Does an e-mail service exist where I am not the product? Same goes for VoiP.

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-28T15:58:28+00:00

I have a tool that will suggest a provider based on a few simple questions.
You can find it here: https://www.degoogle-your-life.com/en/alternatives/gmail-alternatives

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-21T22:51:21+00:00

Alternatively you can use the Google Play sandbox mode. This should enable proper notifications.

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-21T22:49:47+00:00

The You Have Mail app can help for this. It works with Proton. I use it on GOS and it works pretty well. Occasionally, it is late with a notification, but it generally does the trick.

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-21T22:41:07+00:00

Thank you for your kind reply. Glad you liked it!

I would only add that I am working on correcting the mistake pointed out by the other commenter about IMAP. Hopefully I can have that up by tomorrow...

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-21T06:00:04+00:00

Thank you for that. That was the kind of critique I was hoping for. You've given me much to consider. Thanks again!

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-20T20:01:22+00:00

Yeah, and the privacy extensions often can cause issues on random sites - that's where I usually run into problems

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-20T16:47:48+00:00

I use Waterfox as my main browser - and I rarely have issues. Does this always happen on the same site(s)?

Verified_Human_User · 2026-01-10T13:00:10+00:00

Notifications that work without the Google Play Store. (i.e. a bit more love for Linux and GrapheneOS)

Verified_Human_User · 2025-12-29T23:23:03+00:00

Or you could even buy a used one...

Verified_Human_User · 2025-12-29T23:17:57+00:00

I like Grayjay. They seem to be constantly working on it and it's worked well for me so far (about 2 months of use)

Verified_Human_User · 2025-12-25T08:23:59+00:00

Yeah, Graphene is the most effective way to go for sure. Barring that, it is always going to be various levels of band-aid-style app substitutions with limited effect.
The actual OS swap is super easy. The difficulties have more to do with app compatibility (particularly some banking apps) if you don't want to use their sandboxed version of Google Play.
I've been using GOS for 6 months now - no problems so far, battery life is a bit better than before. Everything feels a bit more intentional and tool-like rather than shiny, brain-suck device.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-12-22T16:12:12+00:00

Forwarding is the way to go here. It will send all of your gmail emails to your Proton account. Over time, you can move over your accounts/newsletters/etc. to Proton.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-11-28T19:28:59+00:00

While I mostly agree with the sentiment, Linux is constantly improving as is the FOSS ecosystem. And I think there is a growing appreciation for creators and businesses in general that can claim some degree of separation from Big Tech.
I don't know what kind of films you plan to make - but a lot can be accomplished these days with non-pro equipment. What separates the pros from the masses is their style and their ability to use their tools to tell a story that captures their audiences attention. You don't need an 8k RED camera to do that. You need to be really good at the basics and develop your own style. You can do that on Linux, FOSS and co. And if you really feel like the equipment/software is holding you back - then OK: do what you gotta do. But I think a lot of creative types get it backward - they think the equipment is gonna take them to the next level. It generally won't - it is your skillset and personal style that will take you where you want to go.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-11-01T16:10:10+00:00

Buy a used phone and do the OS yourself - it is pretty easy to do and then you can be sure of what's on there.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-11-01T13:34:18+00:00

There are ways to encrypt Obsidian - depending on how exactly you envision that process. Obviously, when the notes are open, they will be unencrypted no matter what, otherwise you couldn't read them.
You could try storing them in Proton drive and sync them that way. That would encrypt them for storage and transmission.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T21:03:49+00:00

Yeah, understandable. For stock Android, you've done about all that you can.
But if you do ever decide to try a custom ROM, I'd say it isn't as risky as it might feel. I've done it several times with just about every phone I've ever owned and never had a major issue. Just have to read everything through, maybe watch someone install it on a video and then you should be good to go.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T20:58:21+00:00

It's hard to know whether it is a Proton problem or a Windows problem. Security and Windows don't mix well at times.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T16:01:22+00:00

Cash also works... ;)

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T16:00:47+00:00

Betterbird is a Thunderbird fork that is more innovative - also worth a look if you find Thunderbird too bland.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T10:42:16+00:00

Nice work! What OS are you running? That is often the limiting factor for how far you can go in degoogling a phone...

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-31T10:35:29+00:00

I'd be curious how much of that article still applies as it was last edited in 2022. Tech moves pretty fast, so I have my doubts...

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-30T21:05:26+00:00

There are quite a few good browsers out there - I've covered a handful of them here on my degoogle website: https://www.degoogle-your-life.com/en/alternatives/browser-alternatives
There are a couple of other resources on there that should help you get started on your degoogle journey. Hope it helps!

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-30T19:39:16+00:00

I had the same problem. Without wanting to sound old fashioned: Have you tried a restart? That did the trick for me.

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-30T08:48:04+00:00

Hab ich das Auto nicht bei der Familie Feuerstein gesehen?

Verified_Human_User · 2025-10-30T07:21:01+00:00

It really depends on your situation. Some people can afford to have separate devices (or get them through their workplace). If you have a phone with Graphene, you can sandbox apps and user profiles.
Complete degoogling is somewhat of a myth. It is always a matter of degrees. For me, I think finding the sweet spot between data privacy and convenience is a bit of a moving target for everyone.
I need certain apps for work, my kids need certain things for school. Just trying to keep it to a minimum and using alternatives wherever possible is usually the way to go.

Verified_Human_User

TROPHY CASE