This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:19:24
The video provides a comprehensive guide on installing Graphene OS on a Google Pixel 6A, with applicable instructions for other Pixel devices. It underscores the importance of using official resources from grapheneos.org and the web installer. Key steps include enabling developer options and OEM unlocking by accessing settings and tapping the build number, ensuring connectivity to Wi-Fi, and resolving potential issues with carrier-locked devices.
The process continues with updating the Pixel device to a recent firmware version and performing a factory reset if necessary. The guide moves on to unlocking the bootloader, which requires backing up data as this action will erase the device. The use of Google Chrome is recommended for compatibility, and specific driver installations are necessary for Windows users.
The subsequent steps involve flashing the factory images to the device and then locking the bootloader to enable full verified boot. Initial setup includes configuring basic settings like language, date, and time, and creating a PIN code. To enhance security, OEM unlocking is disabled.
For beginners setting up GrapheneOS, the video recommends connecting to Wi-Fi, enabling necessary apps, and gradually enhancing privacy and security settings. The final segment covers installing the Google Play Store in a sandboxed environment, ensuring it operates like a regular app without system-level access. This setup allows users to sign in, download, and use paid apps with functionalities similar to a standard Android device.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the main goal is to install Graphene OS on a Google Pixel 6A. The process is similar for other Pixel devices. The presenter follows instructions from grapheneos.org and uses the web installer, noting that it’s a safe method. Issues may arise for some users, and tips are provided to overcome these potential problems.
Key actions include checking prerequisites such as using a supported OS and browser (notably avoiding Chromium on Ubuntu) and ensuring the browser is not in incognito mode. The installation process starts with enabling OEM unlocking by turning on developer options (found in settings under “about” and tapping the build number entry). The demonstration proceeds as if setting up a new Pixel device without a SIM card or Wi-Fi connection, opting for an offline setup, setting date and time, and establishing a PIN for good practice.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on enabling developer options and OEM unlocking on a Pixel device. The steps include navigating to settings, tapping on the build number multiple times to unlock developer options, and then enabling OEM unlocking within developer options. Critical details include the necessity of connecting to Wi-Fi to enable OEM unlocking, as the device checks with Google’s database to determine if it was sold unlocked. Issues with carrier-locked devices, particularly Verizon-branded ones, are discussed, along with advice on purchasing unlocked devices. There’s also a note that the Pixel 6A’s factory OS version might not support unlocking.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on updating a Pixel device to the June 2022 release or later via an over-the-air update and performing a factory reset to resolve the OEM unlocking issue. The speaker explains that newer Pixel devices may already have this update, avoiding the need for a reset. Detailed instructions are provided to enable OEM unlocking, including connecting to Wi-Fi, entering a PIN if set, and ensuring OEM unlocking is enabled.
Next, the process of booting into the bootloader interface is described, which involves holding the volume down button while the phone restarts. Once in the bootloader interface, the importance of using the stock USB cable to connect the phone to a computer is emphasized to avoid connectivity issues. For Windows users, installing the driver for fastboot via Windows Update is also mentioned.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the process of unlocking the bootloader on a Windows device, which involves connecting the device to a computer via USB and ensuring all necessary drivers are installed. It is crucial to back up all important data since unlocking the bootloader will erase the device and wipe all data. The speaker advises using Google Chrome for better compatibility and provides instructions to unlock the bootloader via a browser prompt and on the phone itself by using volume and power buttons.
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device state should display “unlocked.” The next step involves downloading factory images, which can take varying times based on internet speed. The speaker highlights the importance of donating to the GrapheneOS project to support developers. After downloading, the speaker instructs to flash the factory images to the device, emphasizing not to interact with the device during this process until it returns to the bootloader interface.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses several key steps involved in completing the installation and setup of Graphene OS. First, they emphasize the importance of locking the bootloader to enable full verified boot and guide viewers through the process using the device’s volume and power buttons. After successfully locking the bootloader, the next step is to boot the OS by pressing the power button with the default start option selected. The presenter reassures viewers that seeing the Google screen and then the Graphene OS boot animation is normal. Following the boot, the presenter details the initial setup, including setting language, date, time, and creating a pin code. Finally, they explain how to disable OEM unlocking by navigating to the ‘About phone’ section in settings and tapping the build number. The segment ends with the presenter reaching the Graphene OS home screen, completing the setup process.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker walks through the process of enabling and then disabling Developer Options on a device, highlighting the importance of rebooting the device after disabling OEM unlocking to ensure device protection. The speaker verifies the boot key hash during the restart, confirming that it matches. Moving on, the speaker offers advice on setting up GrapheneOS for beginners, recommending a simplified initial setup. They advise connecting to Wi-Fi, accessing the apps section, and installing the sandboxed Google Play services. The speaker emphasizes that starting with basic steps can help avoid feeling overwhelmed and suggests gradually enhancing privacy and security over time as users become more comfortable.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the process of installing Google Play Store on Graphene OS is demonstrated. The narrator explains the steps required, beginning with installing the Google Play Store, which also installs Google Play Services and Services Framework as dependencies. After a three-minute installation process, the Play Store is ready to use, either by selecting ‘Open’ or swiping up to find it. The narrator emphasizes that on Graphene OS, the Play Store is sandboxed and behaves as a normal app rather than having system-level access. Users can then sign in with their personal Gmail account or create a new one for additional privacy, allowing them to download and use paid apps. The video assures that once set up, the experience will be similar to using a standard Android device, including the functionality of notifications.