Where can I find a good GrapheneOS installation service?

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).

Alphie

Of course, I mean Skyway's question (not Skylar.) Sorry.

Skyway

Alphie no worries .
The phone is in the fast boot mode before plugging into computer ?

Alphie

Skyway and de0u: The phone is in fastboot mode, no doubt and I do understand that "start" does not begin the installation.
My first attempt at installation was with my dell laptop using Debian 12 and the Chromium browser. That was over a month ago. I posted a detailed description of the devices, connectors, preparation and steps that I used at that time. After answering a few inquires about my methods and using different sets of connectors, I seemed to have stumped interested parties. There was one answer I received which stated (paraphrasing here) that there were reports involving my particular combination of operating system and browser had a troubled history of causing installation problems. So that is when I lined up opportunities to use other computers (one with Windows OS and one with Mac OS) in my attempts to successfully complete the installation process.
All this to no avail and so now it seems I've run out of options. That is why I'm seeking to hire somebody that has a decent amount of familiarity and experience with GrapheneOS installation to do the installation for me.

de0u

Alphie All this to no avail and so now it seems I've run out of options. That is why I'm seeking to hire somebody that has a decent amount of familiarity and experience with GrapheneOS installation to do the installation for me.

Unfortunately while I do have agents in PA it's not in Philadelphia.

Here are some things to consider:

Try getting real-time installation help via Discord/Matrix/Telegram. Real-time might help a lot.
Try starting a new thread on this form with the title "GrapheneOS installer in Philadelphia, PA?". Include some contact information you are comfortable making public (X / Telegram / Signal / Matrix / ...).
The UPenn Computer Science Society might have somebody willing to help (possible price: 1 pizza; possible tip: 1 SBUX gift card).
Likewise The Philadelphia area Linux User Group (PLUG).

I hope one of these suggestions bears fruit!

Alphie

de0u: Absolutely stellar reply! I'll try some of the leads that you've supplied first but if need be, I'd be willing ship to a trustworthy agent. Do you have people in PA that would be okay with shipping my phone to them (insured, return receipt)? I don't wish to push the limits regards any rules about conducting transactions via the discussion forum but I'm sure some form of compensation could be worked out including shipping costs. Thanks again.

commodore64

Alphie Hello Alphie, Here's a thought...have you tried a different USB cable? And did you install the required Window's drivers? The error you indicated of "my device is undetectable", could simply be a bad USB cable or the drivers not being installed. NOTE: Even if the USB cable seems to work on another device (like an external hard drive) try a different cable anyway.

Hope this helps.

James186

Have you tried the command line method?

Alphie

commodore64: Yes, I have tried three different "connectors" (meaning USB cables.) I probably should have been more clear but thanks.

Alphie

James186: I have read over the command line method. It's a bit complex for me. I've got some experience using the command line in a terminal but no formal training. I might attempt it if I don't locate some hands-on help. Right now I'm waiting on a reply from U of Penn Computer Science Society. I'm actually within walking distance of the campus.

GrapheneOS

Alphie Using command-line installation instead of the web installer is only going to make things more complex.

Skyway

Alphie have you watched an install video? It may be of help ? If you get stuck maybe let us know where in the video you get stuck.
https://youtu.be/ZAZlmYKrwfk?si=8yU-mMUcmRIYGPEg

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