Pixel4a Offline usage

GlintBuzz

Any recommendations for installing or building an OS for this device with no networking features?
Since the device is end of life, and cannot be updated, would rather use the device offline.

But looking to go further than just pulling the sim, and turning the radios off in the OS.
Can networking features be uninstalled or removed?

DeletedUser88

GlintBuzz But looking to go further than just pulling the sim, and turning the radios off in the OS.

Why? Airplane mode without a SIM will achieve everything you need.

GrapheneOS

GlintBuzz It should really just replaced for any purpose since it's also missing important patches and features to defend it from a physical attack even if it's kept entirely offline.

GlintBuzz

DeletedUser88

Tried the airplane mode for some time.
Stuff still gets enabled by accident, especially when traveling and the thing is bouncing around in a bag or pocket.

Just don't want the options available in the OS.
Thinking of something like Rockbox

DeletedUser88

GlintBuzz Stuff still gets enabled by accident, especially when traveling and the thing is bouncing around in a bag or pocket.

You can remove the Quick Tiles for WiFi, Bluetooth and Airplane mode from the Quick Access menu to prevent any accidental taps. As Quick Access is available from the lock screen, this can prevent accidental taps turning one of the radios on. I doubt accidental taps would enter Settings and then toggle on WiFi/Bluetooth otherwise.

GlintBuzz Just don't want the options available in the OS.

I don't think what you want is available.

GlintBuzz Thinking of something like Rockbox

Not familiar with it but it would be better to use something available natively in the OS rather than something reliant on a third party.

GlintBuzz

Thanks duck1

Rockbox was/is an alternative OS for old media player devices like the iPod.
Looking for a similar OS to install/build for the Pixel4a to be used as a limited purpose device

Installed GOS and enjoy the limited functionality of it, but wanting to go further and remove network functionality and drivers. This is easily done on a PC/Mac, looking for advice on how to achieve this on old phones like the Pixel4a

geko

worth asking the people at https://Nitrokey.com, they remove the things you don't want from new Pixles and call them secure Nitrophones.
possible?, not possible?, they would know.

GlintBuzz

geko Thanks, seen these before. Will post over there

GlintBuzz

GrapheneOS
Good point about the physical security.
Depending on what data is present on the device, it would be simple to adjust where it is used physically.

Feel there is a space for these devices to be fully secured, encrypted and offline

But for simple media playback/viewing, the only on device data would be disposable (music, pics, videos), so securing it would be pointless

It's hard to support the continuing trend of replacing or trashing devices, just because it's slow, or missing software updates/drivers.

Need better alternatives than turning perfectly capable devices into trash

de0u

GlintBuzz Need better alternatives than turning perfectly capable devices into trash

Luckily manufacturers are supporting devices for longer. At seven years I suspect most batteries will have quit (maybe twice) and on some devices flash storage will be quitting. We may be at the tail end of the time when the device ecosystems had built-in obsolescence.