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Hi,

I've a question on using Google Play Store and services on GrapheneOS but let me first say: I'm not a high risk user. I'm really interested in understanding GrapheneOS and playing with it to understand it. Currently I'm running a GraphenOS phone with an addtional SIM card next to my iPhone (same phone number).

I understand that for being super safe I'd probably need a fake google account to login to the Google Play Store to install apps. Now I don't wanna do that but was wondering if getting another SIM card with an additional phone number (where I live this only works by authenticating yourself) just to create a new Google profile (SMS) and to use that to install the App Store and push apps to other user profiles. After that switching back to my regular SIM card (phone number). Goal being google not connecting my GraphenOS activity to my regular Google account.

I don't need GMAIL etc. on GraphenOS. it's just for installing apps from Play Store and running some (banking apps) that might need Google Services. Only Google Service I need is Google Maps bot don't need to be loggedin.

I'm a newbie trying please let me know if this is pointless. Would I get the same outcome by using my regular Google Account on the owner profile. Installing Apps and then pushing them to a "daily profile"? Or would Google on the new profile still use my account?

Thx
Alfred

    Alfred_S "Goal being google not connecting my GraphenOS activity to my regular Google account."

    Then you need a new Google Account, which I'm not sure why you wish to do this anyways in the first place.

    Logging into your google account with another SIM card installed will not change anything, I don't understand what you mean by "google profiles"

        • c86

          • Post #3
          • Edited

          Alfred_S

          It seems you're making it a bit more difficult than need be, not a problem. If you don't have a more involved threat model, simple is best. You can always get more compartmentalized later after you learn how it all works.

          You will get privacy benefits even by using your google account and pushing apps to other profiles.
          https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play
          https://grapheneos.org/usage#sandboxed-google-play
          You can read there about play services. Since you mention banking apps, just note that while loading them in your main profile then pushing to a new profile will require all the google play services loaded prior to pushing the apps. You don't need to be signed in, but you'll probably need them all installed. Exploit protection for those apps will probably also need to be disabled.

          Now, if you want a more private experience you will want to make a play account just for your GOS device. Your SIM exchange scenario won't do much for you. If you ultimately decide to do that is up to you, but you can certainly just use what you already have and take advantage of profile isolation.

              19 days later

              raccoondad Sorry, didn't see your reply. I wouldn't login with my Google account but a fake account. The extra SIM card would just be because you need a phone number to create an account

                  Alfred_S you can create a google account without a phone number by either

                  • creating a mew profile with play store/play store services installed -> try create account
                  • factory reset phone and install play store/ play serivices -> try creatw account

                  -maybe you need to be in public wifi

                  If this does not work, you can always create one on a normal factory reset android device without phone number (use public wifi if you need that)

                    I have tried several times to create a google account without phone number. This does not work. At least not in my country. So I understand the idea of this approach. It used to be different a few years back.

                    • c86 replied to this.

                      schweizer

                      I've heard a possible workaround is loading the YouTube all, then creating an account through there. I'm not sure if it still works though.

                        KitsuneNoBaka
                        It is almost impossible to get a number for my country in those services. And even if you succeed your account can be disabled two days later. And you may not be successful to redeem a play store gift card.

                            schweizer you need a phone number for a goolge account on a brand new phone?

                            If all of these dont work you could also use a emulator on another pc and an vpn and emulate a new android device (with vpn set to anither country). This way they should let you create an account without phone number.

                            (but i do not know if, if you really can not even setup an google account without a phone number on a new phone, that they dont like want suddenly a real number from you if they detect your location... )

                              schweizer You CAN create a google account without proving a phone number!

                              Just follow this guide and remember to turn on MFA (TOTP) right away. I've created 5+ accounts without using my real name or phone number using this method.

                              • de0u replied to this.

                                  trilogy6202 You CAN create a google account without proving a phone number!

                                  If two people live in different countries, and one person reports that it is possible to create a Google account without a phone number and the other person reports that it isn't possible, both reports might be accurate.

                                      de0u Fair point, I agree. But following the approach I linked above will increase the likelihood of success whatever country you're in.

                                        5 days later

                                        No need for sms. Free method;
                                        Grab an old Samsung: Go to settings > Accounts & Backup > Remove All Google Accounts. Change Timezone + VPN. Clear GPlayStore Storage and cache.
                                        Then add new account under Accounts & Backup.

                                        Not the most anonymous way but atleast its working and free.