postmarketOS: the free alternative that extends the life of your phone

  • postmarketOS allows you to transform mobile phones and tablets into real Linux computers.
  • The system offers support for more than 200 devices and is constantly expanding compatibility.
  • It stands out for its privacy, user control, and resistance to planned obsolescence.
Isaac

11 minutes

postmarkets

Alternative mobile operating systems have gained increasing interest among users looking to give their devices a second life, improve their privacy, or simply delve into the world of free software. Among all the proposals that have emerged in recent years, postmarketOS is one of the most striking, especially for its ambition to transform a smartphone into a true laptop, extending its lifespan and breaking with planned obsolescence.

If you have an old mobile phone lying around, are interested in digital privacy, or are simply a fan of tinkering and open-source software, it's worth learning about postmarketOS, how it works, and what it offers compared to Android, iOS , or alternatives like LineageOS or Ubuntu Touch. Below you'll find the most comprehensive and detailed guide available in Spanish, compiling all the key ideas and new features that position postmarketOS as one of the most promising Linux distributions for mobile devices.

What is postmarketOS?


postmarketOS It is a free and open-source operating system based on Alpine Linux, primarily aimed at smartphones and tablets, although in its latest versions it has expanded its compatibility to other devices such as laptops, Chromebooks and single-board computers.

The main goal of postmarketOS is to extend the lifespan of electronic devices that would otherwise become obsolete due to a lack of official support, by offering a secure, up-to-date, and user-controlled environment . This philosophy makes it a particularly attractive solution for those looking to reduce electronic waste and maintain control over their privacy and data.

Origins and motivation

The birth of postmarketOS is linked to the frustration of many users regarding the planned obsolescence policies so common in the mobile phone sector. Manufacturers stop updating their devices after only a few years, even though the hardware may still be perfectly functional. This generates tons of electronic waste and forces users to buy new devices every few years.

PostmarketOS aims to tackle this problem by proposing a robust, lightweight system with long-term support. The idea is that a mobile device can achieve up to 10 years of useful life running on a completely open and configurable platform.

Main features of postmarketOS

  • Based on Alpine Linux: A very lightweight operating system, ideal for devices with limited resources, with reinforced security thanks to tools like musl and BusyBox.
  • Focus on privacy and security: Implements user protection measures, storage encryption, and very strict privilege management.
  • Wide variety of graphical interfaces: From lightweight environments like XFCE or MATE to mobile-focused options like Plasma Mobile, Hildon or LuneOS UI.
  • Easy to carry and install: Although installation requires some knowledge, the system is designed so that any Linux user can create and install their own image for their device, even if it is not on the official list of supported models.
  • continuous updates: Development is very active and the community is constantly working to improve compatibility and functionality.

How is it different from Android and other alternative systems?

PostmarketOS is not based on Android , unlike other projects such as LineageOS. It is rooted in Alpine Linux, giving it a 100% Linux nature and allowing the device to be used as a true computer, including the ability to install traditional desktop software.

Compared to alternatives like Replicant, Ubuntu Touch, or Sailfish OS, postmarketOS stands out especially for its lightness, modularity, and ease of community collaboration in porting the system to new devices.

Compatibility and supported devices

Currently, postmarketOS supports over 200 devices at various levels. The list is divided into categories: devices with "main" or "community" support, and others in "testing" that can boot the operating system even though advanced functionality is lacking.

Popular brands like Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, LG, Nokia, Sony , and Fairphone appear on the list, although the level of direct compatibility varies depending on the device. If your phone isn't listed, the system itself provides tools to create a custom port semi-automatically.

With version 24.06, the project expands beyond smartphones to include support for tablets, Chromebooks, laptops (including many that came pre-installed with Windows), and x86_64 and ARM computers . This has been made possible by the creation of a "generic" image that can be installed on any conventional PC with an Intel or AMD processor, as well as new images for devices with NVIDIA Tegra armv7 chips.

Prerequisites for installing postmarketOS

  • compatible device (see the official list or investigate the possibility of making your own port).
  • Bootloader unlocked: Necessary to be able to install alternative systems.
  • Alternative Recovery like TWRP or CWM installed on the phone.
  • A PC with Linux (essential to install and run postmarketOS tools).
  • Sufficient free spaceSeveral gigabytes are recommended for comfortable work.
  • Patience and desire to tinker: The system is still under development and, although intuitive, may require some familiarity with the console and Linux systems.

What can I do with postmarketOS?

The idea behind postmarketOS is to turn your old mobile phone (or tablet, Chromebook, etc.) into a true multi-functional Linux device . Beyond the typical Android features, you can install desktop utilities, connect via SSH from your PC, use it as a personal server, experiment with Linux applications, and even, on some models, make calls and send SMS messages.

Thanks to its modularity and variety of desktop environments , the possibilities are enormous: from a mobile device with XFCE or MATE for lightweight browsing, to a pocket-sized "mini PC" for specific tasks. Furthermore, the system gives you complete control over every aspect of the device, without bloatware or invasive applications.

Advantages over planned obsolescence

One of postmarketOS's biggest promises is to extend the life of your device by up to a decade . Using Alpine Linux as its base, its resource demands are so low that even older devices run surprisingly well.

This not only saves money by not having to constantly replace your phone, but also directly contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the number of phones and tablets that end up in the trash due to lack of manufacturer support.

Total user privacy and control

One of the growing concerns with modern mobile phones is the amount of data collected and sold by apps and commercial operating systems themselves. postmarketOS addresses this problem at its root: it doesn't include pre-installed apps that collect data or send information without user consent . You decide what to install and how to configure it.

For those looking for the cleanest and most private environment possible, postmarketOS is hard to beat.

Installation process: pmbootstrap and basic steps

The postmarketOS installation process revolves around the pmbootstrap tool , a Python script that automates the creation of the system image for each device.

  1. Install the requirements on your Linux system (for example, git y python3-setuptools in Debian/Ubuntu distributions).
  2. Clone the official repository: git clone https://gitlab.com/postmarketOS/pmbootstrap.git
  3. Install pmbootstrap by running sudo ./setup.py install
  4. Start the process with pmbootstrap init from the terminal.
  5. Select the location of the working directory (by default it is created in ~/.local/var/pmbootstrap).
  6. Choose the update channel (edge for the latest version, stable for greater stability but fewer supported devices).
  7. Enter the make and model of your device (the script offers suggestions and known codenames).
  8. Decide whether you want to include proprietary components (this may result in increased functionality, such as WiFi or a working modem on some models, but is not required).
  9. Choose your username, time zone, hostname, and add any extra packages you want (for example, a virtual keyboard as "onboard").
  10. Choose the graphical environment that best suits your device. Common options include XFCE, MATE, Plasma Mobile, GNOME, LuneOS, etc. On older models, choose lightweight options to ensure fluidity.
  11. Generate the system image with pmbootstrap installThe process usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the PC and device hardware.
  12. Flash the image to your phone using pmbootstrap and a custom recovery. Example: pmbootstrap flasher flash_kernel y pmbootstrap flasher flash_rootfs.
  13. Once rebooted, your phone can now boot into postmarketOS.

It's important to note that the system is in beta and only a few devices currently support making calls and using mobile data. For everyone else, the system functions as a portable mini PC, ideal for experimenting, programming, browsing, and playing with free software.

User interface and graphical environments

One of the strongest aspects of postmarketOS is the diversity of compatible interfaces . Among them, the following stand out:

  • Plasma Mobile (KDE): Designed for touch screens, modern and visually appealing.
  • MATE and XFCE: Lightweight, ideal for saving resources and making the system run smoothly.
  • GNOME 3: For those looking for a desktop-like experience.
  • Hildon, LuneOS UI: Retro and experimental options.
  • Minimalist environments (i3wm, sway, shelli): For purists or those who enjoy managing everything from the terminal.

This allows postmarketOS to be tailored to almost any user profile and device type, optimizing resources or prioritizing the visual experience as appropriate.

What's new in the latest versions

The latest version, postmarketOS 24.06 , represents a significant leap forward in functionality and compatibility. Among its most notable new features are:

  • Extended support for a wider range of devices, including x86_64 laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets with Tegra chips.
  • New generic images to facilitate installation on conventional PCs and laptops, as well as ARM tablets.
  • Graphical interfaces update: GNOME Shell 46, KDE Plasma Mobile 6.0.5, Phosh 0.39, Sxmo 1.16.3, among others.
  • Specific improvements in support for accelerated graphics, calls, SMS, and GPS on specific models (e.g., devices with Qualcomm MSM8953 processors and Samsung Chromebooks).

Development is very active, and it's recommended to follow updates through the official website and wiki, both of which contain valuable information, although primarily in English.

Systemd and alternatives to OpenRC

By default, postmarketOS uses OpenRC as its init system , just like Alpine Linux. However, to improve compatibility with environments like GNOME and KDE Plasma, systemd has been added as an experimental option . This allows for more comprehensive support of advanced features, although OpenRC will remain the primary option to ensure lightweight performance and stability.

On the other hand, the system supports other alternatives such as s6, runit, and dinit, although there are no graphical interfaces adapted for managing them on mobile devices yet.

Limitations and aspects to take into account

PostmarketOS is a system under continuous development . Despite significant advancements, a list of missing features remains on some devices, such as camera, Bluetooth, phone calls, and mobile data. In many cases, the system functions more as a testing platform, multimedia mini-PC, or portable server than as a complete replacement for Android or iOS. Therefore, its primary audience continues to be Linux enthusiasts, programmers, and advanced users, although its installation and use are gradually becoming more accessible to everyone.

It is also important to always make a backup before flashing anything, as any modification to the system could render the phone unusable if an error occurs.

Community, support and documentation

The project has a very active community . However, the vast majority of resources are in English, including the official website, the wiki, and the support groups. Information available in Spanish is limited, although it is beginning to grow thanks to the efforts of users who share their experiences and tutorials.

It's best to use the official wiki to find device-specific information, follow the forums and development channels, and share questions or results to enhance support in your language.

Motivations and target audience

PostmarketOS is designed for a wide variety of profiles:

  • Users with old mobile phones who do not want to throw them away and prefer to give them a new use, prolonging their useful life.
  • People concerned about privacy who want to move away from systems that trade their data.
  • Curious and lovers of free software who seek to experiment, learn and contribute to the development of a truly open alternative system.
  • Developers and hackers who wish to collaborate in the porting, improvement and stability of a constantly evolving project.

Reasons to try postmarketOS

Today, we live surrounded by electronic devices subject to increasingly shorter support and utility cycles. The system proposed by postmarketOS directly challenges this model, offering an alternative to planned obsolescence, with continuous updates, a complete absence of spyware, and flexibility beyond the reach of Android or iOS.

Trying postmarketOS is a direct window into the future of mobile software made by and for the community, offering the opportunity to breathe life into those phones lying dormant in the drawer and explore the full potential of having "real" Linux in the palm of your hand. Of course, it's not a system for everyone (yet), but anyone looking for freedom, control, and a thorough understanding of how a phone works will find the best starting point here.


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