Operating System
CalyxOS
Privacy-focused Android operating system with microG and GrapheneOS security
CalyxOS is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Overview
CalyxOS is a privacy-focused mobile operating system that you can install on your phone instead of regular Android. It removes all the Google services and tracking from Android, giving you a phone that respects your privacy. CalyxOS includes security features like verified boot, which makes sure your phone hasn't been tampered with, and automatic security updates to keep your phone safe. The operating system is free, open source, and developed by a non-profit organization called the Calyx Institute. CalyxOS works best on Google Pixel phones, and it gets regular updates. It's perfect for people who want a secure, private smartphone without all the tracking that comes with regular Android.
Privacy highlight
Privacy-focused mobile OS with no . De-Googled Android with verified boot and automatic updates. and strong security hardening.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- 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, ,
- CalyxOS uses Android's built-in mechanisms including full-disk and file-based . The operating system supports hardware-backed key storage when available. keys are managed by the Android KeyStore system. CalyxOS includes additional security hardening beyond standard Android. The operating system uses verified boot and features. 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
- CalyxOS does not collect data by default. The operating system does not include or code. CalyxOS does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor device activity. The operating system is designed to minimize and provide users with privacy. Users have complete control over any optional features.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- CalyxOS is developed by the Calyx Institute, which is based in the United States. The operating system does not collect or store user data, so there is minimal data residency concern. CalyxOS operates locally on user devices without cloud services. The Calyx Institute operates under US privacy laws and complies with GDPR for European users.
- CalyxOS does not retain user data. The operating system does not collect or store personal information, device identifiers, or usage data. CalyxOS 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
- GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
- Revenue sources
- Donations, Hardware sales
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 90
- Trust score
- 88
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 90, Audits: 80, Open source: 90, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 70, Transparency: 85, Trackers: 95
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 80, Performance: 85, Family friendly: 85
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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