[How to] Install Ubuntu Linux on Google Nexus 7 Android

Ubuntu is an open source and free operating system so, over 20 millions of people are still using it as their mail OS on their PCs, and the number is steadily increasing due to its thriving community. Using it on your PC is quite easy with much easier download of Ubuntu.

On our previous article we discussed about how to install Windows 8 on you Google’s ChromeBook. But, have you ever thought of using Ubuntu on your Mobile or Android Tablets like Nexus 7? Yes, I said tablets; you can use Ubuntu in Tablets too, like here we will be using Ubuntu Linux in Nexus 7, but first you’ll need to unlock it. And, here’s a simple way to do all that.

How to Unlock Your Nexus 7’s Bootloader

So, before you install Ubuntu Linux on Google Nexus 7, make yourself ready with the Micro-USB cable that came up with Nexus 7, as well as a DVD or an image of Ubuntu 12.04 LTS or later.

Warning: Unlocking the bootloader may void your warranty.

1. Make sure you have the Android SDK installed on your system (for ADB and fastboot). You can find the package by searching for android-tools in the Ubuntu Software Center.
2. USB Debugging should also be enabled on your Nexus 7.
3. Plug your Nexus 7 into your computer via the Micro-USB cable. Your device will then display the boot loader GUI.
4. Verify that fastboot lists the device. In a terminal window, run:
   $ sudo fastboot devices
   1234567891234567 fastboot
5. Start the unlock process:
   sudo fastboot oem unlock
6. When asked on your Nexus 7 to unlock the bootloader, select Yes.
7. Then reboot:
   sudo fastboot reboot-bootloader

When your Nexus 7 reboots back into fastboot mode, you should see LOCK STATE – UNLOCKED in small red text.  At this point your Nexus 7 is unlocked.

How to install Ubuntu 12.10 on unlocked Nexus 7

Once all setup has been completed, the installation can start. To install, ensure the Nexus 7 is in fastboot mode, plug it into your computer (and make sure NO OTHER DEVICES are plugged in).

Now just find the installer on the dash (just search for “nexus”) and open it. It will download the latest image automatically and flash it to your Nexus 7. After a couple of minutes, your device will reboot and finish the Ubuntu installation, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

Troubleshooting the Install

If you have problems installing the image, please use the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Detach the USB cable, restart the tablet back into fastboot mode, and re-attach the USB cable.
2. If problems persist, reboot your host PC.
3. If you still have issues, try a different USB cable.
4. If you have a 16G tablet, try using the 8G image.
5. If you still have issues after doing all this, return the image to stock using the directions above and re-try.
6. If none of that works, ask a question on Ask Ubuntu using the mobile tag, or ask for help in the #ubuntu-arm channel on freenode. If you believe it’s a bug, file a bug against ubuntu-nexus7 in Launchpad.

So, did this hack helped you to install Ubuntu Linux on your Google Nexus 7. Share us, how cool does Nexus 7 looks with Ubuntu installed.