What are /r/CalyxOS's favorite Products & Services?

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Latest LineageOS has similar firewall capabilities as CalyxOS. For microG you can grab/build LineageOS with microG support (https://lineage.microg.org/).

If you can't re-lock bootloader, CalyxOS doesn't have much benefits over LineageOS.

I use Netxcloud https://nextcloud.com/ . Every time I take a photo/screenshot/whatever it is automatically syncs with my Nextcloud server. I can't recommend it enough.

It's like a private google drive, icloud, or drop box

_has_trackers/

I install...

Yubico Authenticator
Simplelogin
Tutanota Email
Wireguard (mullvad vpn) ProtonVPN is good too.
CSipSimple (2nd phone number)
Signal for close friends/family
Shelter for some Google apps I need to use like Bank/Credit union, Venmo,
Infinity for reddit
OsmAnd~ (replace google maps)
Session messenger app
EDS Lite for my Veracrypt containers.

Pixel 6: This will be supported, however it will take a while since it’s
an entirely new device, and we’d also need to do the 12 port in general
before we’re able to release Pixel 6 builds.

from CalyxOS website

you cant get it to work.
those are the supported devices
you can search xda developers, some people make calyx os unofficially for unsupported phones, but trust at your own risk.

If you need MicroG, you get CalyxOS. The reason they don't do it is because it requires signature spoofing, which is a security risk. Another reason they don't allow it is because it requires many permissions to run, so again, has the possibility to be hijacked into something malicious. GrapheneOS has worked hard to harden android as much as they can, improving encryption methods, better sandboxing and much more. If they allowed MicroG or GAPPs it would greatly impact their main focus, extreme privacy and security. CalyxOS on the other hand, is more focused on improving privacy while not being to inconvenient, which is why they include MicroG out of the box and don't change nearly as much as the GrapheneOS devs do. Though, on GrapheneOS's website they do say they are trying to make it so MicroG could run as a regular app.

Hey mate, never had an issue with any app here (Pixel 5), although I'm pretty selective with what I use. Figured I'll just list what I have on here.

• Aegis
• Aurora Store
• Bitwarden
• Camera PX
• F-Droid
• Firefox Nightly
• Lawnchair
• Mullvad VPN
• NewPipe
• OsmAnd+
• ProtonCalendar
• ProtonMail
• Signal
• Standard Notes
• Tor
• VLC

Also have my banking apps, icon packs and my governments COVID check-in app. No issues with any whatsoever.

Phone will have gallery, camera, calendar, etc. Everything you need to start!

Sorry man, we don't support that device. Here are the ones we support: https://calyxos.org/get/

On the topic of app compatibility, I would recommend https://plexus.techlore.tech. It's a crowdsourced list of which apps work / don't work with microG.

The OS comes bundled with Organic Maps, which uses OpenStreetMap as an alternative to Google Maps.

If you are happy with the Pixel 3, I would continue using it while it gets CalyxOS updates (until Aug 2022). The fact that Google will not patch proprietary components after Oct 2021 does not mean that your phone will turn into a security hazard on 31 Oct. On the contrary, you will continue to receive AOSP security updates until at least until Aug 2022. It's probably safe to stretch it for a few weeks beyond the CalyxOS support end date.

I would look at the price per CalyxOS supported year. Then it's probably better to go for something newer, if you check out this table: https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/device-support/. A 5a would be more like 150$ per year, while a 4a would be around 175$ per year.

I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a developer or pretty savvy and have a good build machine. You'll need to follow Calyx's build instructions: https://calyxos.org/docs/development/build/

The only deviation from their instructions you have to do is put a particular folder in another folder, then add one line to a config file. But this requires you to actually compile it, which takes a long time (for perspective, I have a Ryzen 5950X, which is 16 Cores and 32 Threads. It still takes nearly an hour, your average quad core will take much longer), and you have to re-build every time there's an update that would normally be delivered via OTA.

There's also evidently the issue that Auto is moving into Assistant in Android 12, which will throw a wrench in things. Given that, it's probable your best bet is to get something like a beat up Pixel 3a on ebay, keep it at stock, and use that for Auto.

You can find build instructions on https://calyxos.org/contribute/build/ - but you can't just "build" for an unsupported device, it'll involve a lot more work, especially anything not running the latest Android already or LineageOS 18.1

First of all, don't indent paragraphs with spaces, it messes the formatting up and displays your text in a fixed-width font without line breaks.

Anyhow, it depends what you mean by "safe," but that sounds like a reasonable way to do things. You might want to try Bromite rather than using Chromium.

You should have better luck installing google camera from apkmirror. My understanding was that the latest CalyxOS update would enable fetching the latest Google Camera from aurora, but it may not be working correctly just yet.

Edit: also make sure to grab this:

https://calyxos.org/news/2021/09/30/gcam-photos-preview/

>What other guides should be high priority ?

I think what kept me from switching to Calyx for a while was probably the lack of clear, precise and general information aimed at complete beginners.

For example, I didn't know wether Calyx was compatible with my phone carrier, or if it would be possible to go back to Stock Android if something went wrong. I could pretty much figure out what microG was, but I didn't know if the apps that are essential to me would work.

I think everyone on this sub will agree that there are a lot of trivial questions being asked, which is a sign of a lack of technical information - just go read the About and Features page on the Calyx website for proof : they are quite elementary. It is likely that this makes the project lose a certain amount of users, while Calyx is precisely aimed at a large and non-expert public.

So it would certainly be easier for everyone to add on the site, with a good visibility, a kind of FAQ which would answer in a synthetic and unambiguous way to the questions a newcomer might want to ask.

>Do you have interest in working on any of these?

Sure, but I don't think I have the competence needed. It would probably be OK as long as it doesn't get too technical.

You can install calyxos onto your pixel 4a because the model is listed here and because you do not have a verizon model (as in purchased from verizon, not using a verizon sim card with it)

Signal provides an extensive troubleshooting FAQ. If that doesn't help, try out the standalone version without GCM-dependency. It's running just fine for me.

For most of ROMs including LineageOS, vendor source , kernel source and device tree are needed. Maybe CalyxOS also need all of them plus more. And, you need to have linux environment. At least WSL is required to build. https://calyxos.org/docs/development/build/

They aren’t putting it in there, they’re giving people the option to do it themselves while making sure that it is completely sandboxed. It looks promising. I’ll be trying it when my Pixel 3 XL gets here this weekend.

https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-play-services

I installed on my Linux Mint Laptop - it was seamless and easy (easiest flash of a ROM I've done).

The install app worked great.

Without knowing exactly what went wrong - I'd go back and follow each step in this guide and make sure you don't miss any... https://calyxos.org/install/devices/blueline/linux/

Here's the FAQ item for how long devices will be supported:

> https://calyxos.org/about/faq/device-support/

Manufacturer support date: October 2021 CalyxOS support date: August 2022

Basically, think of updates in two parts: you have updates for the proprietary components (baseband, etc.) then you get OS updates which includes the kernel, and the OS itself. Loss of proprietary updates doesn't mean your phone is immediately dead / useless, but it does mean that if a vulnerability is found in said proprietary component, there won't be a fix for it on that device.

CalyxOS does keep updating devices past the manufacturer deadline in most cases, but obviously updates aren't going to be pushed out for older devices indefinitely.

It says on the install page you will be unable to change the OS on a Verizon phone. Doesn’t seem like have a work around yet. Verizon phones lock the boot loader.

Link - https://calyxos.org/get/install/

> but with Google dropping security support at the end of next year and their new "value" processor production trend in the newest phones, I find myself at a loss of how to solve the situation.

Once a pixel isn't officially supported by google anymore, updates from calyxos will "only contain the fixes to the open source components, such as the OS code and the Linux kernel. Proprietary components such as the bootloader, modem firmware, and other firmware no longer get updates." from here in reference to 2/2xl

> Can LineageOS (with its larger device list) be hardened enough from a privacy perspective to be even competitive with Calyx

From just a privacy perspective, probably, but not security due to bootloader as the most obvious example

> Is there a chance that some new, fast, open hardware is on the horizon that could get a port of Calyx?

I believe one of the requirements for calyxos to support a device is that it have a relockable bootloader (i think calyx has an article on it but don't have it on me). so far, the pixels and the xiaomi mi a2 seem to be the ony phones to fit the bill. so tl;dr no, you're not gonna see more supported devices from calyxos most likely

https://calyxos.org/faq/device-support/#requirements-for-supporting-a-new-device details the current considerations for supporting a device.

If there's a device that meets all the criteria, we'd be happy to add it. We've always wanted to expand to more devices, especially something that's cheaper and also widely available all around the world.

A lot of devices can't do point 3 (relocking), but many can't do point 1, 2 or 4 either :/

From the POV of Calyx OS, I am pretty sure that there is almost zero difference between the "regular" Pixel phones and the "a" phones. But in any case, you can see that they clearly support all the "a" phones on their website:

https://calyxos.org/get/

Right there you can see the downloads for

• Pixel 4a (5G) (bramble)
• Pixel 4a (sunfish)
• Pixel 3a XL (bonito)
• Pixel 3a (sargo)

I am using Calyx on the Pixel 3a XL right now.

Not sure where you've heard it, but Calyx doesn't brand itself as a more secure alternative, their about page focuses on privacy first and foremost.

Though of course, locking the bootloader and not having root is going to have more security than LOS, which is unable to lock the bootloader.

Hello, I also have Pixel 4. See be response below:

90hz? All the time?

YES there is an option via developer options to force it.Google camera/camera quality

Same if you install stock google camera app. I'm running the one from Android 12 beta 5, it's amazing.Pixel recorder app

There is an alternative voice recorder app. If you are talking about audio transcript then no.Pixel Google assistant

NO and no voice typing. Remember Calyx is about privacy.Active edge

YES, you can select different actions. For example, when i squeeze my phone while the screen is on, it will turn off the screen.Battery life

A little better than stock that being said it really depends.Surf shark VPN support

I used it without a problem. Download APK right from surfshark's website. This is not the best VPN provider tho, i switched to Mullvad.General user experience

Excellent, only 2 apps don't work for me (Shell and TextNOw). Door Dash has an issue while displaying the map because Calyx doesn't use GOogle Maps on the system level.

Waze works exceelent and google maps is pretty good.

No Android Auto, no voice typing and etc. No google Pay as well.

Here is the thing if you really need google maps then there is no point to switch and I would suggest to get an Iphone. That being said, if you want to own your phone fully then switch to CalyxOS.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Since android only lets you have one VPN I like to use a “multi-layer” filter

Fennec with uBlock > ProtonVPN with Netguard(VPN Slot) > Next DNS.

If something gets past that then it deserves it.

NordVPN has dropped the ball in recent years: ;t=11

The site is your friend for this sort of thing and public DNS is notoriously unsecure. In the orbot app itself it also talks about what it's VPN does and doesn't do (doesn't anonymize you).

if you want more useful responses you should say what it is about apple podcast you like because people are recommending completely contradictory apps.

if all you want is a list, you should try alternativeto: https://alternativeto.net/software/ipod-iphone-podcast/?platform=android

CalyxOS is a good OS, however for your thread model I would go a step further and install GrapheneOS, which has more enhanced security (https://grapheneos.org/features). I have used both and have been quite happy with them, but stayed with GrapheneOS due to their features.

You can read more about encryption on Pixel phones here: https://grapheneos.org/faq#encryption Most of it holds true for all Pixel phones due to their Titan M security chip. Just be sure to turn off your phone while crossing boarders.

Yup! It's pretty fucking awesome. https://privacy.com and you can create on demand cards that have either a monthly/yearly limit that are locked to the first merchant you use them with or just a one-time card that closes after the purchase. ALSO you can use any name or address with any given card.

The downside is you must give them your real name and either your bank account or a debit card due to USA banking regulations. But I consider them having my info better than the entire internet.

Hey,

This is uncharted territory, modifying / re-signing an already built image.

What's happening here is you modifying the image breaks Verified Boot.

I'm not sure if there's any documentation on this, or if it's even possible (likely is, but you'll have to figure it out)

Usually people just build their own to make modifications, at which point the normal signing flow documented at https://calyxos.org/docs/development/build/sign/

That's because only a few devices support all requirements: https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/device-support/#requirements-for-supporting-a-new-device

Especially the 3th point: relocking the bootloader

Did you verify the sha256sum?

Follow https://calyxos.org/install/devices/barbet/windows/#download-factory-image (Replace windows with linux or mac if you're on those platforms)

> You mentioned WhatsApp. I believe it won't give you notifications when new messages come in without connecting to Google, so you won't have to ask on Graphene forums how to enable those notifications, because they just plain simple... doesn't work :)

WhatsApp notifications works fine without Play services and also with Play services via https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-play-services.

> GrapheneOS is for the enthusiasts. Not the step you should be taking from iOS device.

It's easier to install with the web installer so I don't understand why you are saying that.

You can check out what it does here. Instead of the Aurora Store showing Google the IP of the server, it shows the IP address you are connecting from.

You can decide if that is detrimental to your privacy or not, but because it is an anonymous account its not likely to do anything in terms of you personally.

If LineageOS or OMNIrom are supported on your device, you can install the microg versions of them.
Omni provides microg builds alongside their ordinary builds.
LineageOS microg builds can be found here: https://lineage.microg.org/

The criteria for adding new devices is here: https://calyxos.org/about/faq/device-support/#requirements-for-supporting-a-new-device

A major consideration is the ability to relock the bootloader after installing CalyxOS

Can you try to install the latest version of microG (v0.2.19.211515) from our F-Droid repos and see if that helps?
https://calyxos.org/news/2021/04/16/microg-google-login/ has the repo URLs, you will need to pick the right one for your device.

We should write more about the requirements on the CalyxOS.org site

As far as removable batteries, that's more and more rare these days in general.

We also support Xiaomi Mi A2 which are quite inexpensive around the world, but which are getting harder to find since they were released in 2018. They also do not have a removable battery.

As far as we know the phones we support are the only capable ones. We are always on the look-out for other options. We have the financial resources to port to other phones. What we don't have is the phones.

1. Went to the article "Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) support" on the news page of calyxos and downloaded the bramble (4a 5g) bundle

2. In the article is a link to the instruction and installation page with the script that you need to download for your operating system.

3. Follow the instruction on the page and run the script

I didn't like how many ads Brave was shoving down my throat, so I went to UnGoogled Chromium, and I am glad I went down that route. My favorite browser before deGoogling was Edge (Chromium).

The profiles sound a lot like what the app tasker used to be capable of. I haven't user it in a while and android has gotten more restrictive with what apps can do. But worth checking out.

https://tasker.joaoapps.com/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.dinglisch.android.taskerm&hl=en&gl=us

I'm using ProtonVPN and never had any issues. It's also open source and available on F-Droid, and I really like the NetShield feature which is a blocker for ads, trackers and malware. CalyxVPN is also open source and a product of the Calyx institute just like CalyxOS. I don't have any experience with it so I can't have an opinion, but I think it's worth giving it a try.

This might be an issue with my DNS provider. I use to filter my DNS queries. They're giving the following reasons for blocking the site...

Sorry, has been blocked by your network administrator
This site was blocked due to the following categories: Proxy/Anonymizer

I contacted the assistance and it seems they did a reset of my profil.

Ater that I was able to authentificate again.

Any idea about that issue : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.postfinance.android

Can't find the App on Aurora Store anymore .... Maybe a temporary problem from the bank ?

In the same way, I can't find that App on Aurora Store :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.postfinance.android

Would somebody kindly confirm is it is not available anymore ?

I have been able to install it a few weeks ago...

Here are some alternative privacy friendly services, not everything will have an alternative.

Calendar - Proton Calendar Cloud Storage and NAS - NextCloud DNS and VPN - Mullvad Camera - Google Camera with network blocked by the firewall PDF Reader - built in to Calyx Payments - Notes - Joplin Email Alises - Simple Login

YES. Same problem for me... ProtonVPN was installed from different sources and simply needed to be downloaded from the same source to work on both profiles. Now I have uninstalled ProtonVPN and redownloaded it from Aurora on both my main and guest account... Now it works again!

I wonder why it wont work if you download it from another source if its the same app...? Oh Well. All fixed. Yay

Thank you so much.

I've been getting the "conflicting package" error message for a while now every time the Aurora store tells me ProtonVPN needs to be updated but won't let me update it. I read your post and then realized that on my main account I had it installed via F-Droid while on the 2nd account via Aurora. I removed the one installed via Aurora on the 2nd profile and re-installed it via F-Droid, and so far so good.

So first, thanks for the post lol. But second- you may want to check that on both profiles you installed form the same source. Maybe that will solve this, not sure.

I'm not able to enable RCS ("Chat features") in Google Messages with microG. Installing the Carrier Services app makes no difference. Since RCS is a proprietary Google feature and not a free/open source feature on Android, it's possible that microG hasn't implemented the required interfaces yet.

Sorry for all the comments, just trying to be helpful in the testing process. I have installed Mullvad VPN and have let Signal through in the Split Tunneling feature, I then change the settings in Datura Firewall to allow Signal to use background access as well as WiFi and Mobile Data, but not the VPN. When I do this, Signal can't get through. Just another issue that I am seeing, I am going to have Signal route through the VPN for now.

Hi ! I don't know were to write this, but here are the problems I have noticed in calyx 4.1.6 build :

The fact that the app launcher is slightly offset cose sometimes a problem with the gesture navigation, were you can't go back to the home screen

I have trouble trying to connect to VPN, I've tried ProtonVPN, NordVPN and CalyxVPN but all three cannot connect, and I don't know why (I didn't had this problems with a12)

I'm on Pixel 6, with Niagara launcher, maybe this is what cause problem with gesture navigation

Thanks for all your work, very appreciated !

OsmAnd may have been updated recently, I don't know how to check. Mullvad VPN hasn't been updated for a couple of months.

For OsmAnd, progress:

• Uninstalled but used the checkbox option to keep local data. Reinstalled from F-Droid. No good - still the same malfunction.
• Uninstalled again, reinstalled again. Had to re-download my regional map this time, so obviously local data was wiped. Now, with limited testing, it seems to be working.

Suggests a problem with OsmAnd and its local data. You say this is unlikely to be 3.9.0?

Mullvad VPN - don't know, weird. Was fine this morning.

All an interesting coincidence of timing.

Thanks for getting back to me, u/ChirayuCalyx.

> Mullvad, IVPN, or ProtonVPN

Not sure why I need to repeat this but that would be Mullvad, IVPN, or ProtonVPN. Use a search engine and do your research to see which VPN fits your needs and threat model

Add Quad9 to you private DNS and use Mull with UBlock Orgin and/or Bromite as your browser. Also, as /u/guyfawkes070476 suggested you can use a VPN too like Mullvad, IVPN, or ProtonVPN as an extra layer.

OptiVideoEditor is the only FOSS video editor for Android I am aware of, and it was unstable and slow the last time I tried it.

I personally use the DJI Fly app to do simple edits like combining clips and adding music because I need it for my drone. You can enable a local data mode inside the app to make it not use features that connect to the internet, and disable internet permissions to be extra sure it doesn't do any scary stuff.

Actually, you can do this with any video editor. No internet means no spying. The only thing you have to watch out for is that many free apps place a big watermark on your video when you save it. One that doesn't do this is called VN, you can get it from Google Play.

eSpeak, while the many of the available voices sound robotic, is available in many languages and can be registered as a text-to-speech output in accessibility settings.

I use it with Organic Maps and Librera to get directions and listen to ebooks that have not been published as audio books.

Google Speech Services sound more natural in comparison, I was able to install them with Aurora Store, register as text-to-speech and download my language. After that I disabled internet access to make it not phone home.

These high-quality Google voices also take up more storage, that's what made me turn to eSpeak as it's models are very small.

There is an app for the Pixel Buds Pro in the Play Store via Aurora Store. I don't have any Pixel Buds (yet), but it installed fine on my P6P with CalyxOS. So chances are it'll work fine with yours too. The ratings for it don't seem overly great, but that seems to just be a Google issue, not a ROM issue.

For a comparison, I have some Bose over the ear bluetooth headphones that use an app to control them, and they work fine on my device too. I can even keep the app firewalled so I don't have to worry about tracking.

1. I got it from the Aurora Store. Search for Camera and the Google Camera should show up in the top results. If it doesnt, check the Spoof Manager in Aurora to make sure it detected your device correctly. Should show up as "Raven Default" or at least it does on my Pixel 6 Pro.

2. Yes, all of the in-built camera features work exactly as expected! Do note however that Magic Eraser isn't actually a camera features, but a part of Google Photos instead. You can download that app from Aurora as well and you'll have quick access too Magic Eraser and the other awesome photo editing tools. :)

For both the Google Camera and Google Photos, I recommend cutting their network access via the firewall in CalyxOS, that way you ensure they are calling home without you knowing it. Neither needs network access, as all of the tools are built into the apps themselves.

I used to be with you, but Cryptee has the first explanation of why a PWA is a great fit for certain scenarios/threat models.

https://crypt.ee/help?article=why-is-cryptee-not-in-the-ios-app-store-or-android-play-store

4 months https://blog.esper.io/android-dessert-bites-27-exfat-on-pixel-532176849/

I know you didn't ask but, there's a non-foss app that supports exfat.

If you're not only looking for a one-time data transfer but a solution to sync contacts/calendars/notes between devices (or just have an encrypted cloud backup of this data), check out https://www.etesync.com

Without a headphone jack your options are:

1) Carry around a small, durable adapter (for example) everywhere you go and you still can't charge and listen at the same time.

2) Carry around a bulkier and more fragile adapter (for example) everywhere you go but you can at least charge and listen at the same time.

And regardless there's increased risk of damage to the USB C port if you're not careful because USB C doesn't allow for twisting motion like a headphone jack does... personally having to buy and carry dongles around for the privilege of getting basic functionality out of a device that's supposed to be portable is a deal-breaker. So long as at least one phone exists on the new or used market with a headphone jack I won't buy a phone without one.

I got mine from Amazon. Just search for DisplayLink and all the compatible adapters will show up.

Once you install the DisplayLink app and plug in the hardware, you will get your phone displayed to an external monitor.

There is another app, called SecondScreen that will help you with toggling the phone display that you get an approriate resolution on your external monitor.

The adapter I use is here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CSG7TUC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1. My favorite android file manager is Total Commander. It is an excellent free file manager.

It has several plugins to access various services, including a WebDAV plugin

It'll be kept up to date.

We use LineageOS's version of Etar which has changes to make it work in AOSP.

We also contributed a major API change to Etar upstream directly (and also LineageOS), which will show up in all their builds, and thus also the next CalyxOS build.

https://github.com/Etar-Group/Etar-Calendar/pull/1047

Did you get it in google play? If so you might be able to login into Aurora and have it recognize your paid version? The other calendar option I found was "one calendar" it covers a lot of accounts including EWS exchange. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=biz.codespark.xcalendarapp

Hello,

Yes, I'm using CalyxOS on a Pixel 3a and recently started using Hushed and found this to be the case as well. In fact, I was just testing this out, wondering if it could be my battery saver that was on or my IVPN (tested single-hop and multi-hop settings). None of these seem to matter. Tested more today and found it working as it should, perfectly. Go figure.

This week, what I did find though, is if I opened the app and simply minimized it, I would get the Hushed incoming calls ringing but obviously we shouldn't have to do that. The app should be able to ring and notify no matter. I've double-checked all my related settings and have allowed what needs to be but it seems hit and miss.

Even tested the Hushed diagnostics and all looks good. I'd be interested if anyone solves this to satisfaction. Will continue testing and whatnot.

Thanks! All the best to you.

I really don't know if that works, so do this at your own risk!

There is an App called Repainter on the PlayStore which can change the accent color. But it needs root and I don't know if it works on CalyxOS, I have not tested it!

I'm noticing the same problem. I'm trying to install the DMNS eCard app and can't find it listed in the Aurora Store nor a downloadable apk from APKMirror or APKPure. It kind of sucks but I refuse to setup a Google account and bend the knee just for this one app, even temporarily. I'll try some of the other suggestions in the thread though.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dmns.DMNSeCardAndroid

“Not everybody can afford that”?

Here is a 4 pack of warm color LEDs specifically for night lights that I found on Amazon within 5 minutes, and it only costs $8. I’m sure there are even better and cheaper ones out there as well, if I wanted to spend more time on it.

>P014

Do you have a PC?

If yes then use an app like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dev47apps.droidcam&hl=en_US&gl=US

(It is on aurora)

Well that's cool, thanks for confirming...

As I said elsewhere, I think the main blocker with google pay is safety net ( https://www.hexnode.com/blogs/safetynet-android-security/ )

But that it can and should work as long as the app doesn't rely on safety net verification

I am using both the pre installed camera and the Gcam from Google. I'm more than satisfied with the result. As far as I can tell there is no difference between the Gcam from the Aurora store and the pre installed one, you get, if you don't flash CalyxOS. Both Gcam and the Camera have the setting to enable/disable GPS tagging. CalyxOS has an app called Scrambled Exif, which erases all metatags from selected images.

The major diffrence between the CalyxOS camera and Gcam are the features. You get a lot more with Gcam. Gcam works without Internet. I had an issue where the Gcam crashed everytime I made a selfie. I assumed it was my face (face recognition stuff for (Google) Photos). The true problem was that the front camera was not correctly functioning (no idea why). However this was fixed by an System update.

Make sure you have Google Photos installed. There is also a non Google Photos option but I only tested it only with the front camera problem. Back then everything despite the front camera worked as it does now. The non Google Photos option: https://calyxos.org/news/2021/09/30/gcam-photos-preview/ NOTE: I changed my mind and wanted Google Photos (because of the magic eraser). This gave me a package conflict which could only be solved by uninstalling "Gcam photos preview". Since it was not a normal app I had to remove it from the command line on my desktop pc.

Look up how long Google will ship firmware updates to the phones. See how long CalyxOS supports them. Divide their price by this.

You should carefully read the output from device flasher. Probably something went wrong, such as lack of disk space on the computer you were trying to run the device flasher on. If you want real-time help, please join our Matrix chat https://calyxos.org/community

Going back to "reading the documentation..."

The changelog for November says:

>​The Pixels 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5, 4a (5G), 5a are now on Android 12, which means we need to port that before we get the full security update, to the proprietary components. For this build, we have updated the open source OS code (AOSP), and the Linux kernel. This is indicated in the Security patch level in Settings.

Still-supported Pixels are only getting firmware updates compatible with Android 12. In order to get full security updates, they HAVE to migrate to Android 12. This isn't about "railroading." There can be no "security-patched Android 11 version" for the Pixel like you're looking for unless you also want the devs to reverse-engineer the closed-source firmware and patch it as necessary on top of maintaining the Android-only components.

You can find the latest news here: https://calyxos.org/news/

But I agree that this is kinda disappointing. Obviously porting to Android 12 isn't an easy job and it takes some time, but I if you're promoting security and monthly security updates you shouldn't be 3 month behind with updates. Situations like this make large ROMs that may also be used in a professional environment and smaller projects that may actually lose users as a result.

However we shouldn't forget that this project is free of charge and no one is promised anything.

It's not out of date. The last firmware update for Pixel components on Android 11 was released in October, before the release of Android 12. From November onwards, the firmware updates only work with Android 12. That's even confirmed by the CalyxOS devs:

>The Pixels 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 5, 4a (5G), 5a are now on Android 12, which means we need to port that before we get the full security update, to the proprietary components. For this build, we have updated the open source OS code (AOSP), and the "inux kernel. This is indicated in the Security patch level in Settings.

I don't have a sim card yet, I bought this new off of amazon. no sim card at all is inserted. I tried factory resetting it multiple times and its left on at the start but next time I restart my phone it gets greyed out again, and again whenever trying to use the exe calyx provides me and it tells me to "unlock the bootloader" telling me its on the unlock bootloader screen. it just skips to the fastboot screen

This is the only reason why I keep "OEM Unlocking" enabled on any of my Pixels. I've had 2 situations in 7 years that keeping it enabled, saved my phone once (and a family members). This is rare - but once you disable OEM Unlocking - there is not much you can do.

Maybe try the "Full OTA" option using the update procedure in the Recovery Menu. Can you access the recovery menu?

https://calyxos.org/get/ota/

The post from 2022-01-16 says

>Location indicator shows UnifiedNlp providers frequently
>
>Investigating

Looks like that issue hasn't been fully resolved yet.

Did you enable OEM unlock in your phones Developer settings?

In that case you can't brick it. Read the guide carefully and check that you installed ADB and fastboot drivers on your PC.

Just start from scratch with the guide, fastboot is all you need to make it work.

Choose your device and instructions will pop up: https://calyxos.org/install/

I think this is being discussed in issue #821 (found from the known issues list).

Basically, Google removed the feature from Android 12. It sounds like Android 12L will be out soon and might allow more options?

Personally, I don't think it is a waste of time to set up your phone despite it being on the test build. However, I feel that it is a subjective question that only you can answer. You should backup whatever data you would not want to lose, just in case, if you go ahead and set up your phone.

As for a "start here", the CalyxOS team has been working on those guides. You can view them over at: https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/

It's still a work in progress though.

I think you miss most my points. as you pretty much just repeat the same things in different ways....

I see that the Support dates(Update timeframe) on the Web site means supported at least up to, unless it's just out dated.
Would be interesting to play a numbers game, to see how many people stay back, and use soon to be unsupported devices.

as I've already made my points i'll leave with this https://calyxos.org/docs/about/ "CalyxOS gives you agency over your digital life." choosing to not update is not an agency CalyxOS gives, noted.

P.S. thanks for all the testing! as some one who uses CalyxOS as a daily driver i really appreciate a stable experience.

Hello, i thought you were being a little dramatic when you said "It's honestly still pretty crazy that CalyxOS just updates on its own without me wanting it to and I can't seem to stop it..." but when i made a post on how to disable updating ChirayuCalyx removed it( the comment he didn't), they really don't want you to not update & in a timely manner, i disagree with SwallowYourDreams, normally i agree with him, but he is wrong, unless the CalyxOS devs prevent users from using the devices no longer supported.

it's my option that people should be allowed to choose, if i choose to have the same experience as all the now unsupported Devices it's my life that I thread modeled, how does that hurt CalyxOS? if ChirayuCalyx really meant what he said should they not remove the downloads to all unsupported devices?

i might get banned for linking this, but it has more arguments (that i made to my self i guess), Devs removing info that i shared to help people(including me) rubs me the wrong way, every thing else i understand; telling people to update to stay safe, that's what i did, having automatic updates as the default ? a good idea, not supporting older versions, that's fine, they can only do so much.(even though i'd love BackPorts for security patches).

> Just wondering if its possible to put CalyxOS on an S10?

No

> Or is there another OS that supports it?

Yes

> I was under the impression that it creates a fake-id, so it can download apps and use play services

Not really, check theirwebsite for more info.

> I only want my email to be associated with that app and not the OS.

Google loves to associate Gmail to a device, not sure how you're supposed to fix that, sorry. Maybe someone else knows?

That's quite a big jump between revisions, 15 minor releases is huge.

4.4 is now on 4.4.298, it's the oldest current Linux kernel, eol is February 2022, though some industries may decide to support it until 2026 or even 2036.

https://www.kernel.org/

The question becomes has anyone backported the new bpf to 4.4 as it's destined to be a super long term support kernel.

The official guide is really helpful but definitely not complete. I would suggest you to search about privacy setup for Android in general and not specific to CalyxOS.

Techlore has made an amazing tutorial video on how to make your android device more private : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMWEym0KPcA

I also do appreciate this list as a starting point for f-droid it has almost all the apps you'll ever need and more : https://alternativeto.net/list/28655/the-ultimate-f-droid-setup/

Everything I pay for online is in my name. Because of this, the privacy issue isn't present for me, any financial repercussions from security issues fall back on my CC provider, and I get more cash back than Privacy.com offers. I just don't need their services anymore.

They are a solid company, though, and, while I did have issues with a few sites' fraud protection, it was a rare issue. I'd highly recommend them for anyone whose threat model would be satisfied by their offerings.

My take would be AdAway with Steven Black's Unified Hosts + Social.

Farewell, fellow redditor. Good luck for your better, more productive life.

No need to use the Aurora Store if the repos for the Calyx Institute are out of date. I recommend just downloading the APK since it now auto-updates.

https://signal.org/android/apk/

I use the version for devices without PlayServices, which you find on the Signal Website. This version has a built-in updater and can also be found in CalyxOS' F-Droid repository.

No issues at all, calls work fine.

Question 1: What is the best way for system-wide/DNS ad-blocking?

If you aren't using a VPN with a DNS option to block ads like Mullvad or IVPN, setting your DNS resolver to one in the below list specifically to a server that has the filtering list you want would be the best option.

Question 2: What is the best text messenger app to use?

I use Signal. Simple, well-designed, solid, private, and constantly updated. If the contact has Signal, it sends them an encrypted message by default. If not, it falls back to SMS/MMS.

Question 3: What are some of the best apps to access social media services?

Your browser.

Not only does that make things easier to protect your privacy by not installing a system app from an invasive advertising company onto your device, it also takes advantage of the adblocking built-in to the browser. You use Brave which is good enough at this, though alternatives include Bromite which is my preference. Otherwise, there aren't a lot of GOOD FOSS alternatives for social media apps, and the ones that function well don't provide the privacy protection that meets my standards, though YMMV. NewPipe is a rare exception.

It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me to install a privacy-focused ROM on your device to protect yourself from Google tracking just to destroy that benefit by inviting others to track you.

Anyone else having wifi connection issues with VPN all the sudden with this update? I've been using ProtonVPN (free version) over my home wifi with zero issues until this update. Aftrr the update nothing would load in the browser even though my internet signal was great. I switched to CalyxVPN and things are loading, but slowly, and things like pictures and videos are not showing up in the browser. Any suggestions to try? And yes, I did try "turning it on and off again" lol. I did that for the device, the VPN, and my internet connection. Help please!

New Android user here.

• Infinity for Reddit (blocks ads and is less annoying)

• NewPipe with Sponsorblock:

I use Sponsorblock extensively on my desktop, my Linux tablet and my android TV as it is the best add on for youtube ever invented, no reason not to use it on my phone

• Maps for driving: Sygic offline nav (purchased), would love Tom Tom but it's with a Play store subscription only so I'll pass

• Maps for riding bike/hiking: Komoot premium

Camera - Google Camera (Aurora, Firewalled)

Also I use my own Nextcloud server for my backups, data exchange, instant photo uploads and for the sync of passwords and notes/to do:

• Enpass with Nextcloud sync as password manager (commercial license)

• Joplin for notes/clipboard/scrapbook/to do list (synced among my devices):

I'm also on a constant-on VPN with IPVanish as I have a subscription jthat includes a free account with them

Most USB sticks should work. I just got one that has USB-C on one side and USB-A on the other.

SanDisk 256GB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C - SDDDC4-256G-G46 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0842NMT7F/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_F52G09HSW4ZQX3ZMDNNR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1