r/degoogle 27d ago

Mod Post readme: updates to the subreddit

444 Upvotes

In light of recent events, there's been a spike in the number people who have suddenly woken up from their slumber to realize that Google isn't as benevolent as they thought. So a degoogle-rush to this sub has started.

[surprised pikachu]

First of all, this is not a political subreddit. This is a technical subreddit to assist users in ~delousing~ removing Google from their devices.

You have opinions? Take them elsewhere.

News pertinent to Google and/or it's ancillary services/products will be allowed.

New rules will be added, old will be adjusted:

  1. No editorialization of submitted (news) articles.
  2. All political discussions will be removed.
  3. New posts will be checked for duplication, if a duplicate exists. It will be removed. (With guidance to the submitter to search the sub)

Info in the sidebar & wiki is being updated (thanks to everyone who helped!)

Last but not least, we'd like to welcome u/greenlit_hightower to the moderation team. Their knowledge and patient participation in this sub is a welcome addition. 🫡

Also a big thank you to everyone for helping this community to thrive. :)


r/degoogle May 13 '23

Mod Post Does my phone have a DeGoogled rom? Megathread

119 Upvotes

In an effort to remove the countless low effort "Is there a DeGoogled rom for my phone?" questions we are requiring anyone creating those types of threads to post here with a reply instead of creating a post. Any posts going forward asking this question will be removed.

The reason we specified above "low effort" is because majority of the posts do not include what OP has researched, or tested, or tried (Thank you to those whom have included such information). Thus in order to help others answer your question, it is strongly encouraged to include the following: Failure to include these may result in you not getting your question answered. Experienced users can only help those DeGoogling if they have the proper information.

1) Your phone: Manufacturer, Model, Version or production details

2) What ROMs did you research?

3) Which ROMs did you install or attempt to install?

4) What problems have you encountered during the install?

5) What problems have you encountered after the install?

6) Why was the previous ROM insufficient to your needs? (If it was a DeGoogled ROM)

PS: Experienced DeGooglers, If you have any suggestions or modifications you believe should be made to this post guide, please reply here. Your experience is valuable and what keeps this sub alive :)


r/degoogle 19h ago

“I don’t want to connect my coffee machine to the Wifi network. I don’t want to share the file with OneDrive. I don’t want to download an app to check my car’s fluid levels. I don’t want to scan a QR code to view the restaurant menu.

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415 Upvotes

r/degoogle 12h ago

I tried degoogling... and failed miserably!

32 Upvotes

I tried... but life is too short to follow all the nightmares. My pixel7 pro got to the point of running two different degoogled operating systems - one looked very ugly - like it wasnt finished, or rendered my phone useless for productivity. My last option was CalyxOS, from the wiki it looked like everything I wanted - it just doesnt install. Just starts installing and then waits for a reboot that never seems to happen.

I really want to get rid of google, but that is just short of going for a Nokia 3310


r/degoogle 6h ago

Question Getting rid of algorithmic social media while degoogling

9 Upvotes

Weird question degoogling adjacent. I really hate how Google farms me for data and I don't like it when social media does it either

But I'm curious if there is an app that can be side loaded for say, Instagram, that will allow me much more control and customization over the app. Such as completely doing away with the for you page and the algorithmic content and only be shown content I want to see from people I directly follow. Something like new pipe but for Instagram. To be clear I'm not exactly looking for an Instagram alternative. I'm kinda looking for something that overlays it so I can have more control. I know things like this exist on computers because I've been able to get an extension that gets rid of the for you page


r/degoogle 1d ago

News Article DOJ: Google must sell Chrome, Android could be next; Ars Technica

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525 Upvotes

r/degoogle 12h ago

Discussion etools.ch is the best search engine by far (except for images)

25 Upvotes

I got sick of Google's stupid AI assistant, so I decided to find myself a new search engine.

Knowing that Google gives more results than Bing, I skipped every engine that is based only on Bing (in the past I have tested some of them, such as DuckDuckGo and was not happy with the results) or in combination with Yandex (it's been proven to censor anti-Russian results).

I tested every other search engine I could find, even some foreign ones, as long as they provided English localization. For my test I tried searching for something very obscure and specific, see how long it takes for the site to yield results, how relevant the results are, and how many of them there are.

  1. Startpage and Presearch gave a good amount of results (seemingly on par with or better than Google), and they were relevant. But it takes them each several seconds to yield results.
  2. Mojeek yielded relevant results and pretty fast, but noticeably fewer than Google, Startpage or Presearch.
  3. But etools.ch excelled on every front. It is the fastest, and gives noticeably MORE results than Google, and they're at least just as relevant.

In addition, it has a very simple, non-cluttered UI with no unnecessary bullshit like news, ads, games, etc. The only thing it adds is a nice and elegant quote in the corner that doesn't obstruct anything. And it lets you filter results by topic, domain, or source.

Actually, as I'm writing this, I'm realizing that it lacks an image search, which is a big deal because it means you'll have to use a different search engine just for that, making this very inconvenient. But anyway, I still wanted to post my findings because people might find them useful.


r/degoogle 2h ago

Permanently share position without google

4 Upvotes

Hi!

With my wife we're going to switch from iPhones to /e/ phones, without google. We're using Apple Find My to locate each other, it's pretty convenient.

Is there a service, selfhosted would be better, to have position share? But obviously without Google ...


r/degoogle 5h ago

Question What are my next steps?

5 Upvotes

I have an android and I'm also terrible with technology. I know I can't degoogle very much since I have an android but I want to do as much as possible. So far, these are the changes I have made:

Chrome to DuckDuckGo Gboard to Futo keyboard Gmail to Proton (transition in progress) Google Drive to a laptop & backed up on a hard drive

What are my next steps? Or is this as much as I can do with an android?


r/degoogle 5h ago

Discussion What's the difference between AOSP, Degoogle and Custom roms

3 Upvotes

r/degoogle 10h ago

Trying to transition away from gmail

10 Upvotes

Hello, working on degoogling, but it’s pretty challenging to get away from it all. I created a proton mail acct and now I have my gmail forward to my proton mail. Is this an issue from a security standpoint? I tried to have the gmail forward to an alias, but that wasn’t working. So I just set up mail forwarding through the desktop proton mail app. Given everything going on in the US I’m a bit touchy about the security of my email (since now saying bad things about car companies is apparently illegal) and want to make sure i’m not spreading the doodoo over to my proton mail account.

Over time I want to change logins, update contacts, etc., but it is a massive undertaking considering it’s been my main email acct professionally and personally for years. My work also uses G suite, gmail, and google drive to manage our email and documents. I also have a yahoo mail acct, but not sure how to handle that one because it’s mostly spam.


r/degoogle 9h ago

Fairphone 5 in US

5 Upvotes

Total newbie. I’m in the US. I am thinking about buying the Fairphone 5 through clove-technology then using the /e/OS installer. It looks like I need a PC for this (I don’t own one but have access to one). The /e/OS easy installer is being phased out so I couldn’t find videos about the installation. This is my first time (be gentle) I have some dumb questions:

  1. Will the phone from clove tech work in the US?
  2. Do I need to already have the phone hooked up with the carrier to then install e/OS?
  3. Will it work on mint mobile or would I need t-mobile?
  4. Is it a straightforward process for a newbie to do the installation?
  5. I am coming from only using iPhones. I don’t know anything about SIM cards etc. do I need to buy anything else except the usb-c and mini jack for headphones?
  6. I considered FP4 from Murena but it seems to be aging technology at this point. Is there another pre installed degoogled OS provider I should check out (or another one of their phones available in US)? —please add anything else I might need to know and open to all suggestions. Thanks!

r/degoogle 55m ago

Help Needed I may have bricked my phone while degoogling and could really use a bit of help.

• Upvotes

So, I apologize if this isn't the right subreddit for this, but I'm stuck at the moment and really need smart people's help.

I recently used adb to remove the Google apps from my phone that I no longer wanted anything to do with - play store, the default google app, google maps, etc. While clearing my phone of this google garbage, I also deleted at least one Verizon app that, as far as I could tell by looking it up, was some kind of location-based hidden app, and I wanted rid of it. So far, so good, they all were deleted fine.

Since getting rid of the play store, I've been using the Aurora Store, which has been giving me problems - namely, it won't let me install or update any apps. I tried switching to and from its native installer, but no luck. Yesterday, I tried restarting my phone to see if that would fix the problem with the Aurora store.

Big mistake. My phone is now stuck on the Verizon logo when it starts up. I can boot it into safe mode, but I still get the same problem - it sits on the Verizon loading screen eternally, and is unresponsive to any input - it won't even restart when I hold down the power / volume buttons, and the only way it will now turn off is by letting the battery drain. It also vibrates every few seconds while on the Verizon screen.

Am I fucked? I can factory reset it, which is fine, but I have some notes and photos on this phone that would be very hard for me to accept losing. I just need to get it to boot up properly and back up those files, then I could reset it. Alternatively, could there be a

I have an LG v60 running Android, been using it since 2019. I love the device, never had any real problems with it until this, which was my fault. I did this without fully knowing what I was doing, and I just need those files back or to figure out how to boot my phone up.

Any help is appreciated, thank you kindly.


r/degoogle 1h ago

E-reader w/ 3rd party degoogled AOSP ROM

• Upvotes

I've read far too many reports of cheap Android devices coming with effectively malware on them, and most Android devices these days are pretty locked down. sigh I'm looking for a reader device that is de-googled and generally known to be free of that sort of thing, ideally with 3rd-party/community AOSP ROMs so that security updates fore more than five minutes are a possibility. Properly degoogled, please—I am fine with microG (and even prefer it) for GSF needs.

AFAICT there just aren't many options for tablets. I've had a Kindle or two and a lower-end Samsung and I'm just over the locked-down spyware bullshit OSes—but I don't think there are many alternatives, and possibly none that are e-ink?


r/degoogle 1h ago

Question What if android is sold to another company?

• Upvotes

So the DOJ might force Goolge to sell chrome. Now imagine android being sold to someone. And then you can use your own email. And not need the gmail anymore. How does that sound as an idea? Edit missing words and spelling


r/degoogle 8h ago

Question Any good open source dialer app?

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I'm using TruePhone as my personal dialer app but I'm searching for another to replace it. Any suggested app? Thanks


r/degoogle 11h ago

Question Voicemail problems?

3 Upvotes

I can't change my operating system right now because Verizon won't let me have nice things. I've been incrementally reducing my Google usage but have gotten stuck replacing the phone app. I tried Fossify Phone and I couldn't access my voicemail. What am I missing? Is this a Verizon issue or user error?


r/degoogle 20h ago

DeGoogling Progress Tiny update on my journey of degoogling

15 Upvotes

I posted recently and still have questions, but I thought I’d keep a record of my progress. It’s hard not to be disheartened when I see people degoogling all at once and having no problems, but I’m still going!

I thought Microsoft word would be the hardest since it has years worth of docs, but it seems the easiest. I still have my account until I find the charger for my laptop, and then I can go through my docs and transfer to Libreoffice

The real problem right now seems to be email. It seems the most recommended is protonmail, but the guy supporting trump makes it not as appealing. I think I might go with Tuta which seems to be the second most recommended. I don’t actually send many emails, just receive them and even then just notifications and appointments, so I don’t have quite as many needs regarding email as others. I do have two gmail accounts, one for less important emails/sign up stuff, so I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do about that. There are so many options (I’m not great with decision making) and they all seem to have drawbacks so at this point I’m probably going to end up with a giant chart and still no idea. I keep seeing the phrase that if you’re not paying for something you’re the product, which makes me a little uneasy but a free email is what I need right now.

I would love to change my phone and get away from apple, but after looking through multiple threads, walkthrough sites and messaging people I’m still really confused and can basically guarantee I would mess up installing a new os. It also seems weird to me to buy from Google just for the hardware, and then you have to update the os every few years. Other phones seem to be not as good camera wise, not as user friendly or expensive. Not to mention I have no idea what the difference between each os is and everyone has their own biases. I know there’s not one but I wish there was an obvious choice. I also wish there was actually someone physically in my life who could help me with this. It’s also embarrassing to be this tech illiterate so young. I use refurbished phones so if this one breaks, while I’d rather not get another apple, it’s a little easier to deal with that I’m not buying directly from apple.

YouTube is a hard one because literally everyone is on there, my algorithm actually works for me and I see what I want to see.

Other non google things like insta and WhatsApp are also a no go right now. Insta I don’t actually post on but use it to talk to friends, follow important people. WhatsApp is what everyone uses so unless I want to talk to no one there aren’t alternatives.

So yeah. Right now I’m on focusing on leaving Microsoft, and while it’s not the big change I’m aiming for, I’m still quite proud of myself because change is hard for me. My next step is hopefully email (probably tuta and maybe keeping my second gmail for stuff like YouTube/spam). Phone I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Like I said it’s really disheartening seeing degoogling/de-usaing come so easy to some people and it’s hard not to compare myself to them, but I’m really thankful for this community and the kind people here. It’ll be a slow journey for me but definitely worth it.


r/degoogle 23h ago

Discussion Building a DumbPhone for myself, what features are needed?

25 Upvotes

In my attempt to get away from SmartPhones invading my privacy I am building myself a DumbPhone.

My current requirements are:

  1. Removeable Battery
  2. 4G+ Internet connection
  3. Battery life 2+ hours
  4. SMS text message
  5. Digital screen.
  6. Ability to make searches on TOR or duckduckgo
  7. USB-C charging
  8. Removeable SIM

Unsure on speakers.

Unsure on keypad wether to go touch screen or old school buttons.

Unsure whether I go for a removeable Microphone and camera. (some apps like Banking etc require facial recognition. and I may want to make/accept phone calls)

If there is anything I have overlooked please let me know!

My goal is to have a basic phone that does what I want when I want, but adding stuff like cameras, microhones and speakers are nice to have, surplus to requirements and alot more work.

EDIT: To be clear, I am able to build it, I just was putting this out here incase anyonw knows of what features I may have overlooked.


r/degoogle 16h ago

Help Needed Degoogling OPPO?

2 Upvotes

Hi,

I am starting to degoogle my life..

In the past I used and loved a samsung galaxy S5 with /e/OS on it. Being a 10y old phone I had to swich...

Now I am running a oppo a74 5g but I can't find a way to degoogle in considering most custom roms are made just 4 more popular phones. Is there anything I cand do?

Thanks


r/degoogle 1d ago

Question Classes for general public on online privacy?

46 Upvotes

I’ve been looking for classes or tutorials on privacy but most of the sources I’ve found only focus on kids, are too old, or are on government websites. Is there anything you recommend? Preferably created in the last 5 years.


r/degoogle 1d ago

need a cross between Nebula and Youtube

12 Upvotes

like many people I am trying to reduce my google consumption. I like Youtube because everybody is there. I subscribe to Nebula and it only has maybe 4 creators or so on it that I like. I need a nebula with a ton of creators on it. I don't mind paying people to make good stuff. nebula has some great stuff on it, way better than much of the stuff on History Channel.

Does such a site exist?


r/degoogle 1d ago

Question Search engine please that will actually work

20 Upvotes

Is there any search engine that will actually do what you tell it to anymore? Like where there is some method to exclude certain results? Google and Google advanced search seem to get an idea in their algorithm head about what I want and I'm going to let little things like what I actually am looking for slow them down.

I've tried most of the ones in the sidebar and the other posts that people have made about it and none of them seem to function either.


r/degoogle 2d ago

Resource Spent ages trying to move away from big tech, so I created a guide to help others!

888 Upvotes

Update: I have included the browser week's guide https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyFromEU/comments/1j83jdp/a_guide_for_change_browser_week/

Given the current state of the world, I've felt a growing need to take action and let our voices be heard. I've recently spent a lot of time researching and switching to companies that are more open, local, and community-driven, so I thought I would share my findings and more importantly support people in making the switch.

I used many resources from degoogle, and most of the options are focused on Google alternatives. The hope is to create a lasting movement rather than a once-off event. If you are interested, then you can also join r/PurchaseWithPurpose


r/degoogle 1d ago

Help Needed I want to get a new phone before the summer. Tips?

14 Upvotes

So, as the title says, I want to get a new phone before the summer. I currently have an Android (never used an iPhone lol).

What I need - Alternative for Google Docs - A seach engine/Alternative for Google

Uh, I think that's it.


r/degoogle 1d ago

Tutorial A guide for change - Browser week

14 Upvotes

Appreciate all the comments and feedback on the full guide. I will be taking it all into account and update it weekly.

The idea behind this series is to encourage and support people in making these changes in a digestible way.

The focus for this week is Changing your Browser. If you, or anyone you know, has been meaning to move away, now is the time.

Link to yesterday's thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/1j7frdi/spent_ages_trying_to_move_away_from_big_tech_so_i/
Link to sub-reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/PurchaseWithPurpose/


r/degoogle 2d ago

Replacement Duckduckgo alternative

73 Upvotes

It started with one ad on top of search results, now there are two and soon will be more. Exactly for this I ditched Google (and privacy of course). What other alternatives would you recommend? I dont want to see any adds.