This post is going to be a bit personal (and maybe a little bit out of context, it’s not just Google software I want to remove) but I’m tired of not knowing what to do about it. I want and have wanted to get rid of a bunch of proprietary software in my life, including but not limited to Google’s software, for quite a while now, and I even got a Pixel 7A with hopes of installing GrapheneOS. But there are a few problems. First, my parents are understandably concerned and need me to use Google Maps’ location sharing whenever I go to school. All my classmates use Instagram and we have that as our only messaging platform. I currently use DFInstagram, but I feel that it is not free from spyware. Finally, I also own a DJI Mini 3 Pro, and the associated DJI Fly app just refuses to work under GrapheneOS (I tested). Is there anything I can do to replace or limit the access of these aforementioned proprietary apps?
The DJI Fly app is probably considerably worse for security/privacy than most Google apps. DJI has a storied history of sketchy practices in their apps: see here.
Google also won’t allow DJI to distribute their apps through the Play Store, because of DJI’s weird insistence on being able to push arbitrary binaries to customers’ phones entirely free of any third party vetting.
GrapheneOS’ sandbox hardening might help somewhat, but I’d recommend avoiding DJI products if you can. If you must use DJI Fly, prefer to use it in a different profile where it can’t touch any of your personal apps. Tough when they are singularly the best drone manufacturer for videography though.
Could be a good argument for a second phone (maybe OP’s old phone), with no Google account or any other info, lock it down (disable wifi, etc, use something like Rethink DNS or No Root Firewall, or AF Wall if it can be rooted), etc.