How to Install GrapheneOS and De-Google Your Pixel Smartphone

In a world where data privacy is paramount, GrapheneOS emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking to liberate their Google Pixel smartphones from data harvesting. This open-source, security-focused mobile operating system, built on the Android platform, not only enhances privacy protections but also maintains compatibility with most Android apps. If you’re eager to learn how to install GrapheneOS and free your Pixel smartphone from Google’s clutches, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your device is de-Googled and fortified with enhanced privacy and security.

How do you install GrapheneOS on your Pixel smartphone?

GrapheneOS provides a comprehensive guide to installing their operating system on their website. Here’s a simplified version of the process:

Step 1: Download the Graphene Web Installer.

The first step in your journey towards a more secure smartphone is to download the Graphene web installer. This installer will be used to set up GrapheneOS on your device. It’s essential to use a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome, Brave, or Chromium for this process, as Firefox and Internet Explorer won’t work.

Download the Graphene Web Installer.

Step 2: Set up OEM unlocking

1. Turn on your Pixel smartphone and complete the initial setup process.
2. If you already have a Pixel device with data on it, it’s recommended to reset it to factory settings to remove any residual data and settings.
3. Enable Developer Options by tapping “Build Number” under “About Phone” seven times until you see the message, “You are now a developer!”
4. Go to the main Settings screen, then navigate to “System,” followed by “Advanced” -> “Developer Options.”
5. Here, you’ll need to enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
6. Connect your Pixel smartphone to your Windows PC using a USB-C cable to grant the necessary low-level access for installation.

Step 3: Unlock the bootloader.

1. Reboot your Pixel device into Fastboot mode by holding down the Power and Volume Up buttons.
2. Once the device reboots, continue holding the Volume Down button to access the Fastboot Mode screen.
3. On the browser page, scroll down and click “Unlock Bootloader” in the Web-based installation section.
4. A dialogue box will appear, allowing you to select your connected phone. Click “Connect” in the GrapheneOS installer dialogue box to detect your Pixel phone in Fastboot Mode.
5. Select “Unlock Bootloader” and press the power button to unlock it. You’ll need to complete the standard Pixel setup process again.
6. After setup, re-enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
7. Reboot your phone into Fastboot mode again by pressing the Volume Up and Power buttons and selecting “reboot.” Hold the Volume Down button during the reboot.

Step 4: Flash GrapheneOS using the installer.

1. In the web-based installer, click the “Download” button under the GrapheneOS release to download the latest GrapheneOS build for your Pixel device.
2. With your Pixel device in Fastboot mode, click the “Flash Release” button. Note that this process will wipe everything on your device and replace the existing OS, so make sure to save any important files.
3. The flashing process may take 10–15 minutes. Your smartphone will reboot and flash multiple times.
4. Once the flashing is complete, re-lock the bootloader for security. On the web-based installation page, select “Lock Bootloader.”
5. Return to your phone and press the Volume Down button, then the power button, to lock the bootloader.
6. Your device will reboot from the Fastboot menu. Press the Power button to select “Start” and boot your device with GrapheneOS.

Step 5: Finish the setup and disable OEM unlocking.

1. In Fastboot Mode, complete the setup wizard, including Wi-Fi setup and encryption.
2. On the home screen, go to Settings, then About Phone -> Build Number to enable Developer Options again.
3. Under Developer Options, turn off the OEM unlock switch to prevent unauthorised access.
4. Restart your smartphone to apply the changes.

Your Pixel smartphone is now de-Googled and fortified with enhanced privacy and security.

Conclusion

Congratulations on successfully installing GrapheneOS and freeing your Pixel smartphone from Google’s data harvesting. You can now enjoy a more private and secure mobile experience. Don’t forget to regularly update your device with the latest security features and improvements.

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