How to Install Android on Raspberry Pi

Ash (362)

May 27, 2021

30 minutes

You'll be hard-pressed to find an official Android distribution for the Raspberry Pi. After all, the Pi is known for its open-source nature and educational tools. That being said, it is possible to install Android on a Raspberry Pi.

In this guide, I'll be using Emteria, a distribution designed to work with the Raspberry Pi 3 B/B+. This OS requires a license, but you can use it in evaluation mode for free. The free version has a few limitations including a forced reboot every 8 hours. Depending on your project needs, that might not be a problem. At the very least, you can use the free version to test the OS before purchasing a license.

Don't forget to deck out your Pi setup with a reliable Raspberry Pi case.

	Raspberry Pi 3 B+	×	1
	MicroSD card	×	1

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You must register with Emteria to download the software.

Visit the official Emteria website.
Click Register in the top right.
Enter your email address.
Check your email for a link to finish the account creation process.

The Raspberry Pi OS we need has to be obtained from the Emteria installer. The installer can be downloaded from the Emteria website.

Log into your account on the Emteria website.
Click Downloads at the top of the page.
Download the latest installer from the top of the list.
When the download has finished, install the Emteria installer.

You'll need a fresh microSD card for the Emteria OS installation. If you want to use a used SD card, make sure it's formatted before you begin the Emteria installation.

Format the microSD card or start with a new one.
Insert the microSD card into the computer that contains the Emteria installer.
Launch the Emteria installer software.

Now it's time to flash the image to the microSD card.

Log into your Emteria account in the Emteria installer window.
Set the first drop down to Raspberry Pi 3B/B+.
Set the second drop-down to the version of Emteria you want to use. I'm setting mine to version 0.5.19.
Click Continue and wait for the image to finish flashing.

Once the image has flashed, we can load it in the Pi.

Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi.
Turn on the Raspberry Pi.
When the Pi boots, you'll be met with a welcome screen. Confirm your language and click Next.
Follow the next few screens to fill out your timezone, clock layout, and WiFi information.
You will be prompted to activate a license if you have one. Skip this step to use the OS in evaluation mode.
Wait for the OS to finish setting up.

Congratulations! You're running Android on a Raspberry Pi. You can use the included browser to sideload additional apps. For your next project, try installing Dropbox on Raspberry Pi.