Frequently Asked Questions

Pixels are the only phones officially supported by GrapheneOS. They have the Titan M2 security chip and verified boot support that makes OS hardening actually meaningful. Other Android phones don't have the hardware security guarantees that make this work properly.

GrapheneOS is a hardened, privacy-focused version of Android. It removes all Google tracking and telemetry, adds significant security improvements, and gives you much more control over what your phone does and doesn't share. It's open source, actively maintained, and widely regarded as the most secure mobile OS available to consumers.

Yes. GrapheneOS includes Sandboxed Google Play, a way to run standard Android apps in an isolated environment so they can't access the rest of your phone. Most apps work normally, including banking, streaming, navigation and social media. Occasionally an app may behave differently - if that happens, get in touch and we'll help you sort it out.

Google's tracking infrastructure is removed. If you use Sandboxed Google Play, those apps operate inside a sandbox with significantly reduced access compared to a standard Android phone - no special system privileges over your device.

Only what's needed to fulfil your order - name, shipping address, payment details (handled by Shopify/Stripe, not stored by us). There's no account system, no telemetry from your phone back to us, and no ongoing data relationship. Once your phone ships, what you do with it is entirely your business.

Hardening means reducing the number of ways your device can be attacked or exploited. On a standard phone, a lot of features and permissions are enabled by default because it's convenient - hardening turns off or restricts what isn't needed, tightens app permissions, limits what sensors and radios can do in the background, and adds extra layers between apps and your data. The result is a phone that leaks less and is harder to compromise.

Your carrier can see that your phone is connected to their network and which towers it connects to - that's unavoidable with any SIM-based phone. What they can't see is the content of your encrypted communications, your browsing over a VPN, or what apps you're using. GrapheneOS reduces what your device broadcasts, but it doesn't make you invisible to network-level surveillance. If that's your threat model, the onboarding call for Elite customers covers this in more detail.

Each phone is set up by hand before it ships. As a general guide, allow up to 7 business days from order to dispatch - this is an estimate and may vary. Once shipped, delivery time depends on your location. You'll receive tracking once it's on its way. If you have a specific deadline, get in touch before ordering and we'll give you an honest picture of where things are at.

Currently shipping within Australia. International shipping is something being worked toward - if you're overseas and interested, send an email and it may be possible to work something out depending on your location.

All sales are final once a phone has shipped. Each phone is built and configured to order, so change-of-mind returns are not available. There are also privacy and security reasons we don't accept phones back - a returned device could contain sensitive personal data, and we have no way to verify its state or history. If your phone arrives with a genuine manufacturing defect, get in touch and we'll assess it in line with your rights under Australian Consumer Law. We don't offer refunds or returns outside of that.

No. That's the whole point. The phone is set up before it ships and comes with plain-English guides covering everything you need to get started. If you can use a normal smartphone, you can use this one. The hard part has already been done.

Yes. You can install apps through Sandboxed Google Play just like a regular Android phone, or through the Aurora Store, a privacy-respecting Google Play front-end, which is included. You have full control over what goes on your phone.

GrapheneOS receives regular security updates delivered over-the-air. When an update is ready you'll get a notification - tap to install. No technical knowledge needed.

Contacts, photos, and files can be transferred manually. There's no Google backup restore by design - you move what you need across yourself. For Elite package customers, the onboarding call can walk through this process with you directly.

No. The phone ships without a SIM - you'll need to supply your own. Any standard Australian SIM will work, including eSIM if you prefer to avoid a physical card.

Prepaid SIMs purchased with cash reduce the data trail compared to a contract plan tied to your name and address. Your carrier will always know which towers your phone connects to - that's unavoidable - but a prepaid plan limits how much personal information is attached to your number. Most prepaid SIMs from major Australian MVNOs work fine on a Pixel.

No. A free Proton account is enough to use every app on your phone. VPN and Authenticator are fully featured at no cost. Mail, Drive, Pass and Calendar all work on the free tier. If you want more storage or faster VPN speeds, you can upgrade directly through Proton. Silent Signal doesn't sell Proton subscriptions and doesn't make money from them.

Proton uses end-to-end encryption, which means they cannot access your account or reset your password on your behalf. If you lose your password without a recovery method set up, your data cannot be recovered. This is by design - it means nobody else can access it either. Set up a recovery option when you create your account.

Yes. You don't have to switch. Your Proton Mail address is there when you want it - use it alongside your existing email as much or as little as you like. Most people start by using it for new accounts and move across gradually.

No. Proton is a fully independent Swiss company. Silent Signal pre-installs and configures their apps, but your Proton account is entirely separate. We don't have access to your account, your emails, or anything stored in Proton.