Aeáro, a SeaWyrm 

Help me out, Fedi:

I have a brand new Galaxy A15 5G. I want to start using it, but there's one small issue, which is that it's a smartphone in 2026.

Ideally, I'd put a custom ROM on it. Last I checked, though, that's not currently an option for this particular model (SM-A156U1/DS).

What I'm looking for is recommendations for the best way to de-Google it/make it less of a privacy nightmare/etc. If I'm wrong about the ROM thing, that'd be good to know, too.

Boosts welcome!

#android #smartphone #degoogle #google #privacy #customrom

Mar 27 at 10:54pmWeb
Show threadKemotep 🔰4d ago

@aearo

I know it might not cover everything but I got a lot of value out of privacy guide’s guides to phones: https://www.privacyguides.org/en/os/android-overview/

They should have videos too that walk through all the recommendations.

Android Overview - Privacy Guides

Android is an open-source operating system with strong security protections, which makes it our top choice for phones.

Privacy Guides
Show threadJustin Crozer4d ago

@aearo the currently supported Samsung devices from lineage can be found here. Sadly it’s not officially supported.

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/#samsung

You could try using the android debloater and be vigilant on what to remove and make sure to not brick the device as an alternative until a custom ROM is available for your device.

Devices | LineageOS Wiki

Show threadRick d Card4d ago
@aearo Shut down google services/there's an option in phone to install apps from other sources/I look for, download and install the apk of the app myself. But the best is get NetGuard and install it (free) or paid version for a bit extra control. With it you can completely (or close to it) shut down all incoming/outgoing traffic except messages and phone and some needed phone background functions. I over paid for it because I love it so much.
Show threadFrumbly4d ago
@aearo if you can't flash a custom ROM on the A15, you can at least partially control your data privacy with the Tracker Control app https://f-droid.org/en/packages/net.kollnig.missioncontrol.fdroid/
TrackerControl | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

TrackerControl allows to monitor and control hidden data collection in apps.

Show threadMarco4d ago
@aearo isn't lineageOS compatible with your device? https://magiskmodule.gitlab.io/proguide/galaxy-a15-5g-lineageos/
Galaxy A15 5G LineageOS - Unlocking the Full Potential

A step-by-step installation and usage of LineageOS on the Galaxy A15 5G for better performance, more features, and increased customization.

Show threadAeáro, a SeaWyrm 3d ago

@marco

I think that's auto-generated or AI or something; there's no TWRP for this model, unfortunately, so those instructions don't work.

Show threadMarco3d ago
@aearo Oh sorry, Magisk is a legit FOSS Application, which is why I trusted their article. I can only find TWRP for the A15 4G. Are you sure they are not compatible?
https://twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxya154g.html
Samsung Galaxy A15 4G

Disclaimer:Team Win strives to provide a quality product.  However, it is your decision to install our software on your device.  Team Win takes no ...

Show threadAeáro, a SeaWyrm 3d ago

@marco

I'm *pretty* sure. Not entirely sure. But my impression is that they're pretty dang specific to the particular model.

Show threadMrTHF4d ago
@aearo it's a little tedious to check every app so you can de google it without deleting an important program, but you can install Universal Android Debloater in any computer, plug your phone and start getting rid of all the seemingly uninstallable apps

Just make sure to follow a tutorial. That will make the process quite easy
Show threadvellichor4d ago

@aearo This is not exactly what you asked for, but I think It can helps. Uninstalling the apps you don't want/need and bloatware using ADB

I did it on two Xiaomi and one Samsung :)

https://droix.net/knowledge-base/article/uninstall-android-system-apps/

How to Uninstall System Apps Without Root in Android • DROIX Knowledge Base - Tutorials for Everything

When you buy a new Android device, whether it's a handheld or smartphone, chances are it comes with plenty of preinstalled bloatware. While you can uninstall

DROIX Knowledge Base
Show threadSnazzyGumball4d ago

@aearo I can recommend to use canta with shuzuku to remove apps and rethink for dns filtering and mostly firewall and blocking apps from network access. Or if you don't want to use canta or shizuku you can give universal android debloater next generation a try.

https://f-droid.org/packages/io.github.samolego.canta
https://f-droid.org/packages/com.celzero.bravedns
https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/

Canta | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

Canta Debloater lets you uninstall any(*) app without root (updated version).

Show threadZyu ΘΔ3d ago

@aearo If custom rom is not an option id recommend shizuku+canta to remove google and oem apps
https://github.com/samolego/Canta
do definitely look out for a release of a custom rom ocasionally, this method is not flawless but way better than nothing ^w^

And if you want play location and push without google play services you can use microg too https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/wiki

GitHub - samolego/Canta: Uninstall any Android app without root (with power of Shizuku). Debloat your device as you wish, no PC required.

Uninstall any Android app without root (with power of Shizuku). Debloat your device as you wish, no PC required. - samolego/Canta

GitHub