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CalyxOS has microg which replaces google play services. It comes with Aurora store and f droid. Aurora store is a front end for Google play store so it just downloads from there anonymously.
Graphene and CalyxOS both work on the Pixel 3 as long as you have a carrier unlocked device:
- https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices (More security focused)
- https://calyxos.org/get/download/ (More usability/privacy focused out of the box, broadly speaking)
The Pixel 5 is getting a bit old now (with only two years of guaranteed updates ahead of it) and the Pixel 6 has had very little information released about it, aside from using Google SOC which will take longer to port GOS/COS over to it.
On Google phones, even in North America, with Snapdragon chips, you can unlock the bootloader without even contacting Google or the Carrier, you just need to download adb and enable OEM unlocking in developer options. Some custom roms even allow you to relock the bootloader (https://grapheneos.org/ https://calyxos.org/ https://github.com/dan-v/rattlesnakeos-stack)
Calyx OS, I've been using it for a while and its great. Easy install and it has MicroG so notifications still work. You could also use Graphene OS but I didn't find it very user friendly.
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.
I'd recommended the Google pixel with CalyxOS or GraphineOS on it. I use graphine OS as a daily driver and its absolutely fine. You still get pretty much the same user experience as a normal phone but all of your apps are either open source or obtained through the Aurora store (anonymous play store). I'd recommended CalyxOS though as switching to Graphine was rough at first and I eventually made it closer to Calyx anyways.
Going this route gives you flagship hardware with private and secure software, win win really.
For more info check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMWEym0KPcA
Edit: also do not under any circumstances use LineageOS, it is inherently insecure as it requires an unlocked bootloader to run.
Hi there, you missed the left turn at Albuquerque and should have ended up at r/CalyxOS instead of here. :) But since we're here, the list of devices it supports can be found at this URL, it's limited: https://calyxos.org/get/download/
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 scroll down a bit now, you can see from the content of the thread 'CalyxOS alternative for OP7?' that there is no Calyx ROM available for OnePlus devices.
If you take a look at the Calyx website, you will also see that there is no OnePlus 5T among the ten devices currently supported by CalyxOS.
As large as the Android device market is, the selection of suitable devices on which the bootloader can be locked again after the operating system change and thus enables a 'Verified Boot' is very small.
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
It's really hard to hard brick your phone these days. And soft brick, while annoying, is pretty easy to recover from.
For CalyxOS, it's even easier. They have their own flasher for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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:
>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.
Don't get a Pixel 3. Google will no longer support it soon. GrapheneOS only supports as long as Google does. CalyxOS will support it for longer possibly but the device won't be receiving certain updates.
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)
There is also CalyxOS It removes G and keeps the standard android security model. However it also allows microG, and limits the security implications it has (I think, you should read up on it if you want more info)
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/
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.
Mean I’ve seen the videos on our pine phones and such I’m not sure if it’s for me but being an iPhone user I’m not upgrading I’m checking out Calyx OS here a link about it looks promising: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtgzNGRAfA&t=211s
The more each passing day goes by the more I’m thinking day driving Linxus
> 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 :/
I use a privacy-respecting android ROM called CalyxOS, but you can download the app I'm talking about on any android flavor from f-droid (install the .apk from the website). My top recommendation is FindMyDevice, it doesn't do real-time tracking updates like on Apples Find My, but you can send an SMS occasionally (like fmd locate)) and it will automatically respond with the current GPS & WiFi coordinates. Cheers!
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:
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.
Graphene OS and Calyx OS are only available for google pixels:
Calyx OS: https://calyxos.org/get/ Graphene OS: https://grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices
But I suggest Lineage, it's a strong option and I have people around me who use it on a daily basis and like it for it's provacy option and functional use.
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/
Clearphone is a rebranded $120-200 Chinese phone (depending on which one you're looking at) marked up to $500-$1200, because right wingers realized they could sell them that way. If you like the look of them, just go buy the Umidigi A9 Pro yourself rather than buying what they have.
If you want a secure phone, I'd recommend getting an older Pixel and yes, installing LineageOS or CalyxOS on it. The latter looks relatively user friendly.
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)
i was more interested in the VPN stuff. I use encryption on just about everything i do now. I run my own password manager and apply 2fa to every account that allows it. Switched to brave browser on my phone and PC. I use a VPN with my phone and PC. All of my messaging goes through (Signal) now and i soon plan to migrate over to https://calyxos.org/ on my android phone thanks to my new bud /u/FordicusMaximus
I'm not understanding how my ISP is unencrypting the traffic or even where they would be storing all of that information for their users. I'm in no way calling you out as a liar I'm just genuinely trying my hardest to get my online footprint taken care of sooner rather than later.
Sticked at the top of this sub:
https://www.reddit.com/r/CalyxOS/comments/q24m0l/android_12_update_plans/
And their website:
Lineage OS is a custom rom built from Android's source code. It can't be used on an iPhone (Apple's hardware and software are all closed source so there's no way to install an alternative OS).
Lineage OS can be installed on many Android phones, and is more private than any Android phone you can buy today. It also doesn't use Google services by default, so Google can't spy on you, but it can be installed if you want. They have their website here: https://lineageos.org/
Others similar to Lineage OS are Calyx OS and GrapheneOS
Personally, I use Lineage OS with a Oneplus 5T and have been very pleased with it for the 3 years I've used it
Edit: As for the Light Phone, if the device can talk to the internet I'd be worried what it's sending to servers. All the 3 custom roms I've listed do not send any data back to Google or any other server unless you explicitly opt in
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
Correct.
You can check the list of devices that LOS officially supports here. Uncheck the option, "Show discontinued devices".
Then there's GrapheneOS & CalyxOS that support Google Pixels.
A good middle ground might be CalyxOS, it uses MicroG for google play service apps. Personally I use GraphineOS and I can't say I've noticed any issues with the notifications. My phone just feels normal but with 0 google apps. So far the hardest part has been navigation as Google Maps is just so good.
Here is a list of supported devices As far as I know, the lite is a different hardware revision then the non-lite and therefore will not work with calyx. The next best option would be the non-lite version or a pixel device in terms of hardware. In terms of software you might want to check out Lineage or the XDA forum for your device. Keep in mind, that none of the other ROMs are nearly as a Calyx or Graphene install.
> especially pixel phones as it is being maintained by google at least as far as I know)
hilariously Google Pixel devices are the only supported for GrapheneOS the arguably most privacy respecting custom android rom at the moment
this is because Google delivers monthly updates on time and allows to relock it's bootloader even with custom keys, a huge win for security
other custom roms jump on this feature too like CalyxOS
Samsung has trackers on bloatware.
As ridiculous as it sounds, google Pixel line is the purest Android, which means that only Google is tracking you, instead of Google + Manufacturer.
And if you go that route you may as well install https://calyxos.org/
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.
If you look at the download URL of the releases here: https://calyxos.org/get/ you can see the date.
For instance, if I hover on Mi A2 I see it's from April in my status bar:
https://release.calyxinstitute.org/jasmine_sprout-factory-2021.04.07.18.zip
Went to the article "Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a (5G) support" on the news page of calyxos and downloaded the bramble (4a 5g) bundle
In the article is a link to the instruction and installation page with the script that you need to download for your operating system.
Follow the instruction on the page and run the script
I’m currently doing something similar to yourself. I’m going down the qubes route too, make sure you get a shit ton of ram with your computer. In regards to phone, I would suggest a google pixel, then flash it with Calyx or Graphene os, get a second hand phone first and try that as a secondary device, the only two OS out there that really respect you privacy and security. But, if you really have to keep the iPhone then I would suggest completely sandboxing an alias name for your Apple ID as well as a completely separate email just for the Apple ID. iPhones are really secure, but the privacy side of things we will never know, because of apple’s proprietary code. I just want to add that IMEI is connected to your phone and IMSI is connected to your sim/ISP, check this site out. Do you need a smartphone? Or could you do your “smart” stuff on your computer and just have a dumb phone? I hope this helps, there’s so much more I can go into but the above should be ok for you to chew just now. P.s. NEVER use any syncing function on your phone to you new qubes os.
Look at https://calyxos.org/ it is more privacy focused but has less security features than GrapheneOS. More programs run under calyxos than grapheneOS. I personally run grapheneOS but I am okay with its limitations.
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
I bought a Pixel phone and installed CalyxOS on it. It has the security and privacy advantages of GrapheneOS but comes with MicroG installed which greatly increase app compatibility (otherwise you're going to have a lot of apps for which notifications will not work or simply the application will not launch).
Going back to "reading the documentation..."
The changelog for November says:
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've been using CalyxOS and it's been going great. Updating is also pretty easy since it's automatic and over the air. Unfortunately, once Google stops supporting the phone, Calyx also does too.
I think that's very wrong. If you look at the technical explanation for how Datura works, on the CalyxOS website, it explains that Datura is setting input/output rules with iptables (or eBPF on newer systems). In other words, it's using the native firewall in the Linux kernel.
https://calyxos.org/docs/tech/datura-details/
That is the proper way to do a firewall on Linux and it's pretty cool that CalyxOS enables access to iptables/eBPF rules, without having to root your device.
The network settings you're describing only disable whether an app can use mobile data in the background (in other words, when you are not directly using the app) or whether the app can continue to use data when Data Saver is on. That is very limited and does not really block an app from accessing the internet. In any case, it's very different from what Datura does.
I’m not sure if the “firmware patch level” refers to Android monthly updates or something else, but if it refers to Android monthly updates then that disclaimer might be out of date. January’s updates have already shipped. https://calyxos.org/news/
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
If you're interested in less Googling, you're better off with CalyxOS: https://calyxos.org/
Like Graphene, it re-locks the bootloader for security, but it has MicroG to handle apps that need Play Services and Aurora Store to download apps from the Play Store. It works mostly well, I'd say the biggest things that don't work are Android Auto (but this is possibly changing soon) and Android Wear, though the latter defeats the purpose of not using Play Services to begin with. Stuff like Pokemon Go that needs safetynet and stuff like Netflix/HBO/etc that require DRM also won't go past a 480p picture. But it's much more usable than GrapheneOS, has most of the same benefits, and the devs aren't assholes like the GrapheneOS devs tend to be.
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?
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.
1 month. They were updated in November, only skipped December's security update to focus on migrating from Android 11 to 12, and are now integrating January's update as mentioned in their statement in my initial comment.
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).
I use calyx which is similar enough, my approach is to use the google camera but remove the internet permissions. This feels safe enough to me. The calyx folks also have nicely developed a google photo shim (because gcam specifically looks for the photos app to be installed). If you are able to block internet permission, this might be a reasonable approach for you on graphene as well.
heres the announce: https://calyxos.org/news/2021/09/30/gcam-photos-preview/
As much as I hate Apple products, I've heard they're better than Android. How much better, I'm not sure but Android is infected with Google through and through and that's about as bad as it gets for privacy. Being a paranoid techie myself, I've gone with a de-googled version of Android which ironically runs on Google Pixel phones. I realize most aren't brave enough or don't want to hassle with installing a 3rd party OS but if you are, check out https://calyxos.org
It doesn't come with bloatware to start and you can load other OS on it.
My google phone has CalyxOS but you can see other recommendations with r/fossdroid
not sure if this would work, but try it::
https://calyxos.org/news/2021/09/30/gcam-photos-preview/
Can you disable network access to GooglePhotos? the edit suite is pretty great (I know Graphene and Calyx include built-in firewalls).
You can try a modded gcam but it's best to use the official google camera app. it will be the most stable (and secure) - I think this gcam (made specifically for Pixels) adds functionality to Go Photos (Google Photos lighter version), but I would just disable network access for google photos if possible.
Support open source projects like calyxOS. Honestly the fact that I can't activate the app on calyxOS is the reason I'll probably be switching soon. I was originally on IOS but switched to Android CalyOS. I can't get the app to run when my boot loader is locked. link
Well, you can flash Calyx OS on your device. It will be on Android 11. But all your data will be deleted. Make sure to make a backup of your important files.
Are you talking about local languages? Or just the model of the phone itself?
If it's just the model, here's the landing page for your phone to install the operating system.
I have a Pixel 3a that I want to continue to use a year past the official Google May 2022 support with a secondary focus on privacy.
I've narrowed down to installing either Calyx or Lineage.
https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/device-support/
Says support for Pixel 3a ends August 2022.
But, from what I understand no OTA updates for new versions of Lineage?
What would you recommend Calyx or Lineage if I want to keep using my phone until May 2023?
You can install CalyxOS https://calyxos.org/ on your Pixel phone. It is open source and free of Google, but you can still download any app from the Play Store via microG. It has also longer support with security updates than Google.
I am using it on a Pixel 4a and I am very happy with it.
Please search, this is asked every day that ends in a Y. A quick search from the source will almost always give you your answer
>Pixel 6, 6 Pro:
We will be supporting it, but currently we’re working on the Android 12 port in general before we begin work specifically on the Pixel 6.
Some others have forked it for the Poco F1, but you have to trust them.
Related links
https://www.reddit.com/r/CalyxOS/comments/ozwovk/poco_x3_nfc/
https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/device-support/
Flash was from stock.
Instructions followed: https://calyxos.org/install/devices/crosshatch/linux/
As far as ensuring the required packages were up to date I executed:
sudo pacman -Sy
sudo pacman -S android-udev
(as per the above instructions)
If any other packages are required for this I am not aware. I was simply following the official instructions.
Thanks
> I'm following google's android flash instruction
What instructions are that? Are you using the official CalyxOS flasher? It's best to use that instead of doing things yourself, it does all the heavy lifting for you and can be downloaded from It sounds like your device is fine, but the wrong / no image has been applied because you may not be using the official flashing tool.
To ascertain whether or not your device is the 5G-enabled Pixel, you can hold down Power + Volume down from power off, then you should see a screen with a red triangle and information about your device. Check the "Product revision" section. If it says 'bramble', your device is 5G-enabled. If it says 'sunfish', it isn't. You can also find a link to download the flasher on the guides I linked.
Feel free to ping back if you need any more help, or join our community.
https://calyxos.org/community/
Your discussion sounds nearly identical to one recently on matrix, which is exceptionally rare. CalyxOS simply does not brick phones. Ever. Even if it wasn't you, I recommend chatting with folk in the main channel. Everyone is very welcoming and helpful, and help is real-time.
It is on the website. I think that this is an interesting example of the divergence between privacy from governments and privacy from corporations. The chosen approach makes easier to hide CalyxOS devices from the government, but it makes impossible to hide them from Google. I understand why this is the default choice, but I would like an option to choose different settings.
> I don't have that much time to mess around with Android these days
Depending on the apps and functionality you need, you could buy an Android device preloaded with a privacy-oriented custom ROM, such as GrapheneOS, CalyxOS or /e/ OS.
https://liberateyourtech.com/product/buy-grapheneos-phone-pixel-new/
The Pixel 2, which has been out of Google support for some time, is still supported by CalyxOS, but it has some caveats:
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>The Pixels 2 and 2 XL are no longer being updated by
Google, so the CalyxOS releases for these devices 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.
Michael Bazzel and I disagree on a few things, but one thing we do agree on: never sacrifice security for privacy.
If you want your phone to last more than 3 years, I'd recommend a Pixel 6 or 6 Pro. Per the devs, it should be supported by CalyxOS shortly, and with Google promising security updates for 5 years, it'll be a worthwhile investment.
Outside of that and an iPhone (blech), I don't know of any other phones with that sort of longevity.
Calyx doesn't even have android 12 ported yet (https://calyxos.org/news/) - & it has been out for like over a month now - so how can you claim that they deliver updates just a couple days after google?
It's probably failing to flash the bootloader before these messages.
Like others said, best to be on the latest stock.
You can follow the instructions at calyxos.org/install/stock
You could try asking for help in one of these other places.
Maybe you coukd try installing some other camera app, like Open Camera to see if the issue is specifically with the Google Camera app, or something else has gone wrong.
Part of the confusion is the difference between privacy and security. Obviously, there is some overlap, but Graphene for example is not focused so much on privacy as it is on security, and thus is only designed for specific hardware (Pixels) because it lowers total attack surface, and Pixel phones have some particular hardware features (that tbh I cant really explain) that make them very resistant to hacking.
As a consequence of this devotion to security, Graphene is also as private as you can get.
CalyxOS is not quite as devoted to security as Graphene (for example, it allows use of MicroG, a FOSS replacement for Google play services that leaks a small amount of data, and increases attack surface), but still limits phones to pixels because of the specific hardware security features.
Lineage is even less focused on security (or perhaps its focused on security to the extent possible without specific hardware features) and can go on anyphone.
As for what you should do: honestly, Graphene is overkill unless you are at risk of targeted surveillance by government or large corporate actors. That's what its threat model is designed for: dealing with targeted attacks, and it sacrifices a lot of usability for (greatly) increased security (and thus privacy).
CalyxOS (imo sounds like the best option for you) is best if you are looking for a more secure OS than stock android that is privacy focused. It is much more usable than Graphene presently b/c of MicroG.
Lineage I am less familiar with, but if you really don't want to shell out for a Pixel, it's still better than stock android, and you definitely don't need to feel bad about not going for Calyx or Graphene. You are still decreasing your data leakage!
More info on MicroG implemented by CalyxOS
Another great resource is this app compatibility listing for Calyx and Graphene: Plexus App Compatibility
> OSmand is great for my off-road walkings, not so good for navigation. Haven't tried Magic Earth / Organic Maps, will give those a try.
Osmand indeed is great for walking. It's also great for recording tracks and manually creating complex routes with several waypoints. I use Magic Earth when I just want to enter an address and go. Magic Earth is not perfect but I find it more than sufficient for simple navigation.
> Google Maps in browser is definitely the best option, unfortunately it didn't work in Firefox Focus.
In that case I'd suggest having a second browser just for Google Maps. Something semi-private that also won't cripple Google Maps, like Vivaldi or the regular Firefox app. The added advantage of this strategy is that you'll be compartmentalizing your web browsing into different browsers so that Google's fingerprint of one does not relate to your usage of the other.
> I tried searching for Google Camera but couldn't find it.
Take a look at this page at XDA developers. It has a list of GCam ports for different phone models. The ports work if you have MicroG installed, and they do not require installation of Google Photos. Normally you cannot view photos from within GCam without GPhotos, but there is at least one possible fix for this! In my case I use a patch from CalyxOS which can just be installed from an APK. I'm not positive if this works on Lineage; if not, there will be other options. Regardless of what you do with the GCam port, you should put it behind a firewall just to be sure it's not talking to Google.
> Apps were freezing, especially Slack. Perhaps due to notifications not working.
Possibly, yes. It might even be one problematic app diverting system resources so much that everything else is lagging. Don't form a bad opinion of degoogled ROMs from this experience; it's not the norm.
Good luck!
You may want to read https://calyxos.org/docs/guide/security/location/
The real location accuracy comes from GPS, which is likely active if you are doing navigation. Everything else is just a work around for when GPS is not available or when it is slow to get an initial lock (without all the location assistance and a network connection, it can sometimes take a long time to get an initial position via GPS).
I have no idea... Really.
Maybe Xiaomi was exceptionally open about their vendor image, or they provided some kind of API to add signing keys to the bootloader or something. But I'm just guessing now.
But it's really the only one outside of the pixels: https://calyxos.org/install/
The other famous pixel-oriented security AOSP distribution is GrapheneOS but that really only supports the Pixel series. I think it's because they use some of the features of Google's titan security chip and don't deem it secure enough without that.
Your style of communication is very confusing. All the builds on the Google website are for Android 11. Android 12 isn't even out for Pixel phones. Are you running a developer preview now?
However, as you seem overwhelmed by LineageOS's installation process, you might want to consider using CalyxOS instead as it offers an easier installation process.
Sidenote: to run scripts from the Windows Powershell, you can navigate into the folder where the script is located, hold the shift-key, right click, choose "Open Powershell window here" and then type the name of the script (e.g. flash-all.sh). On Linux, you'd only have to navigate into the folder, click right and choose "Open Terminal window here" and enter the script's filename.
Hey you too, maybe you did not notice it, but I was making fun of that statement. I said that you can choose other versions of android, so how on earth does this (open-source) not matter? Even version like privacy-focused OS should make this matter already. You can make many years old android better by installing newest android (even tho manufacturer does not support newer android), more customizable by installing something like LineageOS, etc.. It even goes as far as this. Try having something different with iOS, which is closed source.
>I cannot find the calyxos device flasher on the calyxos website
It should be on the install page.
>There is no need to unlock the bootloader right?
When I ran the Linux installer, I plugged it in and it told me to turn on USB Debugging and OEM unlocking in Developer settings. Then when you continue it will power off the phone and give more instructions on how to unlock and relock the bootloader.
Something else I had to do that you didn't mention was making sure the zip file you download for your specific device is in the same directory you're running the script in.
Disclaimer: mod in the Calyx rooms.
I've been using CalyxOS for... around five or six months now. I can only echo everything others have said in this thread, like the battery life being better, AMOLED mode, etc. etc. All builds up to a great experience; you'll love it.
One thing I would love is a proper AMOLED theme for the Dialer (and Messaging?) when AMOLED mode is on; I hope that's on the roadmap :)
When you're ready, if you need any help installing (or you'd like to chat with us in off-topic), feel free to join the community on Matrix!
Only the devices from the website are supported, afraid so. The reasons (and conditions) for this device support are outlined here
Please make an effort looking at the website and previous post to look for answer,
I'm not blaming you in particular but this question has been answered at least dozen of this the last two months.
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Right now only those phones are supported by CalyxOS : https://calyxos.org/get/
the reason is to be able to relock the bootloader after the install to keep your data safe(r), CalyxOS is considering new models but can't maintain an image for every android phone.
grapheneOS provides substantially more privacy and security imprisonments than CalyxOS.
https://grapheneos.org/features
Now GrapheneOS has experimental support for unprivileged and sandboxed play services which provide more compatibility than MicroG.
Salut ! Si tu souhaites vraiment passer à non téléphone open-source je ne te conseille pas Linux mobile mais plutôt des OS bâtis à partir de microG comme CalyxOS ou GrapheneOS .
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Moi j'ai Calyx depuis plusieurs mois (presque une année) et il n'y a vraiment rien à reprocher tu ne vois pas du tout la différence avec un android classique au quotidien.
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Pour plus d'infos je vous conseille ce site privacytools.io