How does Google know I have a Pixel 5?

/e/OS Foundation & Community Data Privacy
1

Hi Folks, Not so long ago I purchased a Pix 5 and immediately installed /e/is - naturally.

I’ve recently been reauthenticating a number of Google accounts I have. In the process, one of the authentication methods Google asks me to complete is to tap on a number on my Pixel 5…

Needless to say, that doesn’t work - Google isn’t on my phone, right?

So, how has Google come to know I have a Pixel 5!!!???

Thanks for listening,
M

Regain your privacy! Adopt /e/OS the deGoogled mobile OS and online servicesphone

2

the default still is to enable microg and talk to Google - did you ever (try to) authenticate on the phone or used the account?

microg (the play services surrogate) sends stripped device identifiers where the brand+model can be derived - Anonymous calls to Google servers (either device reg. or the google account management/sign-in)

3

Maybe because you use a Pixel 5 to connect a server they own.

Your device is not a random device, it have a fingerprint and a IMEI

4

Could the answer be that I’ve been logged into a Google Account on Fennec - which I’ve just noticed while logging in to clean up another account with Google…? (Otherwise, I don’t believe I’ve ever logged into Google on this phone - I’ve only had it a few months and I haven’t used a GA for the App Lounge.)

Could the IMEI leak through Fennec?

5

Surfing the web could be enought…

6

Cussed Pirates!!!

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You can check the fingerprint using the “devcheck” app in the system rubrique.

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