Comment on The Browser Wasn’t Enough, Google Wants To Control All Your Software
GriffinClaw@lemmy.zip 7 months ago
Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask, but I literally have no idea in which community this question goes.
I just got Samsung Galaxy A16, and then I learn just how controlling Google/Android is becoming. Research says I SHOULD be able to deGoogle and flash a linux OS
My question is, what linux OS should I go for? and does it have any issues I need to look out for?
You cannot do so on Samsung devices. They have disabled the ability to unlock the bootloader on their devices and therefore you cannot install custom operating systems on them anymore.
If you want to install custom software like that, you always have to do your research beforehand and choose a device that will allow you to do so.
probably will be an older model that isnt sold anymore by samsung.
Since when is this the case?
My Note 20 Ultra (US) came out like 5+ years ago and you can’t unlock the bootloader. There was a workable hack job that was possible for a little while, but even that got patched up through a firmware update back in like 2021, and there’s no way to roll back firmware anymore, either.
Dammit :(
Further reading says its most likely because European Union law 2014/53/EU which imposes new cybersecurity requirements on device manufacturers like Samsung. They must ensure that the devices they sell in Europe block the installation of unauthorized software and only run signed and approved ROMs. . Law was enforced August 01 2025.
Luckily my old phone still works (it is starting to show its age though). Gonna stretch it as long as possible. Hopefully someone will find a hack by then.
grue@lemmy.world 7 months ago
You should return your Samsung for a refund and then start over with a device from a company that’s less abusive.
GriffinClaw@lemmy.zip 7 months ago
Not possible in Third World Countries :(
ColeSloth@discuss.tchncs.de 7 months ago
In third world countries I think Samsung’s allows you to unlock the bootloader. Open developer options and see if there’s a tic box for “OEM unlock”
grue@lemmy.world 7 months ago
Well that sucks.
In that case, sell your Samsung secondhand and then start over with a device from a company that’s less abusive.