Operating System
GrapheneOS
Hardened Android operating system with strong security and privacy features
GrapheneOS offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the operating system space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.
Overview
GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused mobile operating system based on Android that provides strong security hardening and privacy features. The operating system is designed for maximum security with features like verified boot, strong app isolation, and regular security updates. GrapheneOS removes Google services and provides a minimal base system that users can customize. The operating system includes security features like hardened memory allocator, network security hardening, and improved sandboxing. GrapheneOS is available for Google Pixel devices and provides timely security updates. The operating system is open source and developed by the GrapheneOS project. GrapheneOS emphasizes security research and has been independently audited. The system is free to use and can be installed on supported Pixel devices. GrapheneOS is particularly suitable for users who need strong security and privacy on mobile devices.
Privacy highlight
Security-hardened mobile OS with no . Strong security features and regular updates. with independent security audits.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Desktop, Laptop
- Technical:
- Advanced
- :
- No
- :
- No telemetry
- :
- Yes
- Open-source status:
- Fully open source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Operating system focused on security and privacy.
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- AES-256, ,
- GrapheneOS uses Android's built-in mechanisms with additional hardening. The operating system supports full-disk , file-based , and hardware-backed key storage. keys are managed by the Android KeyStore system with enhanced security. GrapheneOS includes security features like hardened memory allocator and improved . The operating system uses verified boot and . Users do not need to manage keys manually as is handled automatically by the system.
- Offline support
- Yes
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- No telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- GrapheneOS does not collect data. The operating system does not include or code. GrapheneOS does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor device activity. The operating system is designed for maximum privacy and security with no . Users have complete control over their devices and data.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- GrapheneOS is developed by the GrapheneOS project. The operating system does not collect or store user data, so there is minimal data residency concern. GrapheneOS operates locally on user devices without cloud services. The project operates under Canadian privacy laws and complies with GDPR for European users.
- GrapheneOS does not retain user data. The operating system does not collect or store personal information, device identifiers, or usage data. GrapheneOS operates locally on user devices without cloud services that would retain data. Users have complete control over their data as it remains on their devices.
- Legal frameworks
- Revenue sources
- Donations
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 92
- Trust score
- 92
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 95, Audits: 90, Open source: 95, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 85, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 75, Performance: 85, Family friendly: 80
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- none
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 4
- Accessibility features
- Operating system with accessibility features including keyboard navigation and screen reader support
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- Device migration tools, Data export
- Factory reset, Recovery mode
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