GrapheneOS

Hi everyone

Writing this on my new (second hand) pixel with grapheneos. Have been watching this project for a few years and stoked to finally be here. I'm getting closer and closer to the online life I want all the time.

I have a few questions:

1. Sourcing apps - is it safer to use f-droid (in my case I like the neo-store) or obtainium?

2. For non open-source apps, Aurora or sandboxed google play?

3. Is it OK to use WiFi at my work? Or at the mall? What are the risks? I've got a VPN but using it prevents me from accessing my server via tailscale

4. WhatsApp - I've tried to set up whatsapp but I get stuck at retrieving the backup from google drive. I'm seeing conflicting views on weather or not this is possible. It'd be great but its a price I'm willing to pay if it means not using WhatsApp

5. Can any app be sandboxed?

6. What else should I know about operating the phone? I'm effectively an absolute beginner to grapheneos

7. My phone now won't connect to the internet without the VPN, is this normal?

Any advice appreciated, thank you