How to install another operating system on Android: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing an OS

Installing an alternative operating system on a smartphone with Android is a task that attracts both enthusiasts and users disappointed in the standard firmware. The capabilities of modern mobile devices allow them to run not only custom versions of Android (like LineageOS or GrapheneOS), but also full-fledged desktop OSes - Ubuntu Touch, PostmarketOS, and in some cases even Windows 11 ARM. However, this process is far from as simple as installing a app on a PC.

Before you begin, it’s worth understanding: replacing the OS on a smartphone is always a compromise. You get new features, security updates or a unique interface, but you lose the warranty, some of the hardware capabilities (for example, 5G or NFC may not work) and risk turning the device into a “brick”. In this article we will analyze all stages from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to choosing the appropriate OS and installing it, and also tell you which smartphone models are best suited for such experiments.

Why do users want to replace Android with another OS?

Reasons for There are several changes to the operating system on a smartphone, and they are not always associated with dissatisfaction Android. Here are the most common motives:

• 🔄 Outdated version of Android. Manufacturers often stop supporting devices after 2-3 years, leaving them without security updates. Alternative OS (for example LineageOS) can extend the life of the gadget.
• 🛡️ Enhanced security. Firmwares like GrapheneOS or CalyxOS focus on privacy by blocking trackers and limiting app access to data.
• 🖥️ Desktop experience. OS type Ubuntu Touch or Sailfish OS offer an interface close to desktop systems, which is convenient for working with documents or programming.
• 🎮 Games and emulation. Some users install Windows 11 ARM to run PC games through Xbox Cloud Gaming or emulators.
• 🔧 Experiments and learning. For developers and IT enthusiasts, custom firmware is a way to better understand the operation of mobile systems.

However, not all operating systems work equally well on smartphones. For example, most devices will slow down due to the lack of drivers for mobile chips, and some distributions may not support touch input. Before choosing a system, study Windows 11 ARM on most devices it will slow down due to the lack of drivers for mobile chips, and some distributions Linux may not support touch input. Research before choosing a system compatibility table below.

Which smartphones support the installation of alternative OSs?

Not every smartphone can be upgraded to another system. Main compatibility criteria:

• 🔓 Unlockable bootloader. Manufacturers like Google (Pixel), OnePlus, Xiaomi and Samsung (not all models) allow you to unlock bootloader, which is necessary to install a custom OS.
• 📱 Popularity of the model. The more devices users have, the higher the chance that there are ported firmware for it. For example, Google Pixel 6 or OnePlus 9 Pro are supported by most alternative OS.
• 🔧 Availability of drivers. To operate Wi-Fi, a camera or a mobile network, proprietary drivers are required, which are not always available for Linux systems.
• 💾 Memory capacity. Desktop OSs (for example Windows 11) require at least 64 GB free space.

Below is a table of smartphones that are best suited for experimenting with the OS (data current at the time of publication, but supported models may change).

Smartphone model	Supported OS	Features	Installation complexity
Google Pixel 6/7/8	LineageOS, GrapheneOS, Ubuntu Touch, PostmarketOS	Best support for custom firmware, official drivers from Google	Low
OnePlus 8/9/10 Pro	LineageOS, CalyxOS, Sailfish OS	Good documentation, active community	Medium
Xiaomi Poco F3/F4	LineageOS, Ubuntu Touch, Windows 11 (unofficial)	Budget option, but may require manual configuration drivers	High
Samsung Galaxy S21/S22 (Exynos)	LineageOS (limited), PostmarketOS	Difficulty unlocking the bootloader on Snapdragon models	Very high
Fairphone 4	Ubuntu Touch, Sailfish OS, LineageOS	Modular smartphone with open firmware, ideal for experiments. The bootloader is locked at the hardware level. An attempt to unlock may lead to	Low

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Samsung with processors Snapdragon (eg US versions Galaxy S or Note) the bootloader is locked at the hardware level. Attempting to unlock may result in irreversible damage to the device.

Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the bootloader and backup

The first and most critical stage is unlocking bootloader. Without this, it is impossible to install another OS. The process differs depending on the manufacturer, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Return to Settings → System → For developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
3. Open command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and execute:

   adb reboot bootloader

4. To unlock, enter (for Google Pixel):

   fastboot flashing unlock

   On other devices, the command may be different (for example, Xiaomi will require official permission via Mi Unlock Tool).

After unlocking all data on the device will be erased. Therefore, before starting the process:

Create a backup copy of contacts and SMS (via Google Account or Titanium Backup)

Copy photos and videos to PC or cloud

Write IMEI devices (dial *#06#)

Make sure the battery is charged at least 80%

Download the necessary drivers (ADB, Fastboot) and firmware -->

On some devices (for example, Huawei or Samsung c Knox) unlocking the bootloader can trigger hardware flags that cannot be resetThis means that functions like Samsung Pay or Secure Folder will stop working permanently.

⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was purchased from a telecom operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), unlocking the bootloader may violate the terms of the warranty. to start the procedure.

Choosing an operating system: what can be installed instead of Android?

There are not many alternative OSes for smartphones, as for a PC, but there is a choice. Let's consider the most popular options:

1. Custom firmware based on Android

These are modified versions of Android without bloatware (pre-installed manufacturer applications) and with advanced settings:

• 📱 LineageOS - the most stable and supported firmware, close to “clean” Android. Suitable for most devices.
• 🔒 GrapheneOS —focus on security and privacy. Recommended for Google Pixel.
• 🛡️ CalyxOS —includes a built-in VPN and tracker blocker.

2. Linux distributions for mobile devices

These systems offer a desktop experience, but may lose some of the functions of a smartphone (for example, mobile communications or a camera):

• 🐧 Ubuntu Touch — friendly interface, support convergence (connection to a monitor like a PC).
• 📱 PostmarketOS — lightweight system, suitable for older devices.
• 🐬 Sailfish OS —proprietary OS with gesture controls, popular in Europe.

3. Windows 11 ARM

Installation Windows to a smartphone is only possible on devices with processors Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Surface Duo or Samsung Galaxy Book). On most smartphones, the system will work extremely slowly due to the lack of drivers for mobile chips. Read more about the process in special section.

Is it possible to install macOS on Android?

It is technically possible to run macOS on ARM devices (for example, through the QEMU emulator), but it will be extremely unstable and slow. Apple doesn't provide drivers for mobile chips, so the camera, Wi-Fi, and touchscreen won't work. It is better to consider alternatives like Ubuntu Touch or Asahi Linux (for devices on Apple Silicon).

When choosing an OS, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Stability. Some firmware (for example, early versions PostmarketOS) may have errors.
• 🔄 Update frequency. GrapheneOS is updated monthly, and some forks LineageOS - once every six months.
• 📶 Support for mobile communications. Ubuntu Touch may not work 4G/5G on some chips.

Installing Windows 11 ARM on Android: is it real?

Idea to launch Windows 11 on a smartphone seems tempting, especially for gamers or those who are used to PC software. However, in practice this is associated with serious limitations:

• ⚡ Hardware requirements. You need a smartphone with Snapdragon 8cx or newer (for example, Surface Duo 2 or Samsung Galaxy Book Go). On most flagships (like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), the system will slow down.
• 🔌 Lack of drivers. The following will not work: the camera, fingerprint sensor NFC, and sometimes the touch screen.
• 🎮 Performance. Games through Xbox Cloud Gaming can be launched, but with lags due to weak graphics.

If you still want to try, here are brief instructions (for Surface Duo or similar devices):

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section above).
2. Download the image Windows 11 ARM from the official Microsoft website (only for Surface) or a custom build (for example, from WoA Project).
3. Install via fastboot or UEFI menu (if supported).
4. Configure the drivers manually (if you find compatible ones).

⚠️ Attention: Installation Windows 11 ARM on An unsupported device (for example Xiaomi or OnePlus) will lead to total loss of warranty and a high risk of “bricking”. We recommend using emulators (for example ExaGear or QEMU) to run. Windows apps without replacing the OS.

Step-by-step guide: installing an alternative OS on Android

Let's look at the process using the example of installing LineageOS the most popular custom firmware For other systems, steps. may differ, but the general logic remains the same.

1. Downloading the necessary files

You will need:

• 📱 Firmware for your model (download from the official website LineageOS or forum XDA Developers).
• 🔧 Recovery (usually TWRP or OrangeFox).
• 🔄 GApps (if you need Google services; download the version for your architecture - arm64 or arm).
• 🔌 ADB and Fastboot for PC.

2. Installing custom recovery

Standard recovery from the manufacturer does not allow you to install unofficial firmware. Therefore, you first need to flash TWRP:

1. Connect the smartphone to the PC in the mode fastboot (command adb reboot bootloader).
2. Flash recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

3. Reboot into recovery:

   fastboot reboot recovery

3. Installing the firmware

In TWRP:

1. Make full backup current system (section Backup).
2. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
3. Install the firmware (Install → select LineageOS ZIP file).
4. If necessary, flash GApps (also through Install).
5. Reboot (Reboot → System).

The first launch may take up to 10 minutes. If the system does not boot for more than 15 minutes, repeat the steps or check the firmware compatibility with your model.

Common problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. corrections:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Device does not turn on after firmware ("brick")	Incorrect firmware or interrupted process	Try to flash the stock firmware via fastboot or Qualcomm EDL Mode
Mobile network or Wi-Fi does not work	There are no drivers for your chip	Look for firmware with proprietary blobs or check compatibility on the forum XDA
The system constantly reboots (bootloop)	Kernel conflict or incorrect access rights	Run Wipe Cache/Dalvik in recovery or reflash from scratch
Touch screen does not work	Display driver is missing	Try a different firmware or kernel version
Poor performance	Unoptimized firmware or background processes	Enable Developer Options → Force GPU Rendering or try another OS

If you encounter an error that is not in the table, look for a solution on thematic forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) or in the documentation for the firmware. Often problems are solved by installing additional patches (for example, Magisk for root access or Displax to fix the display).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to return to standard Android after installing another OS?

Yes, but the process depends on the manufacturer. For most devices it is necessary. download stock firmware from the official website (for example, Xiaomi Fastboot ROM or Samsung Firmware) and flash it through fastboot or Odin (for Samsung). will reset all data and may return the bootloader lock.

Will Google Pay work after installing custom firmware?

Most likely not. Google Pay requires certified firmware and a locked bootloader Some. custom OS (for example, LineageOS with Magisk and module Universal SafetyNet Fix) can bypass this limitation, but there is no guarantee. Alternatives: Revolut, Samsung Pay (if supported) or banking applications with their own payment systems.

Is it possible to install another OS on a smartphone without unlocking the bootloader?

No, unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite. However, there are alternative ways to launch other systems without replacing the main OS:

• 🖥️ Dual-boot (for example, through MultiROM — allows you to select the OS at boot). data-i="312">Cloud OS
• 📱 Chroot environment (running Linux inside Android via UserLAnd or Termux).
• 🌐 Cloud OS (For example, Shadow PC for Windows or Linux Deploy).

Which OS is the most secure for a smartphone?

If privacy is a priority, consider:

• 🔒 GrapheneOS - blocks access to the microphone/camera at the kernel level, isolates applications.
• 🛡️ CalyxOS - includes built-in firewall and tracker blocker.
• 📱 Ubuntu Touch —minimal data collection, but fewer applications.

Avoid unofficial builds from little-known developers - they may contain backdoors.

Can I update an alternative OS?

Yes, but the process differs from the standard one. Most custom firmware is updated via:

• 🔄 Built-in updater (for example, LineageOS or Ubuntu Touch).
• 📱 Recovery (download a new ZIP and flash it via TWRP).
• 🖥️ Fastboot (for some systems like GrapheneOS).

Updates are released less frequently than for standard Android and may require manual installation.