Hello everyone! (I’m hoping this is the right place to ask this.) I’m looking to replace my old iphone, but have gotten focused on privacy and security for my devices recently. I’m not very tech smart, and so far the research I’ve done into this has just left me more confused and feeling very out of…

[image] DragonBird: Can I use something like Fairphone without sacrificing major OS security? Yes, you can generally use virtually any non-EOL (end of life) phone from a reputable manufacturer without substantially sacrificing your security, including the Fairphone. However, it will come wit…

No not really. One of the few methods is possible to use. USB Debugging to uninstall the google services in general, then completely disable developer options after the fact. Do be warned: Do Not uninstall critical apps or ones that look critical to this device using the method, and for security…

As for the rest, I will argue that using GrapheneOS would be far easier than something like Linux or whatever you may be thinking of. It seems your threat model is high enough I don’t see dismissing this option being very justifiable on this. And I just saw the camera and video thing, if I may I s…

Thank you both! It sounds like GrapheneOS really is going to be my best option for security and privacy combo. As a follow up question, would it be worth the extra money to get a phone with GrapheneOS already loaded? (I admit the price gives me a bit of sticker shock) Or is installation simple enou…

[image] DragonBird: worth the extra money to get a phone already loaded absolutely not [image] DragonBird: installation simple enough takes a few clicks: Web installer | Install | GrapheneOS

If you did want them to professionally remove the microphone/sensors maybe it’s worth it (still very pricey though), but if you’re simply going to install GrapheneOS then you can certainly DIY it. Having the microphone removed isn’t completely valueless, and you’d still be able to make calls by sim…

Good to know! The physical kill switch would be nice, but considering the goal is to have a not hacked phone to begin with, mic and camera shouldn’t be a problem if the phone stays un-hacked. I’d very much like to go as cheap as I can, I’m just daunted by tackling the diy version. I did read throug…

It should, because once you enable OEM unlocking, boot into the bootloader interface, and connect your phone with a USB cable then all you really have to do is click 4 buttons on that page in order.

I would recommend GrapheneOS too. This may not be the panacea but this is the closest OS we have to it. By default, it has zero outgoing connections except to GrapheneOS servers. If you disable location, WiFi, Bluetooth, Network location and enable airplane mode and use VPN, your real location is n…

I am wondering, as I have just ruined the Pixel back cover by applying too much isopropyl alcohol frequently: Can GrapheneOS even work with a removed/disabled camera and/or microphone?

I don’t know the experiences with people on that but if Nitrokey can confidently remove the microphone and/or camera and sensors on it then I’m sure it works, you just won’t be able to take photos as expected. Don’t quote me on that I would ensure to ask other people on that which I wish I knew, I’m…

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Question About Best Secure/Private Smartphones

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jonah (Jonah Aragon) June 11, 2025, 8:59pm 14

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