How to Compile a Custom Linux Kernel for Android/AOSP on Ubuntu

Compiling a custom Linux kernel for Android or the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on Ubuntu can significantly enhance the functionality and performance of your Android device. This process allows you to add custom features, improve security, and optimize the kernel for specific hardware. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to compile a custom Linux kernel for Android on an Ubuntu system.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have the following:

  • A computer running Ubuntu
  • Basic knowledge of Linux command line
  • Android source code
  • Necessary development tools installed (e.g., Git, JDK, Make)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Up Your Development Environment

First, install the required packages for kernel compilation:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install git-core gnupg flex bison gperf build-essential zip curl zlib1g-dev gcc-multilib g++-multilib libc6-dev-i386 lib32ncurses5-dev x11proto-core-dev libx11-dev lib32z1-dev libgl1-mesa-dev libxml2-utils xsltproc unzip m4
2. Download the Android Source Code

Clone the Android source code using the Repo tool:

mkdir ~/android
cd ~/android
repo init -u https://android.googlesource.com/platform/manifest
repo sync
3. Download the Kernel Source Code

Navigate to the kernel source directory and clone the repository:

cd ~/android/kernel
git clone https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/common.git
4. Configure the Kernel

Configure the kernel for your specific device. You can find the configuration file in the kernel source directory:

cd common
make ARCH=arm64 defconfig
5. Compile the Kernel

Compile the kernel using the make command:

make ARCH=arm64 CROSS_COMPILE=aarch64-linux-android- -j$(nproc)
6. Build the Boot Image

Once the kernel is compiled, create a boot image:

cd ~/android
source build/envsetup.sh
lunch aosp_arm64-eng
mkbootimg --kernel ~/android/kernel/common/arch/arm64/boot/Image.gz-dtb --ramdisk out/target/product/generic/ramdisk.img --output out/target/product/generic/boot.img
7. Flash the Kernel to Your Device

Finally, flash the boot image to your Android device:

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash boot out/target/product/generic/boot.img
fastboot reboot

Compiling a custom Linux kernel for Android/AOSP on Ubuntu can enhance your device’s performance and capabilities. By following this guide, you can customize your Android kernel to suit your needs, providing a more tailored and optimized experience.

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