There Is a Way Out
After learning the truth about Android and understanding your rights, you might feel angry or helpless. Don't. There are real solutions—paths to actual ownership of your device.
The right solution depends on how much control you want and how much effort you're willing to invest. This page walks you through all your options, from simple settings changes to complete operating system replacement.
Remember: Any step toward control is a win. You don't have to install a new operating system to make progress. Even reviewing your permissions is a step in the right direction.
Choose Your Path
Permission Review & Cleanup
Start here. Review every app on your phone and revoke permissions that aren't absolutely necessary.
- Go to Settings → Apps → Permission manager
- Review each permission category (Location, Microphone, Camera, etc.)
- For each app, ask: "Does this app NEED this permission to function?"
- Set to Deny for any app that doesn't truly need it
- Pay special attention to: Body sensors, Physical activity, SMS, Contacts
- Turn off Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning in Location settings
- Visit myactivity.google.com and pause/delete your history
- Turn off Usage & Diagnostics in Settings → Privacy
- Review app permissions for Google Play Services specifically
Alternative App Store: Aurora Store
Download apps without a Google account and with more privacy controls.
Download from Aurora Store official site
Firewall Apps: Take Control of Network Access
Even apps with permissions can't send data anywhere if you block their internet access.
- Install from NetGuard website or F-Droid
- Enable firewall and block internet for specific apps
- Watch live which apps try to connect to the internet
- Block system apps you don't trust (careful not to break functionality)
microG: Open Source Google Play Services
A free replacement for Google Play Services that respects your privacy while keeping apps working.
What it does: Provides the APIs apps need without the tracking and data collection.
Requirements: Custom ROM or rooted phone
Learn more at microG.org
F-Droid: The Open Source App Store
Hundreds of privacy-respecting, open-source apps. No Google account required.
Download from f-droid.org
Custom ROMs: Replace Your Operating System
Install a completely new version of Android without Google services.
Warning: Installing a custom ROM will wipe your device, may void warranty, and requires unlocking the bootloader. Research carefully for your specific phone model.
- Back up all your data
- Unlock bootloader (varies by phone)
- Install custom recovery (like TWRP)
- Flash custom ROM
- Optionally install microG for app compatibility
GrapheneOS: The Gold Standard
GrapheneOS is a privacy and security-focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility. It's the only system that gives you complete control while still allowing you to use the apps you need.
Why GrapheneOS is different:
- Google Play Services runs in a sandbox — It has no special privileges. It's just another app you can control.
- You can grant or deny ANY permission — Nothing is "critical" except what you decide.
- No Google servers by default — Even network connectivity checks use GrapheneOS servers.
- Full transparency — Completely open source. Anyone can verify what it does.
Important: GrapheneOS currently only supports Google Pixel phones. This may seem ironic, but Pixel phones have the best hardware security features and are the easiest to unlock and control.
- Get a compatible Pixel phone (3a or newer)
- Back up your data
- Use the web installer at grapheneos.org/install
- Follow the simple instructions (takes about 15 minutes)
- Optionally install sandboxed Google Play services from the app store
Official site: grapheneos.org
Alternative: DivestOS
A LineageOS fork with more privacy features, supporting more devices than GrapheneOS.
Solution Comparison
| Solution | Privacy Level | Difficulty | App Compatibility | Device Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permission Cleanup | Low | Very Easy | Full | All Android |
| Firewall Apps | Medium | Easy | Full | All Android |
| microG | Medium-High | Hard | Most apps | Rooted phones |
| LineageOS | High | Hard | Varies (no Google) | Many devices |
| /e/OS | High | Hard | Good (with microG) | Many devices |
| GrapheneOS | Maximum | Medium | Excellent (sandboxed) | Pixel only |
Replace Google Apps With Privacy Alternatives
Bromite
Privacy-focused browser with built-in ad blocking and no Google tracking.
Get Bromite →Organic Maps
Offline maps based on OpenStreetMap. No tracking, no account needed.
Get Organic Maps →Simple Calendar
No tracking, no ads, just a calendar that works offline.
Get Simple Tools →K-9 Mail
Powerful email client with encryption support. No Google tracking.
Get K-9 Mail →NewPipe
Watch YouTube without ads or tracking. Background playback, download videos.
Get NewPipe →Signal
End-to-end encrypted messaging. Open source, nonprofit.
Get Signal →ProtonMail
Encrypted email based in Switzerland. Strong privacy laws.
Get ProtonMail →Simple Gallery
View photos without cloud uploads or tracking.
Get Simple Tools →All these apps are available on F-Droid, the open-source app store.
Hardware: Phones That Respect You
Pre-Installed De-Googled Phones
If you don't want to install anything yourself, you can buy phones with privacy-focused OS already installed.
These companies sell phones with /e/OS or GrapheneOS pre-installed. You pay extra for the convenience, but it's plug-and-play privacy.
Future: Purism Librem 5
A phone built from the ground up for privacy and freedom. Pure open source hardware and software. Available for pre-order.
Your Journey Starts Now
You've learned the truth. You know your rights. Now you have the tools to take action.
Start with one small step today. Review one permission. Install one privacy app. Learn about one solution.