So, a few of my apps require Google Play. I use them rarely. I thought I could reduce the amount of data Google collects from me by dedicating Google Play and Google Services, and reactivating them once I need those apps or once in a while to get the updates of my apps. Does this idea have any significant drawback ?

  • Sbpr replied to this.

    Eirikr70 this is basically the textbook example for utilizing a separate user profile.

    You can install those apps on a separate user profile where play services is installed, and then toggle the setting to keep that profile disabled when not in use.

        Sbpr It is another solution, but then I can't use it to update the apps installed in the main profile.

        • Sbpr replied to this.

            Eirikr70 a common recommendation (from a security standpoint) is to dedicate the owner profile solely to installing apps through the Play Store and Obtainium. You could choose to use a throwaway Google account for this if you wish. Apps installed on the owner are available on other user profiles regardless if they have Play services installed or not.

            So, you can selectively push each app install to other user profiles. You handle this in the multiple Profiles section of settings while on the owner profile.

            So a common set up would be:

            • Owner: Install apps from Play Store
            • User 1: Main profile no play services
            • User profiles 2-16: secondary profiles for compartmentalization, with or without Play Services, that may or may not be disabled in the background

            For google play services on the owner, you shouldn't need to enable any other permission besides for network permission in order to get the play store working. You can simultaneously disable everything else on that profile such as location, microphone, camera, etc. The only real info you'd be sending to Google from that profile is the list of apps you've installed. You can also minimize this further by using a throwaway Google account and keeping a VPN running on that profile.

            Some may choose to disable installed apps in the owner and only enable them in order to update them. You can still use the apps in another profile even if it's disabled in the owner profile. Others may choose to disable wifi/mobile data on the owner as well and only turn it on to manually update apps. With so few background processes happening, this setup shouldn't affect battery life that much compared to only using one profile.

            If you really don't want to use Google and are willing to sacrifice some security, you can use the aurora store on the owner instead, which won't require Play services. Though, some apps won't work unless they were installed from the Play Store directly, like some banking apps.

                "So, a few of my apps require Google Play. " did you test it out yourself?
                I have a few apps which tell me "they need Play Service" yet they work fine. (Banking App, Signal e.g. )

                Especially if you use them rarely, cant you find alternatives out there? And just be it to prevent the "multi user hustle".

                since androids are not build for multiple users - as some point out form time to time - I feel like the separation by users is usually more a peace of mind than actually working as intendent (in the background). You can also semi-regular read here how user-profiles "leak" into each other with functions they shouldn't have./should prevent

                  ILIKETRAINS Yes, many of my apps tell they require Google Play. Some effectively need it for notifications but there is no problem in using them without notifications, but a few (2/3) really need Google Play.
                  For convenience reasons, I would like to avoid reverting to multiple profiles but I might re-consider it in the end. Just making my mind.

                      Eirikr70 just wanted to clarify that my first recommendation to use multiple profiles is also because you said that you use these apps rarely, so I assumed the "multi user hustle" wouldn't be disruptive day-to-day. I guess it depends on how you define "rarely."

                      Have you looked into alternative apps or using a PWA version instead?

                      If you're comfortable sharing which apps you're referring to, this community might be able to direct you to a suitable alternative that doesn't require play services. If you're not comfortable, that's perfectly fine too.

                        Well, the apps in question are identification apps, so having them in a distinct profile just defeats their purpose. I'm gonna keep my current setup. Thanks for answering my question.

                        • [deleted]

                        • Post #9

                        Sbpr hey there, I just wanted to ask you that with this setup, is it recommended to download apps like the Proton Suite directly from their website APKs, or to download them off the Google Play Store, and then push them to the other profiles?
                        Thanks in advance :)