Pixel 4a Security config for 2021

Last updated
Dec 7, 2021
Mobile brand
Google
Mobile model
Pixel 4a
Phone OS
Android
Phone OS version
12
Phone OS Updates status
App updates
Manually check and update apps*
Phone unlock
Biometric security
    • Fingerprint(s)
Stolen Device Protection
Security & Privacy Apps
None
Browser
Firefox
Password manager
Bitwarden
Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
Phone & Caller ID
Google Phone
Messaging
Google Messages, Signal, Threema
Music & Podcasts
Youtube Music Premium, Musicolet
Entertainment
Youtube Premium
Games
None
File and Photo backup
Google Drive, Google One, Near unlimited Google Photos backup till device EOL.
Notable changes
Dec 2021 SP update and Feature Drops.
What I'm looking for?

Looking for medium feedback.

security123 said:
For maximum security and privacy you can flash GrapheneOS

also why software updates on manual, no SIM Pin and unknown apps allowed?
Click to expand...
Once warranty is expired, I'm really itching for paranoid Android w/o GMS. You suggested Pixel phone and I wasn't wrong Pixel is better. Likewise, GrapheneOS will be next option. For now, I have too much dependency on GMS apps.
I forget SIM Pin and it's a pain. Updates are manual since I don't like being the first guy to get updates and find the device is broken so in my experience I'd wait for atleast 4-5 days and once deemed stable I'll update it otherwise I'll skip it.
Unknown apps are allowed on Files App since I test development apks sometimes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nevi, Thiag0, CyberTech and 6 others
Vasudev said:
MS Authenticator doesn't have Push notification like Lastpass authenticator does. So, I use Lastpass Authenticator along with MS Authenticator.
Click to expand...
No Push notifications with MS Authenticator? Where do you get that information from or are you sure you have setup app messages correct on your phone?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nevi, Venustus, FireHammer and 3 others
Vasudev said:
Once warranty is expired, I'm really itching for paranoid Android w/o GMS. For now, I have too much dependency on GMS apps.
Click to expand...
At the end of the day, you could use the most secure and privacy-abiding OS, but in reality it's the apps you use that truly affect your privacy.

If you did, you would need to sacrifice your social circles by abandoning Facebook (Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube, Stadia), Amazon (Twitch, Prime) apps, services and subscriptions.

Might as well keep using Android for the time being.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nevi, Venustus, Vasudev and 3 others
Spawn said:
At the end of the day, you could use the most secure and privacy-abiding OS, but in reality it's the apps you use that truly affect your privacy.

If you did, you would need to sacrifice your social circles by abandoning Facebook (Instagram, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube, Stadia), Amazon (Twitch, Prime) apps, services and subscriptions.

Might as well keep using Android for the time being.
Click to expand...
Currently, use whatsapp, maps, youtube, google message rcs, google pay all which doesn't work w/o gms.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nevi, Venustus, Protomartyr and 1 other person
You must log in or register to reply here.

You may also like...