A minimalist dumb phone you should actually use
There is no discussion about the security and privacy of a dumb phone. If you want a dumb phone, Pixel + GrapheneOS + Unlauncher will get you one. All while keeping you private and secure.
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//CHAPTERS:
The issue with minimalistic dumb phones - 00:00
GrapheneOS - 01:16
Unlauncher - 01:50
Signal - 02:27
Supported devices - 02:42
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#unlazy #digitalminimalist #minimalistiphone #personaldevelopment
Пікірлер: 124
My dumb ass was waiting for an actual dumb phone reveal until I realized this is a GrapheneOS pitch. Well played! An excellent way to reach out beyond the core privacy crowd.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Ha! Glad I could not deliver on your expectations. Thanks, I was trying to figure out how to branch out a little besides the typical viewers.
Something to keep in mind when discussing dumb phones, is that for most of us the key service we are paying a premium for is friction to certain capabilities that we struggle with. For many of these phone, the key feature we get are not having access to an app store and not having a web browser. I honestly don’t know how many people are doing it for a minimalist UI experience, but that certainly helps with making the phone less entertaining. A benefit, but a far less compelling reason to use a dumbphone
I just went to parental control chose the most distracting apps and made my friend make a random password. People must like to just waste money on $300 gimmicks that they will be trying to sell off.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Parental controls are a great way to do it on iOS and Stock Android, especially having your friends make the password.
@copylondon
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos I have founbd this to not work if you have the level of distraction addiction I do. On iOS with parental controls set up and a friend putting in the passcode, if you put the passcode in incorrectly a few times it offers you the chance to use your Apple ID to bypass the control. You used to have to factory reset the device, but not anymore. Have just sold my iPhone and bought the Pixel 7a so I can run Graphene OS with user profiles. Amazingly I got almost the full cost for my iPhone 11 Pro Max as a trade in to cover the cost of the Pixel, and a free set of buds.
@mohammednaji7437
Жыл бұрын
@copylondon I have the same problem with my iPhone under the parental control. I need a good dumb phone as soon as possible. Can you please tell me how did you do with the pixel 7 under Graphene OS? and what’s Graphene OS? Does it disable the browser at all, does it help with internet addiction?
@copylondon
Жыл бұрын
@@mohammednaji7437 Graphene OS is more about privacy, rather than Internet addiction. If you're just wanting to delete thr browser, then any of the Pixel phones are pretty simple to modify. You use something called Universal Android Debugger, and you can remove the browser from the device completely. But you'll need to search out how to do it.
I didn't know about the Unlauncher. Great tip, I love it!
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
It's pretty slick looking, you're welcome!
The average person underestimates the important of software security as much as the software security person overestimates the need of security of the average person. Yes it is important to understand risks, but if a flip phone or a cute e-ink phone helps you reduce your screen time or improve social media or porn addictions, so be it.
I discovered the same solution before watching this video, I don't need to make my life hard by buying an overpriced dumb phone if I can make my phone boring. So there's nothing left on my phone for me to waste time on.
Hi Josh, thanks for this film, I saw the content and clicked immediately as I'm someone who has used a Punkt MP02 in the past, is trying to currently use a Mudita Pure, is mainly using an iPhone 13 Pro but also currently using a Pixel 7 Pro with GrapheneOS installed. Privacy and security are obviously essential but I am trying to get those two elements coupled with a minimal digital/offline experience. Two things that are must haves for me are Signal and a podcast player. I use Signal and AntennaPod on the Pixel 7 Pro. But I also have a wealth of other apps on my PIxel, perhaps I should take your advice and pare everything down to just the basics again. I also don't have a sim in the Pixel, I just connect to public WiFi using a VPN and the randomized MAC that Graphene has built-in as I feel this doesn't mean I am constantly connected and is pretty secure. Love your videos, please keep it up. Ps. really enjoyed your podcast on the Closed Network Podcast, I listened to it on the drive down to France. Nice one!
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Hi there, you're very welcome! Wow, you have used quite the array of devices. I think paring down the apps to the essentials on the Pixel is a great option. You get a minimal digital experience, but have solid hardware with great security and privacy. I also really like the way the launcher looks, it gives off the same vibe as the Light Phone. That's a great way to do it instead of having a constant data connection with a SIM card. It was my first time recording something live, so I'm glad to hear it was worth listening to on your drive!
Yup GrapheneOS is perfect for this. Same reaction when someone says use a landline instead of a smartphone.
I want a minimalist phone that also doesn’t cost several hundred dollars!
olauncher is similar but offers a bit more customization. Like keyboard popup on app drawer.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Thanks, I'll check it out. I like the tagline they have-”Minimal AF”
@technofi2554
Жыл бұрын
The autolaunch from app search is greatly underrated
This is actually badass👍
Hey! That looks cool. Thanks for sharing.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Hi there, it is pretty slick. You're welcome!
Have you peeked at the Brax2 phone yet? He uses LunarOS. Complete privacy. It might still be a work in progress. That Lightphone looked interesting but severely limiting for the money and plan.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
I would recommend against any of the Brax hardware/services. GrapheneOS + the Pixel is your best choice. Agreed, the lightphone is neat looking, but it's pretty feature-less for the money. They do an impressive job with marketing to charge a premium for lacking hardware/features.
@ArtOfHealth
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos Thanks very much. My phone is still locked by TM. I cannot even put a SIM from V in it. Pixel 6. Can I do this? Switch Android 13 to Graphene without much hassle? Thanks
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
@@ArtOfHealth I believe once TM removes the lock (typically once it's paid off), you'll be able to enable OEM unlocking and install GrapheneOS.
@ArtOfHealth
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos Thank you Josh. I appreciate your response.
@mr.amsterdam2063
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos ehhh..for me he was the first to make me aware of privacy and security online when searching online something by accident. Yes, I believe GrapheneOS is better, the best. But you would not recommend any of his services or hardware? I thought he was honest and trusting source, like you...
You should also try decluttered launcher .
I use Pixel Experience + Niagara Launcher.
Love you content- thank you
Great video. Is this similar to the Ghost phone? A Pixel 3 with only a couple apps such as music, texting, calling and some other basic features?
Im 14yo, idk why saying, I want complete control and privacy ofcourse, for laptops framework laptops with linux no doubts, For phone maybe pinephone or google pixel with grapheneos, Currently have cheap samsung phone, And lenovo laptop with linux, :( I really want pinephone to become successful. THANK YOU for reading the whole comment and responding to every comment but don't have to.
Very nice content!
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Dear, what about Session app as chat application which is a fork of signal app; no phone number require with session
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
I like the fact that Session doesn't require phone numbers, but I've never looked into it enough to have an opinion on it.
@AminTechs
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos thank you for your reponse can we have a conversation about security as i like privacy and i have some github for example i host my own wireguard within pihole and stubby for DNS over TLS
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Sure, sounds good to me.
I want to try this but go extra dumb phone, are there any free MDMs that would work with Graphene OS? I want to create a list of only apps I need and that I'd have to go through the device manager to reapprove to give it an extra layer of circumvention protection (from myself haha). Ideas?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Hmm, you could try installing your app store of choice in the main owner profile. Then using the "install available apps" feature to add apps to another user profile. With secondary user profiles you have the option to 'disallow installing apps' which you can enable as well. At this point that should put some friction between you an app installations. Now, if you have access trusted person, have them set the pin code for your main owner profile that only they know and you only know the one for the secondary user profile. It's like MDM software, except using a person, haha. The downside to that last part is 1. you need a trusted person 2. If you reboot your phone, you'll need them to enter the owner pin so that you can unlock the secondary user profile.
I want a minimal phone specifically to remove web browsers and other negative distractions. This video does not address how to remove Vannadium and is thus worthless as a minimalist phone.
Can you still use maps when doing this process??
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
You can. Various options work, Google Maps, Magic Earth, OsmAnd
I would gladly try Graphene OS.... IF it was available for any other device than Pixel. I own Unihertz Atom L and an Ulefone Power Armor 13.
Cool!
no such thing as a "secure and private" device, governments won't allow citizens to have private coms..PERIOD but this is some what an improvement over a standard smartphone...potentially but it's owned just like all other smartphones
@bolm-us6yb
23 күн бұрын
so you are saying that it has hardware backdoors or that grapheneos has evil government people behind it?
The basic black and white interface reminds me of my old LG slider, which I loved based on its simplicity, which badly seems needed in this world today. Can this operating system still use QR codes with the camera and basic navigation?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Couldn't agree more. Yes, the default camera app has a QR code scanner which works great, and you can use any navigation app you prefer on the device. Due to living in a city, I still tend to use Google Maps since they have some of the best traffic data that can save me 30 minutes on a short trip. You also have the option to install sandboxed Google Play Services, which will get you compatibility with any apps that require it. edit: changed wording of last sentence
It’s not minimal it’s a minimal UI. You can still run tiktok
You claim that Graphene Os is secure and private, but how do you know this?
@bolm-us6yb
23 күн бұрын
GrapheneOS is open source and their releases are reproducible so that you can verify that it was made with the published source code and not some other version with spyware included. But you would have to go through the source code yourself and check that the releases are real yourself if you don't want to trust anybody, there surely are people that would notice backdoors in the source code or a tampered release but you have to put your trust on other people.
i want one that can't use anything else but watsapp
so wait, you're telling me graphene is intentionally this horrible looking to keep you from wanting to use it? well I guess its working lol.
What about the F1 orchid phone? Is it secure enough? It doesn’t have Google on it.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
The only device I recommend at this time for security/privacy is a Google Pixel running GrapheneOS.
could you possibly elaborate on how to download unlauncher?
@DracorexX1
6 ай бұрын
Just Google it click on first link and download it
Hi. Thank you for the video. Can anyone tell me please, if i buy a pixel 4a wich allready have graphene os installed, is it posible to do a factory reset? Will the graphene os be deleted?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Yes, you can perform a factory reset. The factory reset will reset the OS you have installed, not the entire device. After a reset, it will be equivalent to a fresh installation of GrapheneOS.
I like the look of this but... talking about security then saying Graphene OS is supported on a Google phone ?! 🤨
Is safe?
Is there an equivalent software for IOS like this ?
@asasso791
Ай бұрын
No but you can search for how to make your iPhone “dumb”. There are videos on yt that may help. I myself own an iPhone and am probably going to resort with that solution until I find a better one…
Would this work for Teens so they stay out of things that should be for Adults?
@bolm-us6yb
23 күн бұрын
no
is WIFI CALLING available with Graphene OS (no sim card) ?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Yes, it's supported - grapheneos.org/usage#carrier-functionality
i love my light phone 2
try olauncher clutter free...normal from f-droid...
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out.
Will this work on older Pixels like the 3a?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
GrapheneOS won't, but Unlauncher should. I would check and see if your device will work with divestos.org/, install that, and then install Unlauncher.
Has chrome lmao
@bolm-us6yb
23 күн бұрын
That's not Chrome
@archmagealexndr
23 күн бұрын
@@bolm-us6yb might as well be. Defeated the whole purpose of a dumb phone.
do you know about anything for apple IOS
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
No, I'm not aware of anything.
I thought signal stopped supporting text messages
@WickedMuis
Жыл бұрын
No idea.. when I look through its settings, it still gives me the option to set it up as the default SMS app. I personally like to keep them separate though.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
They're still in the process of phasing it out, so the option still exists inside the app. Source for anyone curious: www.signal.org/blog/sms-removal-android/
@WickedMuis
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos That explains!
@ZioVelvet
Жыл бұрын
I've been using Signal since 2017 and never used SMS in it. I don't get all the hate towards Signal in disabling SMS since it's not encrypted. Just use the default text message app like Messaging (inside GrapheneOS) or open source alternative like QKSMS.
Where can we buy an OEM unlocked Pixel 7a?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
I typically buy my Pixels straight from Google. You just need to select “Unlocked” on the carrier option when adding it to your cart - store.google.com/category/phones.
@Greenman1609
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos I thought they might just be carrier unlocked and not OEM unlocked.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
@@Greenman1609 Nope, they support OEM unlocking.
Sounds cool and secure, but since I am a gen Z with a hardcore social media addiction, the possibility of downloading apps sadly makes it unattractive to me. Does anybody know if there's a nice, simple alternative, that still has a decent camera, touchscreen and no or limited internet access?
@ethanridge8751
6 ай бұрын
I mean could always get an old Samsung and delete playstore, browsers and settings, only way to get it back to normal is to wipe the phone
@krueed9349
2 ай бұрын
maybe there is a way you could uninstall the browser
Thoughts on IodéOS?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
I've never used it, but it looks like it's based on LineageOS, which I don't recommend. "iodéOS is a privacy-focused operating system powered by LineageOS and based on the Android mobile platform" Source: iode.tech/en/iodeos-installation/
@Ronzo777
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos Thanks. Do you mind me asking why you don't recommend LineageOS?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
One of the main reasons is LineageOS doesn't allow you to relock the bootloader. Which at that point I would not trust using the device.
Way too expensive
Signal was created by the CIA lmao
really good deepfake tech man
@falcons655
4 ай бұрын
Just noticed that… wow. Slightly concerning.
Дуже круте відео!
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Спасибі!
dull
I get the video idea and I always recommend and try to push people to be more private and secure, but isn't it overkill buying a brand new Google Pixel just for it to be a wannabe dumb phone? Most people looking for dumb phones are influencers anyway, they're doing it for "muh digital minimalism" and "muh phone addiction"
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
Hmm, I think it really depends. Most people could get by with an older pixel that you could pick up for $100-$200 if they wanted this same setup. I'm probably biased, but if I want a device that is private and secure for communication and other activities, it doesn't seem like a bad deal to me. I put "dumb phone" in the title mostly for SEO, but it's technically still a smartphone. Realistically speaking, I like the idea of a simple interface with an Android backend that would also let me add Spotify, AntennaPod, and a few other apps I use daily. But I can definitely understand your point about it possibly being overkill.
@jimmat686
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos I couldn't agree more with the sentiment of having a "no friction, no frills" interface that still runs Android apps, that's sort of my current setup on my OnePlus 5T. I did consider the "used Pixel" route, but I was taking more of the perspective of a "hypocrite digital minimalist" persona, who would buy new. I also understand the bias completely, since I know there's plenty who go to Graphene OS and never return haha For now I'm waiting for one of my two devices to kick the bucket before I get a Pixel, but $100 for a isn't that dumb, considering the prices of some dumb phones I've seen. Thanks for the reply and keep up the great work!
Capitalism is hard at work. This is ridiculous.
Would you happen to have a recommendation for a tremendous ad-free weather app? Also, have you had any luck getting Muun wallet to work? It keeps prompting for Google Play Services, even though it's installed! Great channel! I just discovered you :)
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
GeometricWeather works really well - github.com/WangDaYeeeeee/GeometricWeather. I don't use a weather app anymore, but when I did, it worked well. For Muun wallet, I don't use it, but I just tested it. On my user profile with Google Play Store, Google Play Services, and Google Services Framework installed I was able to set a pin + create a wallet and no warning was displayed. Make sure you have all 3 installed, not just Services Framework. It's also worth noting that if you installed Muun wallet before Google Play Services, you need to reinstall Muun. When you initially install an app it checks for Google Play Services, so they need to be installed before the initial install on Muun.
@madinventor6327
Жыл бұрын
@@sideofburritos Thanks so much! I didn't realize you needed Google Play Store as well. I only had 2/3 installed. About the GPS you use, Magic Earth, does that require a SIM card and Airplane mode to be off? I am trying to use my Graphene OS as privately as possible-no SIM, Airplane mode ON, and WiFi only.
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
I didn't realize at first either, so understandable! Hmm, that's not something I ever tried, but it should work. You could download the maps locally and then only enable location, and you should be good to go.
Does graphine os support Unihertz titan?
@sideofburritos
Жыл бұрын
No, only the Google Pixel. They're the only devices that meet their hardware security standards-grapheneos.org/faq#supported-devices
thank you kind stranger.🥲