How to install GrapheneOS
Android smartphones today are more feature-filled than in the past, and that list expands with each new release. This is one reason why rooting and modding are no longer popular. Most see them as unnecessary. Many of the features sought after back then have been added to the stock version of Android. But there’s still a market for custom ROMs. Installing GrapheneOS with one of thebest Google Pixel phonesallows you to optimize it using unique privacy and security features. Doing so elevates your Android experience beyond its stock capabilities.
Installing a custom ROM likeGrapheneOSmeans you’ll need to be comfortable unlocking its bootloader or occasionally using therecovery mode. In this case, you won’t keep the bootloader unlocked for long. You’ll immediately lock it after GrapheneOS is installed. This step improves your Android device’s privacy and security features. It’s one of the main selling points of this custom ROM. This guide goes over the steps to install GrapheneOS on your Google Pixel smartphone.
There are two official methods to install GrapheneOS: a web-based installer and acommand-lineoption. Our guide focuses on the web installer. It’s the easiest method, regardless of your technical background.
GrapheneOS preparatory check-list
Before installing GrapheneOS, confirm you have enough storage space on your desktop and mobile devices. You’ll also need a compatible operating system on your PC listed in the requirements below.
To install GrapheneOS, you need the following:
Before installing GrapheneOS, update yourweb browserto the latest version for the best experience. Also, avoid using Incognito Mode or other private browsing modes to prevent issues during the installation process.
Getting the installation environment ready
An overview of this private and secure mobile operating system
Now that you have all the tools ready and updated, you’re ready to install GrapheneOS on your device. These instructions install non-original software on your Android device, which requires unlocking the bootloader. Turn on theOEM unlockingfeature in the hidden developer settings menu to get started.
To access the developer options on your device, do the following:
If Windows Update can’t find the bootloader drivers automatically, download themdirectly from Google. After that,manually install themwith the Windows Device Manager like any other driver.
Installing GrapheneOS on your Android device with the web installer
Now that your computer is set, turn your phone off before accessing its bootloader menu. Long press thepower button, then select thePower offoption to shut down your device. After that, hold thevolume downbuttonand long press thepower buttonfor a second or two. After that, the bootloader screen appears. From here, connect your smartphone to your computer with a USB cable, then open your preferred web browser.
The installation process deletes all existing user data. Before installing GrapheneOS,backup your personal filessomewhere safe to avoid losing them.
Now it’s time to install GrapheneOS
Go to theGrapheneOS WebUSB-based installerweb page to begin the installation process. The following four steps are self-explanatory on the GrapheneOS site. You can complete each one by clicking the respective button. We include them here to give you an overview of the steps.
What should you do after installing GrapheneOS?
How can an app send messages that only you can decode?
After relocking the bootloader, restart your device to begin using it. Your phone automatically boots into a shiny new installation of GrapheneOS. Here are a couple of post-installation tips:
GrapheneOS is focused on smartphone privacy and security
GrapheneOS is often considered one of the most secure and privacy-focused custom ROMs. Although it only supports Google Pixel devices, installing GrapheneOS lets you use Android without the mandatory Google apps. After installing the modified Google Play Services, your third-party apps still function properly without invasive background tracking. Installing a custom ROM of this nature requires dedication, so you’ll need to change how you use your Android phone. When you can get past that, your device will be fast, secure, and have new privacy features.
Considerusing a VPN on your phoneto enhance your privacy and security. We recommend combining GrapheneOS with a VPN to protect your online browsing data as much as possible.
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
The note-taking app I should have used all along
An advanced, compact, purpose-built device
A great choice for those looking for value
Perfect for all types of devices
Not yet, anyway
