7 simple things I always do on Android to protect my privacy [and reduce being monetized by Google et al.] (www.zdnet.com)

submitted 2 weeks ago by klu9@lemmy.ca to c/buyeuropean@feddit.uk

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Until you get a chance to leave behind Google's Android operating system completely, here's an article I saw with a few fairly simple things you can do that will reduce (although not eliminate) the ability of Google and others to scrape your data and monetize you.

I already do step 1 (Firefox etc). But looking at step 5, for example, my phone had all those ad options set to "on".

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[-] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 10 points 2 weeks ago

The first thing(s) do:

Install adguard with system-wide ad & tracker filters enabled; change my DNS to a private service that also features DNS-based ad and tracker blocking.
Disable any google features: syncing, backup, uninstall/disable all google apps, etc.; replace with FOSS or privacy-friendly alternatives.
after that, it's the process of replacing the browser, keyboard, etc.

[-] blackbeards_bounty@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 weeks ago

Which adguard? Needs root?

[-] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 weeks ago

Adguard for android (paid). It runs as a local VPN and cleans up everything, including most ads in apps.

You can find cheap lifetime licenses for sale. I've been using it for many, many years.

[-] Cyber@feddit.uk 1 points 2 weeks ago

Alternative is TrackerControl - again a local VPN, but aimed at blocking trackers (which could then include ads)

Find it on FDroid: https://trackercontrol.org/

[-] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 weeks ago

Yes, that's a great FOSS alternative.

The only reason why I don't use trackercontrol is that I can't use it at the same time as an actual VPN. And since I already paid for AdGuard, it's on all my devices. 🤭

[-] whereisk@lemmy.world 7 points 2 weeks ago

It seems a bit like a fool's errand to buy a phone running an advertiser’s OS and then try to stop it from tracking you.

[-] Cyber@feddit.uk 1 points 2 weeks ago

Fair point, but IMO it's more than just the technical act of blocking, it's highlighting to everyone that this is going on...

Some are happy to be tracked, cool, but, I'm fairly confident that millions of people aren't even aware of it.

These articles barely scratch the surface of what can be done - for example, I presume you're referring to loading a different OS, which would blow the minds of many users out there

[-] passenger@lemm.ee 3 points 2 weeks ago

Can recommend GrapheneOS. Very nice experience. You would think it is more work, but I feel it was less due to not having Google suggest some nasty stuff constantly during install and ever after. Everything works for me. Check your own banking app works from the list they keep and if it does, go for it!

[-] NightmareQueenJune@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

But sadly it's not available for Fairphones which really frustrates me. And other OS variants just lack the main features which make Graphene so great.

[-] passenger@lemm.ee 2 points 2 weeks ago

Yes. I got a spotless used pixel. But it is a huge paradox to have to get a Google phone.

[-] theorangeninja@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 weeks ago

A possible alternative to step 6:

https://gitlab.com/Nulide/findmydevice

[-] Cyber@feddit.uk 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

But no mention of just disabling some of Google's services running on the phone?

this post was submitted on 23 Apr 2025

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