• [deleted]

I try to limit my apps as much as possible, disable network access were possible. I have Google apps installed without network access, like Phone, Message. Use Magic Earth as my car navigation, which is okay.

But to find and explore new things when I am abroad I really miss Google Maps. I tried it within a browser but it is really not working.

I am really against the idea to install a Google app with all these premissions (location and network access). If I install Google Maps, will I open the risk of the other Google apps communicating through Google maps? And besides that potentiol risk will I allow Google to profile me? I am considering a seperate profile, but not sure if it will really have a benefit.

It is not a must to install the app, I can live without it, but I hope to get some information to make a good decision.

  • user replied to this.
    • [deleted]

    Not really answering your question: have you tried an alternative like Organic maps?

      • [deleted]

      [deleted] That is a valid question and I should have added that in my original post.
      I do use Organic Maps, and promote it to everyone I know or meet when hiking actually.

      I will give a practical example my last holiday I was exploring bunkers, and I prepared some in Organic Maps, but I still missed a lot of them, when I was back home I saw them on Google Maps, it is stuff like that I really like when I am travelling.

      [deleted]

      I use Google Maps as PWA exactly for that kind on stuff. Progressive web app is much less privacy intrusive

        Another option, you can install Google Maps from Aurora Store without requiring any google services. You have access to using it without login credentials as well. (Offline requires Login).

        If you don't use this app as frequently and feel paranoid. Have you thought of an alternate profile where you can install Google Maps? This allows you to keep the session closed untill you open the profile.

        There's the option to install Google Maps through the Play Store. Then delete the Google user in the settings, and you can then use Google Maps without being logged in. Even if you add/log in to the Play Store later again, Google Maps stays logged out. So I guess the risk is somewhat limited.

        • [deleted]

        I am not concerned about how to install Google Maps. My concern is running it for the above mentioned reasons.

        I like the idea of running it as a PWA, I will look into that!

        applesbana

        I don't think navigation works in PWA, I just use it to find places or take a look at streetmap.

        2 years later
        • Edited

        Found a way that works clean.

        1. Create a second profile
        2. Install all the sandboxed Google services
        3. Create a trash google account
        4. Log in on your alternate profile to google play and download maps there
        5. start it and have it find your location
        6. switch back to your main profile

        You don't need to be logged in on your main profile.
        I honestly can't tell why it works but it does. Keeps my phone clean of google and I can even use offline maps now without needing to log in.
        Let me know if this worked for anyone else aswell.

        Oh also you need to have your sandboxed google services installed on both profiles.
        Its just neat not needing to be logged in.