Introduction:

Today, we're looking at MicroG, an open-source alternative to Google's proprietary applications. MicroG frees your phone from Google's framework and provides many other advantages, ranging from enhanced privacy to lower resource utilization.

Prerequisites:

Before we kick off the installation process, make sure you have the following:

  • OnePlus 8 Pro (code name: instantnoodlep): Charged and ready for the flash.
  • Backup: Back up your important data, as the installation process involves wiping your device.
  • Unlocked Bootloader (skip it if you have already done so): Ensure your device's bootloader is unlocked.
  • Custom Recovery: Install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) on your OnePlus 8 Pro to backup fingerprint + IMEI baseboard information in case the flash goes wrong, make a copy of it somewhere other than your phone.
  • Plus basic requirements from the official LineageOS Wiki guide.

Download:

LineageOS for microG homepage page and Q&A you should also read about: https://lineage.microg.org/

Download all the necessary fire from here: https://download.lineage.microg.org/instantnoodlep/ (you should download everything )

Installation process:

Because microG is based on LineageOS, most of the guides are already made in the OnePlus Pro LineageOS Wiki, the next step just will be to follow the installation guide carefully: https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/instantnoodlep/install/ . Please do not follow those downloading links, and only flash the files (dtbo, vbmeta, recovery) that you downloaded file from the step above. Also, ignore the add-on and Google Apps add-on package-related sections. Tips: use this command to reboot into recovery after finishing flashing fastboot reboot recovery.

Thought for using it:

After the first boot (BTW, it is a really fast boot time), While the journey might feel like a step away from the familiar Oxygen OS, in turn of the theme option, indeed, the MicroG version of LineageOS I feel like a downgrade from the sleekness of Oxygen OS. On the other hand, the beauty of Android lies in its versatility. While the MicroG version may not be perfect out of the box, you have the power to tailor it to your liking. When I use it I note this, especially if you're a GPS for Maps, is that the GPS function may require a bit of configuration. You might find yourself downloading additional GPS backend services to enhance the accuracy and functionality. Other than that, I think it's really interesting and fun to try out something without Google backend services, and you still can use the Google services dependence apps.