I have not any prior experience with installing custom ROMs, but after trying it out (and getting stuck, and googling and finding answers) I successfully did it. Below is my home screen if anybody is curious:

I use OpenBoard for my keyboard. Unfortunately I am still dependent on Play Store since some of the apps I need can only be found there. Sometimes it feels meaningless committing to this whole thing because I’m not perfectly private; then I think this is better than using a regular iPhone or Android phone.

So far I’m liking it. I am naturally inclined to feel hesitant about using this as my main phone and plugging in a SIM since it’s custom, but I’m slowly making the transition.

Feel free to share any beginners advice or your own experience using GOS for the first time. Cheers!

  • @land@lemmy.ml
    15•6 months ago

    Aurora store and F-droid will be your besties, you don’t need play store unless you have purchased something.

      • Possibly linuxEnglish
        4•6 months ago

        I personally like the F-droid app way better. It is pretty polished and has the benefit of being first party

        • The CuuuuubeEnglish
          1•6 months ago

          The latest f-droid release has been causing me headaches and I’ve switched (for the time being) to droid-ify. Which also has some headaches but no show stoppers. Of the two, I can definitely say I prefer f-droid. I hope this helps someone find what they want in an app installing app

    • @communism@lemmy.ml
      4•6 months ago

      You don’t need Play Store if you’ve purchased something. I had to use a paid app for a few years and installed it through Aurora. You can install paid apps on Aurora if you log into the google account you bought it on.