Installing Linux on a Bharatbook (MediaTek MT8183) Android Laptop
Posted by Sad_Charge_2884@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Hello r/Linux community,
I recently came into possession of an old Bharatbook laptop that was being thrown out by my father's workplace. It's currently running a proprietary Android-based OS called "Bharat OS" and is locked with an MDM (Mobile Device Management) policy. I'd like to completely wipe it and install a Linux distribution to give it a new life.
I've done some initial research, but I'm looking for guidance from people with more experience in this area.
Device Details:
- Model Name: Bharatbook WIFI
- Part Code: BHMTWIFI11064#006C
- Processor: Based on my research into similar models, it's very likely a MediaTek MT8183. This is the key piece of information for the ARM architecture.
- RAM/Storage: 4 GB / 64 GB
My Goals:
- Completely remove the current Bharat OS and its MDM lock.
- Install a functional Linux distribution. I'm open to suggestions, but something lightweight and well-supported on ARM would be ideal.
My Questions:
- Kernel and Drivers: What are the key challenges I should anticipate for a MediaTek MT8183 processor? Are there any well-known issues with drivers for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the built-in keyboard and trackpad?
- Linux Distributions for ARM: What are some good, stable Linux distributions that have solid ARM support (AArch64)? I've heard of Arch Linux ARM and Manjaro ARM, but are there other community-supported options that might be a better fit for a beginner with this type of hardware?
- Installation Method: I understand that the process involves unlocking the bootloader and flashing a new image. Are there any specific tools or a standard procedure that is recommended for MediaTek-based tablets/laptops?
I know this is a specific request, but I'm hoping to get some pointers from anyone who has worked with similar ARM-based Android devices. Any advice on where to start or specific pitfalls to avoid would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
PolkKnoxJames@reddit
If you can get the bootloader unlocked you might be able to flash some open Android ROM like Lineageos or something along that line. Despite it being a laptop, an ARM Android laptop is going to be more like a phone than a Windows Laptop. Quite possibly you will have to use tools like Fastboot and ADB to interface with it. If you don't find any resources online for this then it's likely getting Linux or even a custom Android ROM on it are unlikely.
Sad_Charge_2884@reddit (OP)
Hello, Thanks for replying! I actually went the same way you're are saying, but instead of using tools like ADB or FastBoot, I went directly for Mtk Auth Bypass Tool and then the Mtk Client. But the Mtk Client just wouldn't work and kept giving the 'handshake failed error'. I then switched on to SP Flash Tool, which is where I realised that I was missing the scatter file for my exact build. I looked all over the internet for it, but I couldn't find any. I did find one which was for a different device, but was the same chip(MT8183), but I thought it wasn't safe to use one of another device.
I tried contacting the manufacturer, but I realised the email doesn't even work anymore and the website is just like a scarecrow at this point. Can you please tell me what I should do?
I know this is not the right community for it, but finding help on such a detailed problem has been very hard. So, if you could help me even slightly, I would greatly appreciate it.
a1b4fd@reddit
There's a high chance no prebuilt image exists for your laptop. That SoC has pretty good Linux support, but it's still hard to make something that can be successfully booted and requires technical expertise. You'd have to make the image yourself. One of the communities that could help you out is postmarketOS.
Sad_Charge_2884@reddit (OP)
Hey, thanks for replying. I think I'm succeeding at forcefully putting the laptop into BROM Mode, so I could then use an SP Flash Tool to flash a LineageOs base Os(EvolutionX Os), but I didn't know I'd need its scatter file. I looked tremendously for the scatter file, but it seems that even the manufacture for this device has been stopped long ago and its email on its website doesn't even work anymore, due to which I can't get any help from them. I previously did try searching it on places like Linux on Arm, but finding the exact custom Rom for my MT8183 is impossible as far as I've seen. The only way I can get one is by making my own someday, which I'm incapable of at least for now.
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ScratchHistorical507@reddit
When it's a consumer ARM device (beyond the very few specifically designed to support Linux) and epsecially if it's not that interesting of a device, it will never happen. Even when drivers did exist, even the makers of Windows on ARM devices make sure they don't adhere to best practices used in the x86 and even the server ARM market for detecting what hardware is present. And especially on an Android device, there won't be any drivers.
H_man92@reddit
What about Linux for mobile? Halium?
activedusk@reddit
I would not know where to start but consider if possible to clone the drive and use the cloned drive to attempt anything. The main problem is the hardware level module and the second being driver support for specialized hardware as most ARM computers are non standard.
Mister_Magister@reddit
not happening