Setting up phones is a nightmare
3 days ago
- #setup
- #privacy
- #Android
- The author set up new phones for their parents, dealing with progress indicators, toggles, and online accounts.
- In the past, the author enjoyed setting up devices using custom ROMs and root utilities, but Android is now more locked down.
- OEM backup tools have improved, but the author only did the bare minimum setup this time.
- Data migration was done using Android's built-in method and Samsung's Smart Switch.
- Logged into Google accounts but avoided extra logins like Samsung accounts and Microsoft OneDrive.
- Disabled telemetry options, including personalized ads from Google and Samsung.
- Uninstalled bloatware, removing Samsung duplicates and most of Google's unnecessary apps.
- Replaced default browsers with Vivaldi Browser and installed FOSS apps like Fossify Gallery and Bitwarden/KeepassXC.
- The author reflects on how without their help, their parents would have faced privacy-invasive practices like extra accounts, cloud storage subscriptions, and constant ads.
- Expresses frustration with the current state of privacy-invasive tactics by phone manufacturers and seeks advice on privacy-respecting hardware.