A few days ago we brought you word that Google was looking to crack down on “sideloaded” Android applications. That is, software packages installed from outside of the mobile operating …
Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask, but I literally have no idea in which community this question goes.
I just got Samsung Galaxy A16, and then I learn just how controlling Google/Android is becoming. Research says I SHOULD be able to deGoogle and flash a linux OS custom Android ROM
My question is, as a beginner, which one should I go for? does it have any issues I need to look out for?
You cannot do so on Samsung devices. They have disabled the ability to unlock the bootloader on their devices and therefore you cannot install custom operating systems on them anymore.
If you want to install custom software like that, you always have to do your research beforehand and choose a device that will allow you to do so.
Luckily my old phone still works (it is starting to show its age though). Gonna stretch it as long as possible. Hopefully someone will find a hack by then.
Yeah that’s their excuse, luckily the law explicitly says that:
(19) Verification by radio equipment of the compliance of its combination with software should not be abused in order to prevent its use with software provided by independent parties.
My Note 20 Ultra (US) came out like 5+ years ago and you can’t unlock the bootloader. There was a workable hack job that was possible for a little while, but even that got patched up through a firmware update back in like 2021, and there’s no way to roll back firmware anymore, either.
I’ll also add: after DivestOS died, I got a Pixel to run GrapheneOS.
So I’ve tried that too, and it’s the best by far.
The reason for disliking LineageOS is its dependence on Aurora Store (Google Play mirror).
Maybe it has gotten better over the past year, but it was always quite buggy. Some apps wouldn’t install from Aurora, others weren’t found, it was a pain in the ass.
/e/OS uses a different app store (which is also a mirror) but tends to work much better.
Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask, but I literally have no idea in which community this question goes.
I just got Samsung Galaxy A16, and then I learn just how controlling Google/Android is becoming. Research says I SHOULD be able to deGoogle and flash a
linux OScustom Android ROMMy question is, as a beginner, which one should I go for? does it have any issues I need to look out for?
Note: Edited for clarity.
You cannot do so on Samsung devices. They have disabled the ability to unlock the bootloader on their devices and therefore you cannot install custom operating systems on them anymore.
If you want to install custom software like that, you always have to do your research beforehand and choose a device that will allow you to do so.
Since when is this the case?
Since OneUI 8.0.
Dammit :(
Further reading says its most likely because European Union law 2014/53/EU which imposes new cybersecurity requirements on device manufacturers like Samsung. They must ensure that the devices they sell in Europe block the installation of unauthorized software and only run signed and approved ROMs. . Law was enforced August 01 2025.
Luckily my old phone still works (it is starting to show its age though). Gonna stretch it as long as possible. Hopefully someone will find a hack by then.
Yeah that’s their excuse, luckily the law explicitly says that:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0053
Seems like a cheap excuse, the law doesn’t say specifically that.
But, of course, manufacturers like to lock down their devices as much as possible. And such laws play into their hands.
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My Note 20 Ultra (US) came out like 5+ years ago and you can’t unlock the bootloader. There was a workable hack job that was possible for a little while, but even that got patched up through a firmware update back in like 2021, and there’s no way to roll back firmware anymore, either.
probably will be an older model that isnt sold anymore by samsung.
You should return your Samsung for a refund and then start over with a device from a company that’s less abusive.
Not possible in Third World Countries :(
Well that sucks.
In that case, sell your Samsung secondhand and then start over with a device from a company that’s less abusive.
In third world countries I think Samsung’s allows you to unlock the bootloader. Open developer options and see if there’s a tic box for “OEM unlock”
Are you sure you’re not thinking of custom Android ROMs like LineageOS or /e/OS?
Because there are ROMs like Ubuntu Touch, but they’re less developed than the other Android ROMs.
For reference, ive tried /e/OS, LineageOS and DivestOS (RIP).
So far I felt like /e/OS was the most polished.
Your right. Thats what I meant. Ill edit the comment.
Neat.
I’ll also add: after DivestOS died, I got a Pixel to run GrapheneOS.
So I’ve tried that too, and it’s the best by far.
The reason for disliking LineageOS is its dependence on Aurora Store (Google Play mirror).
Maybe it has gotten better over the past year, but it was always quite buggy. Some apps wouldn’t install from Aurora, others weren’t found, it was a pain in the ass.
/e/OS uses a different app store (which is also a mirror) but tends to work much better.
Huh, using aurora for a few apps that aren’t foss, didn’t know there are any issues with it. I’m impressed how crisp it is.
I suppose it depends on which apps you’re trying to grab.
What does /e/OS use as an app store?
They use their own in-built all store. It works better for me than aurora (based on the state of both a year ago)
What’s it called? Can you use it on other platforms
App Lounge. No, you cannot.