A security and privacy focused version of Android
“GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility developed as a non-profit open source project. It’s focused on the research and development of privacy and security technology including substantial improvements to sandboxing, exploit mitigations and the permission model. It was founded in 2014 and was formerly known as CopperheadOS.” - https://grapheneos.org/
Useful resources and links
- Graphene OS Official Website - https://grapheneos.org/
- GrapheneOS; the greatest mobile OS of all time. Common usability misconceptions DEBUNKED! - https://yewtu.be/watch?v=yIZmUINSvQ4
- F-Droid App Store - https://f-droid.org/
- Briar Secure Messenger F-Droid repository - https://briarproject.org/installing-briar-via-f-droid/
- Bromite Web-browser F-Droid repository - https://www.bromite.org/fdroid
- Molly IM (Signal fork) F-Droid repository - https://molly.im/download/fdroid/
Graphene OS Installation
Graphene OS can be installed on a wide-range of Google Pixel phones as listed on the Official Releases page - https://grapheneos.org/releases
The recommended method of installation is via the web-installer https://grapheneos.org/install/web with a compatible web-browser (e.g. Chromium or Vanadium browser on another Graphene OS device).
An excellent benefit of the web-installer is, once you’ve installed Graphene OS on a device, you can then use that device (and a USB C cable) to install Graphene OS on other devices, making mobile deployment extremely easy.
Installation can also be performed via the command-line https://grapheneos.org/install/cli however the web-installer is a much smoother, quicker way to install.
Post-install Tips
After a successful install, swipe down and tap the pencil icon to customise your quick access tiles.
Click on Settings (gear icon), search for ‘animations’, and enable Remove animations to remove transition animations and make the UI more responsive.
Download and install F-Droid:
https://f-droid.org/F-Droid.apk
Swipe down and release in F-Droid to update all repositories, then search for and install Binary Eye, an excellent FOSS QR/barcode scanner.
At this point it’s advised to install any additional apps you may require from F-Droid such as Briar, Bromite and Molly (refer to ‘Useful resources and links’ above).
If Google Play Store apps are required, the Aurora Store from F-Droid can be installed. This allows you to download Google Play Store apps without needing a Google account.
This concludes the introduction to Graphene OS.
Future posts will include more information on Graphene OS features and additional third-party apps.
If you’d like to deploy Graphene OS on devices in your organisation and require custom documentation and training, or would like app recommendations feel free to email us to request a meeting or quotation.