The Raspberry Pi is the world’s most popular single-board computer (SBC). It enables people of all ages and abilities to explore computing and learn programming.
With the right operating system (OS), the Raspberry Pi functions as a fully capable desktop computer. Users can browse the internet, watch videos, create documents and spreadsheets, and play games. Despite its small size, this credit card-sized computer packs a punch with some incredibly powerful features.
On the Raspberry Pi 4, operating systems are run using an SD card. To operate, users simply need to insert a standard or micro SD card with their chosen OS installed into their Raspberry Pi device. This blog post explains how to install an Android OS in 5 simple steps.
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How to install Android OS on Raspberry Pi 4
Android and Raspberry Pi are not designed to work together natively. So, the best thing to do is use an actively developed embedded Android OS like Emteria’s.
What you’ll need for Raspberry Pi 4 Android OS installation.
You’ll need the following items to install Android OS for Raspberry Pi 4:
- Power Supply
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Micro SD Card
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Screen
- Wi-Fi dongle or Ethernet Cord
Once you have these items gathered, follow this 5-part tutorial to install and configure Raspberry Pi and Android OS.
1. Register with Emteria to download Raspberry Pi Android OS
- Create and confirm an account on the Emteria website.
- Download the appropriate Android OS version that has already been tweaked to work for Raspberry Pi 4.
- Click “Start for Free” in the top right-hand corner to receive a free starter plan for your first three devices.
2. Download and install
- Download the Emteria Raspberry Pi 4 Android OS installer from the Emteria website and run it on your computer.
- Log in to your Emteria account (as prompted) and select the Raspberry Pi 4 as your target device.
- Once asked which Emteria OS version of Android to use, choose the latest stable version.
3. Writing the image for Android on Raspberry Pi
The Emteria software will write an Android image to an SD card that will serve as the OS for running Android on Raspberry Pi 4.
- When prompted, select the drive that has your SD card on it.
- To get your Raspberry Pi Android OS, click “FLASH.”
4. Configuring Android on Raspberry Pi 4
- Place your SD card into your Raspberry Pi 4 and reboot it.
- Complete language, time zone and Wi-Fi/ethernet set-up.
5. Activating Android on Raspberry Pi 4
After configuring the Wi-Fi, Emteria’s Raspberry Pi 4 Android OS will ask if you want to activate a license for this device. Emteria gives you one free licence with your starter plan.
- Log into your Emteria account and agree to the End User License Agreement.
- Restart Android on Raspberry Pi, so the new configuration options are loaded up when the device boots.
After rebooting, you are officially ready to start using Android on Raspberry Pi!
Why choose an Android OS for Raspberry Pi 4?
Android is a trendy OS for the Raspberry Pi 4 due to its reliability and versatility.
Since Android OS is designed primarily for mobile devices, users can access features like touchscreen compatibility, camera use, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also run Android on many devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, TVs and more.
The various hardware configurations mean that Raspberry Pi and Android can be altered for personal and business use. With some tweaks, commercial applications like kiosks, point-of-sale terminals and digital display screens can be used relatively quickly too.
Emteria handles the complicated parts of installation and configuration, so you don’t have to. Alongside free installation and a license agreement, you’ll automatically receive updates and security fixes once they become available. You can even download your favourite Android apps and take advantage of open-source programmes.
Featured image source: ElectronicsComp.com
