Hey, what’s up?
Are you trying to escape Google’s control and data tracking? Well, today’s going to be a little different. I decided to install GrapheneOS on my phone, a private and secure version of Android made mostly for Google Pixel devices.
So if you’re trying to ungoogle your life, this guide is for you.
1 – What Is GrapheneOS?
When you hear Android, you probably think Google. But Android is open source, and GrapheneOS takes that base to build a privacy-focused version that doesn’t depend on Google’s services.
It’s still Android, but it keeps your data where it belongs — with you.
One of the main reasons I wanted to switch was that most of my banking apps now support GrapheneOS. There’s even a compatibility website where you can check which banks work in your country. In my case (Canada), all my apps were listed, so that gave me the green light to switch.
2 – Preparing for the Installation
My device is a Pixel 7a, which is still officially supported for the next few years. Before installing GrapheneOS, there are a few things you should know:
The installation will wipe all your data.
So make sure to back up everything: photos, videos, contacts, passwords, 2FA codes, etc.
If you skip that, you’ll lose everything. Don’t come back at me saying, “Frank, I lost my files!”
Once your backup is done, you’re ready.
You’ll also need:
- A computer (I’m using Linux, specifically Pop!_OS)
- A USB cable to connect your phone
- A supported browser, like Chromium or Chrome (avoid Snap or Flatpak versions)
Make sure your system and browser are up to date before starting.
3 – Starting the Installation
There are two official installation methods for GrapheneOS:
- Web USB installer – Recommended for most people
- Command-line installation – For advanced users
I went with the web installer because it’s easier.
Before running it, make sure OEM unlocking is enabled on your phone:
Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap it a few times to enable Developer Mode.
Then go to Settings → System → Developer options and turn on OEM unlocking.
Once that’s done, you can boot your device into the bootloader by turning it off and holding Volume Down while powering it back on. You’ll see “Fastboot mode” on the screen.
Now connect the phone to your computer.
4 – Flashing GrapheneOS
In the web installer, select your Pixel model (mine’s a 7a) and click Connect.
The installer will download the right factory image and flash it automatically.
When it’s done, you’ll need to lock the bootloader again to make sure your device stays secure. The interface will guide you through that step.
Once locked, you can reboot, and you should see the GrapheneOS logo appear. That’s how you know it worked.
5 – Setting Up GrapheneOS
When the OS boots for the first time:
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Set your date, time, and PIN
- Choose whether you want location services
- Optionally set up fingerprint unlock
At the final screen, make sure OEM unlocking is disabled again. That’s recommended for better security.
You’ll probably get a few updates right away — let them install.
You’ll probably get a few updates right away, let them install.
6 – Verifying the Installation
You can confirm your installation is genuine in two ways:
- Check the boot key hash during startup and compare it with the one listed for your device on the GrapheneOS website.
- Use the Auditor app, which comes preinstalled.
If both checks look good, you’re all set!
7 – My Thoughts
Overall, the installation went really well.
The official website can feel a bit text heavy, but the steps are clearly written. Just take your time and follow along carefully.
Now that my Pixel 7a is running GrapheneOS, I’ll spend some time customizing it and getting used to the new setup.
If you just installed GrapheneOS too, you might want to check out the Aurora Store and the F-Droid Store. Both are great alternatives to the Google Play Store.
I actually made a post about that — you can check it out here.
Conclusion
That’s pretty much it!
Installing GrapheneOS is easier than it looks once you know what to expect. It’s a great way to get more privacy and control over your device, and I’m honestly happy I finally made the switch.
If this was helpful to you, consider following me on social media, or leave a comment below.
I hope this helps, peace!
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