Oddbean new post about login | logout I use grapheneOS, but I still use Google Play to manage updating (most) of my apps. I have a Google account soley for this purpose. Suddently tonight - locked out for "unusual activity". Good reminded that these cetralized app stores can do whatever the fuck they want.
You can use Aurora instead of the Play Store and at least not to have to use your Google account. Things change when you have purchased apps or subscriptions, where you will need to show some ID to access them.
Yeah I was using Aurora previously to get around having one. I read that its technically not as secure as Google Play has some extra checks in place to help avoid malicious apps. It convinced me enough to go the route I did. But this is exactly the problem - getting randomly rugged with no appeal. Back to Aurora and Obtainium it is!
Also, if you want to put some trust into APK mirror sites like APKPure, Obtainium can install play store apps from there, and you can even bypass Aurora. But it's a little more risky.