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workshops/slides/DeGoogle/unlockBootloader.md
2025-10-12 20:09:43 +02:00

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-> # DeGoogle your phone


Why bother?

  • Privacy, spyware, ad-blocking,...
  • Bloatware, performance, memory,...
  • Higher android version
  • Permacomputing, reusing old devices
  • Free and open source
  • AOSP Android Open Source Project
  • F-Droid
  • microG

-> Dont expect anonimity


Obtaining apps

  • Aurora store
  • F-droid
  • IzzyOnDroid repo
  • Neo store
  • Obtainium
  • PWA

Blacklisting apps on different stores, avoiding adds/payments, etc.


Apps and alternatives

Playstore -> Aurora Store Chrome -> Fennec Google search -> SearXNG LibreX, DDG Maps -> Organic maps, OsmAnd Youtube -> NewPipe, FreeTube Drive -> Syncthing, Nextcloud Office -> LibreOffice & OpenOffice Mail -> Thunderbird Music/Video player -> VLC

DNS66, RethingDNS - DNS-Based Host Blocking UntrackMe - url clean, redirecs (LibRedirect)


-> ## Operating system (Custom ROMs)

ROM (Read-Only Memory):

Originally, the term ROM referred to a type of computer memory where data could only be read, not written or modified. In the context of mobile devices, "ROM" has come to refer to the firmware or operating system software that is installed on the device. This includes the core Android operating system along with any additional software and customizations made by the device manufacturer.


Distros

  • LineageOS

  • LineageOS with microG

  • DivestOS -> soft fork on LinageOS

  • crDroid -> customized fork on LinageOS

  • many more

  • /e/os/ -> partialy FOSS

  • GrapheneOS -> only for pixel phones

  • Calyxos -> pixels & fairphone

  • PixelExp -> OS like google pixel


Linux phone OS

  • PostmarketOS
  • Droidian
  • Mobian
  • Ubuntu touch
  • Kali Nethunter

Prioritize for

  • Unlockable
  • Device is supported (TWRP and CustomROM)
  • Supports microG
  • Last updated
  • Highest android version
  • Bootloader relocking

Prepare

  • Check if unlockable
  • Backup your data
  • Full battery and work while charging
  • Use data cable
  • Enable Allow OEM unlocking under Developer options
  • Tripple check everything
  • Unlock bootloader

-> !!!ATENTION - Device can be bricked!!!


Unlocking bootloader

  • install adb tools

Recovery mode Fastboot mode

Different combo keys or commands

Name Model SoC Codename
Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 Snapdragon jfltexx
Galaxy S7 SM-G935F Exynos hero2lte

Some commands

adb devices
fastboot devices

adb reboot bootloader
adb reboot recovery

adb push rom.img /sdcard/ 
adb sideload rom.img 

adb shell 

fastboot boot recovery.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot bootloader
fastboot reboot recovery

heimdall flash --RECOVERY twrp.img --no-reboot 


Flashing recovery software

  • TWRP
  • Orange fox

Flash from microSD ADB push ADB sideload


Installing Custom ROM

  • Subforum for the device on XDA forums
  • microSD Flash or ADB Sidelaod

Variations

Samsung -> many options, heimdall (FOSS, linux) Xiomi -> SIM + acc, win -> 7d approval (insta wipe) LG -> Not supported anymore Huawei -> locked

Some are unlocked by default (Fairphone, Pixel)


Reddit subs

  • /r/degoogle
  • /r/fossdroid
  • /r/LineageOS
  • /r/tuxphones