ubuntu on phone

Method 1: Install Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch is a mobile version of Ubuntu that offers a completely different experience from Android or iOS. Developed and maintained by the UBports community, Ubuntu Touch is an open-source operating system designed to run on mobile devices. It provides access to the full power of Linux with a mobile interface, and the installation process is relatively straightforward. Ubuntu Touch is ideal for users who want to replace their existing mobile OS with a Linux-powered alternative.

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

Not all devices are compatible with Ubuntu Touch. Before proceeding, you need to check whether your phone is supported. Some popular devices that work well with Ubuntu Touch include:

• Fairphone 2
• OnePlus 5
• Google Nexus 5
• Xiaomi Mi 4

You can check the full list of supported devices on the official UBports website: UBports Devices.

Step 2: Install UBports Installer

The easiest way to install Ubuntu Touch is by using the UBports Installer, a tool developed by the UBports community to make the installation process simple for everyone. Here’s how you can get it:

• Go to the UBports website and download the installer for your operating system (Linux, Windows, or macOS).
• Follow the installation instructions provided on the website. The process is straightforward and will guide you through setting up the UBports Installer.

Step 3: Flash Ubuntu Touch onto Your Phone

After installing the UBports Installer, you’ll need to connect your phone to your computer via USB. Once connected, open the UBports Installer and follow these steps:

• Launch the UBports Installer and select your device from the list of supported devices.
• The installer will prompt you to back up any data on your phone, as the installation process will erase all data from your device.
• Once you’re ready, click “Install” and the installer will begin flashing Ubuntu Touch onto your device. This process usually takes 10-30 minutes depending on your phone and system.

Step 4: Boot Into Ubuntu Touch

Once the installation is complete, the installer will instruct you to reboot your device. When the phone restarts, it will boot into Ubuntu Touch. You will be greeted by the Ubuntu Touch interface, where you can start using your new Linux mobile OS.

Method 2: Install Ubuntu in a Chroot or Container on Android

If you don’t want to completely replace Android with Ubuntu, you can run Ubuntu inside a chroot (an isolated environment) or a container. This method allows you to use Ubuntu and its software alongside your existing Android OS. It’s an excellent option if you still need to use Android apps but want access to Ubuntu’s command-line tools or a desktop environment.

Step 1: Install Termux (Terminal Emulator)

The first step is to install a terminal emulator on your Android phone. Termux is one of the most popular options for this:

• Go to the Google Play Store and search for Termux.
• Install the app and open it. This will give you access to a Linux-like environment on your Android phone.

Step 2: Install Ubuntu Using Proot

Termux can be used to create a Linux environment on your Android device. To install Ubuntu, follow these steps:

pkg update
pkg install proot-distro
proot-distro install ubuntu
proot-distro login ubuntu

This will download and install the Ubuntu distribution in a containerized environment. After the installation is complete, you’ll be able to access Ubuntu’s command line directly from Termux.

Step 3: Install a Desktop Environment (Optional)

If you want to run a graphical desktop environment (like the one you’d find on a regular PC), you can install a lightweight desktop environment such as XFCE or LXDE. For example, to install XFCE:

apt update
apt install xfce4
startxfce4

This will launch the XFCE desktop environment. Keep in mind that performance may vary depending on your phone’s specs and the complexity of the desktop environment you choose to run.

Method 3: Using UserLAnd (for Android Devices)

UserLAnd is another app that lets you run a Linux distribution (like Ubuntu) on your Android device without requiring root access. Unlike other methods, UserLAnd creates a container that isolates the Linux environment from Android, allowing you to run a Linux distro side-by-side with your Android apps.

Step 1: Install UserLAnd from Google Play Store

First, go to the Google Play Store and install the UserLAnd app.

Step 2: Set Up Ubuntu

Open the UserLAnd app and select Ubuntu from the list of available distributions. You will need to provide a username and password for your Linux system. Once the setup is complete, the app will begin downloading Ubuntu.

Step 3: Access Ubuntu

After the installation is complete, you can access Ubuntu using SSH or VNC. To launch a VNC session (for a graphical interface), you’ll need to install a VNC viewer on your phone. For SSH access, you can use a terminal emulator like Termux or connect from another computer via an SSH client.

Conclusion

Running Ubuntu on your phone opens up new possibilities, whether you’re using Ubuntu Touch for a mobile-optimized experience, installing a full desktop environment on Android, or using a container or chroot method to run Ubuntu alongside your Android apps. Each method has its pros and cons, but all of them offer a way to experience the power of Ubuntu on a portable device. Whether you’re a developer, a tech enthusiast, or someone who wants to explore Linux on their mobile device, Ubuntu on your phone can be an exciting project!