iodéOS includes a set of carefully selected, privacy-respecting applications and services to offer a complete, de-Googled Android experience.
System & Privacy Tools
- iodé App: A central hub for monitoring and controlling data transmissions. It functions as a firewall and ad/tracker blocker, allowing users to audit app behaviors and block unwanted connections. It has many additional features such as parental control options and customized blockings we will cover in other sections.
- MicroG: An open-source replacement for Google Play Services, enabling functionalities like push notifications and location services without the associated data collection.
Core Applications
- iodé Browser: Based on Firefox, this browser has telemetry disabled and trackers removed. It offers alternative search engines like Startpage, Qwant, and Searx instances.
- Thunderbird for Android: A robust, open-source email client that respects user privacy.
- Fossify Messages: An open-source SMS app supporting features like group messaging, MMS, and message backup, all without unnecessary data collection.
- HeliBoard: An AOSP-based keyboard that operates without Google binaries, ensuring no data is sent to external servers.
- Aperture Camera: A feature-rich, open-source camera application from LineageOS, free from proprietary code and telemetry.
Navigation & Utilities
- Magic Earth Navigation & Maps: Utilizes OpenStreetMap data for navigation, avoiding Google Maps and its associated data collection.
- Geometric Weather: An open-source weather app that allows users to select different weather providers, minimizing reliance on any single data source. iodé
- Carnet: A note-taking app that stores data locally, ensuring user notes are not uploaded to external servers.
App Stores
- F-Droid: An app store hosting exclusively open-source applications, allowing users to install apps without compromising privacy.
- Aurora Store: An alternative to Google Play Store, enabling users to download apps anonymously. It provides details about in-app trackers and allows for location spoofing.
Document & Media
- Camelot PDF Viewer: A secure, open-source PDF reader that replaces the outdated PdfViewerPlus, ensuring continued security updates.
- Twelve Music App: A new addition in iodéOS 6, this open-source music player allows users to enjoy media without background data transmissions.
Customization & Control
During the initial setup of iodéOS, users have the option to select which of these apps to install, allowing for a tailored experience. Furthermore, any preinstalled app can be uninstalled post-setup, ensuring users maintain full control over their device’s software.
Aurora Store
Aurora Store allows you to download apps from Google Play without a Google account. It offers features such as anonymous login, viewing in-app trackers, spoofing device information, and accessing paid apps linked to your Google account.
To use Aurora Store:
- Open the app.
- Choose between anonymous login or using your Google account.
- Browse and install applications as you would in the Play Store.
F-Droid Store
F-Droid exclusively offers open-source applications, ensuring transparency and privacy. iodéOS has added its own repository to F-Droid, providing additional apps optimized for the system.
To install apps via F-Droid:
- Launch the F-Droid app.
- Browse available categories or search directly.
- Install applications with a single tap.
- (Optional) Enable automatic updates.
Installing via an APK file
If an app is not available in Aurora Store or F-Droid, you can install it manually via an APK file. Proceed with caution and only download APKs from trusted sources.
To install an APK:
- Download the APK file.
- Launch the APK File and click “Allow”.
Managing Installed Applications
To uninstall preinstalled apps added by iodé:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Preinstalled apps.
- Click the bin icon to uninstall.
For applications you installed manually through an APK file or any application store:
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
- Select the app you want to remove.
- Tap Uninstall.
