I'm learning there are many "app stores" for graphene compatible apps. Could someone recommend the most trustworthy and/or where not to go? As a new user, the verify process baffles me.

I was looking for a music app and started in the Graphene store then accrescent. Was headed to Fdroid when I remembered "didn't someone say don't use". Now, here I am.

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    Choice of app store pretty much depends on which apps you intend to use, whether they rely on use of Google Play Services and how far are you willing to go to find alternatives.

    Originalcahummer Hello and welcome to the community. Discussions surrounding which app store to use are numerous and the topic has been discussed to death. As of right now, there is no perfect option. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages and your choice depends on what features you prioritize over others. A simple search on this forum will help you understand what I mean. Read every discussion posted if needed, you'll have a clearer image by the end of it. Instead of blindly following someone's recommendation not to use F-Droid, or any other store, understand their reasoning and see if it is a good enough for you to avoid this option or not.

      AlphaElwedritsch had to stop using innertune because I couldn't stop it stopping playing after ever few songs when I was running. Great app but that was a deal breaker. RiMusic hasn't dont that to me yet. So 'much better' is entirely subjective I think.

        a month later

        Am wondering if there is an issue with both Innertune and RiMusic with Android 15?

        Have previously used Innertune but am also trying RiMusic. Both today on my Pixel 8 will not play and display an "i" Song cannot be played.

        Any ideas?

          Some people argue that F-Droid isn't as safe as Play Store. However, there are arguments against Play Store as well (you have to trust Google, for one...). I don't remember all the details, but I've done some digging into it. My conclusion is that I'm comfortable and happy with F-Droid clients (F-Droid, F-Droid Simple, Droid-ify, Neo Store etc.)

          Personally I currently use Droid-ify but I think I'll move over to Neo Store (it has some additional nice features and development seems to be more active (looking at the git)). Both apps have the ability to save a list of favorite apps and have export/import functionality. Neo Store can export installed apps and import a list of apps and install all of them.

          Creating a setup for later migration is very neat.

          The reason for using alternatives to F-Droid is additional functionality. One of which is a toggle to enable other repositories (like IzzyOnAndroid, created by one of the F-Droid developers). With F-Droid, you have to manually add them. Also, having import/export functionality in Droid-ify and Neo Store makes it much easier to just import your favorite setup. Neo Store also have indicators of trackers and permissions for apps and you can filter/sort by licence, permitted anti-features, repositories and generally has more features. It's quite customizable, so you can disable some of the things you don't want.

          F-Droid and F-Droid Simple might be easier to use, but more difficult to set up well (because the need to manually find repos and manually add apps e.g. after moving to a new phone). But I wouldn't say Droid-ify and Neo Store are very hard to use (sometimes easier, like mentioned). Like with everything, you have to learn a few things when trying something new for the first time, that's true for everything in life.

          I had some issues with apps not automatically updating previously (it was an issue with Android or GrapheneOS and the developers have been aware of it). I moved over to F-Droid Simple and at some point automatic updating worked and I then moved over to Droid-ify and it worked there also. I haven't tried F-Droid again but I assume the issue was fixed in an OS patch at some point.

          I haven't verified if this works in Neo Store. Note: You always have to install manually once, then afterwards it is able to automatically update. You don't have to reinstall, just update manually once in the new store app.

          pdagenius Have previously used Innertune but am also trying RiMusic. Both today on my Pixel 8 will not play and display an "i" Song cannot be played.

          I'm not sure this is the right thread for this, but I have the same issue with Ri Music on Pixel 7a. (I don't use InnerTune.)