MicroG on De-Googled Phones - How it Makes the Phone Functional. Is it Safe?

[@neptunian_me]

Ciao Rob! A couple of observations: - Signal works well and sends notifications even without GPServices or microG: if it doesn't find any real/dummy Google service, it will fallback to a websocket connection that might be quite heavy on battery though; - Google Maps works perfectly here on all my degoogled phones with microG and I actually don't know why you don't manage to sort it out... I installed from fdroid the Mozilla NLP and the Nominatim backends which need to be activated from microG location settings. Maybe this will help.

[@Daniel_RO-TM]

Hello. Can i use GPS location on an app lets say OsmAnd without micro-g? I have nominatim and mozilla npl and doesnt work. I think i missed something

[@neptunian_me]

@@Daniel_RO-TM Yes, it works but it will take longer to get a satellite fix and find your location since it will only use the GPS sensor and mobile data

[@Daniel_RO-TM]

@@neptunian_me thank you

[@robbraxmantech]

That's good to know. Now why does Signal need to pop up the message "Needs Google Services" then? The usual reason is it requires notifications.

[@neptunian_me]

@Rob Braxman Tech Maybe it's because Signal is built with proprietary Google Firebase libraries and complains about missing Play Services when it detects a partial/unconfigured microG installation. It shouldn't say anything on an entirely vanilla custom rom setup

[@idcrafter-cgi]

MicroG is great if you use apps that have google Firebase (fast notifications) or other google service requirements and with it fully configured can even the google youtube app be run but new pipe is better for privacy and your time with more features than the youtube app from google

[@williams3631]

I'm old, so a lot of this information is beyond my level. I do consider it to be valuable, nonetheless. I figure that in less than a year, I'll have decided what I intend to do . I'll be in touch. Thanks for the insight.

[@jmr]

I have one app that can do messaging without firebase support. Instead it can use a server I run at home. It's a newer feature and is currently only meant for use well on the home network.

[@ricks2474]

Thanks for explaining the practicalities of your degoogled phones. This is the kind of information I need in order to make an informed purchasing decision.

[@aliciafranco5704]

I SERIOUSLY admire your expertise on tech security! Thx you so much🤘🔥🥂❤️🤘

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

...even though he calls himself "The Internet Privacy Guy"? Do you understand that security is "keeping the bad guys out" and privacy is "stopping your data leaking out"? They are quite different topics.

[@lonesurvivor3280]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 so what is your main point?

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@lonesurvivor3280 You do realise that the reason something is written down is because you can go back and read it a few more times to help it "sink in", if necessary. I am not repeating my point again just because you might be "hard of thinking". I have said all that I wish to say above, go back and read it again if you don't get the point. Run along.

[@petey80]

@@lonesurvivor3280 Clearly just trolling to be rude and insult people. Not worth anyone's time.

[@kenseryew]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 depends on who you consider to be the so called 'bad guys', who are imo those who are leaking my data out.

[@cyberp0et]

I have FINALLY DEGOOGLED my Motorola One Action! It took me more than two days to figure it out. i don't need microG since I don't need any Google doing on that phone :) And I am not using it as a phone either (Even being degoogled).

[@harrymason6654]

There are differences on MicroG and sandboxed? GrapheneOS and some other devs create LineageOS with Google services sandboxed. And would be better to emulate Android with Google services? like VMO but without IMEI and location permissions.

[@XxXG-cd3dh]

I would also like a comparison

[@Broly_1]

I would love to use microG full time but power manager kills push notifications then I don't get any ...

[@KingX]

Speaking of disabling notifications, how do you update the BraxOS on a Brax2 without notifications enabled?

[@WitchMedusa]

Do a video on how installing the Facebook app can compromise your device, & what methods Facebook uses to collect data on your phone in the Android environment

[@letsgetreal670]

I am curious as to your opinion about using Droidify instead of fdroid? Seems to be a more polished interface.

[@gregcooper2579]

Apps come from the same repository.Droidify is just a polished interface.

[@alexander-n8c2s]

is there any chance to use nfc payment without google services?

[@drummerboyj70]

Thanks Rob, for another very through and well researched video that has real world application.

[@n7565j]

Thank you sir!!! Now if I could just figure out the settings to get my G7 Power working on the Cricket/AT&T network, I'd be all set... Very frustrating since they swapped to HD calling a couple months ago!!! Always enjoy your insightful videos sir :-)

[@Narendra--Modi]

Been waiting for long time for Brax to get to miroG.

[@katehillier1027]

I am glad to see subscribers go UP. ❤️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@tiagom]

Hey, love your videos. Can you make one comparing os with signature spoofing that would support microg? There are so many, don't know which one to choose

[@bitcoinmining6361]

what phone is the best secure phone...is there a linux OS phone yet?

[@bitcoinmining6361]

@NearlyNuked rgr

[@doudoune1067]

There is the libren5 but for security check out GrapheneOS

[@openalternative]

The latest Google Pixel with GrapheneOS.

[@XxXG-cd3dh]

Pine phone has Linux, but graphineos or calyx are good for secure and privwte operating system. Need google pixel phone

[@Bombaclattt]

Android is linux😂

[@cluek9780]

I’d like to have a de-Googled phone that can still transfer audio/mic to, and call from my iPad. Don’t care about Notifications, as I turn all off, save incoming calls. I’m not overly happy about Micro-G being in Java, BTW, (and that is unsupported on iPhone).

[@NorthernChimp]

Have you watched Rob's videos on i devices, specially those from 5 months ago?

[@walkingwithshadows]

The worry I have about push notifications, is that Google could make a fingerprint of apps using it on a phone, for example if someone used a Scottish bank app a Serbian Bank app and Session with firebase, there are unlikely to be many others doing the same. That would give a use pattern, and maybe a rough location, and that could pose a risk to certain people. (imagine a reporter being watched and a correlation being made when messages are received).

[@anthonybostock4854]

I was using K9 on my degoogled phone to track what was on my gmail account, I think google stopped k9 from being able to access Gmail on my degoogled phone. Has anyone found a work around for this problem yet?

[@paulbailey6251]

I use FairEmail on my Pixel with GrapheneOS, on another Pixel with CalyxOS and on a OnePlus 6T with LineageOS - no issues accessing Gmail account on any of these devices. The developer is always fast to react with updates. Was unable to setup K9, hence switch to FairEmail.

[@Daniel_RO-TM]

Signal works without google/micro-g. And notifications work. At least for me.

[@dillinger63941]

This is an old video, so I may not get a response but here goes. I have a phone with the latest version of Lineage installed. I also have the latest version of MicroG installed. The issues is I can't get any notification from my Wyze cameras even though I have that options enabled. When I go to MicroG Device Registration is ON, Cloud Messaging is ON, but there aren't any registered apps and I can't find a way to add Wyze. Sooo, is this even possible to do?

[@Roger-we3co]

Rob Braxman Thank you for shining light on privacy. Is there a better platform to assist me in better practicing privacy?

[@MerkDolf]

Thank you, I continue to learn.

[@lonesurvivor3280]

Is Brax2 OS Open source? If yes can you give a link to check the code out?

[@Provocateur3]

Does MicroG play nice with Bromite Web Services?

[@derbla8764]

Hey Rob :). My question is not related with this topic but I dont know if you read the comments under your older vids. Do it make sense to use Bytz VPN from EU? Will the connection be to slow for example to watch HD vids?I just started to learn about this topic so sry if it sounds maybe stupid question for some readers :)

[@olof4949]

I got a question does turning off all network access of a specific apps protects my phone? I'm using lineages os

[@michaelfearon1756]

Can your brax phones be accessed by celebrity machines ?

[@1keanu]

Thank you very much for your review!

[@traditionaltools5080]

What are your thoughts on Vanced MicroG that works along with MicroG to allow logging into Google accounts

[@BarrieBrown]

Alternatively you could get a non Google phone that never had anything from Google. I choose the Hisense A5PRO CC.

[@fredcatcreedy980]

Will aurora store work?

[@Michael-it6gb]

If I install LineageOS with microG. Can I later turn off microG completely when I don't need it?

[@VarunPilankar]

Does microg support to validate in-app purchased app?

[@andyfok11]

Thank you for the very useful information.

[@julieprivate3265]

I'm first time commenter. Is there a phone that is just text and talk without being a smart phone that you currently recommended. I want a dumbed down phone and but still want good quality and works with 4g or current technology

[@whothefoxcares]

Rob, do you have instructions for how to root/de-google unlocked google pixel phones?

[@alxdava2004]

A lot of them on xda

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

Why do you need to root a phone? You're removing an additional security layer on the phone for no reason - rooting a phone is not the same as unlocking a boot loader to put a de-Googled ROM on. As someone who works in cyber-security, you are VERY foolish if you root your daily driver phone - you creating root access onto the phone creates the same access for a malicious third party too. The only justification for rooting a phone is to run some security applications that need root acccess - but then you should only do that on a phone on which you have no personal data. Rooting a phone just to be "cool" amongst your peers is ridiculous.

[@geoffreylotz3661]

Hi Rob - you have really helped me a lot already to the point where I have a backup S5 Galaxy onto which I have just loaded LineageOS bundled with MicroG. I am 59 non-tech guy and this was a big step for me to get this custom ROM successfully loaded. When I run MicroG self-check everything comes up with checkmarks. However, when I run a Signature Spoofing Checker from F-Droid, it comes up a bright red 'Signature Spoofing : DIsabled'. IS THIS NORMAL? My intention is to parallel run a de-Googled device for a while and see how I need to adapt to a de-Googled life. Thanks for what you do and for your input. 73 de CT7BGN

[@FC-eo9tn]

....THANK YOU! ...but there is no customROM for a "S20 FE 5G"!!! So what can i do there? Or can i just - not enter my google account username and password - and deinstall all google services ...and using MicroG? ...but how can i use my payed apps, like Sygic Navi etc. ???

[@FC-eo9tn]

??? ...please help

[@MerkDolf]

Missed this being uploaded to Odysee today.

[@blacksheep1657]

you really have to first think about what your threat model is or what your goal is at all. only then can you make sensible decisions. I rate some of the statements in the video as critical. fdroid is not recommended as it has major vulnerabilities and misconceptions. e.g. that all apps with the same key are signed by fdroid. if compromised, any fdroid app is potentially malware. there may be conflicts with packages from other sources, since the fdroid versions of the apps have the same package names as the regular developer-signed version. some apps are outdated and have major security vulnerabilities. micro g is another chapter in itself. you should understand and question all these things. especially before you buy anything or install it on your phone.

[@mraaronfrancis]

I think that's how most users got here by questioning and checking what the Google Play libraries and associated applications we're doing to their systems

[@boongrieboongrie619]

Hi rob I followed your lead and checked your web page to look if a Google pixel 7 can be degoogled?

[@XxXG-cd3dh]

It can be

[@smitty112877]

I installed "LineageOS for microG" and found "Google Assistant" was installed on my phone. I'm assuming this is the case with all microG installations, correct? I was hoping you would mention this in today's video. What are the implications of this?

[@jmr]

I don't think that was part of my setup however each phone model has a different image custom built. I wouldn't be surprised if a stripped mostly non functional version had to be included for some compatibility reason. Like how Rob talked about "stubs". You will want to research Lineage on your phone specifically.

[@burhanbudak6041]

Its a empty shell, just like the fakestore and fakeGapps.

[@esmailalkassir1565]

Is Micro G can allow apps to work on Huawei phone ?

[@Z3niixx]

What is the music in the background?

[@popguy5592]

Hi. I am really looking to switch to a safe and private OS. I am however stuck. I have now been using my 4 year old s10e (snapdragon) and it's Desktop environment, DEX. I haven't gone back to a pc ever since I got the phone. Is there any kind of solution out there that can deliver privacy and a desktop environment that anyone is aware of? thanks for any suggestions

[@popguy5592]

@@kangerer8886 that would be great. Any suggestions as to how to go about it? Thx

[@drzefkovitsh]

Will it work on China ROM phones? I need Android Auto on such phone.

[@drspastic]

this account I am using is banned by Google for about 2 years. they tried to do plaits for me for political reasons. because I had micro g advanced installed before they banned me their band has not worked even though I can't log in into my control panel on this or any other device I can still upload and comment like I'm doing now. my question is how can I export the settings onto a new phone so I have the same super power? there must be some file that shows microg as automatic logged in bypassing Google login

[@ali.al0sh]

What about the huawei phone it's with out Google servers

[@dinozaurpickupline4221]

Hello sir,I find your expertise as a security expert on android & bit ios quite tremendous & would commemorate you on your efforts,in guiding the sheep like us who are vulnerable to google shenanigans & under the hood crap wear our phones bundles. My phone is redmi note 11 4gb I'm complete cheapskate and don't believe that android should be using anything more than 4gb,because it's not properly optimized,now my question is android install of android 11 on miui 13 is taking atleast 17gb of system files which are abnormally big should a custom rom debloated and degoogle benefit in terms of speed of network usability & general browsing,I just use the phone for netflix otg & browsing & reading & keeps ton of tabs open but after 3 applications the phone constantly shuts off applications I have read a many xda guides ,would it really help on 4gb ram phone or should I just donate it to my mum?

[@Leroy100]

Thanks Rob!

[@baraobuu]

Do you sell degoogled phones and ship to Portugal?

[@shawnchalfant1595]

Twinhelix has a FOSS version of Signal.

[@shawnchalfant1595]

Google Go, Go Maps & Navigation work just fine.

[@MikeSmith-is1yy]

So, what's the replacement app for Google Maps?

[@robbraxmantech]

Many. Magic Earth. OSMAND

[@itoldyou4740]

Is it true the vaxed are emitting a bluetooth Mac address?

[@ThirtytwoJ]

Uhhh hmm. I cant tell if youre joking but i know it could be tested

[@itoldyou4740]

@@ThirtytwoJ not joking, I can go pretty much go anywhere and get close to 1 unregistered Mac address per person

[@itoldyou4740]

This subject needs to be properly vetted

[@itoldyou4740]

@@Carahato did you check?

[@skuglious]

Does microg support gmail and calendar app?

[@fivedesert3675]

Yes

[@2117david]

Thank you dear one

[@generaltech512]

Interesting as always.

[@bartk174]

what about contacts sync

[@lysanderhuynh]

Thanks.

[@YoungWise2011]

Are huawei phones safe?

[@axel9546]

Is it possible to make google voice assistant work without gapps, or using tricks?

[@prajwaldogra1030]

Can it run Google Play games

[@jjflash2611]

Great video as usual. Can you do a video of how you can Side Load FOSS Apps (like Netguard) onto an Android Phone? It would at least offer some additional privacy for regular Android users who can't run a custom ROM. Wonder why no KZbinr has covered this before.

[@robbraxmantech]

Use a USB-C cable. Instructions on Brax.Me FAQ

[@robbraxmantech]

If it's worth doing a video on it I will. I will be short

[@1STGeneral]

@@robbraxmantech Doesn't that identify the 2 devices as common

[@Ravi_Tej]

I use vanced microG for KZbin

[@justynaley]

Is it safe for your date on your phone ?

[@dbug7276]

Micro G is the most powerful apk ever created by China. ♥️⭐️💥💖👍❤️💕💥💖❤️✨️💫♥️🇪🇺

[@tiagom]

Also, any way to pass saftynet on a huawei p40 pro with gms instaled?

[@robbraxmantech]

No.

[@VladimirYerokhin]

I use Google Maps with MicroG on a CalixOS phone

[@rhondaray68]

God Bless you

[@canerrenac3263]

Huawei Pura 70 Ultra works perfect with MicroG. Accept Google Pay. (Still)

[@exploringgodscountry]

Android API is horrifically bad for developers. It's nearly impossible to write an app in it. This is another reason to DITCH Android API. I thought I'd delve into how the classes are built up in the API as their documentation is also really bad if any exists at all. So I thought, why not just read the code and figure out how the API works so I can interface with it.... Welp that only goes so far. Android API is NOT open source I think that's what you said but many people say it is, and you're correct it's not. If it was open source / non Google developers might be able to correct the horrific code that Google has written.

[@darchojandreoski6015]

Pukaja nojceska niz Hotelo kaj 1 : 24 sato pa Diva Koza otepale Macoro mu vlegol na mesoto se prejal me razbudija mi rekoja za Dokoz cuvaj go sato e 1 : 24

[@ladydi2045]

R u still on yur boat Rob?

[@fidelzuniga6908]

How is using a stock Android phone with no Google account and using F-Droid or Aurora store for your apps really any different from using a "De-Googled" phone from a privacy perspective? I say this because all of the tracking that occurs by Google and other big tech in both scenarios will be linked back to you anyway because most normal people won't use a phone 100% of the time in a way that does not leak their real identity. Here is my point. A person could use a De-Googled phone on their home WiFi just one time and Google would link that device to your real identity. Also, people follow normal patterns in their life which make them uniquely identifiable. Same thing here... Big tech will know it is you whether you have a De-Googled phone or not. The only way to be private using mobile phones is to not own or use a mobile phone. Otherwise, privacy is dead at this point and time.

[@robbraxmantech]

Your analysis is not correct. De-Googled phones have no identity. Googled phones can clearly see the IMEI, IMSI, phone number etc.

[@darker536]

No

[@terotkuoppalabeyonddreams]

Rob, please check your braxchat.

[@MorganEdgy]

People who complain about MicroG do so under the impression Google's services are perfect to begin with

[@soupydog1]

Hi rob been trying to get a hold of you through Braxme and your email there saying my phone is outdated and i just bought this phone ? I have a G7 Please Help