FOSS Apps
Free and open-source software (FOSS) is software available under a license that grants users the right to use, modify, and distribute the software. This transparency normally leads to better privacy and security.
How to install FOSS apps?
Section titled “How to install FOSS apps?”Most of these apps are available on F-Droid, an app store for FOSS applications. You can also get them from GitHub directly. See the Droid-ify section below for a better F-Droid client.
An uninstall tool to debloat your Android device without root.
- The Problem: Phones come with Facebook, Netflix, and Carrier apps installed as “System Apps” that you can’t uninstall.
- The Solution: Canta uses Shizuku (ADB) to forcibly uninstall these packages for the current user.
A minimal, material design audiobook player.
- Why use it: Simple folder-based library. It remembers exactly where you left off. No subscriptions, just plays your local
.mp3or.m4bfiles perfectly.
The new standard for basic mobile tools (Gallery, Phone, Contacts, Calculator, Clock).
- Context: These are forks of the popular “Simple Mobile Tools”. The original developer sold the apps to ZipoApps (an adware company), and they are now filled with subscriptions and ads.
- Why use it: Fossify is the original, clean, open-source code maintained by the community. Do not download “Simple Gallery” from the Play Store anymore.
A native Android client for GitLab.
- Why use it: The web interface for GitLab on mobile is clunky. LabNex provides a smooth native experience for managing your code, reviewing merge requests, and checking CI/CD pipelines.
A home screen replacement based on the Pixel Launcher.
- Why use it: It gives you the “Google Pixel” look and feel on any phone (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.).
- Features: It has the “At a Glance” widget and supports Google Discover (with a plugin), but adds heavy customization options like icon packs, hiding apps, and gesture controls.
A local DNS resolver and firewall.
- Firewall: Android (surprisingly) has no built-in way to block an app from accessing the internet. RethinkDNS allows you to block internet access for specific apps (e.g., block a single-player game from showing ads or an offline calculator from tracking you).
- DNS: It can encrypt your DNS queries (DoH/DoT) to hide your browsing history from your ISP.
A modern client for F-Droid.
- The Problem: The official F-Droid app is old, slow, and clunky.
- The Solution: Droid-ify looks like the Play Store (Material You). It updates repositories faster and installs apps more reliably.
The definitive media player.
- Why use it: Plays everything. Network stream support means you can stream videos from your PC (SMB/FTP) to your phone easily.
A lightweight SMS app.
- Why use it: A database-free, telemetry-free SMS app. It does one thing and does it well.
The magic tool for power users.
- What it is: It allows regular apps to use system APIs (ADB rights) without root.
- How to use: You enable “Wireless Debugging” in Developer Options, pair it with Shizuku, and start the service.
- Benefit: Enables powerful apps like Canta (debloat), SwiftBackup (batch backup), and Droid-ify (seamless updates) to work without rooting your phone.
Get app updates directly from the source.
- The Problem: F-Droid builds happen on their server, so updates can be delayed by days or weeks.
- The Solution: Obtainium checks the GitHub/GitLab “Releases” page of an app and downloads the APK directly from the developer as soon as it’s out. Ideal for fast-updating apps.