I have not any prior experience with installing custom ROMs, but after trying it out (and getting stuck, and googling and finding answers) I successfully did it. Below is my home screen if anybody is curious:

I use OpenBoard for my keyboard. Unfortunately I am still dependent on Play Store since some of the apps I need can only be found there. Sometimes it feels meaningless committing to this whole thing because I’m not perfectly private; then I think this is better than using a regular iPhone or Android phone.

So far I’m liking it. I am naturally inclined to feel hesitant about using this as my main phone and plugging in a SIM since it’s custom, but I’m slowly making the transition.

Feel free to share any beginners advice or your own experience using GOS for the first time. Cheers!

  • g1ya777@lemmy.world
    0·
    2 months ago

    I just keep Play store installed with all permissions disabled, including network, and use Aurora store instead.

    • Wild Bill@midwest.social
      OP
      0·
      2 months ago

      What is the main difference between using Play Store and Aurora store (logged in with your Google account)?

      • communism@lemmy.ml
        0·
        2 months ago

        Aurora is a foss wrapper with fewer anti-features like ads. You could trust the client more ig if you’re using Aurora. I use F-Droid for most things and then Aurora for like 3 apps I’m not willing to give up and have no foss alternatives. I mostly just use Aurora out of principle for the apps I can’t get from F-Droid, but also I guess out of a lack of trust for Google (which I suppose is related to the principle of not using proprietary software anyway)

        • Wild Bill@midwest.social
          OP
          0·
          2 months ago

          I’m more curious about the privacy aspect of using Aurora over Play, especially considering since I will be logged into my G account.

              • shekau@lemmy.today
                0·
                2 months ago

                By not using your own g account I meant not using account that is assigned to your identity or account that you use for official things.

                Unless you have some purchases on there and you want to use these, but you shouldnt use your own account for that in the first place.

          • yonder@sh.itjust.works
            0·
            2 months ago

            When starting Aurora, you can choose between an anonymous account or your own. You can still use the anonymous option even if you are logged in to other services with google. If you go logged on anyways, I guess Google will not know your every tap with Aurora? I would think logged in, google play store and aurora would be comparable (not private).

                • Wild Bill@midwest.social
                  OP
                  0·
                  2 months ago

                  I have heard Aurora is more insecure and you can risk getting your Google account blacklisted or banned using it. Do you have any experience with this or know how common it is?

                  • Midnight1938@reddthat.com
                    0·
                    2 months ago

                    Thats easy, use the anonymous accounts. Only use your real one to install paid apps you already have (i dont) then logout