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Does this exist? I basically want a simple phone for texting and calling, but added to that also whatsapp, since this is used more and more, and it would be convenient if I have access to whatsapp.
But I do not want access to a browser, or a gmail or facebook app, or anything else, because this is very distracting, and I do not want this on my phone
Is this possible? Ideally I would like a simple phone like a Nokia Asha 206 or 301, with just a numeric keypad, but I don't think that it is possible to remove for instance the browser.
So basically, does this mean that since I want a dumbphone, I need to have a smartphone? I think this is possible with an iPhone, by letting someone disable everything for me with parental control? And probably this is also possible with a rooted android phone?
Are there more possibilities for me to achieve this? I hope you have some ideas. So I would like it the most to have a simple phone like a Nokia asha 206 or 301, just for calling, texting but also capable of whatsapp, and nothing else.
You can always remove the apks from your phone, thereby removing the app from your phone. You could also flash a custom rom and remove the specific apks in questions, so your phone never has the app in the first place. However, note that gmail is part of Gapps, so if you want to remove it, you will probably not have access to Google play, which is used to update your apps.
after buying your phone, you can simply remove/ uninstall the apps you don't need by going into
Device/>System/>app>(remove the apk's)
Greetings,
Since the begginning I use all my android device without google. I know that this phone is new, not so many rom out there, I can't wait to have one, where we can flash gapps separate.
But til that, I deciced to delete all google staff manually (except for gboard, as I can't find any decent keyboard).
I'm not sure, but I guess for this decision I have some issues. All the apps with a built in browser force close or don't react if I wanna use its browser. Some other apps won't even start. (Not even says any "missing google play services msg")
My question is, how can I make sure what cause the problem, plus how I need to do properly to skip google?
I deleted gapps with titanium backup.
I have also an ancient galaxy s4 on lineage, only rom, there these things work like a charm. (With its limited speed )
Or do u think there's gonna be option soon to do only rom for the phone?
Plus if u have the same "googless" system on any device, please share with me how u do with google pendent apps, which play store alternative u use etc..
Thanks
ii9 said:
Greetings,
Since the begginning I use all my android device without google. I know that this phone is new, not so many rom out there, I can't wait to have one, where we can flash gapps separate.
But til that, I deciced to delete all google staff manually (except for gboard, as I can't find any decent keyboard).
I'm not sure, but I guess for this decision I have some issues. All the apps with a built in browser force close or don't react if I wanna use its browser. Some other apps won't even start. (Not even says any "missing google play services msg")
My question is, how can I make sure what cause the problem, plus how I need to do properly to skip google?
I deleted gapps with titanium backup.
I have also an ancient galaxy s4 on lineage, only rom, there these things work like a charm. (With its limited speed )
Or do u think there's gonna be option soon to do only rom for the phone?
Plus if u have the same "googless" system on any device, please share with me how u do with google pendent apps, which play store alternative u use etc..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be the webview, it defaults to chrome. look into developers option/ webview implementation and ensure its set to Android System instead of Chrome. That may solve part of the problem
GUGUITOMTG4 said:
Might be the webview, it defaults to chrome. look into developers option/ webview implementation and ensure its set to Android System instead of Chrome. That may solve part of the problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that was my first guess as well, but as i deleted google, the only option is the android system, so nothing to do there, its set on that. Also checked on the s4, just by curiosity, it has exactly the same version, therefore this part should be fine.
Thanks
ii9 said:
Yes, that was my first guess as well, but as i deleted google, the only option is the android system, so nothing to do there, its set on that. Also checked on the s4, just by curiosity, it has exactly the same version, therefore this part should be fine.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start over and go gradually removing stuff and testing starting form the mist insignificant to the most complicated ones like services and framework, etc
Perhaps you want to look also into the tomato debloater thread. They have some tested scripts to remove google apps
Yeah that could be an idea, at some point that will be the next step.
I looked for this tomato db, it also gets closer to my idea, but til i don't find out the thing u mentioned, i'm not sure about it, as it's not 100% google free. Though sure i'll do the invisible option.
Plus there r some things in the extreme, that i'm okay with, like ambient screen for example. My dream is to have fully optimised and stable rom, that use all the benefits, what this exact device can offer, + tweak options, but obviously without all the trash, + without gapps. Y they don't just let us choose if we want netflix for example?
Apart from this, i really don't get, y stock roms don't give basic option, like disable pop up notifications. Such a little option, but so useful.
I wish i knew how long it takes to make these clean roms, but in case if not soon, i'll go for this options what u wrote, thank u
Is there any way to have push notification?
(And i know it's nothing to do with google, but also if you know how to disable popups, please share with me as well)
ii9 said:
Greetings,
Since the begginning I use all my android device without google. I know that this phone is new, not so many rom out there, I can't wait to have one, where we can flash gapps separate.
But til that, I deciced to delete all google staff manually (except for gboard, as I can't find any decent keyboard).
I'm not sure, but I guess for this decision I have some issues. All the apps with a built in browser force close or don't react if I wanna use its browser. Some other apps won't even start. (Not even says any "missing google play services msg")
My question is, how can I make sure what cause the problem, plus how I need to do properly to skip google?
I deleted gapps with titanium backup.
I have also an ancient galaxy s4 on lineage, only rom, there these things work like a charm. (With its limited speed )
Or do u think there's gonna be option soon to do only rom for the phone?
Plus if u have the same "googless" system on any device, please share with me how u do with google pendent apps, which play store alternative u use etc..
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent had chrome, ok google, google, and all google related stuff for years. I have deleted them with titanium backup always, even on my op 7 pro. I only have playstore and use brave instead of chrome. No issues so far
ii9 said:
I deciced to delete all google staff manually (except for gboard, as I can't find any decent keyboard).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOSP keyboard with swipe.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/enhancedime-aosp-latinime-enhancements-t3366639
jamesfitzes said:
I havent had chrome, ok google, google, and all google related stuff for years. I have deleted them with titanium backup always, even on my op 7 pro. I only have playstore and use brave instead of chrome. No issues so far
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same, but includeing paly services, framework.., all. I use apkpure store, now i even managed the the system webview to work. Not the one built in, that did't work, no matter what i did. From magisk i found something systemless webview, that does the job.
The only thing i miss is the push notification. (And block popup). Im shocked that no solution so far, that's y we like android. But with some things they look to move on the way of ios.
RogerNZ said:
AOSP keyboard with swipe.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/enhancedime-aosp-latinime-enhancements-t3366639
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's nice, but it stucks on the welcome screen after i've installed. In the settings no otion to change. What i need to do?
Edit
I enabled screen rotation and it's fine now, just an ui issue on landscape
ii9 said:
From magisk i found something systemless webview
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Been trying to figure out how to achieve that.
So, I hate google bloatware and first thing I do, always, is disable all of their apps which are unnecessary to me, and that includes Chrome and Youtube (I prefer to use Opera for both), but lately the apps just show up on my screen without my enabling them.
I have a Huawei P30, if that makes any difference to all and any of you that are willing to help me.
What I want to know is how do i stop it from happening, because going to disable them over and over and over and over again seems pointless.
Thank you!
jbutterfly385 said:
So, I hate google bloatware and first thing I do, always, is disable all of their apps which are unnecessary to me, and that includes Chrome and Youtube (I prefer to use Opera for both), but lately the apps just show up on my screen without my enabling them.
I have a Huawei P30, if that makes any difference to all and any of you that are willing to help me.
What I want to know is how do i stop it from happening, because going to disable them over and over and over and over again seems pointless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didnt say if you were rooted, and I dont know if you need to be rooted to perform these actions, but have you tried Freezing and/or Hiding the apps?
You may also get better answers in a more general forum/thread such as https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2259645
For youtube, although its basically the same app without ads, you may also like to try Vanced https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-youtube-vanced-edition-t3758757
jbutterfly385 said:
So, I hate google bloatware and first thing I do, always, is disable all of their apps which are unnecessary to me, and that includes Chrome and Youtube (I prefer to use Opera for both), but lately the apps just show up on my screen without my enabling them.
I have a Huawei P30, if that makes any difference to all and any of you that are willing to help me.
What I want to know is how do i stop it from happening, because going to disable them over and over and over and over again seems pointless.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the same problem with youtube on my One Vision. The trick here was to disable Google Partner Setup and youtube isn't enabling itself anymore.
Hi All,
I am considering a OnePlus 6T. My issue is that I am not looking for a phone, just a secure device I can do some web activity with, and use as an old style PIM device. I actually expect that I would pull the Sim card.
That said, I suspect that I would want to root this thing and eviscerate this thing of any bloatware as well as ties to Google or anyone for that matter.
I have not done any Android programming, but have been using Linux since the SysV days (mid to late 70's) and in a pretty serious sorta way, and I have even more experience with embedded systems.
Questions are: Can I make the 6T do what I want - private web browser, no calls, data storage, music, photos, etc...
Thanks
Ray
rbahr said:
Hi All,
I am considering a OnePlus 6T. My issue is that I am not looking for a phone, just a secure device I can do some web activity with, and use as an old style PIM device. I actually expect that I would pull the Sim card.
That said, I suspect that I would want to root this thing and eviscerate this thing of any bloatware as well as ties to Google or anyone for that matter.
I have not done any Android programming, but have been using Linux since the SysV days (mid to late 70's) and in a pretty serious sorta way, and I have even more experience with embedded systems.
Questions are: Can I make the 6T do what I want - private web browser, no calls, data storage, music, photos, etc...
Thanks
Ray
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
First of all it's an honor to have a Linux veteran here (I mean 70's !)
You can turn your OnePlus 6T in a privacy oriented device installing LineageOS without installing GApps. LineageOS is a ROM based on AOSP and not Google, every app is aosp and if you don't flash GApps (a zip that install Google Services and Apps), your device will be Google-free.
You'll be able to take photos, listen to music, browse internet and even have a "market place" by installing F-Droid or another alternative app store. For that you'll need to install APK files (those are like .exe but for Android) that you can download online. But beware, sometimes the files may contain a virus, so download from trusted website only (E.g: Apkmirror, F-Droid, XDA-Labs,...).
For private web browser I can advise Tor Browser, but browsing will be slow, as this browser includes a very powerful VPN.
I just wanted to precise, being Google-free and being invisible is very different. If you're more into things like Tor Browser (meaning you want full privacy, not being seen from anyone), you may take a look at GrapheneOS. It a ROM you can flash like LineageOS, but it is very privacy-oriented. But it is available only for Pixel Devices, so you may wanna consider buying one (the Pixel 4a which just came out has really good camera, not very powerful for gaming but can surely browse the internet. It doesn't have a build of GrapheneOS yet, since it just came out, but it'll surely come).
Here is a vid explaining: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hrDUOtWXGv8
Here is their website: https://grapheneos.org/
If you need any extra info, just mention or quote me so I get notified
Have a good one
This great information and exactly what I want!
I know about Tor, and I want privacy, but, at least for this application, not looking to be invisible since I will be interacting via email and browser.
Thanks
Ray
Raiz said:
Hi,
First of all it's an honor to have a Linux veteran here (I mean 70's !)
You can turn your OnePlus 6T in a privacy oriented device installing LineageOS without installing GApps. LineageOS is a ROM based on AOSP and not Google, every app is aosp and if you don't flash GApps (a zip that install Google Services and Apps), your device will be Google-free.
You'll be able to take photos, listen to music, browse internet and even have a "market place" by installing F-Droid or another alternative app store. For that you'll need to install APK files (those are like .exe but for Android) that you can download online. But beware, sometimes the files may contain a virus, so download from trusted website only (E.g: Apkmirror, F-Droid, XDA-Labs,...).
For private web browser I can advise Tor Browser, but browsing will be slow, as this browser includes a very powerful VPN.
I just wanted to precise, being Google-free and being invisible is very different. If you're more into things like Tor Browser (meaning you want full privacy, not being seen from anyone), you may take a look at GrapheneOS. It a ROM you can flash like LineageOS, but it is very privacy-oriented. But it is available only for Pixel Devices, so you may wanna consider buying one (the Pixel 4a which just came out has really good camera, not very powerful for gaming but can surely browse the internet. It doesn't have a build of GrapheneOS yet, since it just came out, but it'll surely come).
If you need any extra info, just mention or quote me so I get notified
Have a good one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
EnigmaticLife said:
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Totesnochill said:
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really interesting. I am thinking of trying to do this with a Google pixel 4a. Would I be able to do the lineage OS with that? I haven't found other threads that speak on this topic, am I right? Thinking that I would like to customize exactly what apps I have on the phone etc.
LineageOS for Google Pixel 4a exists:
LineageOS Downloads
download.lineageos.org