How de-Googled is Lineage OS?

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

How de-Googled is LineageOS in practice?

  • Many see LineageOS as mainly a “de-bloated, long-term support Android” rather than a true privacy ROM, especially since most users reportedly add Google Play Services back.
  • Without microG or GApps, some find Lineage more superficially “Google-free” than GrapheneOS with sandboxed Play, but that comes with major app breakage.
  • Some note Lineage historically retained Google network endpoints (e.g., captive portal, AGPS), making it “not much but a start” in de-Googling.

microG and app compatibility

  • LineageOS-with-microG (or the Lineage+microG fork) gives push notifications and non-Google location, improving usability for banking, rideshare and other apps.
  • However, certain apps relying on strong DRM, some games, and banking apps may still fail; users share links to community-maintained compatibility lists.
  • Newer Lineage allows signature spoofing, so microG can be installed directly, but network-based location often still needs system-level integration.

GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, DivestOS, /e/OS and others

  • GrapheneOS is widely called far more security-hardened: memory/sandbox hardening, strict non-root model, secure boot, fine-grained network/storage/contact controls, and optional sandboxed Google Play.
  • Some argue Graphene’s security can conflict with privacy tools like runtime patching; Graphene’s stance is that avoiding such hacks and revoking permissions or not using apps is “真正 private.”
  • Critics point out dependence on Google hardware, short hardware-support cycles, and environmental cost; proponents counter with used Pixels and 7‑year update promises.
  • CalyxOS, DivestOS, and /e/OS are mentioned as softer-security but more device-flexible, de-Googled options.

Linux phones as an alternative

  • GNU/Linux phones (Librem 5, PinePhone, FLX1) are proposed as the “true de-Googled” path with mainline kernels, smartcards, and kill switches.
  • Experiences are mixed: some use Librem 5 as daily driver; others report poor battery life, bugs, and high cost/low specs. “Usable phone” status is contested.

Ads, tracking, and motivation to de-Google

  • Multiple anecdotes claim a “night and day” drop in ad targeting when moving to Lineage/microG or iPhone with blockers.
  • Some explicitly want irrelevant ads as proof their defenses work, and view ad relevance as “ability to manipulate.”
  • Debate: one side says targeted ads mainly reduce wasted ad spend; others say that’s just another way of describing optimized manipulation.

Security, rooting, and usability constraints

  • Strong disagreement over root: some see lack of root (Graphene) as a security feature; others see it as loss of user control.
  • AOSP’s historical 16‑character disk-encryption password limit is criticized as a long-ignored security flaw.
  • Hardware attestation and app policies lock many into stock Android if they rely on banking, 2FA, NFC payments, or government/bank ID apps.