What to read / do before getting G.OS for Pixel 8 / 8 Pro

Lizard

Hi All,

So I took the plunge, ordered yesterday and got my new P8 today with the free Pixel buds pro. Unboxed and looking good, size is perfect for me, very similar to my P3, not too big for the pocket.

I've never used G.OS before, I'm guessing that quite a few people will buy the P8 / P8 pro in the same situation.
As G.OS is not available for the P8 / P8 Pro yet, it allows time to learn on the most important aspects in the meantime.

I suppose the most important aspects will depend on each user and what they need (or want) to be able to do on their phone, but do you have any recommendations that would benefit every new G.OS user?

Web pages / sites to read
Principles to learn
How to know when G.OS is available (and considerations before installing)
How to install
First steps
Essential or recommended apps
Links to useful resources
Any other things that may help a new user on their way to a smooth transition

Looking forward to trying it!
Thanks
Lizard

de0u

Lizard Do you have any recommendations that would benefit every new G.OS user?

Welcome, and great question!

Reading material:

spring-onion

Welcome!

The official documentation on https://grapheneos.org/ is where you want to start. You find extensive information on like everything in there, if you have a question chances are you will find the answer there. The install guide in particular requires careful reading, it's easy to complete but you may hit some roadblocks if you don't read it in its entirety. If you do come across any problems we're here to help, on the forum and on matrix.

As for any prerequisites, you must ensure OEM unlocking can be toggled on in the device's developer settings (as noted in the docs) then you're good to go! This is only a potential concern if it's a carrier device, with more or less risk involved depending on where you live.

de0u

spring-onion The install guide in particular requires careful reading, it's easy to complete but you may hit some roadblocks if you don't read it in its entirety.

Indeed. In particular, please use exactly an OS which is listed and exactly a browser which is listed, and not an OS which is derived from or like one of the listed ones, or a browser which is derived from or like one of the listed ones. Please note that installing GrapheneOS requires a really good USB cable, so some cable that works great with your existing 5-year-old phone may not cut it.

Every requirement, and every step, in the installation guide is there because doing it a different way has previously failed for somebody. At least for your first install, the way to succeed is to do everything exactly the way the installation instructions specify. And please don't forget the post-installation steps at the end!

DeletedUser29

Make sure you read through the installation page from start to finish at least once before: https://grapheneos.org/install/web

Also recommend that you, if you haven't already, consider what your threat model is: https://www.privacyguides.org/en/basics/threat-modeling/

Lizard

Thanks guys, points noted!

One other thing I thought of, is WHY someone may want to use G.OS over any stock OS. What are the main benefits.
For example my OH: "I don't have anything to hide and I like convenience, and I don't like making things more complicated than they need to be".

Is there any concise and accurate non-technical info that you can recommend that will convince people like my OH that transitioning to G.OS is the right thing to do, by explaining what the risks are to an individuals privacy and security by using a stock setup and how these are mitigated by using G.OS?

wuseman

Lizard
Using the default android is easier. It also has Google Pay support.

It also has various features like a built in Shazam and other stuff I will never use.