A common question we get asked is, "Can you degoogle a Samsung Galaxy phone?". While it is possible, and there are options available on LineageOS's supported devices list, it is more of a challenge in the US, and easier in Europe and Asia. The reason is rather simple, but worth explaining in detail.

When customers begin searching for de-googled privacy phones, they often start with Samsung. It's the most popular Android smartphone manufacturer. Samsung Galaxy phones are ubiquitous, reliable, and have flagship features, comparable to iPhones. Some of us have an old Samsung Galaxy in a drawer. The first idea that often comes to mind is "I'll just de-google my old Samsung". Not so fast! If you are in the United States, it's very important to have a compatible model number.

It's All About the Model Number

We have to pay attention to model numbers, not just the model name, to identify geographical variants. Let's use the popular Samsung Galaxy S10 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 to identify geographic regions where the device is supported and sold. The list below correlates the model and supported region for the Galaxy S10.

  1. F=Europe
  2. N=Korea
  3. F/DS=Asia (India, Singapore)
  4. FZ=UK
  5. M=Latin America
  6. M/DS=South America
  7. UZ=AT&T,Sprint,Verizon USA
  8. 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 is proprietary software 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 have an international model Samsung Galaxy phone supported by LineageOS, we will be happy to de-google it for you.