Install Ubuntu Touch on your smartphone - how it works
Related Videos: How to install Ubuntu on your Android device (May 2024).
In this tutorial we will show you step by step how to install Ubuntu Touch on your smartphone.
Ubuntu Touch: Compatible smartphone models
- In principle, Ubuntu Touch supports most models in the Nexus range, but there are numerous ports for other devices.
- At ubuntu.de you can find out whether Ubuntu Touch can also be installed on your smartphone.
Preparing to install Ubuntu Touch
Before installing, you should follow the steps below.
- Ideally, you have installed Ubuntu on your computer. If not, you can set up Ubuntu in a virtual machine or boot from a portable media such as a DVD or USB stick.
- Your device must be rooted for installation. We have summarized how this works and what you should consider in a video tutorial using the example of the Nexus 7 2. The procedure is the same for all Nexus devices.
Installation of Ubuntu Touch
If the above requirements are met, you can start installing Ubuntu Touch on your smartphone or tablet.
- Important: The installation of Ubuntu Touch deletes all data from your device. Therefore, you must first create a complete backup.
- Start the terminal on your computer with the key combination Ctrl + Alt + T and enter the command "$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: phablet-team / tools". In Ubuntu 12.04 you also have to enter "$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: ubuntu-sdk-team / ppa" to add the Ubuntu SDK release PPA.
- Then enter "$ sudo apt-get update" to update the new packages.
- In the next step you need the Ubuntu Device Flash package. To do this, enter the command "$ sudo apt-get install ubuntu-device-flash". If the package is installed, you can call up the corresponding help pages with "$ man ubuntu-device-flash".
- The command "$ sudo apt-get install phablet-tools" follows to install the packages just loaded.
Unlock Android device for installation
- Connect your smartphone to the computer with a USB cable. Use the "$ adb reboot bootloader" command in the terminal to boot the device into the boot loader. The display then shows an android that is open at the front.
- Now enter "$ sudo fastboot oem unlock" and accept the unlock on your device. Press the power button on your smartphone to start the device.
- Enable USB debugging on your phone. We show you how this works in this guide.
- With the command "phablet-flash -b -l" you can now install Ubuntu on your smartphone. This can take some time.
- After installation, you will receive a message in the terminal that the device must be unlocked. To do this, enter your password. Your device will now boot into Ubuntu and you can use the new OS.
UPDATE: Simplified installation with installer
Ubuntu Touch can now be installed much more conveniently thanks to an installer.
- To do this, you must first download the installer from this website to your computer. The tool is available for Ubuntu as well as for Windows and MacOS.
- Then connect your smartphone to your computer via USB and follow the instructions on the screen. The installation then takes over the program for you.
- In addition, there is now a list of devices that support Ubuntu Touch.
If you don't want to choose an operating system, Android also offers the dual-boot solution, which allows you to use Android and Ubuntu Touch in parallel.