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wtf is android-foss?

offa/android-foss — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-06-24

10,073PythonAudience · generalComplexity · 1/5LicenseSetup · easy

TL;DR

A curated directory of free, open-source Android apps organized by category, helping you find privacy-respecting alternatives to common apps, no code to install, just browse and pick.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((android-foss))
    What It Is
      Curated app list
      No install needed
      Maintained directory
    Categories Covered
      Browsers and email
      Maps and messaging
      Games and tools
    App Stores
      F-Droid
      Aurora Store
      Obtainium
    Audience
      Privacy-minded users
      Android newcomers
    Contributing
      Pull requests
      Automated link checks

Code map

Detail Auto

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filefunction / class

Why would anyone build with this?

REASON 1

Find privacy-friendly alternatives to common Android apps like browsers, email clients, and maps.

REASON 2

Discover open-source Android apps across 20-plus categories including games, keyboards, and password managers.

REASON 3

Set up an Android device with free, open-source alternatives to Google default apps using F-Droid or Obtainium.

REASON 4

Learn about alternative Android app stores like F-Droid, Aurora Store, and Obtainium.

What's in the stack?

Python

How it stacks up

offa/android-fossacly/krita-ai-diffusionfacebookresearch/demucs
Stars10,07310,07410,074
LanguagePythonPythonPython
Setup difficultyeasyhardmoderate
Complexity1/53/53/5
Audiencegeneraldesignerresearcher

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you spin it up?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min
Free to use and share, but any modifications or derivatives must also be released under GPLv3.

Wtf does this do

This repository is a curated reference list of free and open-source Android apps, organized by category so you can find privacy-respecting alternatives to common apps. It is not a piece of software you install or run, it is a maintained directory that links to apps with their source code available for anyone to inspect. The list covers a very wide range of app types: browsers, email clients, calendars, cameras, maps, messaging apps, music players, password managers, VPNs, file managers, keyboards, launchers, and many more. It also includes sections for games (board, card, puzzle, emulator, and others), tools for rooting and recovery, and links to tutorials and guides. Each entry links to the app's source code and, where available, to its listing on F-Droid or IzzyOnDroid, which are app stores that focus on open-source software. A section at the top covers alternative app stores themselves, including F-Droid and several frontends for it, Aurora Store (which lets you install apps from the Google Play Store without a Google account), and Obtainium (which installs apps directly from their GitHub releases). The README opens with a note that Google is moving to restrict the ability to install apps from outside the Play Store, and it links to a campaign called Keep Android Open for anyone who wants to respond to that change. The list is released under the GPLv3 license and has an automated testing setup to verify that links and formatting stay in good shape. It accepts contributions through pull requests. The full README is longer than what was shown.

Yoink these prompts

Prompt 1
I want to replace all Google apps on my Android phone with open-source alternatives. Using the android-foss list, suggest privacy-respecting replacements for Gmail, Chrome, Google Maps, and the default Camera app.
Prompt 2
Help me find open-source Android apps for password management, VPN, and file management from the android-foss curated list.
Prompt 3
I want to install apps on Android without a Google account. Using android-foss as a reference, explain how Aurora Store and Obtainium work and which I should use.
Prompt 4
From the android-foss list, recommend the best open-source Android keyboards and launchers that collect no personal data.
Prompt 5
I want to contribute a new app to the android-foss list. What information do I need to include and how do I submit a pull request?

Frequently asked questions

wtf is android-foss?

A curated directory of free, open-source Android apps organized by category, helping you find privacy-respecting alternatives to common apps, no code to install, just browse and pick.

What language is android-foss written in?

Mainly Python. The stack also includes Python.

What license does android-foss use?

Free to use and share, but any modifications or derivatives must also be released under GPLv3.

How hard is android-foss to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.

Who is android-foss for?

Mainly general.

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