Hi I am new to the phone modding thing and have a few questions before I go and install this on my Moto G4:
Is cellular service just plug and play pretty much? Does it read the sim card and automatically be able to connect?
There are a lot of nightly builds of the rom, do I have to reinstall at any point or does it just update like a rolling release distro?
How does security work with this os? Do these updates keep up with the official supported roms in that area?
I have only used oem android, so I am not aware of the differences in the usage between them, other than Lineage is much more open.
Hi Newbie,
I have had nothing to do with mobile setup. Standard things like phonecalls, sms, mobile data work well. People have issues with more exotic things like VoLTE.
LineageOS usually gets better with every build. So it's a good idea to keep it up to date. In the first days of each month there is a security update released by Google. It makes it whay to LineageOS till the middle of month (much faster than Motorola). So to keep up with security it's enoug to update once a month and skip the other weeklys. Updating is verry easy. LineageOS has a built in updater that does the downloading and flashing.
One big difference to built in Android is the possibility to get rid of Google Apps. I regard them as spy-ware. They are not part of LineageOS, but can optionally be installed. Google PlayStore and PlayServices have many security functions that are good to have for older Android versions. I think, I don't need these functions due to my up-to-date LineageOS.
ok thank you, that sounds great!
moofus120 said:
ok thank you, that sounds great!
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Summer survey results have been released. Without gapps I'm member of a small minority. But LOS devs care for us.
Related
So I've browsed through the Lineage rom thread to gather some information on it, my new Z Play is sitting at home waiting for me. I've been flashing Cyanogenmod/Lineage since the Nexus One days, and I haven't ever used a phone with stock firmware.
But the times, they are a-changing! It's getting harder and harder to have a rooted/customized phone and justifying the benefits gained while losing a lot of functionality with DRM & copyright nonsense. Motorola does a great job with their stock firmware too, so I'm actually considering skipping Lineage and custom roms this time. So some questions:
I use Lineage on my Moto X 2014, but I had to keep root off for it to show as "Certified" in the app store. Not so much for stuff like Android Pay that I can go without, but for Netflix. While you can sideload the Netflix apk, you can't use the download option, which is big for me because I travel a lot for business. So a rom that will show up "Certified" is a big one for me. Is this the case with Lineage? Or any stock-based rom?
If it's not, I know stuff like Magisk exists & I can figure out how to get it set up, but what worries me is how much time I'll have to spend constantly updating and trying to stay one step ahead of Google every time they patch or fix the exploits used by that stuff. How long can you usually go with a Magisk fix? And how long after it quits working are updates released?
Any other insight you folks might have specific to the Moto Z Play would be helpful, hoping to contribute as best I can here, thanks!
Hey,
I'm 100% new to doing any sort of custom stuff with my Android devices, so please forgive my dumb questions.
I've known for a while now that my Nexus 7 was vulnerable since it stopped receiving security updates in August 2016, but I wasn't terribly concerned at the time since I use it so casually. With this recent WPA2 news, though, I'm kinda anxious.
Is there any way at all to make my device secure? Google doesn't give a **** so I know there's no chance in hell it gets an official patch, so I assume I have to go with a custom ROM, but I have no idea where to start.
If I went with a custom version, will I still be able to use the apps I own? Will I still be able to use stuff like Chrome and Drive as well? Also, if I'm using a custom ROM, is there actually any guarantee that it is actually secure? How do I ensure it receives security updates in an unofficial setting?
tl;dr version: Just hoping for a way to use my Android device mostly in the same way I already do, but with actual security updates going forward, since Google are a-holes.
Be aware that some apps will refuse to run on a rooted device. You also won't be able to use Google Pay.
You can mitigate the security issue somewhat by using a VPN service; all your communications will be encrypted, so a MITM attack should fail unless they can also decrypt your communications stream.
I use PrivateInternetAccess myself; one of their app's features is the ability to bypass VPN for selected apps, so for example I can run Pokemon Go (which won't run on VPN) and avoid running video streams through VPN (I don't really care if they can see me watching Hill Street Blues on Hulu and I'd rather avoid the performance hit). YMMV and I'd recommend doing your own research, and VPN isn't a magic bullet. But it makes the WPA2 problem less urgent without a lot of work and without having to root your device.
Mind you, I'm saying all this while perusing the forums to discover what custom ROMs are available for my Nexus 7, as I'm considering rooting it.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 PM ----------
To address a different part of your question, aside from the "some things won't run rooted" issue I already mentioned, the rest of your apps should run fine. You'll want to install some version of Open GApps to get Google functionality. That's probably covered in the instructions for the custom ROM.
Two favorites are LineageOS, which has a lot of neat features added, and AOSP, which is the bare Google Android experience with neither bells nor whistles.
Keep in mind that if you don't like what you get, you can always change. So if LineageOS isn't for you, you can try AOSP, or something else if you find it. I'm assuming that somebody has the base ROM available; it should even be possible to put the stock ROM back and unroot the device. Know that I'm speaking from inexperience, sorta... I haven't done this with a Nexus yet, but I've done it lots of times with a Galaxy S4. So I'm not really an authority but I figured I could get you started in the right direction, at least. Just remember to back up everything on your device before you start.
Really, really be sure you back up before you start.
I'm having this conundrum as well. I currently use MM on my Nexus 7 2013 due to better idle time and more reliable WiFi. It seems like there is no way to fix this vulnerability without moving to Nougat.
Lineage OS is a good rom to start with. It receives security updates OTA, and it doesn't come with root binaries, so most apps should work.
anzianzi said:
Lineage OS is a good rom to start with. It receives security updates OTA, and it doesn't come with root binaries, so most apps should work.
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+1
I only use my smartphone for OTPs... Authy, the Steam app etc and hopefully my bank account app. The thing is, the bank account app only works on Android 6+.
Given all that I want is Android 6 or above please can someone recommend a ROM. Something that works well...GPS and WiFi included. The phone doesn't have a SIM card and I'm thinking about using it to track my running.
Thanks for any help. I've barely used a smartphone since the s4 mini came out so I'm a bit overwhelmed by it all!
I don't use banking apps and GPS only rarely. Last time battery drain because of using GPS. Well, maybe because of Sunlight...
LineageOS 17 works well. Use the right version. Banking app with Magisk Root should be possible, but I don't know how.
A new cheap phone with original ROM and better GPS may be better for you.
Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry it's taken so long to respond... accidentally wiped my password manager file, lost my login details and forgot which email I registered with! Nightmare!
I'll give LineageOS 17 a whirl.
I'm sorry to ask a question that has been asked a million times!
Is there a straight forward set of instructions available to help me flash my phone? I would like to make a backup of the current (factory) ROM and then flash it with a LineageOS 17 ROM that hasn't been tampered with. No offence intended to people that mod released ROMs, I'd like something that has come from the initial developers.
Thank you!
EDIT: Yes, I have considered buying a new phone. I love the size of the Galaxy S4 mini and have seen that Sony (I think!) has released more recent phones of similar size. I may well buy a replacement if I can't get LineageOS to do what I need. Thanks
I should add that I prefer to use Linux (OpenSuse)... if Windows is necessary it's WIndows 10.
GrapheneOSThe private and secure mobile operating system with Android app compatibility. Developed as a non-profit open source project.
website : https://grapheneos.org/
WebUSB-based Installation : https://grapheneos.org/install/web
CMD Line Installation : https://grapheneos.org/install/cli
Releases : https://grapheneos.org/releases#raven-stable
This is listed as "Experimental"...
Not to sound like a broken record but with no play services do Google Photos and app updates work with that "sandboxed Play services compatibility layer" mentioned on they site?
Android-Desire said:
Not to sound like a broken record but with no play services do Google Photos and app updates work with that "sandboxed Play services compatibility layer" mentioned on they site?
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yes. works very well (as long as you install all 3 parts of sandboxed play services). I would maybe wait a few days before installing it on the Pixel 6. but using A12 on my 3xl and everything works, photos, gboard, official gcam (all running with network access disabled).
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page (it might just need to be updated). But if you're okay with maybe experiencing some bugs, it should work fine (but as stated above, most should wait a few days, they're very good on updating - especially the first few weeks after release)
Good to hear about... will be watching! cheers
I basically bought my P6P for this, so I'm extremely happy development is moving forward! Really hoping that, when a stable version is out, it will be possible to use the phone "normally" with it. Keep it up, Graphene team!
I'm with @Alex-Absolute I purchased my P6 just for GrapheneOS support, coming from a string of OnePlus devices. Though I am going to wait until it's listed as stable to switch, I'm excited they have a working build going!
I've got the release page in Windows' Aignes Website-Watcher, set to look for changes after "Pixel 6 Pro" and before "Version", so I should know when it changes to Stable.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I've got the release page in Windows' Aignes Website-Watcher, set to look for changes after "Pixel 6 Pro" and before "Version", so I should know when it changes to Stable.
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Amazing, thanks for the tip!
Alekos said:
yes. works very well (as long as you install all 3 parts of sandboxed play services). I would maybe wait a few days before installing it on the Pixel 6. but using A12 on my 3xl and everything works, photos, gboard, official gcam (all running with network access disabled).
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page (it might just need to be updated). But if you're okay with maybe experiencing some bugs, it should work fine (but as stated above, most should wait a few days, they're very good on updating - especially the first few weeks after release)
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I used GrapheneOS on my 4a during most of the Experimental days, and i did not experience 1 hicup. I would compare their Experimental Builds to Android 12 Beta. So it's nothing to be afraid of. It's definitely ready for daily use in my own opinion....
Are there any screenshots of this OS? I always like trying new things but I'm thinking there isn't much to look at that would be different from a standard Android OS
Alex-Absolute said:
Amazing, thanks for the tip!
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You're welcome, I'm using the free version - it's been around for a very long time on Windows, and I'm using the Android app which appears to more or less sync with the Windows version through Dropbox, if you have or create an account with Dropbox. It doesn't work perfectly for me, but I at least get notifications on my phone about the same changes in websites that the Windows program lets me know about - so I at least know that I should get on the computer and look to see what's new.
Sorry to anyone for the OT - I have lots of Android-related sites set to give me notifications of changes through this program.
The non-free version is a little pricey for my needs.
RetroTech07 said:
Are there any screenshots of this OS? I always like trying new things but I'm thinking there isn't much to look at that would be different from a standard Android OS
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I will post some screens later this evening...
I've wanted to switch to this for a long time (It's actually a huge reason I switched back to the Pixel series) but I'm not sure if I can commit to losing Android Auto
AndroidAddict420 said:
I used GrapheneOS on my 4a during most of the Experimental days, and i did not experience 1 hicup. I would compare their Experimental Builds to Android 12 Beta. So it's nothing to be afraid of. It's definitely ready for daily use in my own opinion....
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I agree. I've been using it off and on for 18 months on different pixels. but just good to be cautious, as always...
GrapheneOS just tweeted a few hours ago, the next release will be Stable for the 6 series (most likely this week)
Alekos said:
Also, GrapheneOS for Pixel 6 still says Experimental on their download page
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What I read about that is that its not experimental in the "unstable" sense, its that they haven't fully implemented the security enhancements.
Flippy125 said:
I've wanted to switch to this for a long time (It's actually a huge reason I switched back to the Pixel series) but I'm not sure if I can commit to losing Android Auto
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Given the sandboxed mode for play services, do you really have to lose auto?
The.Jericho.Initiative said:
Given the sandboxed mode for play services, do you really have to lose auto?
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Good question. Last time I looked into it, AA was a no-go. Guess there's only one way to find out. I'll report back later if it works or not
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
Other than that+call screeening, this build is solid for an "experimental" build (Tbh they could have put the stable flag on this, but I assume they are waiting for bug reports before doing so). If anyone is looking for a good de-Googling solution, this is it.
Flippy125 said:
Good question. Last time I looked into it, AA was a no-go. Guess there's only one way to find out. I'll report back later if it works or not
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
Other than that+call screeening, this build is solid for an "experimental" build (Tbh they could have put the stable flag on this, but I assume they are waiting for bug reports before doing so). If anyone is looking for a good de-Googling solution, this is it.
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Despite the hassle and increased expense, perhaps one of those Carplay AI boxes like Apple Pi might be the necessary workaround?
I'm very interested in this OS, but I too rely on carplay/auto as a general rule while driving. If I have to outsource my maps and music to an external box in order to have more comprehensive device security, that might just be the way it has to be.
Flippy125 said:
UPDATE: Still a no-go. I just receive an error that the AA protocol isn't supported. Guess I'll go back to compromising my privacy for the sake of convenience while driving.
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Thank you for reporting. As curious as I am about this OS, this rules this out for me too. Been using AA for almost four years now and I'm hooked.
I want privacy, but I cannot live without syncing all my stuff together. Is this OS for me?
When I switch to a banking app (e.g. Revolut) to authorize a purchase by a debit or credit card, the merchant website with the authorizing process gets killed in the background. When I switch back after authorizing the payment in my banking app the merchant website is dead and the payment failed. This happens with websites (Chrome) as well as payments within apps. My workout is to open both apps in splitscreen mode but some apps like Revolut do not support splitscreen or behaves buggy (Klarna).
I am using stock android 10. Any suggestions?
Xiaomi
Hey Android vendors, don’t kill my app!
dontkillmyapp.com
BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
Xiaomi
Hey Android vendors, don’t kill my app!
dontkillmyapp.com
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Thanks but this seems to be all MIUI related
Ah. Android One? This is the similar guide for Android One. You could also try the generic instructions.
androidbb said:
Thanks but this seems to be all MIUI related
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I had the exact same problem. It went away when I switched from stock to HavocOS
IkkeZelf1000 said:
I had the exact same problem. It went away when I switched from stock to HavocOS
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Just curious, would you mind telling me about your experience with Havoc? How are you finding it? ...I've been tempted to try flashing a custom rom (for the first time) cuz of the bad ram management of stock rom, but i'm not sure about which one to choose.
Mist_Shape said:
Just curious, would you mind telling me about your experience with Havoc? How are you finding it? ...I've been tempted to try flashing a custom rom (for the first time) cuz of the bad ram management of stock rom, but i'm not sure about which one to choose.
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Havoc is much better than stock at keeping apps active even if you switch to a different one. Also if you flash the Gapps version, it's the only custom rom (I found) that works with Android Auto.
I get good battery life for an almost 4 year old phone, and even if I keep it running for over 20 days without rebooting, the speed remains the same. Which was not the case on stock (I needed to reboot at least once a week or it would slow down)
Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the number and type of apps you have installed.
IkkeZelf1000 said:
Havoc is much better than stock at keeping apps active even if you switch to a different one. Also if you flash the Gapps version, it's the only custom rom (I found) that works with Android Auto.
I get good battery life for an almost 4 year old phone, and even if I keep it running for over 20 days without rebooting, the speed remains the same. Which was not the case on stock (I needed to reboot at least once a week or it would slow down)
Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the number and type of apps you have installef
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First of all thanks a ton for answering so fast, fr. You pretty much convinced me to give it a shot. I was wondering, can you give me any directions in order to go install it? I never flashed before, so if you got any tips i'd highly appreciate. Also do you have any bugs to report, cause I've looked around and i always see people complaining about issues with banking apps/camera/fingerprint scanner/audio and so on...is it your case too?
On a sidenote, what about kernels? Do you use a custom one along with the rom? And the updates, do you have to reflash it everytime a new version is available or is it built-in?
Sorry for the wall of questions, and thank you for your time already.
Mist_Shape said:
First of all thanks a ton for answering so fast, fr. You pretty much convinced me to give it a shot. I was wondering, can you give me any directions in order to go install it? I never flashed before, so if you got any tips i'd highly appreciate. Also do you have any bugs to report, cause I've looked around and i always see people complaining about issues with banking apps/camera/fingerprint scanner/audio and so on...is it your case too?
On a sidenote, what about kernels? Do you use a custom one along with the rom? And the updates, do you have to reflash it everytime a new version is available or is it built-in?
Sorry for the wall of questions, and thank you for your time already.
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I flashed the kernel included with the rom. Updates are OTA, so no need to reflash, it will silently install and update.
Flashing instructions can be found here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/stable-havoc-os-rom-r-android-11-0-official-mi-a2-lite.4282247/
Support is available on Telegram by the community and the maintainer (this link may or may not work: https://t.me/c/1244092342/35304 )
As far as bugs are concerned, I had one major issue 2 or 3 releases ago: Android Auto stopped working due the the fact that the Gapps package was changed a bit. I reached out to the maintainer and he sent me a custom installation ZIP the next day. It worked again and following releases had Android Auto back in them.