What are some simple things i can do while using an android phone to maintain some privacy? Been thinking about this since seeing a thread on favorite foss apps. I currently use duckduckgo browser with their tracking deterrent vpn and simple keyboard. Thanks in advance
Install a custom ROM to remove all the google spyware and bloatware if it’s supported by your device. If not, buy a phone that can support one.
LineageOS supports the most devices I believe, so better chance to find one that is supported. Some people don’t find it secure enough since you need to unlock your bootloader. You can have LOS without any google apps, or with some reinstalled with microg. Either option is more private that stock android, but the more google apps you use the more data you give them about yourself. I only use gmaps since no alternative works in my area reliably, and banking apps.
GrapheneOS has better security but is only available on specific phones (I believe google pixels only) which makes it more limiting. There are also no google apps, so you’re totally reliant on foss apps.
This gives you a range of devices and a range of privacy depending on your use case.
Thank you for the idea. However, it looks like my device isn’t supported. Also, not really looking to go that far. Would doing things like disabling search and location history be effective at all? Other simple steps?