Support / FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before buying. If your question isn't here, open a support ticket.
Why Noctis Privacy
Why buy from you instead of flashing it myself?
You absolutely can flash GrapheneOS yourself — it's well documented and free. We exist for people who'd rather skip that process entirely, or who aren't comfortable doing it. Every device we ship is flashed, locked, tested, and verified before it leaves us. You get a working, privacy-hardened phone the moment you turn it on.
What makes your setup different from just buying a used Pixel?
A used Pixel still runs stock Android with Google services baked in. Our refurbished devices are inspected for excellent condition, then we replace the entire OS with GrapheneOS, lock the bootloader so it can't be tampered with, and configure the device based on your chosen profile. It's a fundamentally different device when it arrives.
Do you offer support after I receive my device?
Yes. Open a support ticket from the Support menu. We help with setup questions, app recommendations, profile changes, and anything else privacy-related. We know this OS well and we're here to help you get the most out of it.
Do I have to trust you?
No — and we mean that. GrapheneOS's verified boot means you can independently confirm the exact OS build and bootloader state on the device yourself, without taking our word for anything. See the 'Verify your install' section on our homepage for step-by-step instructions.
Your Phone & GrapheneOS
What is GrapheneOS?
GrapheneOS is a privacy and security focused Android-based operating system built for Google Pixel hardware. It ships with no Google services, no telemetry, and a hardened kernel. It's open source, auditable, and developed by a dedicated security team. Verified boot is enforced — meaning the OS cannot be silently tampered with.
What devices do you sell?
We sell Google Pixel phones pre-flashed with GrapheneOS. Pixel hardware is the only officially supported platform for GrapheneOS due to its Titan M security chip and first-class verified boot support. We stock Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Pro in various storage configurations.
Are your devices new or refurbished?
Our devices are refurbished and in excellent condition. Every phone is thoroughly inspected, tested for full functionality (display, cameras, battery health, sensors, buttons), and graded before we flash GrapheneOS. You're getting a device that looks and performs like new, at a lower price point. All devices include a 30-day hardware warranty.
Is the bootloader locked after flashing?
Yes — always. Every device ships with the bootloader locked and verified boot active. This means the device will refuse to boot if the OS has been modified or tampered with in transit. You can independently verify this on the device under Settings → About Phone → Verified Boot State.
Can I verify the install is legitimate?
Yes. GrapheneOS includes a built-in attestation mechanism. On the device: Settings → Security → More security settings → Hardware-backed key attestation. You can also cross-check the OS build fingerprint against the official GrapheneOS releases at grapheneos.org/releases.
What GrapheneOS version ships on the device?
The latest stable release at time of flashing. GrapheneOS updates automatically over-the-air after first boot — you'll receive security patches and OS updates directly from GrapheneOS's update servers, not Google's.
Carrier, SIM & Connectivity
Are the phones carrier unlocked?
Yes. Every phone we sell is fully carrier unlocked and will work with any GSM carrier worldwide. Just insert your SIM card or activate an eSIM and you're good to go. No carrier restrictions, no contracts.
Do I need to set up my own carrier?
Yes. We ship the hardware and software — carrier service is not included and is entirely your choice. You can use any carrier that supports the Pixel 8/9 series. Most US, UK, EU, and Australian carriers will work. You can insert a physical SIM or activate an eSIM after receiving the device.
How do I set up a SIM or eSIM?
Insert your physical SIM on first boot and follow the standard Android setup prompts. For eSIM: Settings → Network & internet → SIM cards → Add SIM → Download a SIM instead. Your carrier will provide a QR code or activation code. Note: if you want a privacy-respecting carrier, consider looking into MVNOs that don't require ID verification.
Does GrapheneOS support Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE?
Yes, on supported carriers. Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE work via the standard Android telephony stack. Some carriers require a carrier-specific unlock or provisioning step — contact your carrier if calls or texts don't work out of the box.
Can I use two SIMs?
Yes. All Pixel 8/9 series devices support dual SIM (one physical nano-SIM + one eSIM) simultaneously.
Configuration Profiles
What configuration profiles do you offer?
We offer five profiles: Default (GrapheneOS as released — clean foundation, you choose everything), Daily Driver (Signal, Tor Browser, Orbot — our most popular), Work & Business (productivity-focused with encrypted comms), Max Hardening (minimal attack surface, sandboxed networking), and Journalist (encrypted comms + OSINT tools). You choose your profile at checkout.
What is the Default profile?
The Default profile ships GrapheneOS exactly as released by the project — verified, bootloader locked, and ready to use. No additional apps pre-installed. It's a clean foundation for users who want full control over what goes on their device.
Can I install regular Android apps?
Yes. The GrapheneOS app store (the official 'Apps' app) gives you access to common apps. For the Daily Driver, Work & Business, and Journalist profiles, sandboxed Google Play is available — this runs the full Google Play Store in an isolated sandbox with no system-level access. You can install any Play Store app without giving Google privileges.
Does the Default profile include Google Play?
No. The Default profile has no Google Play. You can install it yourself at any point via the Apps app if needed — it runs sandboxed and can be removed at any time.
Can I change my configuration after receiving the phone?
Yes, entirely. GrapheneOS gives you full control. You can install or remove any app, enable or disable sandboxed Google Play, adjust network permissions per-app, and more. The configuration profile is just a starting point.
Payment & Privacy
What payment methods do you accept?
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and card (via Stripe). Crypto payments require no account and no identity verification. Card payments are processed by Stripe — standard KYC applies for card transactions.
Do you require ID or KYC for crypto orders?
No. Crypto orders require only a shipping address and email for order tracking. We do not collect government ID, selfies, or biometrics for crypto payments.
How do crypto payments work?
At checkout, select your crypto currency. You'll receive a wallet address and the exact amount to send (calculated at the time of checkout). Once your transaction reaches the required confirmations, your order moves to processing. Bitcoin typically confirms in 10–60 minutes; Ethereum and Solana are faster.
Can I pay fully anonymously?
You can pay with crypto and provide a P.O. box or alternate address. We don't log more than is necessary to fulfil your order. For maximum operational security, use a non-KYC crypto source and a delivery address not tied to your identity.
Shipping & Packaging
How is the device packaged?
Devices ship in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no Noctis branding visible externally. The original manufacturer box may be inside, but nothing on the outside indicates the contents or the seller.
How long does shipping take?
Domestic orders typically arrive in 3–7 business days. International orders vary by destination — generally 7–21 business days. Orders are processed within 1–3 business days after payment confirms.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to most countries. Note that import duties and customs fees are the buyer's responsibility. Some countries restrict encrypted device imports — check your local regulations.
Will the device be inspected or tampered with at customs?
Customs agencies in some countries may open packages. The bootloader-locked verified boot ensures that any tampering with the OS would be detectable on the device — the device will refuse to boot or display a warning if the OS has been altered.
Support & Returns
What is your return policy?
We accept returns for hardware defects only — meaning something is physically wrong with the device itself. Returns are not accepted for software preferences, app compatibility, GrapheneOS behavior, or carrier setup issues. Those aren't defects and our support team can help resolve them. To start a return, contact us through the support page first so we can confirm the issue and send you instructions.
My device arrived broken or stopped working. What do I do?
Contact us via the support page with your order ID and a description of what's wrong. We may ask for a photo or short video. If there's a confirmed hardware problem within 30 days of delivery, we'll cover return shipping and give you the choice of a replacement or a full refund. Refunds are processed within 5 business days of us receiving the device back.
What is not eligible for return?
We don't accept returns for: app compatibility or availability issues; GrapheneOS features or behavior you don't prefer; carrier or SIM setup problems; physical damage that happened after delivery (drops, cracks, water damage); or devices that have been physically modified. If you're not sure whether your issue qualifies, just reach out — we'd rather help you fix it than have you stuck.
How are crypto refunds handled?
Crypto refunds are calculated based on the USD value of your original payment. For example, if you paid the equivalent of $800 in Bitcoin, you'll receive $800 worth of Bitcoin at the rate when your refund is processed — not tied to what it was worth when you paid. This keeps things predictable for both sides. Refunds go to the wallet address you provide.
What if I'm having trouble with GrapheneOS or an app?
GrapheneOS can always be re-flashed to a clean state, so software issues are never a dead end. Reach out via the support page and we'll help troubleshoot. If something went wrong with our configuration specifically, we'll fix it at no cost.
Where can I get more GrapheneOS help?
The official GrapheneOS community is active and helpful. See grapheneos.org/support for official docs, and the GrapheneOS Matrix rooms and subreddit for community support.
Still have questions?
Our support team typically responds within 24 hours.