A guide to The Phone

Manual.

Hey there. Congratulations on taking the step to use a phone designed to empower you to live in real life.

This is your guide for setting up, using, and troubleshooting The Phone. Throughout the guide, linked headings jump to the matching moment in the setup video.

Start here

A full walkthrough of setting up and using The Phone.

Quickstart guide

Bootup and startup wizard

Why is there an ‘installing OS’ screen?

On bootup you will see an ‘installing OS’ screen. Not to worry. This is the hardware manufacturer’s way of indicating that you are using a different operating system than the one originally installed. That operating system is OdysseyOS, the core of The Phone.

Startup wizard

The startup wizard will guide you through setting up The Phone step by step. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to Wi-Fi, set your security preferences, and personalise your device. Watch this step.

Allowing permissions

We explicitly ask you to grant the permissions necessary to operate your device. We operate on a policy of data minimization, meaning we collect only what is needed for The Phone to function properly. Currently we collect only Firebase Analytics and Firebase Crashlytics data. Watch this step.

Inserting your SIM or eSIM

Watch this section.

Inserting a physical SIM card

  1. Locate the SIM card tray on the side of the phone.
  2. Use a SIM ejector tool, or a paperclip, to gently push into the small hole next to the tray. The tray will pop out.
  3. Place the SIM card into the tray, ensuring it aligns with the shape of the slot.
  4. Insert the tray back into the phone and ensure it is securely in place.
  5. Your phone should automatically detect the SIM and connect to your carrier’s network. If not, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs to configure it manually.

Setting up an eSIM

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
  2. Toggle on eSIM support and restart your phone.
  3. Tap Add SIM and select Download a SIM instead.
  4. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier, or enter the activation code manually.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  6. Restart your phone if needed.

Switching from an iPhone or Android? Deregister from iMessage and RCS before you move your SIM, or your group texts will break. Read the Messaging Setup guide first.

microG

The Phone is de-Googled by default. This comes with significant privacy advantages. However, some apps need a suite of features called Google Play Services to operate. Watch this section.

Think of The Phone as a house, where the overall structure is the operating system and the appliances are the apps. While the appliances can be installed any time within the home, many of them need electricity to function. In this example, Google Play Services are the electricity that helps many of your apps work correctly.

We use an open-source implementation of Google Play Services called microG. While it does not fully replicate Play Services functionality, it addresses a majority of its features and is constantly improving. Read more in Appendix A below.

Recommended system apps

We provide total privacy out of the box, with minimal pre-installed services. If you want to expand the phone’s functionality, we recommend installing these from the app store:

Device anatomy

The Phone runs on refurbished Google Pixel hardware. Use these diagrams to locate the SIM tray, buttons, ports and cameras on your model.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 — front and back
Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 — front and back

Charging the device

  1. Use a USB-C charging cable and power adapter.
  2. Insert the USB-C end into the charging port of The Phone.
  3. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
  4. A charging indicator will appear on the screen. If the phone is off, a battery icon will display.

For fast charging, use a compatible power adapter. USB PD is recommended.

Powering on and off

To turn on The Phone

  1. Press and hold the power button, located on the right side, for a few seconds.
  2. Release when the screen lights up and the boot logo appears.

To turn off The Phone

  1. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
  2. Tap Power off and confirm if prompted.

To restart The Phone

  1. Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
  2. Tap Restart and wait for the device to reboot.

Screen layout

The Phone’s screen is designed for efficiency and simplicity.

  • Status bar: displays battery life, signal strength, Wi-Fi status, time, and notifications.
  • Dropdown menu: swipe down from the top of the screen to access quick settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and brightness control.
  • Gestures: navigate your phone using intuitive swipes. Watch this step.

Core functions

Home screen

The home screen is a running list of your notifications. You can monitor, interact with, and clear them as needed, giving you better control over your phone’s activity. Watch this section.

App drawer

The app drawer organises your installed apps. Watch this section.

  • Press and hold an app to delete or hide it.
  • To view hidden apps, press and hold the ‘Applications’ label at the top of the app drawer.
  • To close the hidden apps drawer, press and hold the label again.
  • A built-in QR code reader is accessible via the top of the app drawer and in the camera app.

App store

The app store provides communication and utility apps. Watch this section.

  • Communication apps: messaging, voice, and video interactions.
  • Utility apps: mapping, audio, personal finance, IoT, and some productivity apps.

Some apps are not included because they contain distracting or unsupported features — for example, Microsoft Outlook’s news feed.

Sandwich bar

Access the bug report button and the dark mode / light mode toggle from the sandwich button located at the top left of the home screen. Watch this section.

Bug reporting: if you experience a bug or have feature suggestions, submit them via the sandwich bar on the home screen.

Messaging

The Phone comes with an SMS app pre-installed. Additional messaging apps like WhatsApp, Slack, and Signal can be downloaded.

Our preferred messaging app is Beeper, which consolidates multiple chat networks into one encrypted inbox, supporting WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, X, Android SMS, Google Messages, Telegram, Signal, LinkedIn, Slack, Google Chat, IRC, Discord, and Matrix.

Internet

The Phone uses Perplexity to provide text-only search results. This method, called an answer engine, offers quick answers without the distractions of traditional web browsing. Watch this section.

Perplexity may sometimes provide incorrect or outdated information. Always verify critical details.

Personal profile

Currently the personal profile allows you to manage and share contact details. Future updates will enhance control over digital identity and authentication settings. Watch this section.

Hidden browser

For handling QR code scans and opening links, we include a hidden browser that blocks over 3,000,000 NSFW sites. This browser is only accessible when needed.

Settings and customisation

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Connecting to Wi-Fi

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
  2. Toggle Wi-Fi on.
  3. Select your network from the list.
  4. Enter the password and tap Connect.

Pairing Bluetooth devices

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Bluetooth.
  2. Toggle Bluetooth on.
  3. Tap Pair New Device and select your device from the list.
  4. Confirm pairing, entering a PIN if required.

Sound and display

Adjusting volume

  1. Use the physical volume buttons on the side of your device.
  2. For finer control, go to Settings > Sound > Volume and adjust the sliders for media, calls, and alarms.

Wallpaper

  1. Choose from the preloaded options, or select My Photos to use your own image.
  2. Tap Set Wallpaper to confirm.

Security

Setting a PIN or password

  1. Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock.
  2. Choose PIN or Password and follow the prompts to set it up.

Adding fingerprint or face unlock

  1. Navigate to Settings > Security > Device Unlock.
  2. Tap Fingerprint or Face Unlock, if supported.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to register your biometric data.
  4. For fingerprints, place your finger on the sensor repeatedly until setup completes.

Apps

Installing apps

Open the SLEKE. store, search for the app, and tap the install button in the bottom right of the app card.

Uninstalling apps

  1. Long-press the app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
  2. Tap Uninstall, then OK.

Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > select the app > Uninstall.

Updating apps

Open the SLEKE. store, search for the app, and tap the refresh button in the bottom right of the app card. Wait for a popup asking if you would like to update.

Importing contacts

Watch this section.

From a SIM card or file

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Import/Export.
  3. Choose Import from .vcf file or Import from SIM card.
  4. Select the file or SIM and confirm.

From a Google account

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add Account, if not already added.
  2. Open the Contacts app, tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Accounts > your Google account > Sync Contacts.

Software updates

Watch this section.

  • Operating system updates install automatically by default.
  • To check manually, go to Settings > System > System Updates > Check for Updates.
  • After installing an update, reboot the phone to complete its installation.

Support and resources

Contact support: austin@sleke.io

Online help: FAQs, video tutorials, Reddit, Discord, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Warranty: items can be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Eligibility for return where there is physical damage to the device will be assessed case by case.

Appendix A: microG

microG is an open-source replacement for Google Play Services, designed to provide essential functionality for Android apps without relying on Google’s proprietary software. Users can run applications that depend on Google services while minimising data sent to Google, offering improved privacy and reduced battery consumption.

For a deeper explanation, see this video from tech privacy YouTuber Rob Braxman.

Privacy features of microG

microG offers several privacy-enhancing features compared to standard Google Play Services:

  • Anonymised data: microG sends minimal, anonymised data to Google servers when necessary, reducing personal information exposure.
  • Selective functionality: you can enable only the specific Google services you need, limiting data collection.
  • Location privacy: microG can use alternative location providers instead of Google’s, enhancing location privacy.
  • Push notifications: microG implements Google Cloud Messaging for notifications without requiring a Google account, maintaining app functionality while improving privacy.
  • Optional Google account: you can use microG without logging into a Google account, further reducing data collection.

While microG still requires some communication with Google servers for certain functions, it provides a significant privacy improvement over a full Google Play Services implementation.

microG compared with Google Play Services

microG offers several key advantages, particularly in privacy and resource usage. Unlike Google’s proprietary solution, microG is open source, allowing its code and functionality to be verified. It significantly reduces data sent to Google servers, providing a layer of anonymisation between users and Google’s infrastructure.

  • Battery life: microG is generally more lightweight, leading to improved battery performance.
  • Privacy: microG minimises data collection and tracking, while Google Play Services is known for extensive user data gathering.
  • Functionality: while microG supports core features like push notifications and location services, it may lack support for some advanced Google APIs.

Some apps that rely heavily on Google services may not function fully with microG.

microG settings overview

microG Services Core provides a settings interface that allows you to configure various aspects of its functionality. Key settings include:

  • Self-check tool: verifies proper microG setup and functionality.
  • Google device registration: enables the device to receive push notifications.
  • Cloud messaging: controls Firebase Cloud Messaging for app notifications.
  • Google SafetyNet: allows apps to verify device integrity.
  • Location services: configures location backends.

The microG Companion app is necessary, as it spoofs the Google Play Store, but it is not a functional app.

You can access these settings to customise microG’s behaviour, balancing privacy preferences with app compatibility. Some features may require enabling specific components, which could affect overall privacy.

The SLEKE. team recommends keeping the default settings and configuration of microG as it is set up on your device.