Unverified Pixel 9a with GrapheneOS

Last updated
Aug 11, 2026
Mobile brand
Google Pixel
Mobile model
Pixel 9a
Phone OS
Custom Android ROM
Phone OS version
Android 17
Phone OS Support status
Supported - Able to receive updates for OS and security
Phone OS Updates status
Automatic updates
App store(s)
    • Other APT/APK sources
App updates
Auto-update on any connection
Phone unlock
PIN (medium-high security)
Biometric security
    • None
SIM PIN and Card Lock
    • Not protected
Stolen Device Protection
Off
Tracker Protection
    • Off
Find my Phone
    • Off
Security & Privacy Apps
GrapheneOS built-in security with Android security preview releases, with at least a couple each month.
GrapheneOS built-in security features.
GrapheneOS features overview
Firewall & VPN Apps
None
Browser
Built-in Vanadium with hardened Webview
Password manager
None
Authenticator
None
Phone & Caller ID
Fossify Phone
Messaging
Fossify Messages
Music & Podcasts
Auxio
Photo & Video
Fossify Gallery
Entertainment
Via Vanadium
Note-taking
Fossify Notes
Cloud storage
None
Games
None
Android launcher
GrapheneOS Launcher with Android themed icons.
File and Photo backup
Automatic built-in Seedvault system backup
Manual
Subscriptions
    • None
Notable changes
GrapheneOS with lean and mean configuration.

All GOS-specific security features enabled.

Almost all Fossify apps. App updates via GOS App Store, Accrescent and Obtainium.

No Google. No bloat. No BS.

Moving to GOS was hands-down the best move I've made in tech. (y)(y):cool:
What I'm looking for?

Not looking for any feedback.

oldschool

oldschool

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I figured I'd post my Pixel 9a setup for curious minds.

App updates via GOS App Store, Accrescent and directly from source via Obtainium.

PIN scrambling enabled.

NB Moderators: Graphene has no Stolen Device Protection, no Tracker Protection but does have hardened USB protection above and beyond stock OEM Android and Apple.
 
Last edited:
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oldschool said:
I figured I'd post my Pixel 9a setup for curious minds.

App updates via GOS App Store, Accrescent and directly from source via Obtainium.

PIN scrambling enabled.

NB Moderators: Graphene has no Stolen Device Protection, no Tracker Protection but does have hardened USB protection above and beyond stock OEM Android and Apple.
Click to expand...
Congrats on running Graphene. I used to do that but then I got old and wise. I realized that no OS level protection will protect me from folks who truly want what's on my phone. So why the heck make life more inconvenient for myself?
 
Nice i also use it for years, now on pixel 10a, without any external store just the built'in one, IVPN and just replace the native keyboard with Heliboard and quik for sms, and Comaps when am lost;), and disable sensors autorisation for few apps like clock, calc.......and for my blue eyes i set simulate color space to monochromacy.
PS : imho, using grapheneos with common sense automatically level up your unverified status to advanced plus security.
PS 2 : Duress password is also a cool feature.
 
Last edited:
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cartaphilus said:
In that case I apologize; it appears that GOS has gone leaps and bounds from it's mid 2010's times where only specific apps were able to run on it.
Click to expand...
No problem. AFAIK, certain banking apps are the biggest issue for users. Oh, and Google Pay won't run.

GOS is about ready to go mainstream.
 
NB Moderators: Graphene has no Stolen Device Protection, no Tracker Protection but does have hardened USB protection above and beyond stock OEM Android and Apple.
Click to expand...

That's why I'm taking my time thinking the tag I will assign hehe...
 
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oldschool said:
I figured I'd post my Pixel 9a setup for curious minds.

App updates via GOS App Store, Accrescent and directly from source via Obtainium.

PIN scrambling enabled.

NB Moderators: Graphene has no Stolen Device Protection, no Tracker Protection but does have hardened USB protection above and beyond stock OEM Android and Apple.
Click to expand...
for USB protection as an extra level of security that does not depend on software as a control is to employ a USB charger condom when utilizing any USB device as just a charging system rather than data transfer system. The "condom" "removes" the data pins and employs only the charge pins making data exfiltration via USB extremelly difficult to impossible. I have mine on a keychain so it's always with me.
 

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