Tools · Chapter 3
De-Googled App Replacements
What to install first on a Google-free phone, and which app each one replaces.
| App | Replaces | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal | WhatsApp / SMS | Signal.org | Encrypted messaging and calls |
| Bitwarden | No password manager | F-Droid (Bitwarden repo) | Password management |
| Aegis Authenticator | Google Authenticator | F-Droid | TOTP two-factor authentication |
| Proton Mail | Gmail | Proton website | Encrypted email |
| Proton VPN | No VPN | F-Droid | Encrypted network traffic |
| Organic Maps | Google Maps | F-Droid | Offline maps, no tracking |
| Fennec / Firefox | Chrome | F-Droid | Privacy-focused browser |
| NewPipe | YouTube app | F-Droid | YouTube without Google tracking |
| Fossify Gallery | Google Photos | F-Droid | Local photo management |
| KeePassDX | No password manager | F-Droid | Alternative local-only password manager |
Reproduced verbatim from The Privacy Diet, Chapter 3 — “Essential Apps to Install First”. The book explains the reasoning behind each verdict.