Basic Privacy Setup for Android

If you are using a Pixel, switch to Graphene OS

For other phones, I follow this procedure. 100% FREE to do.

1. Reset the phone

2. Once you finish the basic setup, uninstall all bloatware manually

3. If you have an old phone, use Universal Android Debloater

4. If you have a new phone, use this new fork of UAD

Both UAD are easy to understand. Take your time and remove bloatwares one by one. Understand what it means to remove a specific app and proceed.

1. Once the debloating is completed, switch to FOSS and good quality alternatives to some apps.

For example, Gallery app by Fossify can replace most Gallery apps.

1. Switch default DNS provider to NextDNS

You can create an account and follow the instructions in the nextdns website to set private DNS on your phone.

1. Install ProtonVPN and use a free account. This will cover your basic VPN needs. Don’t bother running Tor on Android, it’s not secure enough.

There are countless FOSS apps discussed on various privacy forums. Check them out. Don’t install every app right away. Keep things simple for your device security.

I follow this setup on every phone I get to configure (friends, family, etc).

Privacy is not a fancy word. Also, you are not bound to watch ads on the phone you bought using the internet pack you bought. If you want to support creators, donate to them.