Introduction
A common question we get asked is "can you de-googled a Samsung Galaxy phone?". While there appears to be several options available on the LineageOS supported devices list, the answer (at least to US-based customers) is typically "No". The reason is rather simple, but worth explaining in detail in this article.
When customers begin their search for de-googled privacy phones, they often start with Samsung, the most popular Android smartphone manufacturer. And for good reason... Samsung Galaxy phones are ubiquitous, reliable, and offer flagship features, comparable to iPhones. Many of us have an older Samsung Galaxy in a drawer. The first idea that often comes to mind is "can I de-google my old Samsung?". Even if the idea is to purchase a newer model, the reality of flashing LineageOS on a Samsung Galaxy to be used in the United States is that it's very difficult to find a supported model.
It's All About the Model Number
We have to pay attention to model numbers to identify geographical variants, not the phone's name. Let's use the popular Samsung Galaxy S10 that we all remember from 2019 as an example. "S10" is the name that everyone knows. But there are multiple variants of the S10, all with unique model numbers like SM-G973F or SM-G973U. The letter at the end is what we need to focus on.
Samsung assigns unique letters to the end of the model number based on geographic regions where the device is supported and sold. The list below correlates the model and supported region for the Galaxy S10.
- F=Europe
- N=Korea
- F/DS=Asia (India, Singapore)
- FZ=UK
- M=Latin America
- M/DS=South America
- UZ=AT&T,Sprint,Verizon USA
- U1=Factory Unlocked
On the LineageOS device page for Samsung Galaxy S10, when we scroll down to check supported models, we see SM-G973F, SM-G973F/DS, and SM-G973N. The only variants that can be de-googled are from Europe, Korea, and Asia. Variants sold in the United States are UZ and U1 but are not on the list. If we search further and look across the entire list of LineageOS supported Samsung Galaxy devices, we see this theme repeated.
VoLTE Implementation
So why doesn't LineageOS support United States variants? Years ago when VoLTE became the standard for 4G in the United States, Samsung created a proprietary VoLTE implementation for their cellular devices. This happened roughly after the Galaxy S6 model was released. Because it's proprietary binary code and not open source, LineageOS developers were not able to reverse-engineer the VoLTE implementation, at least not in the case of Samsung.
VoLTE is not the standard for 4G networks in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. Therefore international variants of the Galaxy smartphones are supported by LineageOS.
Options for Customers in the United States
Where does that leave those in the United States that want a de-googled Samsung Galaxy? It may be possible to acquire an international variant of a newer phone with 5G capability that is supported by LineageOS, such as the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (SM-A528B). The 5G NR standard is functional, so in theory as long as we are near a 5G cellular tower, everything should be okay. But as soon as we're in a 4G only area, the phone will have no signal. That's not a great solution.
Another work-around is if we have a SIM card from T-Mobile or T-Mobile MVNO like Mint or Tello. A little-known fact is that T-Mobile has not turned of their 2G network yet (a/o Summer 2024). So while VoLTE will not work, we may be in luck near a T-Mobile tower thanks to good old 2G. Keep in mind, T-Mobile can pull the plug on 2G at any moment.
Conclusion
Still want to use a de-googled Samsung Galaxy in the United States? Our recommendation is to choose a proven, well-supported device like the newer de-googled Pixel and stay clear of Samsung Galaxy phones. Mobile providers around the globe support Pixels and they can reliably be de-googled. The de-googling process for a Samsung Galaxy is more involved and can be hit or miss. All that said, if you're in the United States and you happen to have an international model Samsung Galaxy 5G phone supported by LineageOS, we will be happy to de-google it for you.