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I am helping a victim of stalking harden their smartphone.
How can I remove the following components?
1. The selfie camera
2. The microphone
3. The GPS sensor (or unsolder it if full removal isn't possible)
Thanks in advance.
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Hear me out: Unlock the bootloader and then flash a privacy hardened Android OS release on it. You can't really do much about the GPS as it's part of the SoC, but the cameras can be removed. Disabling the speakers would require physical damage or removal. Use this to get the cameras out: HMD Fusion Screen Replacement
As far as the bootloader goes HMD doesn't officially support it but if you put the phone in developer mode, put it in fastboot (hold volume down and power), then run the Android SDK tools (https://developer.android.com/tools/rele...) this phone can have it's bootloader unlocked unofficially. The command is fastboot oem unlock_factory and it's done. You will need both the HMD USB Drivers and Platform Tools (from Android SDK) to do it, not just one.
The phone will prompt you about it (and it will be wiped, but that's even SOP on Pixels), but this will let you put an OS like GrapheneOS on it (you will need to find something else; GrapheneOS is Pixel only - but use that as a benchmark. As soon as it is flashed, relock it with this command: fastboot oem lock_factory.
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Thank you so much to you and all the other responders.
@max27020 Pixel phones are designed to be bootloader unlocked, flashed and relocked. Might be worth getting a used or new Pixel 9 or 10 and then flashing GrapheneOS.
Thank you, I will look into this.
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Hi @max27020
Here's the ifixit HMD Fusion repair guide that will help you to gain access.
Still looking for a board layout to find the GPS sensor.
Just querying, if the microphones are going to be removed, how's the user going to use the phone to make/receive calls or is it going to be a text only phone?
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The GPS is on the SoC.
> Just querying, if the microphones are going to be removed, how's the user going to use the phone to make/receive calls or is it going to be a text only phone?
Good question. I recommended that the victim use an HMD button phone for calls and SMS. I find it unlikely that the stalker could break into one of those. However, a smartphone is pretty much a necessity nowadays, so a button phone is not a substitute IMHO.
If they're dealing with a persistent stalker it may be better to "go offline".
By that I mean get a new phone, new phone number and only reveal that to people that are trusted.
Disable the number forward setting in the phone so that the number will not be being sent to the called party on a call, or set it so that it will be sent to trusted numbers only. Also create a non identifiable (by name) email address if email is needed
Stay off social media, chat rooms etc etc
If possible change address to a P.O. box number or better still change address, also employment and mode of transport.
Maybe too much to ask but stalkers can become violent if they're rebuffed and an AVO (Apprehended Violence Order) in some cases doesn't deter.
They say not to be intimidated and carry on but that doesn't always work when dealing with crazy people
Thank you for your advice.
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Be easier them buying a different phone.
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That would be the case under more normal circumstances. But in situations where one is dealing with a stalker who doesn't stop, it's better to be safe than sorry IMHO.
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