Thread by @KYCfree

Thread:
A 'burner' phone is an essential tool for the ultra privacy conscious amongst us. Here are some great tips for ensuring your phone is truly anonymous.

1. Purchase a Google pixel device from a store & pay CASH. Don't use debit/credit cards. ~

Also avoid online retailers like Amazon. Not only do they have records of the order but they also keep IMEI records for warranty purposes. Purchasing from a physical store & paying cash will keep the purchase of the device anonymous. ~

2. Purchase a pay as you go SIM card, again paying cash. Before buying research which SIMs you can top up anonymously, either in-store via cash, or, using KYCfree #bitcoin on sites like Bitrefill. Also check how frequently the SIM will need to be topped up to keep active. ~

If using @bitrefill ensure that your account is anonymous, using a unique password & disposable email address.
3. Immediately de-Google the Pixel by flashing @CalyxOS onto the device. Calyx is one of the best privacy focussed android firmwares available & is highly recommended. ~

4. Before fitting the SIM check through the devices privacy settings. You do not want the device connecting to any personal WiFi connections, preferably never, but at least not until you're behind an anonymous VPN service like @mullvadnet. Also block connections without VPN. ~

5. Fit & activate the SIM using the prepaid top up previously purchased.
You can now continue to download apps to the device using @fdroidorg , remembering that ONLY privacy focussed, anonymous apps should ever be installed on the phone. ~

6. Remember, this is not your primary device. Use your main phone for personal apps linked to your identity. You should never install/login to ANY of these apps or services on your burner phone as this could undo all your hard work. ~

7. Its best to limit use of the device to only the usecases that you needed a burner phone for. If you do decide to use the phone for general browsing then ensure that TorBrowser is the only web client you use. This will help protect your identity from your online activities. ~

These are just a few of my personal tips. I do not claim to be an expert. Anybody with a far higher degree of understanding than me is more than welcome to weigh in & add their advice to the thread.
Good luck staying anon 👍