Faq’s
In short, no, DeGoogled devices are extremely easy to use and will usually feel instantly familiar.
DeGoogled phones and tablets operate on open-source operating systems that find their roots in the Android platform. The hallmark of these devices is their familiar Android interface, with a notable difference: a decluttered environment devoid of unnecessary apps and features, ensuring seamless navigation and integration into your life.
For Apple Converts: A Seamless Transition
For those making the transition from the Apple ecosystem, we extend our congratulations on your discerning choice. Rest assured that the Android operating system, harmoniously aligns with the user-friendly features you’ve come to appreciate.
Our DeGoogled phones and tablets come pre-loaded with around 30 privacy respecting apps you need to enjoy a modern life, without the tracking!
To name a few:
Magic Earth – Replaces Google Maps
NewPipe – YouTube Client
Droid-ify – The place to download and manage your opensource apps
Aurora Store – Replaces Google Play Store
Signal Messaging app
Telegram Messaging app
Session – Highly secure messaging app
Mull – Privacy browser
Collabora Office suite
K-9 Mail – Email app
Mullvad VPN
VLC media player
Geometric Weather app
Slim Social – Facebook client
And many more.
Thanks to DeGoogled devices running on an Android-based operating system, virtually all of your favourite apps will be possible to run.
The only thing to note is that if you decide to install big-tech apps that are not privacy respecting, you start to compromise your privacy. There is a solution to this however, by utilising the “Work profile” functionality that enables you to “Sandbox” these apps.
The next FAQ runs into this a little deeper.
One of the standout features of DeGoogled phones is the ability to create and utilise Work Profiles. These profiles act as digital sanctuaries, or “Sandboxes,” for specific apps, effectively isolating them from the rest of your device’s functions. This is perfect for those who cannot let go of using certain apps that are not privacy-respecting, like banking apps as the isolation prevents these apps from accessing data or permissions outside of their designated sandbox. Here’s how it works:
1. App Isolation: When you create a Work Profile, you essentially create a separate digital workspace within your phone. This workspace is isolated from your primary profile, forming a protective barrier around the apps contained within it.
2. Controlled Access: Apps within the Work Profile have controlled access to your device’s resources. They can only access data and permissions that you explicitly grant within the confines of the sandbox. This isolation ensures that sensitive information, such as personal data or device settings, remains off-limits to these apps.
3. Privacy Enhancement: The primary purpose of Work Profiles is to enhance your privacy and data security. By isolating certain apps, especially those from big-tech companies known for data collection, you can use them without fear of compromising your personal information.
4. Flexibility: Work Profiles offer flexibility in managing your apps. You can choose which apps to place within the sandbox, and you can control their access to device features like location, contacts, or the camera.
5. Separate Data: Apps within the Work Profile operate with separate data storage, so their data doesn’t intermingle with data from your primary profile. This ensures that your personal data remains segregated from the apps you choose to sandbox.
In essence, Work Profiles on DeGoogled phones empower you to take control of your privacy. They offer a protective shield against data-hungry apps while allowing you to enjoy the convenience of these apps within a controlled and secure environment. It’s a powerful tool for preserving your digital privacy.
Please note: Although we believe this feature is highly effective, we are unable to fully verify and gaurantee the effectiveness of this sandbox feature.
While Linux laptops boast impressive compatibility with a wide range of programs, they may not support every software application available. Linux’s versatility, however, means that it can run many programs natively or with the help of compatibility layers. In instances where a specific program isn’t compatible, there’s often a compelling alternative available with similar functionality.
For example, instead of Microsoft Office, our laptops come pre-installed with Libre Office, which, like MS Office, provides you with a highly functional word processing, spreadsheets and presentation programs. Instead of Adobe Photoshop, there is Gimp.
Linux alternatives are often highly functional and capable of performing tasks at a professional level. Many Linux applications are open-source and benefit from ongoing community development, resulting in robust and feature-rich software. Transitioning to Linux alternatives can offer a seamless experience, with little to no compromise in functionality.
Explore Linux software repositories, forums, and online communities. Many alternatives, with professional-grade functionality, are readily available within the Linux ecosystem.
It seems Apple aren’t such a fan of people turning to a different brand, working hard to lock users into their services. Although it may seem like an arduous task to migrate from Apple to and Android based device, it is quite straightforward and detailed instructions on how to do this are outlined for you in our PDF guide books which are sent you automatically upon purchase.
All of our phones, tablets, laptops and PC’s come with detailed PDF guides to help you with an easy transition to your new device.
Yes you can disable emergency alert broadcasts on a DeGoogled device.
We find the GrapheneOS operating system is easier and much more thorough with this functionality, even allowing the user to disable presidential alerts, which are not usually possible to disable.
DeGoogled devices and Linux laptops are extremely easy to update. It is made very simple with all of our devices as they will alert you when an OS or App update is available or necessary.
Updating apps on your DeGoogled phone is done via the F-Droid app manager, and it is a breeze. F-Droid provides a user-friendly interface for managing app updates
With Linux laptops, update manager streamline process, allowing you to update your laptop’s entire software stack, including applications and the operating system.
Yes, we ship our products virtually anywhere in the world. The great news is we have facilities in the UK and in the EU, meaning European customers will not incur additional import duties.
We do still provide free delivery for orders over £99 to EU countries, however utilising our EU facilities to ensure you do not pay import taxes has a cost to us of £25, which will be the delivery charge to the EU.
Just please be sure you are aware of any import/customs charges you may be subjected in your country if you are outside of the UK or Europe.
WWe accept all major Debit cards and Credit cards.
We understand that many privacy focused individuals are very keen to use crypto, or even cash to make purchases to ensure they remain anonymous throughout their buying experience.
At this moment we do not offer crypto or cash payments, however we are working to add both of these options very shortly, so stay tuned if this is something you require and sign up to our newsletter to be notified.
All of our DeGoogled devices and Linux laptops are covered by our 1 year warranty.
You may return your device within 14 days of making your purchase. Your items must be returned undamaged, unopened and in the condition you received them.
Please note that all serial numbers and IMEI are logged to protect against fraudulant returns.
You are able to contact us for support questions via email. We prefer to keep general support to email as it enables us to have a log of each customers needs, wants and unique situation.
We understand that some people need to speak on the phone and, although not our preferred method of contact, can be arranged.
We will do our best to assist as much as we can, however we are not here to provide ongoing free general IT support. For those who need to dive deeper, or have an unusual security circumstances, we suggest booking a 1-2-1 consultation with one of our experts.
The phones and tablets we supply are in general refurbished, and in excellent / sometimes pristine condition. The newer the model you select, the more likely you will receive a device closer to pristine condition. Older devices are more likely to have signs of use, although very minor.
Some of the models in our range are available new / unused. Often these are sourced from suppliers that have quantity of surplus stock or customer returned/unwanted purchase devices which are unused but sometimes have been opened.
Although we do keep devices in stock, they are all DeGoogled and Linux’d for each purchase, to accomodate for customers with special requests. Due to high demand, we currently quote an approximate 5-7 day lead time on all device purchases at the moment. In some rare cases, this may be longer.
We do provide custom DeGoogle services for your Android device. Not all Android devices are compatible and it is not possible on any Apple device.
Please contact us via info@privacytech.store with your phone model and we will confirm if it is possible to provide this service for you.
It is potentially possible for us to convert your current Windows laptop to run Linux Mint. Your laptop must have an unlocked bios with no password to configure with Linux.
Please contact us via info@privacytech.store with your device model, along with the spec (hard drive size, whether it’s running an SSD and ram) and we will confirm if it is possible to provide this service for you.
