Additionnally, you can use Shelter or Insular, which use the work profile feature of Android to create a separate isolated “Island” that cannot access the data (pictures, contacts, etc.) in your main profile.
I suggest you install the apps that are hostile to privacy in Shelter or Insular. Then, as suggested by @frank.bxl you can add Tracker Control to Shelter (or Insular) in order to more efficiently block trackers. You can also install F-droid or the /e/ app store in Shelter in order to keep the apps updated.
If you want to know which trackers are present in a given app, use ClassyShark3xodus.
As a final word, I suggest you try convincing your friends to use Signal. The main points in favor of Signal are that :
- It is open source
- It is end-to-en encrypted
- It is a non-profit
- It does not exploit your metadata to generate profit
- It supports images, videos, audio calls, groups, emoji, etc.
In summary, it is a better, privacy-respecting messenger app.
I patiently explained this to my friends and others and most of them agreed to switch to Signal. Why should you compromise your privacy if there is a better alternative ?