Alternative operating systems for Fairphone owners

  • Updated 

You can choose to transition your Fairphone to a compatible open-source operating system. This allows you to customize your software experience, enhance data privacy, or extend software support for your phone.

Warning: Modifying your software carries a risk of making your phone permanently unresponsive. Fairphone cannot provide technical support, guides, or troubleshooting for third-party operating systems. Find out more about warranty with an alternative OS. 

Compatible operating systems with Fairphone

Independent, open-source projects support various Fairphone models to help maintain data privacy and extend phone longevity. Below are some of the most popular options. 

/e/OS

/e/OS is a privacy-focused, de-Googled mobile operating system developed by Murena. Murena provides a user-friendly web installer for /e/OS that simplifies the installation process directly through the official Murena platform.

LineageOS

LineageOS is a highly customizable, community-driven open-source operating system based on Android. Comprehensive technical requirements and installation documentation are hosted on the official LineageOS Wiki.

iodéOS

iodéOS is a privacy-focused, de-Googled operating system based on Android. It includes built-in tracker and ad protection to safeguard your personal data while maintaining compatibility with standard mobile applications.

Where to find technical support and community updates

Subsequent software updates, maintenance releases, and technical troubleshooting must be sourced from the respective developer networks or community spaces.

  • The Fairphone Forum: Connect with other owners who have successfully transitioned their smartphones on the Fairphone Community Forum.
  • Developer help centers: Murena, LineageOS, and iodéOS all manage dedicated community spaces and documentation hubs where code maintainers handle software-specific inquiries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using my Fairphone 3 or Fairphone 3(+) now that support has ended?

Yes, your smartphone hardware remains fully functional. However, continuing to use an outdated operating system without software updates exposes your personal data to security risks. We strongly recommend switching to a community-supported alternative operating system to ensure your device receives ongoing security patches.

Can I install GrapheneOS on my Fairphone?

GrapheneOS does not currently support Fairphones. 

Still need help?

First try our self-service portal and then reach out to our customer support team. You can also open a support request directly through the My Fairphone app pre-installed on your device.