Degoogling Stock Android

Questions
1

I just got a Pixel 10 Pro from my carrier and they said I have to wait 60 days to unlock it (and install GOS). While I wait, what can I do to my stock Android install to make sure I can maintain even a bit of privacy? I already deleted my advertising ID and disabled many of the stock apps. Some pointers or links would be great, the Privacy Guides website doesn’t have too much info.

How should I be installing apps? I have a few paid apps that I must install, so I’m going to have to be signed in to the Play Store somehow. Would disabling the Play Store and just using Aurora Store be fine?

2

Are you sure? Because carrier sold devices almost always ensure the bootloader cannot be enabled. If they are allowing it, great but be sure of this.

I personally would just find a way to wait it out and only use it once I have GOS on it. But of course, this depends on your threat model.

3

First, make sure that the bootloader can really be unlocked, or it will be an expensive paperweight.

After that has been confirmed, leave it in your drawer for 60 days, after which you flash GrapheneOS.

My suggestion would be not to buy phones through a carrier though. Buy the cheapest plan that meets your needs, and buy your own Pixel from a Google store or some other place like Amazon or BestBuy.