How to install Ubuntu instead of Android: a complete guide

Modern users are increasingly thinking about going beyond standard ecosystems, and the question of how to install Ubuntu instead of Android is becoming increasingly relevant. Mobile devices have powerful hardware, which is often idle due to operating system limitations. Replacing the familiar interface with a full-fledged Linux distribution opens up access to desktop applications, full control over the file system and increased data security.

However, this process requires a deep understanding of the architecture of mobile devices and a willingness to experiment. Firmware a smartphone is not just installing an application, but replacing the fundamental software that controls all the equipment. Incorrect actions can lead to loss of warranty or turning the device into a “brick”, so you need to carefully study the theoretical part before starting practical actions.

In this article we will analyze the technical nuances of replacing the OS, consider hardware compatibility and provide a step-by-step algorithm for various scenarios. You'll learn about the differences between emulation and native installations, and understand why Direct replacement of the Android bootloader with a Linux bootloader is not possible on all smartphone models. Get ready to work with the command line and complex technical procedures.

Compatibility analysis and distribution selection

The first and most critical step is to check the compatibility of your device. The architecture of processors in smartphones (mostly ARM) differs from standard x86/x64 computers, which imposes restrictions on the choice of operating system. Not every Linux distribution will be able to work correctly with the specific modem, camera or touchscreen drivers of your gadget.

The most popular solution is Ubuntu Touch from the UBports community, which adapts the Ubuntu interface for touch control. There are also projects like PostmarketOS and LineageOS with support for Linux containers. It is important to understand that a “pure” Ubuntu Desktop with GNOME or KDE will be difficult to install on a phone and will be inconvenient to use without external peripherals.

• 📱 Check the processor model: Snapdragon-based devices often have closed bootloaders, which complicates the process.
• 🔓 Make sure you can unlock the bootloader (Bootloader) through the official tools of the manufacturer.
• 💾 Study the lists of supported devices on the official websites of UBports or PostmarketOS.

⚠️ Attention: If the manufacturer of your smartphone does not provide official tools for unlocking the bootloader (for example, Huawei or some Xiaomi models with a locked account), installing a third-party OS may be technically impossible without using vulnerabilities, which carries high risks.

The amount of built-in memory should also be taken into account. The minimum requirements for comfortable operation of Linux systems are usually higher than those of lightweight versions of Android. Having less than 32 GB of free memory can make operating the system extremely difficult due to the rapid filling of the storage with logs and application caches.

Preparing the device and tools

Before you begin modifying the system, you must create a reliable operating environment. You will need a computer with a Windows, macOS or Linux operating system, as well as a quality USB cable that can transfer data, not just charge the device. An unstable connection can interrupt the firmware process at a critical moment.

Be sure to perform a full backup of all important data. The process of installing a new OS involves formatting memory partitions, which will lead to permanent loss of photos, contacts and documents. Use cloud services or local copying to your PC to save information.

To interact with the device at a low level, you will need platform tools Android SDK Platform Tools. The main components are adb (Android Debug Bridge) for managing the device in a running system and fastboot for working with the bootloader. Installation of these tools occurs through the command line or package managers of the computer operating system.

Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root access

The key step is allowing you to replace the operating system is to unlock the bootloader. This is a special app code that runs before the OS boots and verifies the digital signature of system partitions. By default, it allows the launch of only software signed by the manufacturer.

The unlocking procedure looks different for different manufacturers. For Google Pixel or OnePlus devices, just run a few commands in the terminal. For other brands, you may need to obtain a special unlock code through the manufacturer's website or wait a certain period of time.

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flashing unlock

After entering the unlock command, a warning will appear on the device screen indicating that the integrity of the system has been compromised and all data will be deleted. Confirm the action with the volume buttons. From this point on, the device becomes vulnerable to physical attack, since anyone who gains access to the phone will be able to reflash it.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will automatically void the device's warranty in most cases. Additionally, applications that use environmental integrity checking, such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or highly secure banking applications, will stop working.

In some cases, you may need to obtain root access to modify system files before installing Linux. This is done using utilities like Magisk, but to cleanly replace the OS with Ubuntu, an unlocked bootloader and Fastboot mode are often enough.

Installation methods: Native vs Emulation

There are two fundamentally different approaches to running Ubuntu on Android devices. The first is a native installation that completely replaces Android. The second is running Linux in an emulation or container environment on top of a running Android system. The choice depends on your goals and technical preparation.

Native installation (Native) gives maximum performance and full access to the hardware. However, drivers for cameras, GPS and Bluetooth may not work correctly or not work at all unless the community has created specific patches for your model. This is the path for enthusiasts who are ready to debug the system.

Emulation through applications like UserLAnd or Linux Deploy allows you to run Ubuntu as an application. You access the terminal and GUI through a VNC client. This is a safe method that does not require unlocking the bootloader, but performance will be lower, and direct access to some hardware functions is limited.

Characteristics	Native installation	Emulation (Chroot/Container)
Performance	Maximum (native)	Reduced (emulation overhead)
Data security	Risk of loss due to errors	High (Android isolated)
Driver operation	Partial (depending on the model)	Limited Android access
Complexity	High	Low

Step-by-step guide by Ubuntu Touch firmware

If you have chosen the native installation path, the most convenient tool is the utility UBports Installer. It automates the process of searching for a device, downloading a suitable assembly and flashing partitions. This reduces the risk of human error when entering commands manually.

Download and install UBports Installer on your computer. Launch the app and connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (usually by holding down the volume down button when turning it on). The app should automatically detect the device model and offer available firmware versions.

What to do if the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode?

ADB/Fastboot drivers may not be installed. For Windows, download Google USB Driver or manufacturer's drivers. For Linux, you may need to create a udev rule to allow user access to the USB device. Try a different USB cable or port.

Select the desired build (channel) - the Stable version is usually recommended, but newer devices may require the RC (Release Candidate) version. Click the "Install" button and the flashing process will begin. The device will reboot several times, the screen may go dark and light up - do not interrupt the process.

# Example of a manual command for firmware recovery (if the auto-installer does not work)
fastboot flash recovery ubports-recovery.img
fastboot reboot

After the installation is complete, the first launch of Ubuntu Touch will start. You will be asked to select a language, connect Wi-Fi, and set up an account. The interface will differ from Android: gesture control, the absence of the classic Home button and a different logic for multitasking.

Setting up the environment and working with applications

After successful installation, the world of Linux will open before you, but without the usual Google Play store. The main source of applications will be OpenStore, which contains optimized versions of apps for mobile screens. Many popular services may not be available, so you will have to look for alternatives or use web versions.

To access desktop applications, you can use technology Libertine (in older versions) or containers that allow you to run apps compiled for Debian/Ubuntu. However, it is worth remembering that running x86 applications on an ARM processor requires emulation of instructions, which greatly reduces the speed of operation.

• 🛠 Install a terminal to control the system via the command line.
• 🌐 Set up SSH access for convenient file management from your computer.
• 📦 Use Click packages for installing compatible applications.

An important aspect is energy management. Linux kernels may not work as effectively with the sleep modes of a particular smartphone as the original firmware. This may cause the battery to drain faster. Monitoring processes through the system monitor will help identify "gluttonous" applications.

⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and available packages in the repositories of mobile Linux distributions may change. Always check the relevance of the information in the documentation of a specific project (UBports, PostmarketOS), since the methods for installing packages may differ from the classic desktop Ubuntu.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

During operation, you may encounter a number of typical problems. Users often complain about the sound, camera or Bluetooth module not working. This is due to the lack of proprietary blobs (binary drivers) in an open system. The solution often lies in the search for custom kernels or patches from the community.

If the device is stuck in a bootloop, you need to return to Recovery mode and perform a data reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset). In the worst case, you will need to flash stock Android through the manufacturer's tools (for example, Odin for Samsung or Mi Flash for Xiaomi) to restore functionality.

Overheating problems are also not uncommon when there is a high load on the processor in a Linux environment. Optimizing background processes and disabling unnecessary services (NFC, GPS) can help reduce temperatures. Monitor the temperature of the battery to avoid its degradation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to return Android back after installing Ubuntu?

Yes, it is possible. To do this, you need to unlock the bootloader again (if it is locked) and flash the original stock firmware image downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. All data will be deleted.

Will banking applications work on Ubuntu Touch?

Native Android applications (.apk) do not work directly on Ubuntu. There are ways to launch through emulators like Anbox, but banking applications often detect emulation and block launch for security reasons.

Do you need root to install Ubuntu?

For a native installation, root in Android is not needed, you just need to unlock the bootloader. For installation via emulators (UserLAnd), root access is also not required, the system works in user space.

Will the fingerprint work after flashing the firmware?

In most cases, the fingerprint scanner does not work or is unstable, since security drivers are often closed and tied to the original Android system. You shouldn’t rely on this unlocking method.