What are some simple things i can do while using an android phone to maintain some privacy? Been thinking about this since seeing a thread on favorite foss apps. I currently use duckduckgo browser with their tracking deterrent vpn and simple keyboard. Thanks in advance
A simple thing you can do is be informed on what data google is tracking on your phone.
If you are signed into a Google account on your phone, you should check your Google dashboard: https://myaccount.google.com/intro/dashboard and make sure to turn off any tracking you don’t want. You can also request your data is deleted through the dashboard or through Google takeout.
If you stay with the built in OS and you can also get away from a Google account (don’t sign into a Google account on the phone), you’re tracked less, but that’s a bit challenging for many.
One helpful tip if you want to keep the phone logged out. You will not be able to install apps from the Google store (a privacy nightmare anyway). You of course will want to use as many FOSS apps as you can through F-Droid (or Obtainium, etc). But you may also need to occasionally use nonfree apps. Aurora Store is an excellent front-end for Play Store, available (of course) from F-Droid.