Simple Ways To Boost Android’s Privacy
Android remains the dominant operating system for most smartphones throughout the world. It’s ease-of-use, accessibility options, and enormous range of apps makes Android a popular choice for those that want to invest in the latest smartphone technology.
There are a lot of perks to owning an Android device, but one of the primary downsides is a general lack of privacy, especially where multinational corporations are involved, such as Samsung and Google. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to add more privacy to an Android device by using a few simple tricks.
- Don’t Sign In
This might not work for everyone, especially people that heavily rely on the many services that Google provides to its customers. And while it certainly doesn’t remove all the data collection and tracking that’s built right into the Android operating system, simply not signing into a Google account at all can make a tremendous difference to the overall amount of data harvesting that takes place.
It takes some sacrifice, as a lot of Google’s apps simply don’t work without the sign-in, and even some backup functions might not work properly, but there are countless guides and tips to get around these problems.
- Private Services
Another way to avoid the personal invasion of data collection is by making use of services that put an emphasis on privacy. One great example of this is Proton Mail, which is an alternative email service that’s designed from the ground up to be as private as possible, and that privacy is further protected by the fact that Proton is based in Switzerland.
There are a lot of similar services that are available, but it’s ultimately up to the user to find something that matches their workflow and types of communication.
- Privacy Apps
Another way to ensure improved privacy on an Android device is by making use of privacy-centric apps. From email clients to private browsers like Firefox to a whole handful of other apps, it’s possible to completely stock an Android launcher without a single app stealing any personal data.
One of the best ways to find apps that fulfil this purpose is by making use of F-Droid, which is a special Android app service that only offers open source apps to its users. A private browser is the first place to start, allowing you to browse on your own terms, whether it’s for work, entertainment, or playing the latest Big Dollar games.
- Consider A Privacy OS
Android is extremely versatile as an operating system, and that means that it comes in a range of different “flavours”. One of the best for better privacy is GrapheneOS, which was designed to provide as much privacy and security as Android can allow. The only downside to this operating system is that it only works on Google’s line of Pixel smartphones.
Another great choice is DivestOS, along with LineageOS, but it’s worth keeping in mind that these both require some tech knowledge to install properly.