Ubuntu Touch is a mobile operating system based on Ubuntu, maintained by the UBports foundation. It replaces Android on certain compatible tablets and smartphones, offering a native touch interface under Linux. Transitioning from Android to Ubuntu Touch erases all data on the device and involves several technical steps beforehand, even on officially supported models.
Bootloader and USB Debugging: The Real Prerequisites Before Installation
Most guides present the installation as a linear process. In practice, the difficulty focuses on two preliminary tasks that many beginners discover too late.
The first is unlocking the bootloader. On an Android tablet, the bootloader is locked by default to prevent the installation of third-party systems. The unlocking procedure varies by manufacturer: on Lenovo devices, for example, it involves developer settings and a command in fastboot mode. On some models, the manufacturer requires prior registration on its website.
The second is enabling USB debugging (or ADB). This option, hidden in the developer settings of Android, allows the computer to communicate with the tablet during the flashing process. Without it, the UBports installer simply does not detect the device.
On Windows, an additional obstacle may arise: it is sometimes necessary to install a specific USB driver for the tablet to be recognized in fastboot mode. Linux and macOS users encounter this problem less often, as ADB drivers are generally built into the system.
Before starting anything, it is useful to check these three points: bootloader, USB debugging, driver. A detailed guide helps to better understand how to install Ubuntu Touch on a tablet while considering these hardware constraints.
Devices Compatible with Ubuntu Touch: A More Limited List Than You Think
Ubuntu Touch does not work on just any tablet. The UBports project maintains an official list of supported devices, available at devices.ubuntu-touch.io. Each model has a distinct level of support, with stable, rc (release candidate), and devel channels.
For tablets, the options are significantly more limited than for smartphones. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD 2nd Gen is among the documented models, but its installation imposes a prerequisite often overlooked: the tablet must run a specific version of the stock Android firmware before it can receive Ubuntu Touch. Flashing from a version of Android that is too recent or modified can lead to a silent failure.
Here are the points to check before choosing a device:
- The exact model (full reference number) must appear on the official UBports list, not just the generic commercial name.
- The stable channel must be available for the device. A model listed only in the devel channel may have major malfunctions (Wi-Fi, sound, screen rotation).
- The version of the currently installed Android firmware must match the one required by the installation guide for the model.
Buying a second-hand tablet specifically for Ubuntu Touch therefore requires knowing in advance the installed Android version, which is not always indicated by sellers.
Using the UBports Installer from a Computer
The actual installation goes through the UBports graphical installer, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is a tool that guides the user step by step, from detecting the device to flashing the system.
The process unfolds in four stages:
- Connect the tablet to the computer via a USB cable, in fastboot mode (usually achieved by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously while off).
- Launch the UBports installer, which automatically detects the connected model and suggests the appropriate installation channel.
- Select the channel (stable recommended for daily use) and start downloading the system files.
- Wait for the flashing to complete. The tablet will automatically restart under Ubuntu Touch once the operation is finished.
If the installer does not detect the tablet, the problem almost always comes from a missing USB driver or a still locked bootloader. On Windows, the software may also be blocked by Windows Defender, which sometimes considers it an unverified application.
Choosing the Stable or Devel Channel
The stable channel offers the least frequent but most reliable updates. The devel channel provides access to the latest features, with a real risk of regression. For a beginner, the stable channel is the only reasonable choice. Development channels are for contributors who test and report bugs.
Ubuntu Touch 24.04-2.0: What the Latest Version Changes for Tablets
The Ubuntu Touch 24.04-2.0 version marks an important milestone in the project’s lifecycle. It is based on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat) and introduces several concrete improvements: an update to the Morph browser, support for screen notches, and the addition of a printing function.
This transition to a more recent base comes with a change in maintenance logic. Updates are now organized by version rather than continuously, simplifying tracking for users. In return, the list of devices compatible with this version may be more limited than that of the previous version.
For tablets, support for notches is a notable addition: some recent models have front cameras integrated into the screen, and the interface now adapts to this hardware constraint. Printing, long absent, facilitates minimal office use directly from the tablet.
Before flashing, it is useful to check on the device page if version 24.04-2.0 is available for the targeted model. Some devices remain on the Focal base (20.04) and will not receive this update.
Transitioning to Ubuntu Touch on a tablet remains an operation reserved for users willing to accept a limited application ecosystem and some manual adjustments. The reliability of the result depends as much on the choice of device as on the rigor of the preparatory steps.