# CalyxOS

> privacy and security focused mobile operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q105543963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105543963)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CalyxOS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/calyxos

## Summary
CalyxOS is a privacy and security-focused mobile operating system designed to provide users with enhanced data protection and transparency. It is developed by the Calyx Institute as open-source software, based on Android, and emphasizes removing proprietary Google services while integrating privacy tools like microG. First released in 2020, it offers regular security updates and supports select devices such as Google Pixel phones.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: September 5, 2020.
- **Developer**: The Calyx Institute.
- **Based on**: Android (with modifications to remove Google services).
- **Latest Stable Version**: 3.6.0 (released June 9, 2022).
- **Update Method**: Over-the-air (OTA) updates.
- **Social Media Presence**: Over 22,000 followers across Twitter (14,761 as of 2023) and Mastodon (2,241 as of April 2024).
- **Open-Source**: Licensed under free and open-source software principles.
- **Supported Devices**: Primarily Google Pixel devices.

## FAQs
### Q: Is CalyxOS based on Android?
A: Yes, CalyxOS is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) but strips out Google proprietary components and adds privacy-focused features.

### Q: Does CalyxOS support Google services?
A: No, it removes Google Mobile Services (GMS) by default but allows optional installation of microG for limited Google API compatibility.

### Q: How do I install CalyxOS?
A: CalyxOS provides official installation guides and supports over-the-air updates for compatible devices like Google Pixel smartphones.

## Why It Matters
CalyxOS addresses growing concerns about data privacy and surveillance in mobile ecosystems. By stripping away Google’s proprietary services and integrating privacy tools, it offers users greater control over their data. As a free and open-source project, it promotes transparency and community-driven development, distinguishing itself from closed-source alternatives. Its regular security updates and compatibility with mainstream hardware (e.g., Pixel devices) make it a viable option for users seeking a balance between privacy and functionality. CalyxOS reflects a broader movement toward “de-Googled” Android experiences, appealing to activists, journalists, and privacy-conscious individuals.

## Notable For
- **Preinstalled on Pixel Devices**: Official support for Google Pixel hardware ensures compatibility with modern smartphones.
- **Optional microG Integration**: Allows limited functionality with Google APIs without requiring proprietary Google Play Services.
- **No Google Tracking**: Removes Google Analytics, Play Services, and other data-collection mechanisms by default.
- **Regular Security Updates**: Aligns with Android’s security patch schedule to address vulnerabilities promptly.

## Body
### Development
- **Initial Release**: The first version (2020.07.07.12) was published in July 2020, with the project formally inaugurated on September 5, 2020.
- **Lead Developer**: Maintained by the Calyx Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on privacy and digital security.
- **Codebase**: Hosted on GitLab under the “CalyxOS” group, with contributions from open-source collaborators.

### Features
- **Privacy Tools**: Includes hardened security settings, app sandboxing, and tracking protection.
- **Customization**: Offers optional installation of microG for users needing Google API compatibility (e.g., push notifications).
- **Update Mechanism**: Delivers security patches and feature updates via OTA, typically aligned with Android’s monthly security releases.

### Versions
- **Early Releases**: Version 2.9.0 (September 2021) introduced Android 11 support, while 3.1.0 (January 2022) upgraded to Android 12.
- **Recent Updates**: Version 3.6.0 (June 2022) incorporated Android 12L improvements and June 2022 security patches.

### Community
- **Communication Channels**: Engages users through a subreddit (r/CalyxOS), Twitter, and Mastodon (@calyxos@fosstodon.org).
- **Documentation**: Provides detailed guides on installation, microG configuration, and privacy best practices via its official website.

## References

1. [September Security update. 2021](https://calyxos.org/news/2021/09/09/september-update/)
2. [October Security update. 2021](https://calyxos.org/news/2021/10/08/october-update/)
3. [November Security update. 2021](https://calyxos.org/news/2021/11/08/november-update/)
4. [Changelogs. 2022](https://gitlab.com/CalyxOS/calyxos/-/blob/main/changelogs/3.1.0.md)
5. [Android 12 February 2022 Security update. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/02/09/android-12-feb-security-update/)
6. [Android 12L for Pixels. 2022](https://www.reddit.com/r/CalyxOS/comments/teahjr/android_12l_for_pixels/)
7. [April 2022 Security update - Pixels. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/04/05/april-update-pixels/)
8. [May 2022 Security update - Pixels. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/05/04/may-update-pixels/)
9. [Location indicator and Safetynet fix. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/05/07/location-safetynet-fix/)
10. [June 2022 Security update - Pixels. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/06/08/june-update-pixels/)
11. [July 2022 Security update - Pixels. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/07/08/july-update-pixels/)
12. [August Security update, Android 12L - Pixels, FP4. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/09/02/android-12L-pixels-fp4/)
13. [September Security update, Android 12L - Pixels, FP4. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/09/10/sep-android12L-pixels-fp4/)
14. [Android 13 - October Security update. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/10/07/android-13-october-update/)
15. [Another October update. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/10/13/another-october-update/)
16. [December QPR and Security update. 2022](https://calyxos.org/news/2022/12/09/december-qpr-security-update/)
17. [Another January update - Bugfixes and new features!. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/01/20/january-bugfixes-features/)
18. [March update bugfix. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/03/23/march-update-bugfix/)
19. [May update - FP4, SHIFT6mq and new Pixels. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/05/12/fp4-axolotl-new-pixels/)
20. [Feature update. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/06/02/feature-update/)
21. [NOT June 2023 Security update. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/06/08/not-june-security-update/)
22. [June 2023 Quarterly Platform Release and Security update. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/06/15/june-qpr3-security-update/)
23. [Another Android 14 update. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/11/04/another-android-14-update/)
24. [November Security update. 2023](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/11/09/november-security-update/)
25. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/11/30/november-feature-update/)
26. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2023/12/11/december-qpr1-security-update/)
27. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/01/06/january-security-update/)
28. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/02/08/february-security-update/)
29. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/03/01/android-14-for-all/)
30. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/03/08/march-qpr2-security-update/)
31. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/04/01/bugfix-update/)
32. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/04/03/april-security-update/)
33. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/04/27/april-feature-update/)
34. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/05/08/may-security-update/)
35. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/05/24/may-feature-update/)
36. [Source](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/06/21/june-qpr3-security-update-2/)
37. [July 2024 Security update. 2024](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/07/03/july-security-update/)
38. [September 2024 Security update, take two. 2024](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/09/08/september-security-update2/)
39. [Bugfix for September 2024 Feature update. 2024](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/10/04/bugfix-for-september/)
40. [October 2024 Security update, take two. 2024](https://calyxos.org/news/2024/10/11/october-security-update2/)
41. [Android 15, January 2025 Security update. 2025](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/01/08/15-january-security-update/)
42. [Android 15, February Feature update. 2025](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/02/22/15-february-feature-update/)
43. [Android 15, March 2025 Security update](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/03/13/march-security-update/)
44. [Android 15, March 2025 Quarterly Platform Release & Security update](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/03/27/march-qpr2-security-update/)
45. [April 2025 Security update - Pixel 6 - 9](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/04/11/april-security-update/)
46. [April 2025 Security update - take two](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/04/17/april-security-update2/)
47. [April 2025 Feature update](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/04/25/april-feature-update/)
48. [May 2025 Security update - Pixel 6 - 9](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/05/07/may-security-update/)
49. [May 2025 Feature update](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/05/28/may-feature-update/)
50. [June 2025 Security update](https://calyxos.org/news/2025/06/09/june-security-update/)