Privacy-focused operating systems Compatible with Cape

GrapheneOS for Beginners 

Note: GrapheneOS is an Android-based operating system that primarily supports Google Pixel devices. It's not a direct alternative to iOS. Additionally, If the device is carrier locked following the below steps will not be successful.

Source: https://grapheneos.org/install/web

For visual learners: STOP using Google! Set up GrapheneOS instead! (ultimate guide)

Step 1: Download Graphene onto the device

    Supporting items needed: 

• A computer for running the web installer
• at least 2GB of free memory available
• 32GB of free storage space

    Step 2: Back Up Your Data

Installing GrapheneOS wipes everything on your phone. Save photos, messages, and anything else you need.

      Step 3: Unlock the Bootloader

• On your Pixel: Enable Developer Options > Turn on OEM Unlocking.
• Boot the phone into fastboot mode.
• Use your computer to run: fastboot flashing unlock.

      Step 4: Open the GrapheneOS Web Installer

• Visit: https://grapheneos.org/install/web
• Use Chrome, Brave, or Edge only (Firefox doesn’t support required APIs).

• Follow the guided steps: it downloads the OS, installs it via your browser, and re-locks the bootloader after installation.

  Step  5: Follow the Prompts to Flash the OS

• Connect your Pixel via USB.
• Allow the browser to access your device.
• The installer walks you through flashing the GrapheneOS image.
• Once done, it reboots into GrapheneOS.

CalyxOS for beginners

Recommendation: Users should set up and use Cape on the owner profile for best performance.

Before you start: CalyxOS officially supports select Pixel phones and some Fairphones. Check the official list here: https://calyxos.org/get/

Tips:

• Start with a Pixel 5, 6 or 7, which are well-supported.
• Use F-Droid for open-source apps.
• Try Aurora Store to download regular apps without a Google account.

What You’ll Need:

1. A supported device
2. A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
3. A USB cable
4. The CalyxOS Installer Tool or manual install via command line

How to install CalyxOS:

1. Visit: https://calyxos.org/install/web
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions:
   • Enable Developer Options on your phone
   • Turn on "OEM Unlocking" and "USB Debugging"
   • Connect your phone to your computer via USB
3. The web installer will:
   • Unlock your bootloader
   • Flash CalyxOS
   • Lock your bootloader again
4. Once done, your phone will reboot into CalyxOS.

LineageOS for beginners

Before you begin

• Back up everything — installing LineageOS will erase your device.
• Check if your device is officially supported: LineageOS Device List
• You’ll need a computer, a USB cable, and basic command-line knowledge.

How to Download and Install LineageOS:

Unlock Your Bootloader

• Go to Settings > About phone, tap “Build number” 7 times to enable Developer Options.
• In Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
• Use your computer to run:

  adb reboot bootloader
  fastboot oem unlock
  

Install a Custom Recovery (like TWRP)

• Download the TWRP .img file for your device: https://twrp.me/Devices/
• Flash it with: 

Download LineageOS + Optional GApps

• Go to: https://download.lineageos.org/
• Select your device and download the latest LineageOS ZIP file.
• (Optional) If you want Google apps like Play Store, also download the GApps ZIP from OpenGApps or MindTheGapps

Transfer Files to Your Device

• Boot into recovery (TWRP).
• Use ADB or a USB cable to transfer the ZIP files to your device.

Install LineageOS

• In TWRP:
  • Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Select System, Data, Cache
  • Install → Select the LineageOS ZIP
  • (Optional) Install GApps ZIP right after

Reboot and Set Up

• After installation, reboot your phone.
• Follow the setup process like you would on a new Android phone!