I have been down the rabbit hole of reading all the posts about the "best FOSS alternatives for system apps," I realized many options are outdated...
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The original was posted on /r/fossdroid by /u/bee077 on 2024-10-25 01:10:36+00:00.

I have been down the rabbit hole of reading all the posts about the “best FOSS alternatives for system apps,” I realized many options are outdated or just not user-friendly. So, I’m sharing my straightforward approach to de-Googling my phone and swapping out system apps for FOSS alternatives.

🚨 Heads Up: You’ll need your PC and a phone cable to uninstall system apps.

My Approach

I remove all Google apps and some built-in system apps:

  • Phone
  • Contacts
  • Messages (SMS)
  • Gallery
  • Mail
  • Browser
  • Video Player
  • Music Player
  • Notes
  • Radio
  • Facebook
  • Galaxy Store
  • Keyboard
  • System Cleaner

👉 Important: Please read this entire post before you start applying stuff. Also, my approach can easily be personalized to fit your needs.

Step 1: Install F-Droid

First, grab F-Droid: Download F-Droid ✅. This will serve as your app hub to replace the default options.

Recommended FOSS Apps to have at the ready:

  • Keyboard: FlorisBoard 💡 Setup is straightforward, but settings can be tricky. Check out my preferred settings (Rule 10, dm if you want it) for dark mode and privacy.
  • File Manager: Material Files
  • Browser: Mull

Step 2: Remove Bloatware

Now, let’s tackle the bloatware using ADB. Check out this step-by-step guide (Rule 10, dm if you want it) to get started.

Install the necessary ADB files.

Use App Manager to find package names of apps you want to uninstall. Download App Manager.

There’s an app with the same name that simplifies this process: you can use Aurora Store to obtain it.

After installing the app, follow these steps:

  1. Open the app.
  2. Long press the first app in the list.
  3. At the top, you’ll see a number indicating installed apps (like “1/200”). Click on that.
  4. Select “Select All Apps.”
  5. Tap the Share button. Under “What to share?”, choose Package names.
  6. Select an app to share the list with.

Now that you have the app list, you can determine what to keep, disable, or uninstall. Exercise caution when uninstalling apps, some are critical for system functionality.

Here are resources detailing safe apps to remove:

  • Reddit: Ultimate Samsung OneUI Debloat & Privacy
  • Hackerztrickz: List of Samsung Bloatware Safe to Remove (Rule 10, dm if you want it)
  • MiniTool: List of Samsung Bloatware Safe to Remove (Rule 10, dm if you want it)

Step 3: Install FOSS Alternatives

Once you’ve removed bloatware, here are my top FOSS app replacements:

Play Store Alternative:

  • ⬇️ F-Droid A repository of free and open-source Android apps. It allows you to browse, install, and update apps with a focus on privacy. 💡 After installing, add these repositories:
  • ⬇️ Aurora Store An unofficial FOSS client to Google Play with a sleek design that prioritizes user privacy.
  • ⬇️ Obtainium An app for managing and updating other Android apps directly from their source. 💡 Check out the wiki for advanced options on using the app.

💡 How to Add or Download an App on Obtainium?

There are two simple methods to add and download apps using Obtainium:

Method 1: Using a Release Link

  1. Open Obtainium and click Add App (you’ll find this option at the bottom or top of the screen).
  2. In the App Source URL field, paste the “Releases” link of the app you want to install.
  3. Click Add and wait for confirmation.
  4. Once confirmed, click Install to complete the process.

Example “Releases” link of Tubular:

https://github.com/polymorphicshade/Tubular/releases

Method 2: Using GitHub Starred Repos

Sign up or log in to your GitHub account, then star the repository of the app(s) you want.

Open Obtainium and go to Import/Export (located at the bottom or top of the screen).

Select Import GitHub Starred Repos, and enter your GitHub username (any public username works).

Obtainium will load all your starred repos by default. You can choose the specific ones you want to import.

Click Select and wait for confirmation.

Finally, go to Apps (bottom of the screen), choose your desired app, and click Install.

Optional: Install ⬇️ OctoDroid A GitHub client for Android that simplifies browsing repos and checking releases.

Streaming Alternatives

  • ⬇️ Aniyomi (it requires a repo link) A feature-rich app for streaming and downloading anime, offering an extensive catalog.
  • ⬇️ CloudStream (it requires a repo link) A media streaming app that provides access to various sources for TV shows and movies.
  • ⬇️ Mirarr FOSS Movies/Shows App.

Privacy-Focused Browsers

  • ⬇️ Mull A secure browser based on Firefox that emphasizes privacy and offers extensive customization options.
  • ⬇️ Tor Browser An anonymizing browser that allows you to browse the web privately by routing your connection through the Tor network.
  • Brave A secure web browser with a built-in ad blocker that prevents tracking, and optimized for mobile data and battery life savings.
  • ⬇️ Rethink: DNS + Firewall An open-source DNS-based firewall to help protect your privacy online. 💡 For settings, use my go-to config (Rule 10, dm if you want it) and remember to exclude Aurora Store from DNS rules.

Security Tools

  • ⬇️ KeePassDX A secure, open-source password manager that stores your passwords in an encrypted database.
  • ⬇️ Privacy Indicator Notifies you whenever a third-party app accesses your camera or microphone, enhancing your privacy.
  • ⬇️ URLCheck A simple tool for checking the safety of URLs before you click on them.

Music and Media

  • ⬇️ xManager An app that modifies the Spotify app to remove ads, plus it supports lyrics, and allow background play.
  • ⬇️ Metro - Music Player A beautiful music player with a Material Design interface and easy navigation.
  • ⬇️ VLC A versatile media player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats.

Google App Alternatives

  • ⬇️ K-9 Mail An open-source email client that supports multiple accounts and is customizable.
  • ⬇️ ente A fully open-source, end-to-end encrypted alternative to Google Photos for secure photo storage.
  • ⬇️ Organic Maps An open-source map application that provides offline maps and navigation.
  • ⬇️ GMaps WV A simple wrapper for Google Maps that allows you to use the web version without the app.
  • ⬇️ Tubular A fork of NewPipe that implements SponsorBlock and ReturnYouTubeDislike.

System App Alternatives

  • ⬇️ FlorisBoard A customizable keyboard app focusing on user privacy and a great typing experience. 💡 Use m…

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