Anyone here use GrapheneOS?

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Has anyone here used GrapheneOS before? I have done a lot of research on it, and it is interesting, I just want to see what people who have actually used it have to say about it (not like some tech reviewer in youtube videos).

I am also curious how Google Messages works on it and if RCS messaging is something that is usable on it.

 

[Sully]

Take a look at the GrapheneOS forum. I’m thinking about flashing a cheap Pixel phone with GrapheneOS to try it out and I’ve learned a lot from the forum.

When you read a few threads, you’ll see there’s a bit of friction involved in switching. This is especially true if you want to avoid using Google apps.

Banking apps are also an issue; the workaround is using the web browser but some banks won’t access GrapheneOS at all.

If you’re willing to use Google messaging, there’s no friction at all and RCS works and it functions normally since RCS in Google Messages is handled through Google’s servers, not the OS itself.

The only caveat: you need to install Google Play Services in a sandboxed profile for it to work, since Google Messages relies on FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) for RCS functionality.

If you’re running Google Messages without Play Services, RCS won’t activate.

I’m planning on using Signal as my sole messaging app and convincing contacts to use it as well. To me, using Google services at all defeats the purpose of using GrapheneOS.

A hardened iPhone is almost as good for privacy (and better if you’re pairing GrapheneOS with Google apps) and you get iMessages. But, you’re trusting Apple.

 

[NUFC2025]

I use it as a daily driver in a pixel 9a and have no issues.
I don't use Google messages at all on it, I do have play services installed to get notifications but not signed in and get apps from aurora store and F-droid.
My bank app does not work but I can access it in the brave browser.
I use proton for email.

I use fossify gallery for photos and fossify calendar as I do not store anything on a cloud service anymore.

 

[Sully]

I use it as a daily driver in a pixel 9a and have no issues.
I don't use Google messages at all on it, I do have play services installed to get notifications but not signed in and get apps from aurora store and F-droid.
My bank app does not work but I can access it in the brave browser.
I use proton for email.

I use fossify gallery for photos and fossify calendar as I do not store anything on a cloud service anymore.

Thanks for posting this.

How are you handling messages and push notifications? I’ve had limited success getting my contacts to use Signal. This is OK for me since iMessage is acceptable.

But, on GrapheneOS my understanding is that every message is an unencrypted text without Signal or similar if you don’t use Google services.

 

[NUFC2025]

Thanks for posting this.

How are you handling messages and push notifications? I’ve had limited success getting my contacts to use Signal. This is OK for me since iMessage is acceptable.

But, on GrapheneOS my understanding is that every message is an unencrypted text without Signal or similar if you don’t use Google services.

I am UK based so I am using WhatsApp as everyone uses it here. Not an ideal solution but I need it for work.

I have play services in a sandboxed environment but without anything signed in to Google to handle notifications.

I also used the Google keyboard but revoked all network permissions from it which is a great feature of the OS. This can be done for any app.

If you need apps from the play store then you can get them.from the Aurora store with an anonymous login but payed apps are a no go.