Using Open Source Software on Google Android Mobile Devices
This guide contains steps to obtain as much freedom as you can by using open source software on Apple (iPhone) and Google (Android) devices.
Disable apps and services that are not used on Android:
Go to Settings / Data Usage. Set any apps that you do not directly need to restrict background data usage to save bandwidth.
Disable apps that you do not use:
Install Open Source Software (Android):
These steps show how to use the F-Droid app to download and install open source apps on your phone. F-Droid is a central app, similar to Google's store apps, giving a central place to download and update your open source apps. For iPhone users, simply use the list of software below as a refererence, you may need to visit the website for apps to download and install them directly however some may not be available for iPhone.
| App | Description |
| DAVDroid | Syncs calendar and contacts that use the WebDAV protocol. A great server for hosting your own calendar (CalDAV) and contacts (CardDAV) that works great with this app: Baikal. |
| LibreOffice Viewer | View Microsoft Office and LibreOffice documents (cannot edit) |
| K-9 Mail | A very good email program that replaces the default email app. It is very stable and works perfectly with IMAP, which many default apps do not. |
| NetGuard | Bandwidth limiting and blocking utility for all system services and apps, is an alternative to the default bandwidth limiting available in the phone's default settings. Sets up a proxy that runs on the phone to handle the filtering. |
| MuPDF | PDF viewer (view PDF files, seems to be very compatible and has far less issues that other readers). |
| Silence | Secure SMS Messaging App (replaces default Google and Apple Messages app). When users at both ends use this app, you enable secure messaging to that recipient which exchanges a private key to encrypt all SMS messages between the two. This can keep phone carriers and other services from seeing your SMS messages. |
| androidVNC | VNC viewer for remote administration (advanced users only) |
| Compass | A free compass app that uses the phone's built in sensors to navigate direction. |
| ConnectBot | SSH and local shell client (advanced users only) |
| FFUpdater | Firefox downloader and installer. Firefox is recommended for complete browsing security without surveillance that is done by Google and Apple. |
| SatStat | GPS app that uses the phone's sensors for GPS navigation. |
| Odyssey | MP3 and media player |
| Delta Chat | Instant Messaging app that uses an SMTP (email) server. Use this as an alternative to the regular messenger or even Silence app, so that your messages are not even sent to your phone carrier's servers. |
Optimize settings for a better experience for Android:
Rooting the phone (unlocking default permissions) for Android (Advanced Users only)
This is helpful if you wish to further remove restrictions by your cellular provider that are installed on your phone. Verizon seems to be the worst carrier for installing a lot of extra apps and spyware.
Check your phone for compatibility with the below software mentioned. Some many not apply, and you risk bricking your phone if you do not follow this carefully. Research how to root your own model phone to verify.
See the links and information below for further information.