GrapheneOS Workshop: Set Up Your Privacy Phone
Learn to use a more private everyday phone
A privacy-focused phone needs to work for the things you actually do. Calls, messages, navigation, photos, and essential apps all matter when you're deciding whether to make a change.
Freedom Defense Training's GrapheneOS workshop helps you set up a compatible Google Pixel and learn how to use it confidently. You'll receive guided instruction on installation, privacy settings, essential apps, and cellular service setup using an approved device and service option.
You can begin with a second phone while you learn. The goal is to help you work toward everyday use, understand the tradeoffs, and decide when you're ready to make it your primary phone.
Course overview
Topics include:
1. Installing and verifying GrapheneOS: Follow the setup process and learn why updates, bootloader relocking, and installation verification matter.
2. Configuring your phone: Set up a screen lock, review permissions, and choose a practical starting configuration.
3. Setting up essential apps: Explore secure messaging and everyday apps, including when sandboxed Google Play may help with compatibility.
4. Activating and testing cellular service: Work through an approved service setup and test calls, text messages, and mobile data.
5. Practicing everyday tasks: Use the phone for common activities and identify important features or apps that need further testing.
6. Planning your transition: Learn how to maintain updates, preserve account recovery, and move toward primary-phone use without rushing important steps.
What you'll work toward in class
A configured GrapheneOS phone with tested cellular service and an agreed set of everyday apps, plus a checklist for continuing your transition at home. Device and service eligibility must be confirmed before class. Carrier or account issues may require additional steps outside the session.
Follow-up group session
After you've had time to use your phone, join a follow-up group session to discuss what's working, compare experiences, and address common problems. We'll help you identify practical next steps toward everyday use. Follow-up scheduling details will be provided with registration.
Who this workshop is for
Individuals who want guided help setting up a privacy-focused phone and learning how to live with it. You may be exploring a second device or preparing to replace your current phone. You should be comfortable using a smartphone, but prior operating-system installation experience is not required.
Before you enroll
- Bring a supported Google Pixel that has been approved for this workshop. A phone advertised as 'unlocked' is not automatically eligible for GrapheneOS installation.
Before purchasing a phone for this workshop, contact us with the model and seller’s listing so we can review its suitability. If you already own a Pixel, contact us for the device-check instructions.
- Installing GrapheneOS erases the phone. Back up important data and confirm access to essential accounts and recovery methods before class.
- Have your must-have apps and service needs reviewed in advance. Not every app, payment feature, accessory, or work system will be compatible.
- Keep your existing phone available while testing the new setup. Moving your primary number and fully migrating your old phone are not part of the standard classroom setup.
Equipment and service costs
Tuition covers instruction, the agreed setup scope, and the follow-up group session. The phone, cellular plan, optional subscriptions, and any purchase-assistance fee are separate unless explicitly included in your registration option. Contact Freedom Defense Training before buying a device for this workshop.
Important limitations
GrapheneOS can improve device privacy and security, but it does not make a phone anonymous or prevent a cellular carrier from observing its network connection and location. The workshop covers a defined setup and group follow-up, not unlimited technical support or guaranteed compatibility with every app.
FAQ
Can I bring any Pixel?
No. We must confirm the exact model, support status, and bootloader unlockability before class. Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are different requirements.
Can this become my main phone?
That is the goal of the training, but the decision depends on your essential apps and daily needs. You'll learn to test those needs before completing a transition.
Will my banking and work apps run?
Some may work; others may have compatibility restrictions. Identify essential apps during preflight. We cannot guarantee every app or service will work.
Is this an anonymous or untraceable phone?
No. Your service, accounts, contacts, and usage can still connect the phone to you. We'll explain what the setup does and does not protect.
Do I have to take Practical Privacy first?
No, but it is highly encouraged as many of the skills required to keep your GrapheneOS phone private are covered in the Practical Privacy class
Learn to use a more private everyday phone
A privacy-focused phone needs to work for the things you actually do. Calls, messages, navigation, photos, and essential apps all matter when you're deciding whether to make a change.
Freedom Defense Training's GrapheneOS workshop helps you set up a compatible Google Pixel and learn how to use it confidently. You'll receive guided instruction on installation, privacy settings, essential apps, and cellular service setup using an approved device and service option.
You can begin with a second phone while you learn. The goal is to help you work toward everyday use, understand the tradeoffs, and decide when you're ready to make it your primary phone.
Course overview
Topics include:
1. Installing and verifying GrapheneOS: Follow the setup process and learn why updates, bootloader relocking, and installation verification matter.
2. Configuring your phone: Set up a screen lock, review permissions, and choose a practical starting configuration.
3. Setting up essential apps: Explore secure messaging and everyday apps, including when sandboxed Google Play may help with compatibility.
4. Activating and testing cellular service: Work through an approved service setup and test calls, text messages, and mobile data.
5. Practicing everyday tasks: Use the phone for common activities and identify important features or apps that need further testing.
6. Planning your transition: Learn how to maintain updates, preserve account recovery, and move toward primary-phone use without rushing important steps.
What you'll work toward in class
A configured GrapheneOS phone with tested cellular service and an agreed set of everyday apps, plus a checklist for continuing your transition at home. Device and service eligibility must be confirmed before class. Carrier or account issues may require additional steps outside the session.
Follow-up group session
After you've had time to use your phone, join a follow-up group session to discuss what's working, compare experiences, and address common problems. We'll help you identify practical next steps toward everyday use. Follow-up scheduling details will be provided with registration.
Who this workshop is for
Individuals who want guided help setting up a privacy-focused phone and learning how to live with it. You may be exploring a second device or preparing to replace your current phone. You should be comfortable using a smartphone, but prior operating-system installation experience is not required.
Before you enroll
- Bring a supported Google Pixel that has been approved for this workshop. A phone advertised as 'unlocked' is not automatically eligible for GrapheneOS installation.
Before purchasing a phone for this workshop, contact us with the model and seller’s listing so we can review its suitability. If you already own a Pixel, contact us for the device-check instructions.
- Installing GrapheneOS erases the phone. Back up important data and confirm access to essential accounts and recovery methods before class.
- Have your must-have apps and service needs reviewed in advance. Not every app, payment feature, accessory, or work system will be compatible.
- Keep your existing phone available while testing the new setup. Moving your primary number and fully migrating your old phone are not part of the standard classroom setup.
Equipment and service costs
Tuition covers instruction, the agreed setup scope, and the follow-up group session. The phone, cellular plan, optional subscriptions, and any purchase-assistance fee are separate unless explicitly included in your registration option. Contact Freedom Defense Training before buying a device for this workshop.
Important limitations
GrapheneOS can improve device privacy and security, but it does not make a phone anonymous or prevent a cellular carrier from observing its network connection and location. The workshop covers a defined setup and group follow-up, not unlimited technical support or guaranteed compatibility with every app.
FAQ
Can I bring any Pixel?
No. We must confirm the exact model, support status, and bootloader unlockability before class. Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are different requirements.
Can this become my main phone?
That is the goal of the training, but the decision depends on your essential apps and daily needs. You'll learn to test those needs before completing a transition.
Will my banking and work apps run?
Some may work; others may have compatibility restrictions. Identify essential apps during preflight. We cannot guarantee every app or service will work.
Is this an anonymous or untraceable phone?
No. Your service, accounts, contacts, and usage can still connect the phone to you. We'll explain what the setup does and does not protect.
Do I have to take Practical Privacy first?
No, but it is highly encouraged as many of the skills required to keep your GrapheneOS phone private are covered in the Practical Privacy class