Smartphones are increasingly invasive, with tracking technology, user accounts, and apps recording your activity.
But where do you start?
The answer may already be in your pocket, thanks to Ubuntu Touch.
Maintained by UBports, Ubuntu Touch is now available on more smartphones than ever before.
Want to try it out?
Here’s how to download and implement the Ubuntu Touch Linux operating system for mobiles.
What Is Ubuntu Touch?
Once installed, the Ubuntu Touch mobile operating system will give you a brand-new way of using your phone.
are actually built into the operating system.
Which Devices Run Ubuntu Touch?
Currently, 76 mobile phones can run Ubuntu Touch, with varying levels of compatibility.
These include:
(Additionally, eight tablets also run Ubuntu Touch.)
Overall, these phones run Ubuntu Touch without issues, although occasionally you find problems with the cameras.
Some phones must be “bootloader-unlocked” first; for details, check theUbuntu Touch compatible deviceslist.
If you have a rig on this list, then you’ll be able to install Ubuntu Touch.
Perhaps you’re trying it out, or revisiting it for the first time since Canonical abandoned the project?
Whatever the case, the installation process is surprisingly easy.
You will need:
The installer is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Download:UBports Installerfor Ubuntu Touch (free)
The software runs the same on all three platforms.
This is typically straightforward, although you might need some gadget-specific help to do this.
Our guide tounlocking the Android bootloaderwill help you out here.
How to Install Ubuntu Touch on Your Android Smartphone
Installing Ubuntu Touch is surprisingly simple.
The UBports website claims Installing third-party operating systems has never been so easy!
and it is hard to argue with this.
Heres how you install Ubuntu Touch on a smartphone, using a Google Nexus 5 handset as an example.
(This is one of the earliest supported devices for Ubuntu Touch, so reliability is good.)
Once thats out of the way, Ubuntu Touch will be ready to use.
Problems on Windows?
Perhaps you’ve found the installer app stops when you’re rebooting the phone into bootloader mode?
If not, consider dual booting Linux and Windows.
Don’t forget: you should probably use a reliable data cable.
Older micro-USB cables tended to cheaply made and only suitable for charging.
Get to Grips with Ubuntu Touch
It’s not Android, and it’s not iOS.
It certainly isn’t Windows 10 Mobile, or BlackBerry.
No, this is Linux.
Having Linux on your phone is quite an exciting feeling.
There is a sense of liberation here, using a phone beyond the watchful eyes of Google and Apple.
And if it doesn’t suit, you’re able to always revert to Android.
