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With Android and Apple gathering data on smartphone usage via the many apps and hidden settings, I was looking for an alternative. I found a libre phone, where I was able to freely install various versions of linux. PostmarketOS is a version of linux which is small quick and easy to use, different distributions are available, however you might need to recompile the builds your self. For now I know postmarketOS works well.
You can find the OS at the link below, but there are others.
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This guide explains the basics of removing android and replacing it with another operating system such as linux. Hopefully by the end of it you will understand how smartphones can be flashed and even discover a few hidden options.
Anyway If you are lucky enough to have one of the following phones:
BQ Aquaris X5
Fairphone 4
Lenovo A6000
Lenovo A6010
Motorola Moto G4 Play
OnePlus 6
OnePlus 6T
PINE64 PinePhone
Purism Librem 5
PINE64 PinePhone Pro
Samsung Galaxy A3 (2015)
Samsung Galaxy A5
Samsung Galaxy E7
Samsung Galaxy Grand Max
Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Value Edition
SHIFT SHIFT6mq
Wileyfox Swift
Xiaomi Mi A1
Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
Xiaomi Mi Note 2
Xiaomi Pocophone F1 / POCO F1
Xiaomi Redmi 2
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
Xiaomi Redmi S2 / Redmi Y2
You can replace Android with a full Linux setup which prevents any data being sent to google. Another great thing about installing linux, is most apps, tools and scripts work and the device also allows you to upgrade the security such as the strength of the encryption keys.
1. If you have a device from the list above and want to install linux then you will need to find the TWRP download for your device which can be found here.
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2. You will now need to unlock the OEM which can be found in developer settings, so goto settings then about. Now click on build a few times until developer options become available. Now you can disable the OEM boot lock, which prevents the device from being flashed. You should also enable usb debugging from the developer options so we can connect to our device from a laptop.
3. You should now install ADB and FASTBOOT to your laptop and note where you downloaded the TWRP file for your device.
4. Now you need to copy the TWRP file over to your device.
5. Now reboot the device and hold down while holding power. Once you see the android sign let go of power and you should boot into FASTBOOT mode. Some modals might vary you will have to google that for your device.
6. now connect your USB cable to your device and laptop, then in commandline navigate to the folder with your TWRP bin and run the following.
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
This will flash your device with a new bootloader. 7. Now you need to reboot your device into TWRP recovery mode using
fastboot boot twrp.img
8. Now swipe through a few options to allow modifications and in the main menu goto install and find the TWRP file you copied over to your device.
9. Once complete you can now reboot your device.
10. Now download the postmarketos image file over to your phone and note the location.
11. Now again reboot the device and by pressing up and power and then letting go of power when the android appears you should see TWRP menu again.
12. Now you need to go back to install and select your postmarketos file.
13. Once complete you can reboot your device and go through the setup procedure which will let your encrypt your device.
You can see from this simple procedure we can pretty much flash any device, and as long as you have an operating system that is compatible with your device then this should not be a problem.
I know this will interest people, because we have just removed the ability to be monitored by google. However dont be complacent, you should next look at removing various applications or services that you do not need or want. You do however now have full control over the device and you have full system access this is not locked.
This provides a useful base unit and recommend it to anyone who uses a smartphone DITCH ANDROID / IPHONES.