Another question before switching to GrapheneOS...

CherryPi

Hellooo

I'm still considering getting a Pixel 8 (so I can use GrapheneOS) for my next phone, haven't taken the plunge yet - there's one more little thing I have to ask about before going any further. I know that apps that normally use Google Play services don't send push notifications on GrapheneOS, as it's the Google Play services that forward them - however, I have some contacts who stubbornly refuse to move from WhatsApp, so I'll have to have it downloaded to be able to communicate with them (and unfortunately, communication with them needs to be a priority due to personal health issues).

Is there any third party service that can be substituted for Google Play that would allow WhatsApp to send any kind of push notifications at all, or at least play a sound, anything - just to let me know that I have new messages?

Thanks :)

Johnnyloans

CherryPi any third party service that can be substituted for Google Play that would allow WhatsApp to send any kind of push notifications

Whatsapp needs to have google play services installed before installing whatsapp--no alternatives to notifications.

Private space is a good place for separating your Play store apps. Enable private space then it's at the bottom of your list of apps.
I transfer pics to private space via the add files button or the inter-profile sharing app (found in accrescent app store).
https://imgur.com/EIvUCiN

Murcielago

CherryPi

I know that apps that normally use Google Play services don't send push notifications on GrapheneOS, as it's the Google Play services that forward them

You could (it's not entirely clear to me whether that would be an option for you or not) use Sandboxed Google Play Store and Google Play services on GrapheneOS by installing them from GrapheneOS's own App store: The first would let you install WhatsApp from Play Store, the second one would let you use Google's push notifications with WhatsApp. I don't have personal experience of this setup but it seems to work flawless.

Maybe you find these informations helpful:

https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play

https://grapheneos.org/faq#notifications

https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/20612-understanding-grapheneos-relationship-with-google-services/5

Eirikr70

As far as I can tell, if you give WhatsApp unrestricted access to battery, it should deliver your notifications. To be confirmed, since I don't use WhatsApp.

Datasapiens

without push notifications the messenger itself works, you only will have to acquire habit of more frequent phone check. Which could lead to a person, who's messages you keep delaying to see and reply, to switch to Signal or other messenger that does not require playservices...

CherryPi

Hooray! Thank you for all the great replies, it's good to know I have some options - like the sandboxed Google Play store, the possibility of it working with unrestricted battery access, or using the private space to separate out the play store apps. I now at least have some avenues to investigate so I can know what to do next. Your advice has been really helpful for a newbie who wants to look into going the GrapheneOS route, so thank you again, all of you :)

Johnnyloans - Would it be possible for you to please upload that image somewhere that isn't Imgur? It won't display in my country, even with Mullvad turned on for some reason (yeah, lol, take a wild guess where I live... ugh.)

Datasapiens - I wish that I could, but unfortunately I can't take the risk of not seeing something, and I've got ADHD so forming habits is something I really struggle with. I did consider this possibility, though.

Novalissoide

CherryPi got ADHD so forming habits is something I really struggle with

GrapheneOS is arguably the most accessible OS for our patient group. 🫡

The rootless, stable and quick ability to disable apps you don't need running works magic for focus. My app drawer:
https://github.com/Novaliss/Non-affiliated-Gos-Catechism-WIP/blob/main/Screenshot_20260226-202938.png

Datasapiens

CherryPi I wish that I could, but unfortunately I can't take the risk of not seeing something, and I've got ADHD so forming habits is something I really struggle with. I did consider this possibility, though.

but this your hyperactivity disorder just gives a boost for the lack of notifications, as I understand - you keep checking the app frequently and it's kinda natural

Johnnyloans

CherryPi [re]upload that image somewhere that isn't Imgur

Of course! These are all the same:
https://ibb.co/3yc0VcWK
https://imgbox.com/9PAqzv4u
https://i.postimg.cc/d3qKzBr5/pic3.png

You can take a photo or download something and send it over to private space via the Add files button.

There is an app in app store called accrescent (another app store). In accrescent, there is an app called inter profile sharing that allows sending files back and forth between profiles. (install it on the sending and receiving profile). Private space is another profile under the hood.

The gear icon sends you to Settings > security > Private space

In here you can go to install available apps to quickly transfer apps you have installed over to private space.