Hey
I am planning on putting graphenos (or another os) on my pixel (currently using a pixel 6 but will have a pixel 8 shortly). I have a few questions about using then new os. Mainly are there any apps that don’t work. I use my phone for work being a OTP to logine daily etc is that still possible and reliable. There is one game I play on phone downloaded from the play store is that still possible? Lastly how do updates come can I download an update regularly from phone or do I have to plug into PC each time and know there is an update ready and how would you revert back to Google os if needed.
Sorry if that is a lot I just feel scared to take the “leap” into what is for me unknown. Thanks
I use it on pixel 6a. I have encountered no problems, all apps have worked including games from google play store. Only exception is google wallet.
Edit: updates come over the air
Does Google wallet and maps work in sandboxed pay services environment?
Can you create another work profile besides the one for Google Play services?
Yes, but touchless payments do not work.
I believe so, but someone else confirm (I use just 1 profile).
Can you use the play store like normal on gOS or do you have to use the container environment?
You install the Google services and Play store from the gOS Apps application, then use them like normal.
Behind the scenes they run in the sandboxed environment, but to the user it makes no difference.
Awesome, ty.
It will be kept in its own container but I have noticed no significant changes to how play store apps work.
I’ve been using it for years and I think it’s great. Currently on a 6 Pro. It’s true that some apps don’t work without Google Play services, but GrapheneOS has the option to install the google stuff in a sandbox, so you shouldn’t run into any issues if you do that. Personally, I don’t use Play services unless I need to, and use Aurora store for any apps that aren’t on F-Droid.
In any case, you can always revert to stock or try another OS
Edit: as faede has pointed out, it appears that Google Wallet has issues. Also, the usage docs mention issues with banking apps in general, so that’s something to consider
For banking apps, long pressing them to get to settings and enabling exploit protection compatibility mode usually fixes the problem.
Ah good to know! Will try that if I ever run into issues, thanks
In order of question:
- just gPay contactless payments (that I’ve found)
- me too, no issues
- should play just fine with gPlay
- updates are ota just like stock android (once gos is initially installed); they have a restore method that afaik uses the google restore website, I haven’t used it in a while but it does work and is pretty straightforward
(used many, many roms over the years, currently gos for 3.5y)
In addition to GPay contactless, Android Auto will also not work on GrapheneOS.
Never liked Android auto anyway :) was always annoying for me.
Almost all apps work. Some may require you to disable a security feature (native code debugging), specifically banking apps. Others may require you to install the sandboxed google services but you can do that in a separate dedicated profile.
Apps that don’t work:
- Google Pay
As far that I know, that’s it.
Android auto too
And that’s a deal breaker for me
That’s a tough one to lose for sure
Out of genuine curiosity from someone who has never used it, what are the features of Android Auto that are so good/useful that it alone would determine whether to use a custom ROM or not?
Many car infotainment/navigation systems suck. Android Auto and Apple Car play do not suck (as much), and the bigger car screen is great for maps.
Additionally, some cars will show the nav instructions on the dash, my car shows an arrow of the direction I need to go and the distance until then. Reduces the need to look at the map constantly wondering which turn to take.
For anyone who drives to different places regularly, doesn’t want to buy a dedicated car gps, or pay to update in-car maps - a phone is the way to go.
Ok, then I don’t think that I am missing out on much based on my usage. But I can understand that it can be a pain to rely on some of these built-in systems if you use them a lot.
And why doesn’t it work on custom roms?
It’s very tightly integrated into Google’s services. Why I don’t know, but kill Google and you kill Android Auto.
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Android Auto is the big one for me that does not work on graphene. If they can find a way to get that to work I’d switch immediately.
I’ve successfully used stuff like Google Maps and even Uber, with sandboxed Play Services.
There is some niche functionality that doesn’t work. For example I use the Sam’s Club app to scan and purchase stuff in the club and that all works fine, but when attempting to use the app to pay for gasoline at their pumps, it gives a connection error.
plexus by techlore tries to crowd source if apps work on degoogled phones. However like others said GrapheneOS has the option to use sandboxes google services. I only had one app that didn’t work at all and it was very niche.
I installed it on a pixel 7a recently, and it was pretty idiot proof. I did manage to slightly bork the install but it was easily unborked. I know there are apps with issues but I haven’t found any. Sandboxed google play allows running google play apps easily, though you must use an account (to my knowledge). If you don’t end up liking it, there is an official Google Android image that you can go back to. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
Since your comment is recent. Do you know if I do this does it void insurance on the phone if I break it beyond repair. EX drop a weight on it (from experience). I read it voids warrentys but what about insurance? And if you do it to a phone and return/trade in that phone going from p6 to p8 is that acceptable. If you dont know all is well thanks
You flash it back to stock when you trade in.
Sorry, I have no idea.
I couldn’t get coinbase to work, but their webapp is good enough for me. I had to turn on compatibility mode for a couple others.
Why are you using a centralized exchange that pays companies like Chainalysis to analyze your transaction history?
The APP from my local kebab Restaurant it uses googleplay services and i refuse to install even if it is sandboxed
The only issue I’ve had is with games from kakao, they crash after a few minutes of starting. I think the last time I tried it said something abiut modification to the OS. But that’s the only developer I’ve had problems with, the rest of the games I have play without issue.
Also the only downside I see is the tap to pay not working at all, but that’s not graphenOS’ problem, google won’t certificate them.
We were considering switching to graphene but apparently there are lots of drama regarding the lead Dev which scared us from the idea
Can you elaborate or do you have a link?
Louis Rossman has a video on it, you can search it on his channel, “Why I deleted GrapheneOS.”
Basically, the lead dev for GrapheneOS started acting erratic and eventually left the project a few months ago handing it off to other devs.
I still use GrapheneOS happily and personally still trust it.
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Yeah, I wouldn’t use Louis’ video as the only source nor Techlore. Looks to me like the person has autism and/or struggles with mental issues and it reflects on the way they treat people and deal with stuff. That doesn’t necessarily make it better or worse, malicious or whatever. The converstion style is definitely not ‘normal’ and it contains quite some manic behaviour. It’s probably more nuanced. I think the whole story is a bit sad and I like GrapheneOS as a project.
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One app I know does not work without Google Play Services is Lyft. It will just crash.
you can use google play services in a sandbox
Fair. Defeats the point though imo. I havent had play services in ~5 years now.
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Haven’t tried it but, DivestOS might also be an option.
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