I didn’t know I could use my. WireGuard profile behind rethink. Good to know! While connected to my WoreGuard I have network wide adblocking, but I was extra and had many layers of blocking enabled.

I like tinkering, but when things like restrictions from the manufacturer cime into play, it can be enough of a pain I avoid it.

Not against the idea of someone doing what they want with their hardware. That’s what got me into custom ROMs, and Linux, and Open Source projects to begin with.

I personally will not be rooting my GrapheneOS, even though once upon a time I would have jumped at the idea because of wanting a few things.

I feel it does compromise some of the security mechanisms and philosphies of GrapheneOS.

Like I said though, it’s our device, use it how we want.

I took a similar journey. I had the Pixel Pro 7, and when that broke I went to the 8 Pro.

I was on LineageOS with Root, and utilized quite a bit of root enabled apps and plugins.

• AdAway (I needed a non-vpn-like ad blocking solution, because I also used WireGuard
• WireGuard Kernel Module
• SDMaid(2?)
• A-GPS SUPLReplacer
• ReVanced (without Micro G)
• Termux
• PlayIntegrityFix
• TrickyStore
• AFWall+ (Since I didn’t want some apps making network connections)
• Custom Kernels (mainly for optimization, including but not limited to thermal issues)

I am sure there were more, in fact I know I used more but they constantly were changing because of keeping up with the cat and mouse game of passing Google’s Verification. All because I wanted control.

That was one of the biggest reasons behind root for me, to have full control over everything.

I took a step back, and decided to go down the rabbithole of using GrapheneOS, and eith a few exceptions, offered everything I was trying to accomplish with LineageOS and Root. All without the side-effects.

Do I miss having root? Yes. Would i switch back? That’s complicated. Yes and No, but really dependent on how Google decidesproceed in their endeavors of trying to lock everything down.

I don’t want another “Apple.” I am on Android because I am more of a poweruser than anyone I know in real life. I use more than just texting/messaging apps, and multimedia. I manage servers, and care about privacy, and I want to understand the inner workings of the devices I use. Bet ya can’t what family of OSs I use on my PCs? Just kidding. You already know.