How to turn your Android into an Ubuntu Touch

If you’re looking to transform your Android smartphone into an Ubuntu Touch device, you’re in for an exciting journey! Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system that emphasizes privacy and freedom, and it can be installed on various Android devices.

After installing Ubuntu Touch, you may notice that some popular apps (like WhatsApp) are not available. However, you can explore alternative applications available in the Open Store, which is the app store for Ubuntu Touch.

Before you begin, ensure that

• Your device is compatible with Ubuntu Touch. You can check the list of supported devices on the official Ubuntu Touch website.
• You have a computer available to run the installation process.
• You back up all important data on your device, as the installation may erase existing data.

Well Known Compatible devices

• Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd Gen Wifi 4G/64GB
• Google Pixel 3a XL
• Google Pixel 3a
• Fairphone 4
• OnePlus Nord N10 5G
• OnePlus Nord N100
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S/9 Pro (India)
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
• Xiaomi Poco M2 Pro
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global)
• Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC / X3
• Fairphone 3 and 3+
• Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
• Volla Phone 22
• OnePlus 6
• OnePlus 6T
• Volla Phone X
• Xiaomi Mi 6
• Oneplus 5
• Oneplus 5T
• F(x)tec Pro1 X
• Volla Phone
• Volla Phone X23
• Lenovo Tab M10 X605F/L

Installation Steps

Download the Ubuntu Touch Installer

• Visit the official Ubuntu Touch website and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

You can Download the UBports Installer from GitHub. The following packages are available:

• Windows: ubports-installer-<version-number>.exe
• macOS: ubports-installer-<version-number>.dmg
• Ubuntu or Debian: ubports-installer-<version-number>.deb
• Other Linux distributions (snap): ubports-installer-<version-number>.snap
• Other Linux distributions (AppImage): ubports-installer-<version-number>.AppImage

Prepare Your Device

• Enable Developer Options on your Android device by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping the Build Number multiple times.
• In Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.

Boot into Fastboot Mode

• Power off your device.
• Boot into the bootloader by pressing the specific button combination for your device (usually a combination of Power + Volume buttons).

Connect Your Device to the Computer

• Use a USB cable to connect your smartphone to your computer.

Run the Installer

• Open the Ubuntu Touch installer on your computer.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu Touch. The installer will guide you through the process, including flashing the necessary files to your device.

Complete the Installation

• Once the installation is complete, your device will reboot. You should now see the Ubuntu Touch interface.

Transforming your Android smartphone into an Ubuntu Touch device can provide a refreshing experience focused on privacy and open-source principles. Enjoy exploring your new operating system! If you encounter any issues during installation, refer to the troubleshooting section of the Ubuntu Touch documentation for assistance.

More Information ℹ

• Ubuntu Touch
• Experimenting with Ubuntu Touch
• Ubuntu Touch Docs