[Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact Guides, News, & Discussion] Arcline:
Hey guys!

This guide is for all privacy and de-Google fans. It aims to remove anything-google related as much as possible and eliminate all tracking in the system. While there are other guides of the sort, this will be more focused on our XZ1 Compact :).

1.Install a custom Rom

XZ1 Compact is rather limited when it comes to custom ROMs choice. We don't have DivestOS and obviously GrapheneOS, but for a solid base any of the LineageOS roms should do:

- LineageOS 20 - by @derf elot

- LineageOS 17.1/18.1/19.1 by @Flamefire

2.Install Magisk

Contrary to the popular opinion rooting doesn't decrease your security/privacy, it gives you the level of control to improve it. A great way to do this is via Magisk modules:

- SUPL replacer - replace Google's A-GPS SUPL provider with a proxy server provided by GrapheneOS. You can read more in the description.

- Magisk Captive Control - change the default Android Captive Portal Detection behaviour by the default CPD URL from Google's to Kuketz (a security and privacy researcher).

- Magisk DRM Disabler - remove proprietary DRM.

- Open Webview - replace your webview with Vanadium (GrapheneOS' webview).

These 4 modules will remove all connections to Google on a system level.

3.Change your DNS server

Don't use the default Google DNS, instead switch to a more privacy-friendly alternative, such as Quad9 or Adguard. Check out this page for a list of popular DNS servers.

Changing DNS is easy on Android - simply go to Settings > Network & Internet > Private DNS > Private DNS provider hostname and type the name of your server.

4.Install and setup MicroG

Google Play Services are pretty useful (FCM etc.) but at the same time are a huge privacy breach. Technically you have an app with no restrictions what-so-ever collecting your data. Thankfully there is MicroG - an Open Source implementation of Play Services that covers a chunk of it's functionality without the data collecting part. You can read more on MicroG here and check it's features implementation status here.

To install MicroG use MicroG Installer Revived, however to use it you need signature spoofing. Flamefire's LineageOS builds include this feature natively, but if you're using derf elot's LineageOS you need to:

- Install LSposed - an Xposed Framework implementation.

- Install FakeGApps - this grants the signature spoofing permission.

Once you open MicroG DON'T add a Google account, simply turn on Google device registration and Cloud messaging. Adding an account is useful only if you use official Google apps alongside MicroG.

5.Install a host-based adblocker

AdAway is the most popular option and the one I personally use. Another alternative is Malwack which works on the same principle as AdAway but has no manager app. Make sure to install systemless hosts in magisk before using these.

6.Use FOSS app alternatives to proprietary apps

There are many great FOSS apps around with great functionality and most importantly - no tracking. For a start I would advise you to download F-Droid and add IzzyOnDroid and MicroG repos. F-Droid is an installable catalogue of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform, basically a Play Store for open source apps only.

- Here is a list of some good apps to start with.

- If you need to use some proprietary apps or can't find a good FOSS alternative, use AppManager to block the trackers inside them.

Keep in mind that while this works for most apps, social networks can't be stopped from tracking you unless you stop using their services.

7.Use a privacy-friendly browser

Here is a comparison list of browsers. My personal favourites are:

- Fennec - a fork of Firefox browser with telemetry removed.

and

- Mull Browser by DivestOS - a hardened fork of Fennec with a ****ty icon. Think of it as the mobile LibreWolf.

Out of all the privacy add-ons uBlock Origin is all you need. Check out how to set it up here and make sure to add your regional list. Keep in mind that the more you restrict websites, the bigger chance of page breakage you get.

So that's it! Now your XZ1 Compact can sit comfortably in your pocket without spying on you. If anyone has anything to add, feel free to do so in the comments.