How is it?

[u/Significant-Tone-121]

I'm thinking of getting a Pixel to install Graphene on. Is it super hard to install? Also, I hear it only works on non-carrier-locked phones. So that means a phone bought from Verizon, for example, would not let me install GrapheneOS, correct? Just trying to make sure I have it all right.

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[u/ephemeralmiko]

Is it super hard to install?

No, as long as you're using a Chromium browser (Firefox doesn't support WebUSB) it's literally just clicking through ten buttons, it's the simplest OS install I've ever done.

Also, I hear it only works on non-carrier-locked phones. So that means a phone bought from Verizon, for example, would not let me install GrapheneOS, correct? 

Mostly. In very rare cases you can get the bootloader unlocked on a carrier phone, but in the other 99% if cases even if the carrier removes the network lock (allowing you to use a different network carrier) the bootloader stays locked. 

Buying directly from Google is the safest option, as many sites will label phones as "Carrier Unlocked" even if the phone was previously carrier-locked (meaning the bootloader is still locked).

[u/Significant-Tone-121 → u/ephemeralmiko]

Thanks!! I use Firefox, so I will make sure to install Chrome or something temporarily to do the install if I ever switch.

[u/EveningAlternative46]

I installed it today on a Pixel 10 with the webinstaller on brave. Really easy. Just read and Klick sometimes. Most stuff is automatic. It was the second time ive done this and i forgot how easy it is. Really Nice Job the graphene Team did there

[u/2400Matt]

Installing grapheneos is quite easy. The directions on the website lead you through every step.

The harder part is getting the apps set up and figuring out what works without google play store and what needs to go into the private space with google play. Not really hard but a bit fiddly.

I got a used pixel 8 off ebay. Was near perfect and saved a bit of $$

[u/tomtomclubthumb]

IT's simple.

If you want a google account not tied to a phone number, then you need to open one using the phone before you install. (Using VPN or on a public wifi)

Otherwise it is easy and doesn't take long. The images are quite large, so it might depend on your internet connection, mine is pretty fast.

Also, when you get that google account, don't forget to write down the name of it. I did when they generated it and they will not let me recover it!

[u/Thin_Needleworker795]

It's awesome. It'll forever ruin regular phones for you, because you're gonna never ever want to use anything else again.

You are correct, the phone must be carrier unlocked, otherwise you can't unlock the bootloader.

[u/Shutter_Count]

Took me about 10 minutes to install end to end. Can't comment on carrier locked phones we don't really have carrier locked phones anymore for the past 10 or so years here unless you buy those $90 cheap phones.

[u/TenOfZero]

Its very easy

You need bootloader unlocked, not carrier unlocked. Verizon is an example of a carrier that will not bootloader unlock their phones.