Fairphone Beta Testing - Open call for applications!

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Become a Fairphone Beta Tester!

Hi Fairphone enthusiasts!

We’re excited to announce a new, ongoing opportunity to become a beta tester for Fairphone products!

Who can join?

We are looking for individuals across Europe and the United States who actively use Fairphone products. If you use a Fairphone 4, Fairphone 5 or Fairphone (Gen. 6/6+) as your primary device and are keen to contribute to its development through long-term testing, we encourage you to apply.

Please note that, as a beta tester, you accept the risk of encountering issues. While we have conducted extensive internal testing to minimize major problems, releasing software in real-world conditions may reveal additional bugs. Be prepared for a factory reset if necessary.

How do I join?

Simply sign up via this form and provide the requested information:

button_application-form

We will review applications and contact suitable candidates when we require beta testers for specific projects.

Our selection process will prioritize:

  • Candidates with prior beta testing experience.
  • A geographically diverse group of testers to cover various network operators and geographical regions.
  • All things being equal, a “first-come, first-serve” approach will be applied.

What do I get in return?

Glory and our eternal gratefulness, of course!

You’ll also gain early access to new features and fixes. Additionally, the most engaged testers often find their feedback directly implemented in the final release.

And we have some interesting plans brewing for our dedicated bug hunters too… :wink:

We look forward to your valuable insights!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I apply to be a beta tester if I’m using a custom ROM like /e/OS or others?
    • Answer

      No, this beta testing program is exclusively for users running the official Fairphone OS. We require participants to be using the stock operating system to ensure consistent testing conditions and accurate feedback. Custom ROMs like /e/OS, LineageOS, and others have their own dedicated issue tracking and beta testing processes. This beta program is specifically designed to focus on Fairphone’s stock operating system.

  2. Do you need my address?
    • Answer

      We only need your country of residence. This helps us ensure geographical diversity in our program.

  3. Can I participate in beta testing for the Fairphone 3?
    • Answer

      Currently, our beta testing program focuses exclusively on the Fairphone 4, Fairphone 5 and Fairphone (Gen. 6). The Fairphone 3 beta program operates separately, and we’ll announce specific testing periods if we need additional participants.

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From the previous rounds of beta testing applications I think it would be helpful to explicitly address the following questions

  • this is for FP OS only, not /e/ or any of the other supported custom ROMs?
  • “Selected applicants will receive a testing device to use throughout the program” → if over time people would prefer to install a custom ROM, will they have to return the device or properly buy it (or some other option)? How long do people need to stay on FP OS beta before they can change their mind (sometimes things happen in life… :wink:)
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What happens to current beta testers? Should we apply again?

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Can users of rooted FPOS ROMs apply this time? So far this was not wanted by FP.

Why is the application form asking for personal data and is located on Google docs? This is definitely suspicious in terms of phishing.

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Is there a safer more encrypted method to apply rather than through Google Docs ?

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And how do can one be sure that this is official if it is in Google Docs?
And why do they need my address? What is the purpose for that in terms of GDPR?

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I guess they aim for geographical/network diversity they mentioned.
Though I agree Google Docs is not a preferred way of communication.

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Just a recommendation: Keep checking the second post for new answers (e.g. now the address question).

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The application form only asks
"Do you already own a Fairphone? Y/N "
– not saying it needs to be a 4 or 5.

Owners of a 3, such as myself, will truthfully click on “yes”… maybe modify the form if that’s not what you want.

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In the passus ‚Who can join‘ in the starting post, it is made quite clear, that only Fairphone 4 or 5 owners are addressed.

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I obviously know that!

But there will be people who only get the link and don’t see the forum post here.

Apparently, FP listened because the form now asks which FP model you have. Problem solved :slight_smile:

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Hi guys, I just applied!

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Is there actually a timetable for this somewhere?

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Not sure if you can call that a timetable

Unlike our previous time-limited applications, this is now a rolling application. We will review applications and contact suitable candidates when we require beta testers for specific projects.

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Sorry, I actually meant when it starts, etc. I could already see that the duration will be variable :slight_smile:

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Hi everyone,

Thank you for bringing the data privacy concerns to our attention. We sincerely apologize for any worry and inconvenience this may have caused. Please know that we have taken your feedback very seriously.

In response, we have implemented comprehensive security improvements to better protect your data. Specifically, we have:

  1. Optimized our internal personal data protection workflow.
  2. Conducted a thorough investigation into the tools we use, particularly focusing on their GDPR compliance and privacy policies.
  3. Consulted with external data protection experts to ensure our compliance.

These measures are effective today and provide significantly stronger protection for all user data.

The trust of our Fairphone community is extremely important to us, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and security.

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I have registered but have not received a confirmation. Is that ok? When will I be informed whether I can take part?

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I guess it can take some time depending on current needs