First pixel, first custom rom, any tips you can think of is appreciated.

potat

Hi,
I have always hated phones no matter the price or make. I also try to degoogle and take better control of my privacy I.e. not using social media, using linux as daily driver on pc. Now I've heard the hype about GOS on pixel and I've ordered the 6a.

I read the features page and the guide and I understood little as I don't know much about security.

I use protonmail and Firefox but I read earlier that Firefox on android is no bueno. Is proton still good tho? People say that the app won't send notifications. I can live with that.

Which maps app do you recommended? I use polar h10 chest strap and track my runs with polar flow. I also use elitehrv. Are these huge privacy or security no-nos? I would really like to keep recording that data.

One app that I can't live without is twilight (gradually dims and makes the light redder depending the time of the day). The stock android controls sucks really bad for my sensitive eyes. Would GOS handle it better or should keep using the app?

Also I'm really dumb when it comes to phones, sometimes taking a screenshot takes a whole lot of time, so any general tips greatly appreciated.

Such2938

potat as a google map substitute, Magic Earth is pretty good for navigation. Only use google maps in an incognito browser or through its progressive app on your phone (it´s like a direct link placed on the screen as if it was another app). Use it to search for businesses and other useful info. Magic Earth is limited in this regard.

I would go to settings and deactivate "Allow sensors permission to apps by default". Very few apps you'd want to install need to have access to this and it's annoying, at least at the beginning, to have to turn it off one by one for the apps you install. If any of them breaks, then this is the first thing to try. Don't try to turn off access to sensors of system apps btw, you'll end up breaking something.

Tinker with user profiles. Helps with compartmentalization. You set up profiles that are geared to a specific topic or needs and you only use it for that. You can have specific password manager accounts, VPN accounts, email accounts, etc. specific to that "persona". If you must, install "problematic"/privacy dubious apps isolated in specific profiles eg for fitness tracking apps. People usually have one for banking too or in general for apps that need Google services installed.

Welcome!

Shendai

As a fellow recent user, the biggest recommendations I can make are to be patient, search the forums for questions that come up for you to see if its already been addressed, and reach out to the GrapheneOS team for issues you still have. I've found that everything I've wanted to get working does so, though it took attention to detail & willingness to tinker a bit. Remember that google really wants to collect as much data about you as possible, and limiting that intelligently while still maintaining the functionality you want is a bit of a balancing act at times.

Sorry I can't answer most of your specific questions as I am unfamiliar with the tools you mentioned, except - definitely try avoiding Firefox on android if you can. The default Vanadium browser is hardened and avoids a number of exploits that Firefox still has. It's a completely different thing on desktops, where Firefox & its derivatives can be fine. As for the dimming / blue light reduction, I've found the basic, built-in night light feature is adequate for me, but you could try limiting network access in that twilight app, if you're concerned its sending out info you don't want it to.

Welcome, and hope you enjoy the journey here!

tango

Hi,
As mentioned above you will learn so much stuff on here but it will just take you a while to absorb it all like it will for most. I would recommend you also go on youtube and watch "side of burritos" Grapheneos videos as he is very informative and presents things very clearly. You could even have a pen and paper handy and write things down that you can then go back too. You will suss things out as you go and im sure you will enjoy the whole Grapheneos experience.