In this guide, we walk through the steps to setup iodéOS on your mobile device. This guide assumes you have a new installation of iodéOS. Please read the instructions carefully to complete setup, install apps, customize the device, and become more familiar with your new operating system.

Table of Contents

  1. Insert Sim Card
  2. Initial Power-on
  3. Configure MicroG
  4. App Repositories
  5. Pre-installed Apps
  6. Install New Apps
  7. Personal Customization
  8. Hardening Your Device
  9. Transfer Contacts and Personal Data

Insert SIM Card

NOTE: If you do not intend to use a SIM card in your phone, skip to the next section.

TIP: Before inserting a SIM card into your degoogled device, see our article about how to remain anonymous while using a SIM card. For the ultimate privacy-focused phone service on a degoogled device, check out JMP.chat. Our customers receive a phone number and one month of free service.

When migrating from an Android device, moving the SIM card to your de-googled phone and rebooting the device is all you have to do to begin using it.  In some cases, your mobile carrier will request the IMEI number of the new phone. The IMEI number is found in Settings > About phone > IMEI

If this is your first time installing a SIM card, follow our tutorial for detailed instructions.

NOTE: If migrating from an iPhone, you will likely need to request a new SIM card from your carrier.

TIP: When a SIM card is installed for the first time, Access Point Names (APNs) will populate automatically into the device's settings, allowing mobile data to work properly. If mobile data is not working, contact your carrier to verify correct APNs.

Initial Power-on

When powering on the device for the first time, go through these steps

  1. Power On: Press and hold the power button on the side of the phone.
  2. Warning Messages: You can safely ignore warning messages like "Your device is loading a different operating system." or "This device is not running official software."
  3. Welcome: At the iodé welcome screen, tap Start
  4. Language: Select your preferred language.
  5. SIM card missing (if applicable): If your device is equipped to make phone calls and if you do not have a SIM card installed, you will get this screen with the option to install one at this point or setup ESIM.
  6. Internet: Connect to a WiFi network by selecting the name of your WiFi network and entering the passphrase.
  7. Notifications: It is recommended to leave this setting checked if you want to receive push notifications. This setting can be enabled/disabled later in Android Settings.
  8. Date and Time: Set your time zone and adjust current date and time if needed.
  9. Restore apps and data: If you have a Seedvault backup from iodéOS or any other OS, you can restore it now. Otherwise tap Skip.
  10. Turn on Cellular Data (if applicable): If your device is equipped to make phone calls and you have a SIM card installed and are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, you will have the option of using cellular data to complete the setup process. As always, charges may apply.
  11. Location services: We recommend giving apps permission to the device's location data. Optionally you may set up location data permissions within the individual app settings later.
  12. Protect your phone: Set up a PIN, password or pattern to unlock the screen. This is an optional step however it will prevent unauthorized access to your phone by another individual.
  13. Fingerprint or Facial recognition setup (if applicable): Some devices are equipped to use fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions or select Skip to skip this step.
  14. Theme: Select your preferred theme. This can be changed later in system settings.
  15. Navigation: Choose your preferred navigation method. This can be changed later in system settings.
  16. Tap Start to complete initial setup.
  17. At the iodéOS welcome menu you have the option to disable preinstalled apps. We recommend leaving all preinstalled apps enabled. You can disable these later in Settings > Apps > Preinstalled apps. The welcome menu also includes news, how to get involved with iodé, and an FAQ.

Configure MicroG

NOTE: microG is enabled by default on iodéOS. Default settings are usually adequate. However if you do not plan to use apps that depend on Google Play Services, you can disable microG in the settings described below.

MicroG is an open-source signature spoofer allowing apps that require Google Play Services to function properly. If you install apps that require Google Play Services to function, you'll be wise to configure MicroG to restrict as much communication with Google as possible. To learn more about the benefits and risks of MicroG, visit their website and read the FAQ.

  1. Open Settings app and navigate to System > microG Settings.
  2. Self Check: It is recommended to accept the default settings.
  3. Google Accounts: If you have a Google account and need to sign in, select Add Google account and sign in with your credentials. It is highly recommended that you do not use this feature as it will connect your device and identity with Google. Instead of relying on Google services, find alternatives that accomplish the same goal but respect your privacy.
  4. Google Device Registration: This setting registers your device to Google services and creates a unique device identifier. microG strips identifying bits other than your Google account name from registration data. In other words, it creates a required identity with Google services, but as long as you do not sign in to an account (Step 3), the registration will remain anonymous. If you decide not to install apps that require Google services then disable this setting. Remember, our recommendation has been and always will be to not use apps that require Google services.
  5. Cloud Messaging: Enabled by default. The description says "Cloud Messaging is a push notification provider used by many third-party applications. To use it you must enable device registration." Some apps, especially messaging apps, depend on cloud messaging for push notifications. If you notice apps that you have installed are not sending notifications, then enable this setting. Otherwise it can be disabled.
  6. Google Safety Net: Enabled by default. Some apps from the Google Play Store depend on Google Safety Net to ensure the operating system is properly secured. For example banking apps like Square and PayPal, or shopping apps like Amazon require it. If you do not plan to install banking apps or apps to make purchases, this setting can be safely disabled.
  7. Play Store Services: These settings allow downloading of licenses for paid software, payments and subscriptions through Google Play Billing service, and Play Asset Delivery service. Leave enabled if apps you install will depend on these services. Otherwise they can be safely disabled.
  8. Location: Geo-location services can be useful for apps that depend on location information. It is safe to leave these settings enabled unless you intend to disable all microG services.

App Repositories

TIP: Use F-Droid and Aurora Store just like you would Apple Store or Google Play Store. Search for apps, download, and install. Both repositories will keep you aware of app updates as well.

F-Droid: F-Droid comes installed on iodéOS. It is an app repository that contains only free and open source apps. Applications can be browsed, downloaded and installed from F-Droid without the need to register for an account.

Aurora Store: Aurora Store comes installed on iodéOS. It is a free open-source software (FOSS) alternative to Google's Play Store. It provides anonymous access to apps on Google Play Store and does not require a Google account. It also works if you decide to disable MicroG.

Follow these steps to configure Aurora Store:

  1. Open Aurora Store from the app drawer
  2. At the Welcome screen, tap Next at the bottom
  3. At the Permissions screen, grant permissions for all items listed if they are not already. Tap Finish
  4. At the Log in screen, select Anonymous

Pre-installed Apps

TIP: If you are new to Android, swiping up with one finger will access the app drawer. All installed apps will be accessible in the app drawer.

iodéOS includes a suite of excellent privacy-respecting apps.

  • AudioFX - A simple audio equalizer app
  • Aurora Store - Access Google Play Store anonymously; manage and update installed apps
  • Calculator - A straightforward calculator app
  • Calendar - To start using, go to app settings to add a calendar
  • Camera - Aperture camera is an open-source camera app capable of capturing still images and video developed by LineageOS
  • Carnet - A powerful note-taking app for creating lists and longer text notes and stories
  • Clock - The Android open source clock; includes an alarm, timer, and stopwatch
  • Contacts - The standard Android open source contacts app
  • F-Droid - Replaces Google Play Store as your primary app repository
  • Files - A simple file browser
  • Gallery - A very straightforward and easy to use photo gallery
  • iodé - Monitor network traffic, restrict and block ads, malware, spam and trackers; requires premium subscription service to use all features
  • iodé Browser - Based on Firefox with security and privacy enhancements
  • Magic Earth - A privacy-respecting navigation and maps app that replaces Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps
  • Messaging  - An open-source SMS/MMS text messaging app
  • Music - Open source music player; sorts music by artist, album and playlists
  • News - Access the latest news from the iodé development team, get involved with the project, and read their FAQ
  • Phone - This is the standard open-source phone dialer app
  • Recorder - A simple voice recorder app
  • Settings - The system settings app
  • Thunderbird - A mobile email client from the popular Mozilla Thunderbird development team
  • Updater - Check for and install system firmware updates
  • Weather - The Breezy Weather app (also available on F-Droid) comes pre-installed on iodéOS 

Install New Apps

TIP: Before installing new apps from F-Droid or Aurora Store, see our complete list of recommended apps.

Simple Rules to Follow...

  1. Rule #1 Use privacy-friendly apps: There are viable open-source privacy-friendly alternatives to the apps you have previously used.
  2. Rule #2 Stay away from Big Tech: Apps made by Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple and other Big Tech corporations should be avoided based on their standard practice of selling your personal data for profit and tracking everything you do.
  3. Rule #3 Install apps from these sources, in this order:
    • F-Droid: The best place to find apps is on F-Droid, a repository that curates privacy-friendly open-source alternative apps.
    • Aurora Store: If you cannot find a solution on F-Droid, the next step is to search Aurora Store, an open source app that connects to Google Play Store anonymously.
    • Direct Download: Not all apps have to be installed using a repository. There are several excellent apps available for download directly from their developer's website.
  4. The less apps on your device, the better the privacy. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this app?". If there is a software program you can install on a PC or laptop instead, that is a better option.
  5. Instead of installing a company's app, access their website from a web browser; For quick access, use the browser's Add to Home screen feature to create an app icon.

Personal Customization

Make iodéOS feel more like your phone with these recommended settings.

  • Customize home screen: Select Settings app > Wallpaper & style to change home screen appearance (download our favorite wallpapers at https://digitalprivacy.shop/wallpaper)
  • Add apps to home screen: From the app drawer, hold a finger down on an app icon; begin to drag the icon with your finger (the home screen will appear); drag the icon to the preferred location and release
  • System navigation: Choose how you navigate with gestures by going to Settings app > System > Gestures > Navigation mode
  • Add widgets: Add a clock or other widget. Hold your finger on an empty area of the home screen; In the pop-up menu tap Widgets; Select desired widget
  • Display settings: Go to Settings app > Display to adjust brightness, lock screen, screen timeout, theme, font size, auto-rotate, screen saver, and more

Harden Your Device

Implement the steps below to ensure the highest level of privacy and security on your new device.

  1. Reduce App Dependency: The fewer apps on your phone, the more secure and private it will be. We challenge you to only install what you need. This will increase available storage space and reduce the potential for leaked data through random apps.
  2. Review App Permissions: Apps don't always need the permissions they request. Go to Settings > Apps > See All ## Apps. Then select each app and review permission settings. Change to Approve, Deny, or Ask Every Time as necessary.
  3. Setup Multiple User Profiles: If you must install proprietary (closed source) apps that are questionable in terms of privacy (i.e. for your job), create a "Work" profile and isolate them from your personal data. Learn more.
  4. Activate Private DNS: Why is DNS important? Learn more. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS. Select Private DNS provider hostname and enter base.dns.mullvad.net. Or follow our guide to select a specific DNS resolver of your choice.
  5. Install a VPN: A virtual private network encrypts the data being sent from your device by tunneling to a VPN server, effectively cloaking your data and preventing ISP interception. Additionally, to the downstream recipient, your device's location will appear to be the location of the VPN server. This feature is useful when accessing websites that restrict access from specific countries. For a no-cost alternative that uses the TOR network, Orbot is available on F-Droid by enabling "Guardian Project" repository. There are also three free VPN services available on F-Droid: the CalyxVPN, RiseUpVPN, or ProtonVPN. However paid VPNs offer more features and higher speeds.
  6. Regularly Disable Network Transmission: Get in the habit of disabling Location, NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Camera, and Microphone when not in use. You can easily disable them by swiping down from the top of your home screen to access the Quick Settings tiles. For added security, place the device in a Faraday bag when not in use.

Transfer Contacts and Personal Data

If you are coming from an iPhone and want to migrate your contacts, photos, and other personal data, follow the guide Transferring Personal Data from iPhone. Or if you are coming from an Android device, follow the guide Transferring Personal Data from Android.

De-register iMessages

If you are migrating from an Apple iPhone to an Android, you'll need to de-register iMessages in order to get text messages from other iPhone users. Go to Apple's "Deregister iMessages" webpage and follow the instructions.