second one, In my experience you can actually disable play services and other apps like it yes
With working Google Play you can still receive WebView updates and APEX updates.
You can, but it depends on the apps you use. I used to have Google Play Services and Play Store both disabled and would do app updates once every couple weeks.
This week following an update, now Viber (not ideal, but I have to have it where I live. Everyone’s on it) demands Play Services to work.
If you can’t disable it via just the list of apps in the settings, use ADB.
Is it possible to update Webview with Aurora, instead of Play Store ?
What does “APEX update” mean for Android ?
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Generally, is it OK that disabling Google Play Services (and other Google system processes), can increase privacy (over security ?) ?
You can disable GPlay Services. There will be annoying pop-ups for enabling GPlay, but you can ignore them. A lot of app notifications won’t work, some apps might not even work at all without GPlay (two of my banking apps requires it). I’ve even tried uninstalling GPlay Services, but it ended up bricking my phone.
Is it possible to make various security improvements delivered through Google Play Services which receives updates on many EOL devices ?
Or can we do without it (for a better privacy) ?
Wouldn’t it just be easier to install a custom rom and use aurora if/when you need it? If there isn’t a custom rom available for it you can always flip it on ebay for one that does have. Installing a CR could also provide the opportunity with which to upgrade to to a later android version if you buy a compatible model of phone.
I’m asking with a general view, i.e. I think almost people security/privacy advised still use a regular phone, without a custom ROM…
So, it’s important to know what annoying stuff (such like Google Play Services) we can get rid of with peace of mind.
If you are using stock OS, you better not disabling google services as they are an integral part of the system, things will not work properly while there are still some system components phoning back to google and what not, so you are not getting much, but sacrificed usability of the phone.
They are used to update low level system component so you can have critical fixes deployed even if your version of android doesn’t receive security update anymore.
If you are on Android 12 you should be better not to disable google services.