Where can I find a good GrapheneOS installation service?

Alphie

Where can I find a trustworthy installation service to install GrapheneOS on my Pixel phones and what is the best practice regards doing business with such a service?

ErnestThornhill

You can do it yourself for free. It's a simple and easy process.

matchboxbananasynergy

Is there a reason you'd want a service to do this? Are you planning to flash a large amount of devices for an enterprise or other setting?

If you're only flashing a device for yourself, I can assure you that the process is very easy, as @ErnestThornhill said. If you need help, you can hop on to the chat rooms and we'll assist you.

raccoondad

matchboxbananasynergy Even if it was enterprise i'm sure you could setup a USB hub and write a script that flashes each device

Overall, no reason not to do it yourself

Dumdum

matchboxbananasynergy Is there a reason you'd want a service to do this?

Looking at their only other post, it seems they (really) don't want to do the installation themselves on their own computer.

akc3n

raccoondad i'm sure you could setup a USB hub

No, that is one of the most common sources of issue was have to deal with on a regular basis and wastes everyone's time because people just don't seem to read the very first things we mention as a prerequisite to avoid in our installation guides!

Please reading the prerequisites section when you have a very quick moment to spare, get familiar with what is covered in the first couple sentences, ie., "don't use usb hubs" and additional points of what not to do: https://grapheneos.org/install/web#prerequisites

Consider other people's value and resources next time you post something without knowing for 100% certainty on forum you've been part for almost 2 years.

Thank you. Have a nice day.

[deleted]

Dumdum

I had to buy a Windows laptop to install GOS. Two Chromebooks and an android tablet couldn't do the job. Perhaps paying someone is cheaper than buying a computer?

After a week of trying to like Windows I returned the computer (I hate Windows). In the end it only cost me a few hours of time.

Dumdum

[deleted] Perhaps paying someone is cheaper than buying a computer?

If that's the motive, then going to an internet cafe/library might be an option, unless there's either none available in the area or the internet cafe/library restricts the actions that can be taken on the computers.

N1b

It's great you want to make the change to GOS, welcome to the community! If you really require a service, let us know your country so we can give you better advice since many services don't send the phones everywhere.

Like most people I'd recommend you do it for yourself. It's easy with the web installer and people here are available to help you if you have questions or need assistance during install. Just make sure you buy an OEM unlocked device (directly from Google or a trusted reseller) and follow the steps exactly.

And if you don't have a device yourself for installation, maybe a friend can borrow theirs (e.g. any somewhat modern Android smartphone will probably do the job).

Eirikr70

If you're in Paris, I'll do it for you

boldsuck

In Germany you can find a Linux User Group or CCC Erfa-Kreis in almost every city. You can ask when the next meeting is and whether anyone can help you flash GrapheneOS.

If you are also looking for a laptop, look for a used Thinkpad e.g. T530/W530 or T520/W520 with quad core. (100-150€) Put in an SSD and get help at the meeting to install FreeBSD or a GNU/Linux system.

Eury

Not being knowledgeable about Linux, I don't know if this would be a viable low-cost way to install GrapheneOS. I realize the video was posted in 2022, but perhaps something comparable is available.

"$99.99 Asus Laptop Running Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS (Best Buy Deal)"
https://piped.smnz.de/watch?v=pUvzDB5mUh4

https://grapheneos.org/install/web

de0u

Eury I believe posters here have reported Pop! does not lead to a smooth installation experience.

BalooRJ

de0u I used Pop to install GOS onto both my Pixel 3a and my Pixel 6a with zero issues. The first time was using the proper fastboot tool through command line, and the second time was using the web browser installation tool.

Alphie

I can assure you that I paid attention to and executed all the prerequisites from my very first attempt. I've also tried several combinations of operating system, browser, laptops, and connectors but still no dice. So the assumptions that you're espousing could not be more incorrect.
I purchased a new Pixel 8 in anticipation of being able to implement GrapheneOS. I thought that it was a better alternative to purchasing LinuxOS based phones. So please simply attempt to answer my question or pass it along to someone more knowledgeable. Thank you.

Skyway

Alphie
What exactly goes wrong when you try to install graphene ? Maybe we can help you without a service .

GrapheneOS

Alphie GrapheneOS is a Linux distribution...

Alphie

N1b, thank you for your reply. I live in Philadelphia, PA USA.

spiral

Alphie

Alpine, i can help you in person. Feel free to DM me on matrix, my address is in my profile.

Alphie

Thank you very much for your offer, Eirikr. Unfortunately, I do not live anywhere near Paris.

Alphie

To everyone else who has replied with positive suggestions. I do appreciate them. Even if I am unable to implement them, they may spark an eventual solution.

Alphie

To answer Skylar's question: I get an error message stating my device is undetectable. I wonder if there is a problem with Android SDK Tools being activated/ launched. Yet, I've tried installing on several operating systems and laptops so that seems unlikely. On the Pixel 8 Pro side, I've followed all the directions and my device at least appears to be ready as described in the instructions.

de0u

Alphie I get an error message stating my device is undetectable.

Probably it is best to pick one computer, so we can hold variables constant. Can you say which version of which OS, which version of which browser, and which cable you are using?

Also, since this has tripped other users up, when the device is in fastboot the word "start" will appear on the screen next to the power button. That does not mean that pressing the power button will start the installation (instead it will cancel).