DeGoogle Yourself

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A community for those that would like to get away from Google.

Here you may post anything related to DeGoogling, why we should do it or good software alternatives!

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Phone and messages replacement (lemmy.ml)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hi all,

Currently trying to DeGoogle my phone. I'm down to the last few apps. I want to replace the Phone and Messages apps.

I tried the Fossify versions from FDroid but was met with mixed problems. The first is the phone app. The Fossify version doesn't have Spam call warnings like the Google version. The Fossify version also doesn't have a voicemail button, not really a deal breaker but nice to have.

Second was a bigger problem though, the messages app. At first it seemed to work, but couldn't send pictures after a short time. I usually send picture links anyway so not the worst but kind of annoying. After a while I would start getting delays in receiving standard SMS messages and finally wasn't able to send any messages at all. I switched back to Google messages and everything worked flawlessly immediately. Also I turned off RCS in Google messages prior to switching.

If any of you could recommend a good SMS/Phone app i would appreciate it.

QKSMS is unmaintained as are a lot of other SMS apps in the stores.
I've got a Pixel 7 with the stock OS, but will be moving to LineageOS soon.
I use Signal when I can, but I have clients that I can't simply request they use a whole separate app just for me.
Using T-Mobile

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Afaik, only google dialer and samsung support RCS. This is a limitation imposed by google.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

E2EE is an extension of RCS that's controlled by google, they don't control the basic RCS standard though. I believe anyone can implement RCS in their messaging app and the GSMA will probably roll E2EE into the standard at some point. RCS is carrier dependent (all three major US carriers are supporting it) and you've got to have a data plan instead of good old SMS going over regular cell service.

Oh yeah, +1 for Quik SMS. It's the best I've found

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Regardless of all that, there are no other (open source) RCS clients on android because of google.