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
    10·
    2 months ago

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

    • Wild Bill@midwest.socialOP
      4·
      2 months ago

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

        • Wild Bill@midwest.socialOP
          3·
          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.

          • yonder@sh.itjust.works
            4·
            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.socialOP
                  2·
                  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
                    2·
                    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

                  • ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com
                    1·
                    2 months ago

                    Banking apps hate working without google play services btw, mostly they don’t work at all. It’s really best (for privacy) to just use the mobile site or a laptop, but if you need the app I’d look into setting up a second user profile for google bullshit and installing google services and the banking app there, rather than your main profile. Also check out graphene’s matrix rooms for any help you may need, they’re quick.

                    But yes you can get banned, anonymous on aurora always unless you have a paid app like the others have said.