Everyone keeps saying it’s the best media player, so I’m interested in getting one, but I haven’t had a google account for many years now and don’t want to create a new one just for this.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to run one without a google account?

Edit: I would only want to use it for Plex and maybe youtube

  • clayh@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    11 months ago

    I run a shield for Plex and have never logged into my google account on it. I’ve disabled play store and most google services. Also I keep the android on the stock version.

    Works flawlessly.

    • anytimesoon@lemmy.mlOP
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      11 months ago

      So it’s possible to run it without signing up. Thats good news. All the reviews seem to say it’s a requirement for the initial set up

      Are there any special steps to get your set up? I imagine you need to side load your apps because the play store won’t work, but is there anything else?

      • clayh@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        edit-2
        11 months ago

        I side load Plex from the direct download links in the forum (Plex pass is required for this I think but there are def other ways to get the apk). I do not run the shield as a sever as I have a dedicated box for that.

        Nothing special about the setup at all, I just prefer a minimalist approach to software so I disabled everything on the shield that wasn’t necessary to run Plex.

        E: should be clear this is a shield pro

        • clayh@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          11 months ago

          I bought a shield pro last year and never once logged in to google during setup or any time after.

          • youmaynotknow@lemmy.ml
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            11 months ago

            See? Unlikely, not impossible. I’ve never tried. I just chose to remove Google from my life, that thing used Google accounts, gone!

            • clayh@lemmy.ml
              link
              fedilink
              arrow-up
              2
              arrow-down
              1
              ·
              11 months ago

              I’ve never used a google account on it. That’s the point.

              It is not necessary to be in the google ecosystem to use the shield (pro) to its full capabilities.