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 lease of life, gain privacy, or simply explore the world of free software. Among all the proposals that have emerged in recent years, postmarket OS It is one of the most striking, especially for its ambition to be able to transform a smartphone into a real laptop, prolonging its useful life and breaking with planned obsolescence.

If you have an old mobile phone at home, you are interested in digital privacy, or you are simply a fan of tinkering and free software, it is worth knowing what postmarketOS is, How it works and what it can offer compared to Android and 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 make postmarketOS one of the most promising newcomers in the mobile Linux world.

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 objective of postmarketOS is extend the life of electronic devices that would otherwise become obsolete due to lack of official support, offering a secure, updated and user-controlled environmentThis philosophy makes it a particularly attractive solution for those looking to reduce e-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 planned obsolescence policies These are common in the mobile phone industry. Manufacturers stop updating their devices after a few years, even though the hardware may still work perfectly. This generates tons of electronic waste and forces users to purchase new devices every few years.

PostmarketOS aims to address this problem by proposing a robust, lightweight system with long-term support. The idea is that a mobile phone can reach up to 10 year shelf life running on a completely free 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 like LineageOS, it's rooted in Alpine Linux, giving it a 100% Linux feel and allowing the device to be used as a real 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

At the moment, postmarketOS exceeds 200 supported devices at different levels. There's a list divided into categories: devices with "mainstream" or "community" support, and others in "testing" that can boot the operating system even if they lack advanced functionality.

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

With version 24.06, the project goes beyond smartphones and now also supports tablets, Chromebooks, laptops (including many that came standard with Windows), and x86_64 and ARM computersThis has been made possible by creating 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 approach of postmarketOS is to turn your old mobile phone (or tablet, Chromebook, etc.) into a true multi-function Linux computer.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 apps, and even, on some models, make calls and send text messages.

Thanks to its modularity and variety of desktop environments, the possibilities are enormous: from a mobile phone with XFCE or MATE for light browsing, to a pocket-sized "mini PC" for specific tasks. Plus, with the system you can have absolute control on every aspect of the device, without bloatware or invasive apps.

Advantages over planned obsolescence

One of the PostmarketOS's big promise is to extend the life of your device by up to a decade.Using Alpine Linux as a base, the resource demands are so low that even older terminals run surprisingly well.

This not only saves money by not having to constantly renew your phone, but contributes directly to environmental sustainability, 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 devices is the amount of data collected and sold by commercial apps and operating systems themselves. postmarketOS addresses this problem at its root: It does not include pre-installed applications that collect data or send information without the user's consent.. Only 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 tool pmbootstrap, 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 know that The system is in beta, and only a few devices currently allow calls and mobile data. For the rest, 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 most powerful aspects of postmarketOS is the diversity of supported interfaces. Among them, 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 available, postmarket OS 24.06, has represented a major 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 a starter system, just like Alpine Linux. However, to improve compatibility with environments such as GNOME and KDE Plasma, it has been incorporated systemd as an experimental optionThis allows for more comprehensive support for advanced features, although OpenRC will remain the primary choice to ensure lightweight 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 in continuous developmentDespite significant progress, there is still a list of "missing features" on some devices, such as the camera, Bluetooth, calls, or 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 remains Linux enthusiasts, programmers, and advanced users, although its installation and use are gradually becoming more accessible to everyone.

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

Community, support and documentation

The project has a very active communityHowever, the vast majority of resources are in English, including the official website, the wiki, and support groups. In Spanish, the information available 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.