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Working on a Raspberry Pi project that needs more than a standard Linux desktop?
Here are several ways you could use Android as your Raspberry Pi OS.
Why Install Android on a Raspberry Pi?
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Better still, you get access to the biggest library of software possible.
Productivity tools, media streaming apps, games, theyre all available.
(You will be restricted by the hardware limitations of your Raspberry Pi model, however.)
Employ the usual method toinstall a Raspberry Pi OSto try these Android builds unless otherwise stated.
All this makes Android the perfect solution for many Raspberry Pi projects.
Here are the options to consider for installing Android on a Raspberry Pi.
Thanks to a developer called KonstaKANG, LineageOS is available in various builds for several Raspberry Pi models.
(LineageOS 20 will also run on the Raspberry Pi 400 and CM4 models.)
However, if you need Google Apps, the GApps package will also need to be flashed.
Each build by KonstaKANG has slightly different steps, so check these before proceeding.
AOSP
The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is the source of Android.
Because it is open source, the AOSP can be adapted by any developer.
As with LineageOS, you will need a GApps package if you want a Google-fied Android experience.
As of 2022, the project has widened to include the Raspberry Pi 4.
Based on AOSP, OmniROM has a stock Pixel user interface and is installed in two parts.
At the time of writing, the latest build was issued in March 2023 for the Raspberry Pi 4.
OmniROM for Raspberry Pi 4
Installing OmniROM is arguably the most difficult process on this list.
It’s a bit complex, but the result–Android on your Raspberry Pi 4–works well.
Emteria
An alternative to OmniROM,Emteriais a specialist build of Android intended for a narrow collection of devices.
Emteria offers various subscription options, but the basic Starter plan is free and offers over-the-air system updates.
Intended for Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 400 models, this Android TV works surprisingly well.
Our guide tobuilding your own Android TV with Raspberry Pioutlines all the steps.
