Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get cell service on the Above Phone?

The Above Phone works with almost all cellular service providers. 

Simply insert an activated SIM card in the phone for service. You may use your existing cell service, purchase a new service anonymously, or even use the phone without mobile service by connecting to local WiFi networks.

What is your return policy?

You may return your device within 30 days of purchase. Phones must be undamaged & in the condition you received them.

What mobile carriers can I use?

All of our phones are fully unlocked & compatible with most major phone carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, ATT) and all resellers; like Cricket, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Ting, Boost, etc* 

WiFi Calling may or may not be supported depending on your carrier.

*Sprint and Google Fi are not reported to work, however many alternative carriers are available

How long will the phones be supported?

Each device has a different support period based off of Google’s official schedule, check devices here.

Both Google and the developers of the alternative operating system provide updates to the phone. Google provides updates for the drivers, firmware, and bootloader. They also provide security updates to the operating system which are implemented by the developers of the alternate operating systems.

When Google’s official support period ends,you will only continue to get updates from the developers of the alternative operating system. This includes all the open-source components of the phone including the kernel and operating system.

After the support period ends your degoogled phone will continue to work at full functionality.

Where do I get applications?

You can get applications on your phones with the following alternative open-source application stores, you can preview these apps on your current Android device.

F-Droid – Free and open-source applications, use no Google Services
Aurora – anonymized Google Play store, uses proprietary applications that may or may not use Google Play Services

Will my favorite app work on the phone?

Each operating system has a different level of compatibility.

GrapheneOS (Completely De-Googled): Every app available on F-Droid will work, since these apps are fully open-source. Proprietary applications like those available on Aurora may or may not work depending on their dependence on Google Play Services.

CalyxOS (microG): All apps available on F-Droid, and the majority of proprietary applications available on Aurora will be supported with microG’s replacement for Google Play Services.
Lookup compatibility for specific apps: https://plexus.techlore.tech/

How am I protected from tracking?

The above.phone can protect you from three layers of mobile tracking.

The first is the tracking present on a standard apple and android phones send unique identifiers from your phone, cell service, along with personal information to Google and Apple servers. The above.phone comes with your choice of two operating systems. GrapheneOS is focused on absolute security and does not include any Google apps or services, avoiding making any connections to Google servers.

CalyxOS comes with its own compatibility layer (microG) that greatly reduces the data sent to Google while retaining functionality with apps that depend on Google Libraries.

The second is the tracking present in traditional mobile applications through analytics and advertising services. The phone utilizes Free & Open Source Applications which contain no embedded trackers. Additionally, the user has the freedom to download existing proprietary applications and control their connections.

Lastly, the above.phone protects you from cellular service tracking through several means. You can use the phone on WiFi without a SIM card. This avoids any cellular connections but you will not be able to go mobile.

If you use a cellular service you can avoid making calls and texts (which are tracked by your provider) and use encrypted communications along with a VPN to protect your internet traffic.

You have the freedom to choose how to use the phone in every instance based on your own privacy / security needs.