Installing GrapheneOS the Easy Way

2 min read 6 months ago
Published on Apr 21, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

How to Install GrapheneOS on Your Pixel Phone

Step 1: Preparing Your Pixel Phone

  1. Ensure your Pixel phone is OEM unlocked. This is different from carrier unlocked and is necessary for installing GrapheneOS.
  2. Find a compatible device by checking base.win or similar websites.

Step 2: Provisioning Process

  1. Start with the initial setup of regular stock Android on your Pixel phone.
  2. Back up all your data before proceeding.
  3. Enable Developer Mode by tapping on the build number in "About Phone" five times.
  4. In Developer Options, enable OEM unlocking on your device.
  5. Restart your phone to put it into fastboot mode.

Step 3: Connecting Your Phone to Computer

  1. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.
  2. Ensure you have the necessary drivers installed on your computer.
  3. Reboot your phone into fastboot mode.
  4. Hold down the necessary keys to enter fastboot mode.

Step 4: Installing GrapheneOS

  1. Visit grapheneos.org using a supported browser on your computer.
  2. Click on the link to list your phone and then click "Connect."
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader on your phone.
  4. Download the correct release file from the website.
  5. Flash the release to your phone using the GrapheneOS web app.

Step 5: Locking the Bootloader

  1. Scroll up to the menu on your phone and press power to lock the bootloader.
  2. Your phone will now load the new operating system.
  3. You should see the regular Google boot screen followed by the GrapheneOS splash screen.

Step 6: Finalizing the Setup

  1. Go to "About Phone" and enable Developer Options again.
  2. Untick the "Use Developer Options" setting.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed GrapheneOS on your Pixel phone, making it one of the most secure and private mobile setups available. Enjoy your new based phone with enhanced security and privacy features.