To put Linux on a tablet, you must first decide whether you have an Android tablet or an iPad, because the process is completely different for each. For Android tablets, you can either run Linux alongside Android using a chroot environment or replace Android entirely with a native Linux installation; for iPads, you can only run Linux in a virtual machine or as a command-line shell.
The real way to put Linux on a tablet: Android vs. iPad
Putting Linux on a tablet is not a one-size-fits-all process. Android tablets allow you to either run Linux inside Android or replace Android entirely, while iPads cannot run Linux natively at all. If you want a full desktop Linux experience, an Android tablet is your only realistic option. For iPads, you are limited to running Linux inside a virtual machine or using a Linux shell app.
How to put Linux on an Android tablet (2 methods)
There are two viable methods for putting Linux on an Android tablet. The safer method uses a chroot environment that runs Linux inside Android without erasing your data, while the native replacement method installs Ubuntu Touch via UBports for a full Linux experience but wipes the device completely. Both methods require root access or an unlocked bootloader.
Method 1: The safer chroot route with Linux Deploy
For rooted Android tablets, apps like Linux Deploy allow you to install distributions such as Debian or Ubuntu in a chroot environment. This method offers better performance than terminal emulators and does not erase your Android installation. You can use it to install a new Android OS on your tablet while keeping your existing data intact.
- Root your Android tablet and install the Linux Deploy app from a trusted source.
- Open Linux Deploy and configure the distribution (e.g., Debian or Ubuntu), specifying the architecture (ARM or x86) and the size of the disk image.
- Start the installation from the app; Linux Deploy will download and set up the Linux system in a chroot environment.
- Once installed, use the app's "Start" button to launch Linux and connect via a VNC client or SSH to access the desktop environment.
This method is non-destructive and lets you switch between Android and Linux easily. Performance is good because Linux runs directly on the hardware rather than in an emulator.
Method 2: The native install with Ubuntu Touch and UBports
For a full native Linux experience, you can replace Android with Ubuntu Touch using the UBports Installer. This method completely wipes your tablet and installs Linux as the primary operating system. You must unlock the bootloader on your Android tablet before proceeding, which will erase all existing data on the device.
- Check if your tablet is supported on the UBports device list.
- Unlock the bootloader on your tablet using the manufacturer's instructions, this will factory reset the device.
- Download and run the UBports Installer on a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
- Connect your tablet to the computer via USB and follow the installer's on-screen steps to flash Ubuntu Touch.
- After installation, the tablet will boot directly into Ubuntu Touch with a touch-friendly interface.
This method gives you a native Linux tablet experience but requires you to accept that your Android data will be gone. You will also need to find a kernel compiled for your tablet's SoC and touchscreen to ensure full hardware support after installation.
How to put Linux on an iPad (it's a virtual machine)
It is impossible to replace iPadOS with Linux. The only way to put Linux on an iPad is through virtualization or a command-line shell using apps from the App Store. Two apps provide this functionality: iSH for an Alpine Linux shell and UTM for a full graphical virtual machine.
Setting up a Linux shell on iPad with iSH
iSH provides an Alpine Linux command-line environment that runs directly on your iPad without needing a separate computer. It is ideal for learning Linux commands or running simple scripts.
- Install iSH from the App Store.
- Open iSH and run the command
apk updateto refresh the package list. - Install essential packages by running
apk add bash git openssh-client nano. - You now have a functional Linux shell with bash, git, SSH client, and nano text editor.
For a graphical Linux desktop on an iPad, use UTM, which runs virtual machines including full Linux distributions. UTM requires downloading a Linux ISO and setting up a VM manually, but it provides a complete desktop experience within iPadOS.
What to do immediately after the installation
After putting Linux on your tablet, the first critical steps are to connect to Wi-Fi and run a system update. For Android tablets using the chroot method, open Linux Deploy and ensure networking is configured. For native UBports installations, connect to Wi-Fi through the settings and run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in a terminal. On iPads with iSH, run apk update && apk upgrade. If hardware like the touchscreen or Wi-Fi does not work, you will need to find a kernel compiled for your tablet's SoC and touchscreen to resolve driver issues.
