GhostPixel Quick Start Guide

Welcome.

Your device is already secure. This guide will help you install your apps and get connected quickly.

Step 1: Power & Initialisation

Important: Due to our final security verification and burn-in testing prior to dispatch, your device may arrive with a fully depleted battery.

  1. Connect the Charger: Plug the device into power.
  2. Wait 10-15 Minutes: If the screen remains black, do not panic. Google Pixels require a minimum voltage before the charging icon appears on screen.
  3. Power On: Once the battery icon appears, hold the Power button to boot the device.

When you turn on the phone, you will see a yellow warning that says "Your device is loading a different operating system."

✅ This is normal.

It simply means the standard Google spyware has been removed and GrapheneOS is active.

  • Action: You don't need to do anything. It will disappear after a few seconds and the phone will turn on.

Step 2: Set Your Encryption PIN

Your PIN code does not just unlock the screen; it generates the encryption key that scrambles your data. Without a strong PIN, your privacy is at risk.

  1. Go to Settings > Security and privacy.
  2. Tap  Device Unlock > Screen lock.
  3. Choose PIN.
  4. Action: Set a PIN of at least 6 digits. (Avoid 123456 or birthdays).
  5. Set your duress password.

Duress password is paramount to professionals and those travelling frequently across high risk countries. The duress password, upon entered will wipe the entire device. Tread with caution and only use it in emergencies.

Pro Tip (GrapheneOS Exclusive):

While in this menu, look for "PIN scrambling".

  • Turn this on if you wish.
  • Why: It randomizes the position of the numbers on the keypad every time you unlock the phone. This prevents people from guessing your PIN by watching your finger movements or looking for smudge marks on the screen.

Step 3: How to get the "Play Store" (Apps)

Your phone arrives "clean." To download apps like Uber, or CommBank, you need to enable the App Store.

  1. Find the grey icon named "App Store" on your home screen and tap it.
  2. Scroll down and tap the button that says "Google Play Services".
  3. Tap "Install".

Note: This may take 1-2 minutes to download. Please wait.

  1. Once finished, press the Home Button (or swipe up).
  2. Swipe up to see your apps. You will now see the "Play Store" icon. You can now sign in and download apps just like a normal phone.

Step 4: Making Banking Apps Work

Important: Because this phone is highly secure, some banking apps (CommBank, uBank) get confused and may crash when you first open them.

Here is the easy fix:

  1. Go to Settings (The Gear Icon).
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Find your banking app (e.g., CommBank) in the list and tap it.
  4. Scroll down and tap "Exploit protection compatibility mode".
  5. Turn the switch ON.
  6. Open your banking app again. It will now work perfectly.

Step 5: Migrating Your Data (The Secure Way)

Unlike standard phones that suck your data from the Cloud (and spy on it), GrapheneOS puts you in control. We recommend manual migration to maintain your privacy air-gap.

Option A: Transferring Contacts (The .VCF Method)

This works for both iPhone and Android.

  1. On your OLD phone: Go to your Contacts App.
  2. Look for Settings/Manage > "Export to file".
  3. Select "Export to .vcf file".
  4. Send this file to your email, then open it on your GhostPixel via K9-Mail app.
  5. Open the file. It will automatically import all names and numbers.

Option B: Photos & Videos (The PC/Mac Method)The fastest and most secure way to move gigabytes of photos.

  1. Plug your OLD phone into a computer. Copy the "DCIM" (Photos) folder to your desktop.
  2. Plug your GhostPixel into the computer.Note: You must unlock the screen and select "File Transfer" from the USB notification.
  3. Drag the "DCIM" folder from your desktop onto the GhostPixel's internal storage.
  4. Done. No cloud required.

Step 6: Activating your VPN

Your internet connection needs to be secured using the Mullvad VPN included with your order.

  1. Open the Mullvad VPN app.
  2. Create an account
  3. Tap Add time > Redeem Voucher
  4. Do not try to use your email. Mullvad is private—it uses an Account Number instead.
  5. If you have a physical card: Enter the number on the back of the scratch card.
  6. If you received an email code: Copy the code from your email and paste it here.
  7. Tap "Login".
  8. Tap the big green button that says "Secure my connection".

Bonus Step: How to use Android Auto (Car Screen)

Because this phone is private by default, Android Auto is not installed out of the box. You need to install it and grant it permission to talk to your car.

Part 1: Install Android Auto

  1. Find the grey icon named "App store" on your home screen and tap it.
  2. Tap "Android Auto" in the list.
  3. Tap "Install".
  4. Wait for it to finish installing.

Part 2: Allow the Connection

Now you need to tell the phone it's okay to talk to your car.

  1. Go to back to the home screen then tap Settings > Apps.
  2. Under "General", tap Sandboxed Google Play.
  3. Tap Android Auto.
  4. Ensure all permissions (Location, Microphone, Nearby Devices) are switched ON.

Part 3: Unlock the "Car Mode" (The Secret Menu)

To make your apps (like Spotify or Maps) appear on your car screen, you need to unlock a hidden setting.

  1. Stay in the Sandboxed Google Play menu and tap Android Auto and then tap Android auto settings.
  2. Scroll to the very bottom where it says "Version".
  3. Tap the word "Version" 10 times rapidly.

You will see a pop-up saying "Developer mode enabled". Click OK.

  1. Tap the 3 Dots in the top right corner.
  2. Tap Developer Settings.
  3. Scroll down and check the box for "Unknown Sources".
  4. Restart your phone.

Part 4: (Optional) If you want Android Auto to work without having to unlock your phone each time.

  1. Tap Settings then scroll down to "Security and Privacy".
  2. Tap Exploit protection > USB-C port, Tap On

This is cautioned against and we recommend the default setting of unlocking your phone to use Android auto.

Why do I have to unlock my phone to connect?

Your GhostPixel is configured to block all data transfer while the phone is locked.

This protects you from "Juice Jacking" (hackers stealing data via public USB charging ports at airports).

Because of this security feature, your car cannot "talk" to your phone until you unlock the screen to prove it's you. Once the connection starts, you can lock the screen again.

Part 4: Connect

Plug your phone into your car via USB (or connect via Bluetooth). Your car screen should now recognize the GhostPixel.

Note: Enabling Android Auto requires granting Google permissions to see your location and car data while driving. This is a trade-off between Convenience and Privacy. Use at your own discretion.

Need Help?

If you are stuck, email support@ghostpixel.au with subject: GhostPixel after-purchase priority

Operator: Jack W.

Response Time: Same Day.