How to install Ubuntu onto $40 Android box

[@zafran9934]

5year, still a good reference. When senior teach to a 0 knowledge person it is easy to understand 100%. Thank you.

[@clarkss12]

Thank you for the kind comment

[@TheRealXyzven]

Great video, and I appreciate the whole process being documented so that people can see any potential pitfalls and how to fix it themselves.

[@clarkss12]

Thank you for the kind comment.......... :)

[@zenny1644]

Thanks a lot for this! i want to repurpose these TV boxes as accessible computers for online schools for children here in Mexico

[@jotaerrybh]

Zenny, that cool.. I had the same idea. I'm from Brazil. And recently I saw on the LinkedIn some people posting programing at cell phone. And I had this idea, to use these tvbox to teach web language programing. I had tested the original android, but it's so difficult to use for programing. And now, I can make a video for youtube, teaching how to transform the tvbox in a computer to learn many languages programing.

[@antongrekov7710]

suerte

[@dusscode]

Let us know how it worked out for you.

[@haahaa2k5]

But its slower than even PCs from 2008

[@juniorgamboa5236]

@@haahaa2k5No son PC’s gamer para jugar Fortnite amigo 😅

[@flotron]

Jeff bridges know how to flash android boxes

[@Skinnybrandotron]

Well thats just like your opinion man

[@JerryCraigpriest]

IM 56 YEARS old got hurt when I worked in the oil patch got screwed because I wasn't smart enough. I dealt with it and learned a lot about computers that I know more than average by trial and error finding the hidden jewel or wisdom then comes understanding to trying to figure out how to fix my mistake i put open electric not libra eelec it goes to an ancient Kodi with Linux 15 update it sucks. I was having problems getting a libre electic system on it. but i had this video in the background mopping and I have seen all my little mistake like holding the reset for 15 and fixing my 2 pooched sd cards I get it with you wisdom comes my understanding I thank these little hic-ups. But to completely to understand putty I knew these things were possible but the set up stumped me thank you from the bottom of my soul

[@clarkss12]

Thank you for the kind comments. Glad you got it working to your satisfaction.... :)

[@swapnilnarendra]

This was a very good and easy to understand tutorial. Thank you, sir.

[@clarkss12]

Thank you

[@caniz80]

Thank you for showing how to booTING INTO LINUX! (RISING TONE)

[@grizzlygrizzler8594]

Cos he never. The very thing we needed to see in the video, he didn't show. Then he switched to not using it at all and jumping all over the place. Like showing you a car, it's pedals and stuff and then saying "this is how to ride a motorbike"! 😂

[@mattk311]

Thanks for the tutorial! I was curious if this could be done. Very easy to follow.

[@RaviSIyerSai]

Awesome tutorial. Simple and clear! Thanks a ton.

[@clarkss12]

Thank you.

[@ice2642]

Good video! I would like to know with what device you fill better performance, rock64 or in the TV box ? tkz

[@clarkss12]

I don't have the rock64 to make a comparison. I have the Pine64 and it is about equal to this $40 box in performance.

[@buckeye43210]

Hey Ronnie, I just installed Armbian (Inovato Quadra OS) on a $30 T95 Android box :-)

[@clarkss12]

Excellent.

[@Crux161]

Old people and technology *do* mix! 😂 awesome video 👏

[@clarkss12]

Thank you

[@larryganschow437]

...Thank you for posting this, Mr.Bailey.

[@clarkss12]

Glad you liked it.... thanks

[@joshweinstein5843]

@@clarkss12 Has anyone then tried to use the Mac OSX install with Linux through this Android Box setup? Turning the Android Box into a Mini Hackintosh.

[@clarkss12]

@@joshweinstein5843 I am not aware of anyone trying that.

[@elomuskreal]

@@joshweinstein5843 hackintosh? android boxes don't have enough power to run mac os

[@haahaa2k5]

​@@joshweinstein5843hackintosh? How can ARM64 cpu runs MacOS x64

[@atomicradiotheater]

Sir you have made my day. Thank you!

[@SnakePlissken1]

Another problem i see is after putting it in boot mode by pressing that botton its not on the network. How that box you have does it im not sure. Each box ive tried is different.

[@n.w.aicecube5713]

Would you consider making a video about install a linux distro in amlogic x96s 2Gb/4Gb RAM ?

[@PetesimonTabibito]

looks like Debian/Armbian XFCE desktop but not really Ubuntu desktop. whatever... it still works anyway. Thanks for your video.

[@GopnikVasiliy]

Hello, there is no such file at yandesk disk, seems like it was deleted, could you please tell me if it is possible to download from any other sites?

[@pierfrancescomariasanti]

unfortunately Balbes150 deleted Arm64 folder.......we cannot go ahead

[@mrredstonia]

Hi! My Android Box doesn't have that reset button.. What do I do?

[@Ridethebomb777]

Your box will have a reset button somewhere .... just keep searching on google or on forums .... Troypoint forum is pretty good ... and friendly ... smart people there. Sometime the reset is hidden up another connection port.

[@gian.zagada702]

Will this work on ‘Android TV Box X96 mini’ it has 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM. Please reply I would really like to try.

[@clarkss12]

Yes, Linux will run very well on your device..... Just go to the Armbian forum and get the correct firmware for your device........

[@gian.zagada702]

@@clarkss12 okay thank you I will try it right now!

[@rab8347]

hmmm I have x96 spare at my home now...hmm, nice topic for a weekend exercises. but aaaa...what about old smartphones, do you have any advice? eg zte blade 1

[@clarkss12]

Never tried on a smart phone. However, I use one of my old smart phones as a monitor for my security cams. It sits on my desk, in front of my monitor.

[@gian.zagada702]

Can I use a USB Flash Drive instead of SD Card? And also can I turn my android box into Windows 10 after I install Unbunto Linux in it?

[@clarkss12]

Yes you can usually flash drive. And no you cannot run Windows on it.

[@bakuhost]

Hello I have a question, does your TV box have AV analog out? If yes can you check if it works in Linux? My box have HDMI circuit burned and I can use only composite

[@handletodizmantle]

Thank you for that sir

[@clarkss12]

You're welcome

[@oldchannel5421]

Sorry if this question seems trivial but... My box doesn't have a microSD card slot, but it DOES have a regular SD Card slot, would it work via that?

[@clarkss12]

Lighton St Cloud it should

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΤσάτσος-λ8θ]

Can you help me find "Armbian_5.68_Aml-s9xxx_Ubuntu_bionic_default_4.19.13_desktop_20190110.img.xz". I need it to flash a Tanix TX3 Mini

[@oilpigjohnny]

Hi Ron, I have a very similar TV box call Mini M8S pro, which is same amlogic IC S905X, but without the reset button, How can I install the Ubuntu from USB Disk or SD card without the reset button?

[@oilpigjohnny]

I just found the reset button is inside of the AV connector, and I did install the Ubunto onto it. Anyway, how can I install it in its own ROM in stead of USB disk or MicroSD?

[@tayloraustin1026]

Did you install this from a usb? If you did how did you do the install I need to somehow force boot it from the usb

[@SnakePlissken1]

He used a USB cable so big usb 2 big usb cost about $6.00

[@SkulStars]

Do not even install it, boot it from the memory card.

[@trixxprospere4615]

@@SkulStars how do you boot from sd cards on android boxes

[@nikosv4031]

Does this replace the OS? Or only runs it? What If I want to switch back to it's original android?

[@clarkss12]

The Linux OS only runs on the microSD card, the Android is not touched. Remove the microSD card, reboot and you are back to the existing Android.

[@nikosv4031]

@@clarkss12 Thank you.

[@deddygraphite]

amlogic s905w plz

[@irishguy200007]

Can it not give you a choice which to boot into? Or do you have to press the reset button every time.

[@clarkss12]

There is no choice in the bootloader for which OS to boot into. It boots into the OS that is installed on a SD/microSD card or Pen drive first. However, most CoreELEC OS's boot straight into CoreELEC from the SD/microSD card, but once inside CE there are options to boot into the internal memory....... So, no, once you have dual boot setup, you NEVER have to press the reset button again.

[@tdnop]

Hi Ron, Does the micro sd have to stay with the unit then? Or only for the install? I have a HDHomerun and am anxious to set up whole home dvr. I have an S812 Android box. Will it work?

[@clarkss12]

You can install it directly onto your device, but I run it straight from the microSD card, gives more storage space. Yes, Bables150 has created a port for your S812 box. Just install this port onto a fast microSD card, then install the tvheadend server onto your Linux port. My other videos show to install the tvheadend server for your whole home DVR. yadi.sk/d/wc2jqGsHuKy48/Armbian

[@tdnop]

Thanks Ron, Did you see the comment I left on your g+ page? I'm hoping you can help?

[@clarkss12]

Yes

[@clarkss12]

What is the brand and model of your box?

[@tdnop]

TICTID® M8s Android Tv Box Amlogic S812 Quad Core 4k Output 2gb/8gb Flash 2.4g/5g Dual Band Wifi Smart Tv Player Preinstalled with Full Loaded Kodi

[@l-cornelius-dol]

It's not "arm-bane", it's "arm-bee-an"; the "i" is before the "a".

[@clarkss12]

Haha, yes,, I have been told that before, I just keep forgetting. Hell to get old.

[@JasonScottHamilton]

While we're being pedantic, it's mate is pronounced Ma-Tay :) Great video!

[@khaidude]

I have an old one that just says “ttv tv box” 1/8 and I don’t have that little button you pushed. How can I make it work if I even can?

[@NassimDhaher]

stick a toothpick in the P2 (audio/video) entrance and see if it has a reset button in the end or just open the box and look for the reset button.

[@alexrojco]

Hi Ron, Excellent tutorial, well explained and very easy to follow. My android tv box doesn't have a micro sd slot. So I tried to mount the image to my usb stick, and I tired to boot the box from it. But it didn't work, it doesn't boot from it. Thanks in advance!

[@clarkss12]

What box do you have? Did you depress the reset button while applying power?

[@alexrojco]

I have a comigo quattro, which has an amlogic S805-b processor. And yes, I depressed the reset button after 15 seconds after I connected to the wall outlet. Note: after depressing the button, it shows a stock android boot screen, but after trying each option in the menu it didn't boot linux.

[@clarkss12]

Read this link and see if that helps. I think you can install LibreELEC onto your microSD card and that should boot into LibreELEC. If that works, then you should be able to boot into Linux. forum.armbian.com/index.php?/topic/1919-armbian-for-amlogic-s805/&do=findComment&comment=3609 Not sure what Linux version you tried, but give Balbes's Ubuntu a try. yadi.sk/d/DnCkh3KBvAFES/Linux

[@alexrojco]

The problem is my box doesn't have a microSD card slot. I tried to burn Balbes's Linux on a usb stick but it didn't work. Then I tried to burn LibreELEC and that didn't work either( The menu it shows looks like this : fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/4774964/image/AndroidPIT-Recovery-Menu-Reboot-System-w628.jpg

[@clarkss12]

I am at a loss, perhaps you can post on the Armbian forum and ask Balbes.....

[@artandcraftstechniques8503]

Can we do it using an usb instead

[@clarkss12]

Not sure, it's worth a try

[@MCRoadk1ll]

Tech savy old nerd 😎👌

[@sadiqBD]

Can i get back to android after installing linux ?

[@clarkss12]

If you have the correct firmware, then yes you can go back to Android.

[@isagi_xz]

Can i try this in Android Tv Box A96X

[@clarkss12]

Give it a try, hard to kill these Amlogic boxes

[@dennisjohnston7967]

does this overwrite the android os completely? ALso, how does kodi work with linux on these boxes? Fairly smooth or nay?

[@clarkss12]

By running Linux or LibreELEC on a microSD card, it does not affect the Android running internally. Just remove the microSD card and you are right back to Android. Right now, Kodi does not work very well running under Linux, because there is no hardware decoding. LibreELEC is fantastic for a media center because it will play almost every codec, including HD audio.

[@04minutes53]

Great one

[@trixxprospere4615]

great video bro very informative .....but i need help with my geek box, it has both linux and android. problem is it does boot to android.....help pls

[@clarkss12]

I do not have the Geekbox, but you can find information about your device on Freaktab..... This may help, forum.freaktab.com/forum/advertisers-and-vendor-support-area/geekbuying-com/745890-geekbox-hard-reset-instructions

[@trixxprospere4615]

@@clarkss12 okay thanks

[@btiller44]

Do you have a copy of that mate image file? These files are LONG gone from what I can tell.

[@clarkss12]

I am sorry, I don't have a Linux file for that device. I have the LibreELEC files, but not Linux. If you go to the Armbian forum, they will point you to a port that will work for your device.

[@btiller44]

@@clarkss12 Unfortunately it's more complicated now, I think. Maybe not super complicated but I spent a few hours trying to understand bables instructions from scratch and I just ended up buying a pi instead. Would still love to turn the device into a little unbuntu machine, but not if its going to take me 6 hours to figure out.

[@justchecking586]

Hi Ron, you make it look so easy. I go to change password as this software forces you to do this as 1234 is fine by me, every time it fails with an error:- "Authentication Token Manipulation Error" perhaps you can advise a password that works with this, silly software really. THANKS Ron

[@clarkss12]

I have never ran across that problem. You are first asked to change the master password, then it creates a user. After it creates a user, it ask for you to input another password, are you getting that far?? The easiest way to correct that error is to reinstall Ubuntu onto you microSD card.

[@justchecking586]

Ronnie Bailey, thanks Ron for the prompt reply. I kind of sorted it out, I was in a difficult position with a wired keyboard and didn't read correctly. it's all working now like a dream and WiFi too (Coowell V5) thanks again.

[@clarkss12]

Glad you get it installed.. So many things can be done with that $40 box.

[@emiliano_bilbao]

I have a T95z Plus Amlogic S912 and I can't start from the micro sd and I want to install armbian to it. I think it is a bug of my tv box.

[@clarkss12]

Make sure you have the correct ROM for your device and try using "Etcher" to create the bootable microSD card. I am sure your device can boot with the correct boot disk.

[@emiliano_bilbao]

@@clarkss12 yes use Etcher

[@clarkss12]

@@emiliano_bilbao If it still does NOT work using Etcher and it still won't boot, it is possible that your box has a locked bootloader..... If that is the case you will have to use a different firmware for your device and use the USB Burning tool to swap Android versions on your device.

[@emiliano_bilbao]

@@clarkss12now I have the firmware atvxperience with Android TV I don't know if I have blocked the bootloader, yes use Usb Burning tool from this firmware

[@clarkss12]

@@emiliano_bilbao Ok, then it has to be the Linux firmware you are trying to install.... Have you read this thread on the Armbian forum? forum.armbian.com/topic/3401-sunvell-t95z-plus-booting-armbian-from-sd-card/

[@zenornot9949]

Thank you

[@YoshiIsCool1]

Will this work for any Android Box or Only This Pacific One ?

[@clarkss12]

Balbes150 from the Armbian forum has created a Linux port for many different boxes with different SoC's........ So, yes, Linux can be installed on many different boxes. forum.armbian.com/

[@oratilemoagi9764]

Hey can i use a USB instead

[@clarkss12]

I'm not positive, but it should work.

[@armaanKhan-cu9uk]

The box does not install the image. boots up into recovery but can not install ubuntu. I have skystream box and G box mx2 , both did not install any images from there.

[@clarkss12]

You have to have the correct dtb.img.....

[@lucagessi-creatives]

Hi. I have a Beelink mini mixiii. It has a s905 chipset but I cannot boot into SD card. It remains on boot logo and nothing happens

[@k.c.vasilas5639]

i have the same problem did you find a way to fix it?

[@pacmania1982]

Arm Bain?

[@AmRealPsychologist]

Hey Ronnie, is it possible to do it with MiBox Pro 2S?

[@clarkss12]

Most of the Xiaomi boxes have a locked boot loader, if this is the case, then NO. You can install a terminal emulator from Aptoid or any other source for APKs. When you install the terminal emulator, type "reboot recovery", if you get into the recovery menu, then, yes it is possible to install Linux.

[@AmRealPsychologist]

@@clarkss12 Thanks! I will test that out

[@yensontyt5631]

amlogic s905w plz?

[@YoshiIsCool1]

Do you have a Windows One ???

[@clarkss12]

There is no Windows port for these boxes that I am aware of.

[@YoshiIsCool1]

@@clarkss12 oh ok Thanks Bro

[@brad69420]

i don't even have a tv box curiosity just got the better of me :(

[@chue98]

how about h96 max 4k (RK3328)?do it work?

[@clarkss12]

Have you tried finding a Linux firmware from Armbian, for your box? forum.armbian.com/forum/21-rockchip-3288-3328/

[@andreas_aus_d]

Americans are used to not feeling the need to go faster than 32 :) let alone 64...

[@emreakyol5808]

So can I install windows operating system in the same way?

[@clarkss12]

I am not aware of a Windows OS made for these Android boxes.

[@g1mly]

No. These boxes' processors are ARM arquitecture, not compatigle with Windows.

[@Biduflink]

@@g1mly windows actually support ARM processors

[@jhudstudio4144]

Will this work on the rk3328 processors? Thanks!

[@clarkss12]

Balbes150 from Armbian forum, has ported Ubuntu to these RK3328 processors. That SoC will work very nicely with Linux. forum.armbian.com/topic/8082-armbian-for-tv-box-rk3328/

[@PhysicsViolator]

Can it be done through usb? I dont have a sd card to usb connector for the pc..

[@coffeedvdrw]

you can

[@oluisba9929]

onde acho a iso

[@MaikonAyresDaSilva]

my box not show wifi conections only ethernet...

[@YoshiIsCool1]

Awesome

[@hola25251212]

Can this be done with usb?

[@clarkss12]

I am not sure. But it should work.

[@hola25251212]

@@clarkss12 by any chance do you have the file? I have being looking for it and can't find it

[@clarkss12]

@@hola25251212 Take a look at this link, it should give you the link for a Linux version that will work for you. forum.armbian.com/topic/2419-armbian-for-amlogic-s905-and-s905x-ver-544/page/25/ forum.armbian.com/topic/2419-armbian-for-amlogic-s905-and-s905x-ver-544/

[@clarkss12]

@@hola25251212 Here is the link to the file. drive.google.com/file/d/15drT01r4r6ZgxDyy2Igh1IhLBqM6idiT/view?usp=sharing

[@hola25251212]

Thanks a lot

[@mikehoffman2102]

is there a way to do this with the Allwinner H313 x96q with cortex a53?

[@clarkss12]

Take a look at this site, perhaps they have a Linux firmware for your box. forum.armbian.com/

[@richardhulshof8029]

Do you know , if there is a img of linux mint 18 cinnamon for S912 ?

[@clarkss12]

I don't know.

[@richardhulshof8029]

Oke thnx

[@SuperJazzTube]

Thank you!

[@clarkss12]

You are welcome.

[@gagal_tutor]

Can install win 10 arm?

[@clarkss12]

Not sure, I have never tried.

[@gagal_tutor]

@@clarkss12 yes, i think, what is different with other arm64 based like Rasp***y pi? thx.

[@clarkss12]

I am not positive, but should work.

[@KOSerg-vo2qb]

Does this work on the scishion v88 4k?

[@clarkss12]

I am not sure, you will have to ask on the Armbian forum. forum.armbian.com/

[@mans4104]

Buy the 64GB , anyway, $40 , is inexpensive.That's what you said.

[@jimb032]

OMG what a hassle to do that with windoze. Unzip..wwwaaaiiitt....try to flash...doesnt work....deleting partitions....flash again. You have patience! Linux straight from the zip to the SD card: unzip | dd

[@clarkss12]

Using the burn card method works sometimes, depends upon the bootloader.

[@jimb032]

@@clarkss12 P.S. You are writing an image to the SD card. It means it HAS a file system it will create. You don't need to create a partition, format...blah blah. The problem was that Windoze had file handles open to it because of the drive letter assigned. You forced them closed/destroyed by deleting the partition...which really was the only step needed. You are honestly better off to leave no partition on the card when imaging it. just FYI.

[@TungThanh-pt1oq]

Can installing window ??

[@clarkss12]

No.

[@MehmetKoseDev]

what about 4k MI boxes?

[@clarkss12]

If you mean the Xiaomi Mi box, then the answer is NO. The boot loader is locked down, so can't install any other firmware.

[@MultiKokonutz]

I have booted armbian from a USB drive, it is possible, but you have to use a UART adaptor and modify variables in uboot (the bootloader). After that, it boots from the USB drive if it is inserted, or from the stock Android Tv if not

[@alpad.6987]

This works on MINIX neo 8h? Whit any distro?

[@clarkss12]

Not sure, do not have one to test.

[@n.w.aicecube5713]

what about x96s?

[@clarkss12]

You would have to do some research on the Armbian forum to see if they have a Linux port for your stick.... forum.armbian.com/

[@EDSONTPASTICHI]

R329q_v.3.1( compatível .img tvbox)? thanks

[@TheRealXyzven]

Check it by processor in the forums.

[@1191SPEED]

Windows 10 is possible?

[@clarkss12]

Retro Gaming91 No

[@1191SPEED]

Ronnie Bailey can I install emulators supported by the classic ubuntu? thanks for the answers

[@clarkss12]

I am not really sure, I have not tried it.

[@paulsilva5218]

So if I find the box I have does not work well. (still returnable) How hard is it to reset the box back to stock with this method? thanks Paul

[@clarkss12]

Very easy.

[@jeanhautefeuille1763]

Vers good!

[@50MGG]

ARMBAYN xD Nah, it's Arm-bi-an, sorry couln't help myself :) Nice video tho :)

[@clarkss12]

Thank you.

[@TheRealTrimBrady]

Debian >> Raspbian && Armbian

[@jimb032]

Thanks - that was annoying me too. But I was to caught up in making fun of Windoze.

[@dahamsha]

I have a huge problem with my winnovo magic 3rd tv box. Netflix doesn't work, nor the app neither the web page. So, i was wondering if this installation could fix it. Did anybody fix this kind of problem? thank you so much

[@ffactory945]

armbian.com is down.

[@DocMacLovin]

several minutes of watching you download stuff from the net ... hmmm ....

[@robertstewardson3372]

You just literally described my entire job. I log in remotely to other people's computers and... download stuff from the internet that they don't know how to do. I am an IT professional and apparently, so is the Marlboro Man.

[@luperciosard8322]

e através da update backup

[@luperciosard8322]

perdeu começo?

[@myxamatozis]

бодро

[@Wifipiso-fm7qr]

i hope this will work on rk3128

[@KernowMan68]

Hi. could you tell me which on to download for my RK3328 H96 Max+ box please, as I can't figure out which on I need. Cheers