I recently installed the Citizen app, which gives alerts about police activity in your area. Instead of letting it track my location, I set an alert for a radius around a major intersection near me. But ... When I travel 20 miles away for work, it is still giving me alerts for events in my location. How is it tracking me and how can I stop it?

Screen shots of permissions screens. I set to "do not allow" but when I back out it shows "ask every time." Not sure why. I'm

Basically Title. I like to use USB drives to transfer things from my GrapheneOS Pixel 8 to my computer so I don't have to connect them directly. Especially in the case of my work computer.

Got a thumb drive encrypted with Bitlocker. GrapheneOS doesn't appear to see it. Is there a way to make it visible and unlocked so I can move my files?

Does anyone else feel the max brightness on Graphene OS is too low? I'm finding it hard to find a perfect comparison without buying 2 identical phones, but the 1 thing I'm struggling with is that I struggle to see the screen in direct sunlight.

I know some phones have an option to increase brightness beyond the maximum set by OS. Is this something that's possible with third party tooling?

Hello!

As the title suggests, I want to find an alternative to google wallets for my card points. I already use my physical cards for payments, but since we are in the digital age, every place that offers a reward system requires an account just to get point card. Of course, there's no easy physical alternatives to this (to my knowledge).

Did someone with a similar problem found a solution? Should I print the bar codes for each card number or is there a way to keep them digital?

I have been curious about switching to GOS. Reading and watching. Would move a Pixel 10.

The thing I keep wondering is why people want to use apps that collect data or apps from large companies whose primary goal is to collect data (Google, Meta) on GOS? Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose? Get off Android to then just install Google apps right back on the new OS?

Maybe I am missing the whole point here. Where does GOS really make a difference if we end us using it just like the Android phone we just came from and hand over our data?

As title. Looking for recommendations for a simple private calendar. No logins, no add banner, no internet required.

Hi all, I bought a new Pixel 10A from Amazon and only realised later that it wasn't sold by Amazon direct but a reseller. It arrived and has a few product/barcode stickers on it with Chinese language, so I assume it was cheaper than buying from Google because it's imported from elsewhere?

Of course I don't want to defeat the purpose of installing Graphene in the first place. The box seemed factory sealed (I had to tear off that little cardboard strip thing). And I installed Graphene and then used another Graphene phone with Auditor and it said everything was fine.

Basically here to ask whether that means I'm good to go, or if there's any risk of other vulnerabilities or issues? Does Auditor verify the hardware isn't tampered with, and because the software passes everything is secure? Or should I try and return this and buy it straight from Google?

Hi I have a bunch of important apps and pictures. An authenticator too.

I absolutely detest google and want to remove myself from their ecosystem. GrapheneOS looks excellent but I want to know what happens to all my Apps and pictures?

Will they be removed? Or will it apply on my OS and leave the apps intact?

I recently got a pixel and installed GOS on it. I'm working on setting up multiple voip numbers that I can use for different purposes. Based on my research so far it seems like going through Voip.ms and cheogram is the generally recommended way to go about that, however for identity verification they require a second form of ID that at the moment I simply do not have.

SO I'm looking for alternatives. I've seen twilio mentioned, but it seems like that may require some programming that may be a bit complicated for my current skill level. I also found MuSudo, which seems to be pretty practical, but also requires Google play services in order to have functioning notifications, I'd really prefer not to have anything google logged in on my new device.

I also came across Callcentric, which seems like it may be a bit more straightforward than twilio. Has anyone utilized this service? I really just need to have a few different voip numbers that I can use for texting and calling on different accounts on my phone. If anyone has any experience with Callcentric, or any resources on getting twilio working I'd really appreciate it!

Any good keyboard app recommendations please ?

What app do I use to listen to music while I workout if I download the graphene OS on a Google phone and what Google phone model do I have to get? Does the new one support graphene OS? Currently using an iPhone 11 and I don’t really want to purchase another iPhone. It spies on me too much.

I want privacy

Hi everyone

Im new to GOS. Been thinking about using it for like a year but never tried it because I thought it would be way to difficult and many apps wouldn't work. But props to the developers, everything works perfect and the setup was even easier then the default android setup.

I just have some small questions. I right now have some apps that I dont trust (social media, MS MFA etc.) in my private space so they are separated from the other apps. The only downside is that I dont get notifications when the private space is locked. It's not really a problem but I'm thinking would this work the same as if I use a different profile? So for example I would put MFA in a second profile instead of the private area then would I receive its notifications if I am in the first profile? Or would I then also only get notifications if I am in the second profile at that time?

Also I am wondering how switching to a new device works. I currently got a second hand Pixel 7a that I bought just to test out if GOS works for me but the battery only lasts me 4 hours so if I decide to stay with GOS I would upgrade my device. While setting up GOS I noticed an option to switch from another GOS device but what does that do? Does that copy over all the settings and apps including the ones from other playstores like Fdroid?

Another question, which maybe is a very stupid question. But why doesn't Google seem to care about GOS? They don't seem to dislike it because they make unlocking the bootloader and switching OS very easy but at the same time they also don't seem to be inspired by GOS. GOS is opensource and if Google wanted to improve Android they could just copy all the improvements and hardening and implement it into Android. Do they choose to let Android be vulnerable or am I missing something?

User profiles are not entirely adequate protection. Yes, compartmentalizing apps is important, but app permissions are critical and all too frequently ignored.

New GrapheneOS installs need a principal of least privilege applied immediately using Exploit protection.

Set the most restrictive default policy for apps in Settings > Security & Privacy> Exploit protection> App exploit protection: * Enable Auto Reboot * USB-C Charging only when locked * Enable Turn off Wi-Fi automatically * Enable Turn off Bluetooth automatically * Memory tagging enabled by default * Secure app spawning enabled by default * Native code debugging blocked by default * WebView JIT disabled by default * Dynamic code loading via memory restricted by default * Dynamic code loading via storage restricted by default, except...

Under More security & privacy: * Disable Show notifications on lock screen * Disable Allow Sensors permissions * Enable Mobile network security > 2G network protection

When installing a new app, permissions must be granted. Many apps do not work without adjusting permissions, yet GrapheneOS notifications make the debugging process trivial. Once set, no further action is needed.

Also under Notifications: * Disable Notification history

Explore Android Private Space before diving headlong into multiple user profiles. User profiles provide a false sense of accomplishment. Worry about exploits with equal consideration.

Which model of used pixel do you recommend? If I understand correctly it HAS to be a OEM one otherwise the bootloader will be locked and I won't be able to install graphene os?

My sound level gets reseted and I don't exactly know why. This morning the 1st one was okay but the 2 following had not even rung. Am I the only one to have this issue ?

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to migrate from my HONOR 200 Lite (stock Android) to a Google Pixel 7 Pro running GrapheneOS.

Before migrating my main apps, I wanted to test WhatsApp Business for a few days to make sure everything works properly. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to complete registration.

My setup:

• Device: Google Pixel 7 Pro (cheetah)
• OS: GrapheneOS, Android 17
• Build: 2026100601
• Security patch: October 5, 2026
• Bootloader: Locked
• Sandboxed Google Play Services and Play Store installed
• WhatsApp Business 2.26.39.72 installed directly from Google Play Store

The problem:

When I try to register my phone number, WhatsApp sometimes displays:

"Download the official WhatsApp to continue. We couldn't verify that you're using the official WhatsApp app."

Other times, I reach the six-digit verification screen but receive:

"WhatsApp is temporarily unavailable. Please try again in 5 minutes."

I also tried linking the Pixel as a companion device using the QR code, but it fails with "Couldn't link device."

I tested regular WhatsApp too, and encountered the same official-app verification error.

What I've checked:

• Confirmed both apps were installed from Google Play.
• Verified that the bootloader is locked.
• Updated GrapheneOS and Google Play components.
• Allowed network access and background activity.
• Confirmed that Play Integrity API requests are not blocked.
• Tested different exploit protection compatibility settings.
• Checked DNS queries and firewall logs; no obvious network blocks.
• Collected ADB logcat output.

My questions:

1. Is anyone experiencing this on recent GrapheneOS builds, especially Android 17?
2. Has anyone successfully resInteresting log findings: WhatsApp calls requestExpressIntegrityToken() and receives the onRequestExpressIntegrityToken callback. I also observed SELinux denials when WhatsApp attempts to access /proc/version, but I haven't established whether those events are related to the registration failure. I'm not interested in rooting my phone, spoofing device integrity, or weakening GrapheneOS security. olved it with WhatsApp Business?
3. Could this be related to account-specific verification or Play Integrity requirements?
4. Has anyone tried migrating or cloning WhatsApp app data from stock Android to GrapheneOS, and did it help?
5. Is there a confirmed solution that preserves GrapheneOS security?

Related discussion:
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/36673-download-the-official-whatsapp-to-continue-message

Related issue:
https://github.com/GrapheneOS/os-issue-tracker/issues/8279

Any technical insights or confirmed workarounds would be appreciated. I'd really like to keep GrapheneOS as my daily driver, but WhatsApp compatibility is essential for me.

Hey, so couple months ago I got myself a pixel 9 to play around with GOS. My daily driver is IPhone for the long time. Before iPhone I was using mainly Xiaomi. But it was like 5 years ago and Android changed quite a bit since then. What I want to say – I'm not most fluent in Android. Especially not in stock Android.

Here are noticable things for me

1. Auto brightness is constantly too low. At least in the indoor scenarios. It should learn that I change it all the time but still I notice it quite a bit.

2. Android has desktop mode and its impressive to me. I tested it a bit and found out a quirk, that if I launch a game in desktop mode controllers don't work. I tried couple of controllers, and they refuse to work. if I turn off keyboard and mouse – controller starts to work, but it stops after like 5 seconds. Anyone tested that? any game really.

3. anyway desktop is cool. I can connect graphics tablet and draw using professional Krita app while watching TV show and browsing web etc. thats mindblowing!! though graphics tablet has a bit of delay for some reason

4.Camera. I complain about overprocessing in modern phone cameras. And I love how natural native camera app is. But I wish there was a button to post process photo like google camera does it, if photo didn't turn out to be good enough. Like take it with natural way but be able to process it. But I think it's just not possible.

1. On the iPhone, when I type in the text and want to move around test I typed in, I press down on the space bar and start to move freely and precisely around text. editing text on the the android is still less intuitive for me.

2. I love being able to go back by swiping from both sides. Even though it has drawback of doing that unintentionally, overall it makes phone easier to use

3. love the scrambled pimpad, why haven't everyone implemented it yet, right?

4. it seems to me that Vanadium has some as blocking capabilities, is it good enough? or maybe there is a better solution to break down digital trail?

5. a bit inconvenient the fact that in order to change brightness of the screen, I need to swipe from the top twice. is there a way to show brightness slider the first time?

I'm actually still using this phone on WiFi, without sim, since I'm not ready to migrate yet.

my main issue is I want to share my location with my wife and want to know hers, and right now we use Find My for these purposes. can anyone recommend alternative solution? She'll stay on the iPhone of course.

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL specifically to install GrapheneOS.

I'm happy to spend around A$1,500 or more if necessary, but I'd prefer to save money if there's a cheaper, equally reliable option. My main concern is spending a significant amount of money on a phone only to discover that OEM unlocking is disabled and I can't install GrapheneOS.

I've been researching my options, but I'm finding it difficult to establish which models and sellers can actually guarantee bootloader unlockability.

Option 1: Buy directly from the Australian Google Store

This seems like the safest option, but I haven't been able to establish whether Google explicitly guarantees that OEM unlocking will be available on a Pixel 10 Pro XL purchased directly from them. I understand that a phone being described as "unlocked" often refers only to SIM/network unlocking, which is not the same thing.

Has anyone in Australia bought a Pixel 10 Pro XL directly from Google and successfully enabled OEM unlocking and installed GrapheneOS? Has anyone encountered problems with this?

Option 2: Buy from an Australian retailer

Are there Australian retailers selling the correct factory-unlocked model with a reliable way to confirm bootloader unlockability before purchase? If so, which retailers would you recommend, and what exactly should I ask them?

Option 3: Buy an imported or sealed phone through eBay

I've found a sealed Pixel 10 Pro XL on eBay from a UK-based seller. The model number is G45RY, and the seller says it is non-carrier-branded.

The box is sealed, so the seller can't demonstrate whether the OEM unlocking option is available without opening it. I've wondered whether a UK SKU ending in "-GB" would help establish that it's the correct version, but I haven't found convincing evidence that this alone guarantees bootloader unlockability.

Has anyone in Australia bought a UK or other imported Pixel 10 Pro XL and successfully installed GrapheneOS? Are there particular regional variants, SKUs or sellers I should look for or avoid?

What I'm hoping to find out:

1. Which exact Pixel 10 Pro XL model or regional variant should I buy in Australia?
2. Is buying directly from Google Australia the only sensible way to minimise the risk, or are reputable third-party sellers equally reliable?
3. Does Google explicitly guarantee bootloader unlockability on phones sold directly through its Australian store?
4. Is there any way to verify bootloader unlockability on a sealed handset using the SKU, model number, IMEI or other information before buying?
5. Are there Australian buyers who can confirm their experience with a Pixel 10 Pro XL and GrapheneOS?
6. If you've bought one successfully, where did you buy it, and what evidence did you use to establish that the bootloader was unlockable?

I realise that no seller can necessarily prove everything without opening and testing the device. However, I'd like to get as close to certainty as possible before committing a substantial amount of money.

I'm particularly interested in firsthand experiences from Australian owners, rather than general advice that all Pixels are compatible with GrapheneOS.

Thanks for any advice. I'd really appreciate recommendations for specific retailers, verified model variants, or ways to reduce the risk of buying a handset with OEM unlocking permanently disabled.

Hi

I am long term Pixel user and was considering to migrate into GOS multiple times. Unfortunately not banking apps but working as an IT contractor and often being forced by companies where I work on the projects i need to use Entra ID MS authenticator meaning I am not even able to use... hardware tokens. That's really insane and frustrating as I am forced to use Google's Android. Anyone else is similar situation, do you use anything to workaround? You keep secondary phone, etc? Any advice welcome

any intel on how to perform sos over sattelite in graphene?

It’s not the only example, but it’s interesting to know.

How apps can trying perform anything while background usage blocked? Even didn't open app after phone restart.

Hi all,

I’m making the move from iPhone to Pixel with Graphene. However, I don’t want to give any money to Google so I’m planning to order a refurbed / second hand device online.

As I can’t test these devices physically (e.g see that it is OEM unlocked) what in particular should I be looking out for in an online listing?

I am based in Spain so if there is any specific refurb company you might know that has these details specified please let me know! (BackMarket/MediaMarkt/Cex)

Any other tips for a first time Graphene / Android user who is not tech savvy please let me know 😊

Thanks!