Newbie wanting to make transition as easy as possible

MuchoMaas

Hi there, complete noob, though I have installed e.g. Lineage on a couple older devices, but want to make my Pixel8Pro strike a good balance between tracking protection and usability. I have been trying to get as many FOSS versions of things as I can of late. Like my title says, if there are any other tips from your own installation experience that might save me a headache or two I'd be most grateful...Looking forward to being on board!

One specific question is are there apps that absolutely will not work without a google account? E.g. I use Roon for whole home audio with numerous Google Chromecast audio pucks around the house that need Google Home (though that can be controlled from Android tablets not on Graphere). I also use Garmin Livetrack when I go running in the middle of nowhere in case anything 'happens', so if anyone else uses that I'd like to hear if it works without Google services.

Cheers!

Hb1hf

Take a look at this thread:
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/16147-tips-for-a-new-user/18

MuchoMaas I have been trying to get as many FOSS versions of things as I can of late

It's even better to use services via websites than to install any apps at all. Example: Shazam.com will work without an account and better than any possible FOSS alternative.

MuchoMaas if there are any other tips from your own installation experience that might save me a headache or two I'd be most grateful

Read the whole install page. Pay special attention if host OS and host browser are in the compatibility list. Use a good quality usb cable.

MuchoMaas is are there apps that absolutely will not work without a google account

Not without a Google account, but without Google Play Services. Usually bank apps. Do a search in the forum for app compatibility. It's good practice anyway to put bank apps in a different profile, so that profile can have Play Services even if your main profile doesn't. I have PS Installed in my bank profile but it's not logged into a Google account, and no apps have yet complained.

As for the rest of your questions, hopefully someone else has the experience necessary to help you.

MuchoMaas

Hb1hf

Hb1hf It's good practice anyway to put bank apps in a different profile, so that profile can have Play Services even if your main profile doesn't

Thanks for this! I'll have to learn about profiles for sure then...

Hb1hf It's even better to use services via websites than to install any apps at all. E

Oh, yes, I have 5 (non Google, non Edge) browsers on my Pixel already, each dedicated to a different function!

The last Google app (Play Books) that I found a decent alternative for (BookFusion) just sealed the deal for me. I do use GMaps when travelling (couple few times a year) especially for discovering rated restaurants in new areas...other than that I have been consistently de-googling :D

Thanks gain for your help!

lcalamar

Hb1hf As others have stated...

... use a mobile web UI in place of ANY application whenever you can. As banking apps tend to be the worst (just in general - the worst of everything...) - I just use a secure/private browser (and sometimes have to tweak or reduce the 'hardening' to get it to work... ) IF I need the app to say - deposit a check - then I still have the app in a disabled status > re-enable the app > do what I need > disable...

If you are signing into apps - then much of what you are gaining in GOS becomes moot.

AlphaElwedritsch

MuchoMaas I do use GMaps when travelling (couple few times a year) especially for discovering rated restaurants in new areas...

Therefore you can use GMapsWV from DivestOS

Hb1hf

lcalamar If you are signing into apps - then much of what you are gaining in GOS becomes moot

I wouldn't say "much". You'd be a lot closer to having the decide linked to you, but even that might not be a given. You still get all the exploit mitigation, all the benefits from having Play Services not running privileged or at all, not pinging Google every 15 seconds.... It's still a whole lot!
And most of us without very severe threat models can't avoid having WhatsApp or whatever americans use not to be disconnected from the whole world. So signing in to your bank app is marginally irrelevant.