I’ve been degoogling my phone (A Samsung Galaxy) for over half a year by now. I already changed my mail, my browser, my searcher, etc. I avoided changing the OS because it seemed like a way too big effort. However, with the latest news about Google forcing all apk developers to verify their identities, i decided to change my OS. I investigated, but the only infformation that i could find and understand is that GrapheneOS isn’t compatible with samsung and that i might need to use a pc for this.
I also had people tell me that i should change my phone for a Pixel, but i won’t do it for the simple fact that i can’t afford that.
So, what OS can i change Android to? How do i do it? I don’t understand relatively complex tech concepts so please be as clear as you can.
To be able to install an alternative OS on your device you are going to first want to make sure the bootloader can be unlocked. If it can’t be then you will not be able to install an alternate OS.
OEM unlocking needs to be enabled from within the operating system.
Enable the developer options menu by going to Settings > About phone/tablet and repeatedly pressing the Build number menu entry until developer mode is enabled.
Next, go to Settings > System > Developer options and toggle on the OEM unlocking setting. On device model variants (SKUs) which support being sold as locked devices by carriers, enabling OEM unlocking requires internet access so that the stock OS can check if the device was sold as locked by a carrier.
Typically if you bought your phone directly from your phone carrier, they do not allow you to unlock the bootloader.
Its not a “might need a pc” for reflashing alternative android roms, its a must. Can’t really unlock the bootloader and flash from the same phone you’re trying to flash.
i don’t see the point in focusing over such petty details, i’m asking how to change the OS of my phone, not whether might or must are correct for a sentence
Thats not even a grammar related, its where you seems to reluctant with graphenes because it need a pc to flash it, ie the whole point if your endeavour. Literally every alternative android roms needs a pc to flash, and to unlock the bootloader beforehand. If you’re avoiding graphene because you don’t have access to a pc, or reluctant to deal with terminal, you’d face similar hurdle with every other alternative android roms out there. Its not as simple as clicking next, next as when you’re installing winrar.
? I never said that i’m reluctant about using a PC. I said that i was. is it so hard to just answer my actual question instead of trying to look cool arguing over pointless things? You don’t look cool and smart doing this
I’m surprised at the lack of help you got, pretty sad.
Anyway, if you check XDA Developers for your specific phone you may be able to find detailed instructions on how to install a custom ROM. All forums by manufacturer | XDA Forums
You will gain privacy but will also sacrifice security. Make sure you know the pitfalls of having an unlocked bootloader. Best of luck.
Lineage OS is honestly not bad if you aren’t worried about installing malware or facing digital forensics-related issues. Being smart over what you download is good enough for some folks. Just don’t install a random APK and you’ll be fine
For someone trying to have more control over their phone, an unlocked bootloader is a semi-reasonable trade off considering the state of the modern Linux desktop lol
If you are in One UI 8, it is unfortunate and you’re stuck, unless you figure out reverting among other things.
It seems there is a community post though:
I personally don’t regard “security” in a broad sense as important. The issue is that “security,” e.g. against third-party software inevitably entails a signing authority such as Apple or Google that dictates what is secure and what isn’t, and therefore that has power over users and developers, with the result being not being free to use the hardware that you own. It’s exactly the kind of “security” that Apple has been enforcing, and that Google is moving towards right now.
