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Samsung
When it comes to mobile, the best approach to 'degoogling' is a Pixel phone with GrapheneOS on it. Full stop!
Yet,
privacy is not likely going to be an 'all or nothing' approach . You need to figure out for yourself what works best for you and, at the same time, attempt to find ways to make your device trustable but usable.Samsung has some stunning devices and fantastic hardware. If you like the s-pen (I totally dig it!) then Samsung has the best offering, previously with the Note series and now with the newly introduced s22 Ultra.
Additionally, if you are up for a tablet, you've probably previously been stuck with an iPad, which is pretty much the best, but now try out the new Samsung Tablets which not only run on Android (customization) but match, if not outperform, the iPads of 2022.
Before I go into what you can do to make your Galaxy work for you privacy-wise, let me point out that Samsung is one of the worst companies around when it comes to privacy. Nothing to freak out about as you can modify your Galaxy to the exact combination of privacy, comfort and productivity that you want.
This guide will work with most (all that I've tried so far work fine) Galaxy phones. However, use at your own risk and read over all the commands to make sure you don't take out something you do or might need.
We'll start by removing apps from Google and Samsung System Apps, while this will not harm your device if you remove the wrong thing you could get stuck in a boot-loop.This out of the way, the comments I post should not get you into any boot-loop trouble.
First, update your phone/tablet to the newest version of Android, after doing so factory reset your device.
After restarting the phone, skip everything in the initial set up and do not log into either Google or Samsung's cloud or services.
Remove Bloatware
Next jump to
Settings→About Phone→Software Information→tab on Build numberseven (7) timesThis unlocks Developer Options, where when you click the back key you will now see Developer Options as your last entry of the menu.
In Developer Options, turn on
USB DebuggingOn your computer, you need Android SDK Platform-Tools
Now connect your phone/tablet and use the terminal typingadb devicesThe phone or tablet will prompt you to
Allow USB DebuggingYou should now see a device (yours listed in the terminal).
Now enter:
adb shellYou can now start to remove apps and system apps from Google and Samsung.
Now execute
pm uninstall -k --user 0this will keep the app data and cache, orpm uninstall --user 0(delete app data as well) followed by the package name of the system app to uninstall and remove it from your phone.Before doing so, you need a new browser, download via your existing browser app F-Droid, and from there use Mull as your new browser, and/or Bromite
Safe Debloat list!
pm uninstall --user 0 android.autoinstalls.config.samsung pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.bips pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.carrierconfig pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.carrierdefaultapp pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.dreams.basic pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.dreams.phototable pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.egg pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.emergency pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.hotwordenrollment.xgoogle pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.providers.calendar pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.sharedstoragebackup pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.simappdialog pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.traceur pm uninstall --user 0 com.diotek.sec.lookup.dictionary pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.maps pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.restore pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.tachyon pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.turbo pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.as pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.configupdater pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.ext.shared pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.feedback pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.onetimeinitializer pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.partnersetup pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.printservice.recommendation pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.setupwizard pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.syncadapters.calendar pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.syncadapters.contacts pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.ar.core pm uninstall --user 0 com.hiya.star pm uninstall --user 0 com.knox.vpn.proxyhandler pm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.skydrive pm uninstall --user 0 com.monotype.android.font.samsungone pm uninstall --user 0 com.netflix.mediaclient pm uninstall --user 0 com.netflix.partner.activation pm uninstall --user 0 com.osp.app.signin pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.aasaservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.advp.imssettings pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.allshare.service.mediashare pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.camera.sticker.facearavatar.preload pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.clipboardedge pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.contacts pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.omcagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.reminder pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.routines pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.settings.bixby pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.simplesharing pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.spage pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.taskedge pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.telephonyui pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.tips pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.appseparation pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.ardrawing pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.aremoji pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.aremojieditor pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.arzone pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.authfw pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.aware.service pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bbc.bbcagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.beaconmanager pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.service pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.calendar pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.cidmanager pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.cmfa.framework pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.container pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.dialer pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.dqagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.dsms pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.dynamiclock pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.easysetup pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.fmm pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gamehome pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.game.gametools pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.hdmapp pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.homemode pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.icecone pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.incall.contentprovider pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.incallui pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.kidsinstaller pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.analytics.uploader pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.attestation pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.containeragent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.containercore pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.knox.pushmanager pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.livestickers pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.location pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.lool pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mapsagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mcfds pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mcfserver pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mdecservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mdm pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mdx.kit pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mdx.quickboard pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.messaging pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mobileservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.networkdiagnostic pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.providers.carrier pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.providers.contacts pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.rubin.app pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.samsungpass pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.samsungpassautofill pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.scloud pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.scs pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.sdm.config pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.securitylogagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.server.wifi.mobilewips pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.livedrawing pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.peoplestripe pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.stplatform pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.service.tagservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.shortcutbackupservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.sm.devicesecurity pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.smartcallprovider pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.smartsuggestions pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.smartswitchassistant pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.spdfnote pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.stickercenter pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.svcagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.svoiceime pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.visionintelligence pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.clipboardsaveservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.ipservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.klmsagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.knox.keychain pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.knox.securefolder pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.mlp pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.safetyinformation pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.sec.android.application.csc pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.SMT pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.systemui.bixby2 pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.applinker pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.billing pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.bluetoothtest pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.chromecustomizations pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.clockpackage pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.DataCreate pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.factorykeystring pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.hwmoduletest pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.parser pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.quicktool pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.ringtoneBR pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.samsungapps pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.SecSetupWizard pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.servicemodeapp pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.setupwizardlegalprovider pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.wlantest pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.daemonapp pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.diagmonagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.easyMover.Agent pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.emergencylauncher pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.emergencymode.service pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.mimage.avatarstickers pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.preloadinstaller pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.provider.emergencymode pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.RilServiceModeApp pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.widgetapp.webmanual pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.bcservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.knox.cloudmdm.smdms pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.enterprise.mdm.services.simpin pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.factory pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.factory.camera pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.imslogger pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.location.nsflp2 pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.modem.settings pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.spp.push pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.usbsettings pm uninstall --user 0 com.skms.android.agent pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.easyonehand pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.sbrowser pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.mateagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.social pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.ecomm.global pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.voicenote pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.oneconnect pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.voc pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.popupcalculator pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.visioncloudagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.finance pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.sport pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.storyservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.email.provider pm uninstall --user 0 com.wsomacp pm uninstall --user 0 flipboard.boxer.app pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.wellbeing pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.da.daagent pm uninstall --user 0 com.facebook.katana pm uninstall --user 0 com.facebook.system pm uninstall --user 0 com.facebook.appmanager pm uninstall --user 0 com.facebook.services pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.apps.youtube.music pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.tts pm uninstall --user 0 com.hancom.office.editor.hidden pm uninstall --user 0 com.hancom.office.editor.hiddenSamsung’s LED Cover (useful if you use Samsung's original LED cover)
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.ledbackcover pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.cover.ledcoverANT+ Service Apps
pm uninstall --user 0 com.dsi.ant.sample.acquirechannels pm uninstall --user 0 com.dsi.ant.service.socket pm uninstall --user 0 com.dsi.ant.server pm uninstall --user 0 com.dsi.ant.plugins.antplusIf you want more privacy, of course Google is a problem! So remove it!
pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gsf pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gm pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gms pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gms.location.history pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.vending pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.mainline.telemetryRemember, when you remove Google from your device, many apps will send you a push notification that you do not have Google Play installed! This is not an issue, mute these notifications. Long press the push and switch play notifications off. You will only have to deal with one Google Play reminder per app, if the app needs it, as once silenced, it stays silenced.
Microsoft should also not be on your device
pm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.appmanagerpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.office.excelpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.office.officehubrowpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.office.outlookpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.office.powerpointpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.office.wordpm uninstall --user 0 com.microsoft.skydrivepm uninstall --user 0 com.linkedin.androidpm uninstall --user 0 com.nuance.swype.inputIf you have a Verizon Phone or Tablet
pm uninstall --user 0 com.vcast.mediamanager pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.vmmhux pm uninstall --user 0 com.vzw.hss.myverizon pm uninstall --user 0 com.asurion.android.verizon.vms pm uninstall --user 0 com.motricity.verizon.ssodownloadable pm uninstall --user 0 com.vzw.hs.android.modlite pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.vvm pm uninstall --user 0 com.vznavigator.[You_Model_Here]AT&T Bloatware
pm uninstall --user 0 com.att.dh pm uninstall --user 0 com.att.dtv.shaderemote pm uninstall --user 0 com.att.tv pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.attvvm pm uninstall --user 0 com.att.myWireless pm uninstall --user 0 com.asurion.android.protech.att pm uninstall --user 0 com.att.android.attsmartwifiAmazon is a no go
pm uninstall --user 0 com.amazon.fv pm uninstall --user 0 com.amazon.kindle pm uninstall --user 0 com.amazon.mShop.android pm uninstall --user 0 com.amazon.mp3 pm uninstall --user 0 com.amazon.veneziaYou can see I've left the Note app and DEX etc… I believe if you use a Samsung tablet or phone these apps are useful, perhaps just sever the internet permission to them. In case you'd like to remove them, here is the list:
pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.notes pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.desktopmode.uiservice pm uninstall --user 0 com.samsung.desktopsystemui pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.desktoplauncherPlease note that ADB does not really remove the applications, but uninstalls them in the user's account. In other words, these applications can easy be reinstalled with a factory reset or also with this simple comment:
cmd package install-existing [package name]The extra mile
Background Usage Limits
Put unused apps to Sleep: DISABLED
Sleeping Apps: All apps except apps from which you need instant notifications.
Deep Sleeping Apps: All your inactive apps.
Developer Options:
Background Check: DISABLED
Multicore Packet Scheduler: ENABLED
Suspend execution of Cached apps (under dev options): ENABLED
Animation scale (3 entries) : x0.5Unlock More Gallery Features
Go to Gallery App, Settings, About.
Tap version number multiple times
You'll find more options under LabsRemove Game Optimizing Service (GOS)
Update Game Booster ONLY
Uninstall Updates for Game Launcher & GOS.
(GOS: 3.5.03.1, Game Launcher: 6.0.01.3, Game Booster: 4.0.00.29)Go to Game Launcher, Game Booster, LABS, "Alternative Performance Management": OFF
Fire up the terminal on your computer again, connect your phone or tablet and type:
adb shellThen use any of these comments
(The ones you want to change, some might be useful for you)Disable User Manual (Setting item)
settings put global online_manual_url 0Enable More Screen Modes
(0 AMOLED cinema, 1 AMOLED Photo, 2 Basic, 3 Natural, 4 Vivid)
Set screen mode to natural then:settings put system screen_mode_setting xGo to Screen Mode menu under settings, then go back to apply.
Improve Audio Experience
settings put system tube_amp_effect 1 settings put system k2hd_effect 1Disable Sound Effects on Interaction
settings put system sound_effects_enabled 0Enable Progressive Ringtone
settings put global apply_ramping_ringer 1Enable Notification Snoozing
settings put secure show_notification_snooze 1Enable Suspend Execution of Cached Apps
settings put global cached_apps_freezer enabledDisable Adaptive Battery
settings put global adaptive_battery_management_enabled 0Disable Automatic Temperature Management
settings put secure game_auto_temperature_control 0Enable Multicore Packet Scheduler
settings put system multicore_packet_scheduler 1Disable Background Scanning
settings put global ble_scan_always_enabled 0 settings put system nearby_scanning_enabled 0 settings put system nearby_scanning_permission_allowed 0Disable Samsung Cross-Device Sync
settings put system mcf_continuity 0 settings put system mcf_continuity_permission_denied 1 settings put system mcf_permission_denied 1Disable Smart Stay
settings put system intelligent_sleep_mode 0 settings put secure adaptive_sleep 0Disable Bixby Pre-granted Permissions
settings put global bixby_pregranted_permissions 0Last but not least, you need to get yourself onto a different keyboard. OpenBoard or AnySoftKeyboard, perhaps FlorisBoard all come to mind. You can find all of them on F-Droid.
The Samsung keyboard will still appear after every boot if you chose a password option. If you do go with a PIN option (the more, the merrier) you can safely remove the keyboard from your phone. This can be with the disabled, or the uninstall option! However, make sure you do not use a password, but only a PIN and do have another keyboard installed first.
Keyboard (be careful!)pm disable-user --user 0 com.samsung.android.honeyboardRemove Ads System-Wide
Go to
settings-->connections-->more connections settings-->Private DNS.Set any of these:
doh.mullvad.netdnsforge.dedot-ch.blahdns.comdot.libredns.grIn custom DNS
Now close all apps, then reboot .You can also have a look at controld, DeCloudUs or NextDNS, which gives you even more control over what you would like to block.
An even better solution is to get RethinkDNS or AdGuard as an app. This way you can set your DNS, but also block internet access for each app that should not have internet access ;) You can combine RethinkDNS with any of the previously mentioned DNS providers or use the one RethinkDNS provides.
UnTrackMe from the F-Droid store is a helpful app which redirects Twitter, YouTube and co to privacy respecting frontends.
This Samsung Guide will not magically make your Galaxy into a GrapheneOS device, that is still the best operating system when it comes to mobile phones (IMHO), but it gets you closer.
Further Reading
EXPOSED! - Samsung - the dark side of the 'Galaxy'
Samsung—This story is not about the mighty pen, or the great camera, but about the things you didn't know.
Google & their AMPs
degoogle
We've been hearing and reading about how Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) has been impacting peoples' mobile web experience.
Android Launcher
android
Believe it or not, even Android Launchers have 3rd party tracking in them. Here are some FOSS, free and open-source solutions
GrapheneOS
android, degoogle
First things first, when people talk about replacing the OS on an Android phone, they think you need to be a geek to actually get it done! Not so with GrapheneOS. The installation is dead simple!
CalyxOS
android, degoogle
When it comes to custom ROMs and privacy on a mobile phone, it is always GrapheneOS for me
CalyxOS or GrapheneOS
android, degoogle
More than a few people around me are waking up and realizing that the simple cellphone is the weakest link when it comes to privacy.
Keyboards
android
Every cellphone has its own pre-installed keyboard, and most vendors have great keyboards. Samsung, for example, has the Microsoft Swype keyboard pre-installed, but on top of that also has a Samsung owned keyboard that works pretty much like the Gboard from Google. Both of these are sending data, your data to Samsung and Microsoft, and possibly also to Google! The same goes, of course, for Gboard from Google, which is found on Pixel phones 'out of the box'.
AdAway
Ads, DNS, android
AdAway has been around for as long as I can remember. It was always one of the first apps I installed whenever I had a rooted device. However, when it comes to 'non-rooted' I have mentioned multiple great options in the past. You have plenty of choices with RethinkDNS, AdGuard, NetGuard and the like.
Password Manager
Apps, android, ios
Bitwarden works with almost any device and browser you can mention: Windows, Mac, Linux; iOS and Android; Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and many more niche browsers.
2FA - Authentication
Apps, android, ios
A Password Manager is a must in today's world, but if you can protect yourself further with more than just a password, like two-factor (step) authentication (2FA), then do so. That said, do not use SMS based 2FAs, if you can avoid them.
Secure Messengers
E2EE, Messenger, android, ios
When it comes to messengers we have Meta (Facebook) with the largest hand in the cookie jar, WhatsApp and Messenger are sadly used by many people, some with excuses like everyone else uses it. When it comes to privacy, these are the worst choices you can make.
Photo Storage
Apps, degoogle, photo
When it comes to Photo Storage, both iOS (iCloud) and Android (Google photos) make it easy. However, please do replace them! I back all mine up offline and have it on a USB, but that's me. So if you want a Photo Manager online, where you can share pictures with others or sync between your devices, we have a few good solutions for you.
Useful Links
android, degoogle, ios
This reference section is designed to provide you with links and resources available elsewhere on the internet centered on the subject of privacy. These include links into our social media network, other privacy sites plus bloggers, vloggers and podcasts that we follow and appreciate.
