I’m considering whether I should uninstall updates and disable Google Play Services and Google Framework Services on my bloated phone to enhance my privacy. Is it worth doing this?
Is Google Play Services merely a service or library that other apps rely on, or does it function more like spyware? What are the implications of disabling these services for my device’s functionality and overall user experience?
Ideally, yeah, you should. It’s a privacy shitshow.
The question is, will it break some of your apps and do you have an alternative? My first go to is always microG that spoofs google play services for apps that (think/claim they) need it to run.
Usually, installing microG requires 1) that you’re able to install system apps. You can probably do that if you can uninstall google services. Or, 2) that you can flash a custom ROM on your device — I know of a few ROMs that come with microG baked in:
Unfortunately, not all devices can be rooted or bootloader unlocked — thanks manufacturers! — so depending on your make and model you may be SOL in terms of that kind of control over your phone.