Sustainable Substitutes for Android

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google.

Reasons to avoid Android

Avoid Android due to Google’s invasive data collection, which compromises privacy by tracking location, searches, and app usage. Android lacks transparency and faces fines for secretly harvesting data.

Android’s dominance stifles competition, while frequent bloatware and forced updates reduce user control. Opt for privacy-focused, sustainable mobile operating systems instead.

Ethical and Sustainable Android Alternatives

GrapheneOS

An Android-based OS with cutting-edge security and privacy features, but limited device support.

The operating system is designed with privacy and security as core principles, and it removes all proprietary Google services and tracking libraries. This eliminates the presence of ads and data collection mechanisms by default.
GrapheneOS is completely free to download, use, and distribute. There are no fees or hidden costs associated with the software.
GrapheneOS does not require registration to install or use the operating system. You can download and install it directly on supported devices without creating an account.
GrapheneOS has minimal overhead, ensuring that battery life is maximized and energy consumption is reduced.
GrapheneOS is designed with privacy as a core principle. It removes all proprietary Google services and replaces them with open-source alternatives, minimizing unnecessary data collection and telemetry. The OS enforces strict permission controls and does not include tracking libraries, making it ideal for users who prioritize privacy.
The entire GrapheneOS project is fully open-source, allowing for independent audits, community contributions, and transparency. There are no proprietary blobs or hidden backdoors, ensuring users can verify the security and integrity of the software.
Website
iodeos logo

iodéOS

A deGoogled mobile OS based on Android, with open-source alternatives pre-installed.

iodeOS promotes hardware longevity by supporting long-term software updates for older devices, such as providing Android 13 updates for devices like the Sony Xperia XZ1. Features like smart charging (now replaced by LineageOS’s Charging Control) help prolong battery life, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability.
iodeOS is free to download and use. While the project offers pre-installed smartphones (including refurbished and modular devices) for purchase, the OS itself is available at no cost for users who wish to install it on their own devices. Paid subscriptions are available for enhanced ad-blocking features.
iodeOS does not require users to register or create an account to use the operating system. Users can download and install iodeOS on supported devices without mandatory registration.
iodeOS is designed with privacy as a core focus. It removes proprietary Google services and replaces them with open-source alternatives like MicroG. The OS also provides tools to visualize and control data transmissions from apps, ensuring users have full transparency and control over their data. The built-in blocker further enhances privacy by preventing unwanted data leaks.
iodéOS is ad-free and its built-in ad-blocking features avoid exposure to ads in third party applications.
The company Iodé is based in France.
Website

/e/OS

A privacy-focused mobile OS based on Android, developed to remove Google dependencies.

The /e/ Foundation is headquartered in France, ensuring compliance with GDPR and European privacy and labor regulations.
e/OS is free of charge. Users can download, install, and use the operating system without any licensing fees. The project is supported by the /e/ Foundation and community contributions.
/e/OS does not require users to register or create an account to use the operating system. Users can download and install /e/OS on supported devices without mandatory registration.
/e/OS promotes energy efficiency by supporting a wide range of devices, including older models. This extends the lifespan of hardware, reducing e-waste and the need for frequent upgrades. The OS is optimised to run efficiently on various devices, contributing to sustainability
The operating system is free from advertisements, providing a clean and distraction-free experience. It removes proprietary Google services and includes a built-in ad and tracker blocker, ensuring users are not exposed to advertisements or unnecessary data collection.
/e/OS is privacy-focused by design. It replaces Google services with open-source alternatives like MicroG and provides tools to minimise data collection and tracking. Features such as real-time privacy alerts, advanced tracker blocking, and the ability to control app data transmissions align with strong privacy protections.
Website

The 7 main issues with Android

Big Tech - Big Tech companies do not nourish people and planet. This is especially true in times of political tension.

Android is developed and owned by Google, one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolisation and exploitative data practices. Source: EFF: Google Search Monopoly and Privacy Concerns (2025)

Privacy Concerns - User data is likely to be stored and used against users' best interest.

Android has significant privacy concerns, including data mining and lack of user control.Wired: All the data Google’s apps collect about you and how to stop it (2021)

Lack of Transparency - Opacity in operations, data handling, or supply chains, making it difficult for users to understand practices.

Google lacks transparency in its data collection and usage practices.WCCF Tech: Google Faces $314.6 Million In Fines For Secretly Harvesting Data From Idle Android Phones, As Privacy Lawsuit Exposes Deepening Rift Over Consent And Transparency (2025)

Support of Authoritarian Regimes - Companies actively supporting, financing and legitimising regimes and unethical policies.

Google has kissed Trump's ring by donating $1 million to his inauguration. Google has updated its products and policies to align with Trump’s political views.Time: How Google Appears to Be Adapting Its Products to the Trump Presidency (2025)

AI Bloat - Service has unnecessary or harmful AI features.

Gemini is pre-installed on many Android phones, making the OS an even bigger privacy nightmare.Source: The Verge: Google is paying Samsung an ‘enormous sum’ to preinstall Gemini (2025)The Register: What does Google Gemini do with your data? Well, it's complicated... (2024)

No Carbon Neutrality Goals - No goals for carbon neutrality is a bad sign as it shows lack of commitment to holding crucial thresholds for global climate warming.

Google recently erased its Carbon Neutrality Goals in favour of massively increasing its use of Gemini in its various products. Source: Toms Hardware: Google quietly removes net-zero carbon goal from website amid rapid power-hungry AI data center buildout (2025)

Tax Avoidance - Aggressive strategies are being deployed to avoid paying taxes.

Google is known for aggressively avoiding paying taxes, so much that taxing it got its own term: "Google tax". Source: Wikipedia: Google Tax