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Home 2014 September How to install Sailfish OS on Nexus 5, The easy way

How to install Sailfish OS on Nexus 5, The easy way

Let’s start like this: It’s easier than you might think!

The instructions on the wiki may have confused a few of us including me. But after I dug into it, I found out that there is one better way to do this. I’m going to put this in THE simplest way possible.

CAUTION: Please apply all the instructions carefully, and do it at your own risk.
CAUTION 2: Make sure to have a backup of your files because everything will be deleted from your device.
– Make sure to have your contacts synced with your Google account on your Nexus 5, and possibly have a cloud backup of everything that is stored on your phone because I repeat, this will wipe everything out of your phone.
CAUTION 3: This instruction is only written for Windows® users. Linux and Mac users, please let me know if you also want a tutorial.

Also: Having Sailfish OS ROM on your phone means installing a brand new OS which is NOT Android by any means and will not (yet) support any Android application. You do have dual-boot capability with other operating systems like Android or Ubuntu Touch. But basically if you’re willing to install Sailfish OS (Alpha 3 stage at this moment) on your Nexus 5, it should be for testing purposes OR if you’re a developer, you can help the community to complete this build of Sailfish OS with everything working flawlessly.

Step 1: Installing cyanogenmod

Either go to CyanogenMod installer page and follow the instructions, or just continue reading because this part will be a direct ripoff from CyanogenMod.org website. (I’m not proud of copying but at least I admit it and it looks really neat 😀 )

cm installer

1

Allow installation of the CyanogenMod Installer App

Open the Settings application and navigate to Security.

(on some devices, you may need to navigate to Applications)

Locate the Unknown sources option.

Unknown Sources

If Unknown sources is already checked, you can skip this step.

If unchecked, tap the checkbox and then tap OK on the
confirmation popup.

2

Download the CyanogenMod Installer App

From your Android phone or tablet, visit

http://get.cm

using your web browser or scan the QR code.

QR Code

3

Install the CyanogenMod Installer App

When the download is complete, open your notifications and tap
OneClick.apk.

OneClick.apk

Tap Install to start the installation.

Install

Once it’s finished, tap Open to run the app.

Open

Follow the instructions displayed on your Android phone or tablet to
continue the installation process.

4

Download the CyanogenMod Windows Installer

Download the CyanogenMod Installer for Windows Vista/7/8.

Run the CyanogenMod Installer for Windows and follow the on-screen
instructions.

5

Enjoy CM!

CyanogenMod

Wasn’t the 5th part cute? 😉

Step 2: Install Sailfish OS!

This may get a bit tricky for some, but stay with me!

  • Install MultiROM manager on your Nexus 5 by downloading it from PlayStore (see, Playstore can be cool sometimes!)
  •     Download CyanogenMod Image from here >> Click me <<
  •     Download Sailfish OS 1.0.8.19 (Alpha 3) from here >> Click me <<
        Note: I will update the post as soon as a new release was out.
  •     Put both of the downloaded files into your device (Just paste them in the root folder)
  •     Reboot into Recovery mode
    How to:
        –  Turn off the phone.
        –  Press volume down and power buttons at the same time.
        –  The boot loader mode will be displayed.
        –  From there choose “recovery” by pressing the volume down button and you are done.
  •     When you entered the recovery mode, you shall see a page “like” this (I promise, the battery percentage was a total co-incidence 😉 ) :

  • Tap on: Advanced -> MultiROM -> Add ROM
  • Choose “SailfishOS” as ROM type.  leave install location as is. Tap Next.

  • Choose first CyanogenMod ZIP and then SailfishOS ZIP. Tap install.

 

 

Believe it or not, despite a little trickiness, you’re done! Just wait for the OS to extract itself into your device’s memory and start using it. And trust me, this was the easiest way possible, at least from my perspective. Know an easier way? Hit it in the comment section!

FAQ:

  1.  Do I need an unlocked bootloader?
    No, CyanogenMod installer will take care of that!
  2. Do I need a rooted phone?
    No! Let CyanogenMod installer do it for you without you noticinig anything!
  3. What if I’m already on CyanogenMod?
    Then make sure it’s the latest version and carry on from Step 2!

Other questions? Please feel free to ask.

Note: I know I have said it a thousand times but please note that this post is only related to LG Google Nexus 5 Not any other phone.

Hardware support status: (Click on the image for a larger size and more readable content if you are having trouble)

Nexus 5 2

SOURCES: This post is gathered from many places;

  1. XDA Developers (Sailfish OS port on Nexus 5)
  2. XDA Developers (MultiROM v28)
  3. Mer Project’s Wiki (Sailfish OS Adaptation, Nexus 5 section)
  4. CyanogenMOD.org

A very special thanks to Martin Brook and Carsten Munk for providing the information and helping me along and more importantly, making the whole thing happen in the first place.

Please feel free to ask any question you have regarding Sailfish OS on Nexus 5 in the comment section.

Cheers.

Sep 4, 2014Sepehr James Noori

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Comments: 44
  1. Avatar
    Felipe H.
    5 years ago

    I just have a small issue, when I use sailfish the data connection for the mobile won’t connect and the wifi won’t get remembered so is kind of a problem each time I want to navigate have to type the wifi password.

    ReplyCancel
    • Sepehr James Noori
      Sepehr James Noori
      5 years ago

      Yeah the WiFi issue is a big one that should be fixed soon.
      But I have 4G and 3G data connection on my nexus when running Sailfish. Maybe you should go to settings -> system -> mobile network -> and edit your internet settings by holding down your finger on the mobile data connection.

      ReplyCancel
  2. Avatar
    Divan Santana (@divansantana)
    5 years ago

    Just wondering why will all be wiped out when trying this? Trying Ubuntu touch for eg didn’t wipe out anything just added another boot option

    ReplyCancel
  3. Avatar
    Johan
    5 years ago

    Good Day

    I have installed Android on my laptop with the x86 iso.

    Do you have the link to a x86 version.

    Best Regards

    Johan van Huyssteen

    ReplyCancel
  4. Avatar
    Billy
    5 years ago

    Hi,

    I have a nexus 5, but I already have multirom.

    I have 5.0.1 lollipop as internal, and cyanogenmod11 as secondary, and also Ubuntu touch.

    When I press add ROM, do I select cyanogenmod zip as well or just the sailfish one?

    ReplyCancel
    • Sepehr James Noori
      Sepehr James Noori
      4 years ago

      You have to choose Sailfish OS

      ReplyCancel
  5. Avatar
    Mattias
    4 years ago

    “Note: I will update the post as soon as a new release was out.”

    New release IS out. There’s an alpha4 now.
    http://images.devaamo.fi/sfa/hammerhead/alpha4/sailfishos-hammerhead-release-1.1.0.39-alpha4-201412181805.zip

    ReplyCancel
    • Sepehr James Noori
      Sepehr James Noori
      4 years ago

      Thanks for the update! I’ll make a new post as soon as possible!

      ReplyCancel
  6. Avatar
    Avinash
    4 years ago

    How to install sailfish os on samsung Galaxy s3 GT I9300.

    ReplyCancel
  7. Avatar
    TARIK KAYA
    4 years ago

    lg g2 install help me :((

    ReplyCancel
  8. Avatar
    Jay
    4 years ago

    Linux tutorial please

    ReplyCancel
  9. Avatar
    Pat
    4 years ago

    Sorry, tried it your way. Menu in recovery mode didnt show. hmpf. what went wrong?

    ReplyCancel
    • Avatar
      Pat
      4 years ago

      P.S. Cyangenmod-installer didnt work either cause firmware of my nexus 5 wasnt good enough… why?

      ReplyCancel
  10. Avatar
    Marc
    4 years ago

    If I install by starting in MultiRom step i won’t lose anything of my internal boot android no? I mean, ‘im on lollipop with multirom, if i follow these steps it will start in multirom showing me the two options of booting right? Thanks! Sorry for my english, i’m spanish jajaja

    ReplyCancel
  11. Avatar
    Altman
    4 years ago

    Hi there, I have great interest about Sailfish OS, could I just use this way to install Sailfish OS on my Nexus 7 2013? I`m Chinese, with the Great Fire Wall I could not find some important info about this. Thanks!

    ReplyCancel
    • Sepehr James Noori
      Sepehr James Noori
      4 years ago

      No this is only for Nexus 5 unfortunately. I don’t have any good and easy tutorial regarding the Nexus 7 for you sorry, but I know it is possible.

      ReplyCancel
      • Avatar
        Altman
        4 years ago

        Really thank you about this, I`ll just keep search for it. Nexus 7 2013 was already have the CM, maybe it just needs a suitable Sailfish OS ROM. LOL

        ReplyCancel
  12. Avatar
    แม่พิมพ์ซิลิโคน
    4 years ago

    Great post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
    Very useful info specifically the last part
    🙂 I handle such info much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long
    time. Thanks and good luck.

    ReplyCancel
  13. Avatar
    Pablo
    4 years ago

    Last version is alpha9 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/development/rom-sailfish-os-alpha-t2841266)

    ReplyCancel
  14. Avatar
    Vaughan
    4 years ago

    Thanks for this Sepehr, do you have a tutorial or tips for doing this on Mac OS X?

    ReplyCancel
  15. Avatar
    pba
    4 years ago

    It’s about time to update the links for latest image.

    ReplyCancel
  16. Avatar
    Kasra
    4 years ago

    Dude this is amazing when I figured out that a Persian guy is working on Jolla !!
    Jolla has a long way to get success, keep going!
    I’m using Jolla Alpha11,higher version??
    Keep this post up to date please!
    Thanks.

    ReplyCancel
    • Sepehr James Noori
      Sepehr James Noori
      4 years ago

      Haha you’re welcome! I’m not officially employed by them but yeah I would love to be an employee one day! Soon this post will be updated with newer links!

      Thanks for the visit 😉

      ReplyCancel
  17. Avatar
    Daniel
    4 years ago

    Please post a Linux tutorial. thanks

    ReplyCancel
  18. Avatar
    Suresh
    4 years ago

    I didnt get the screen for installation after I went in to the recovery mode.
    Can you help ?

    Thanks 🙂

    ReplyCancel
    • Avatar
      Suresh
      4 years ago

      I am using nexus 5

      ReplyCancel
      • Avatar
        Unnat Pandya
        4 years ago

        Is it working on your device? I am using same device, and its not working for me.

        ReplyCancel
  19. Avatar
    nuwan
    4 years ago

    Wonderful work done by you, will try this.

    Thank you

    ReplyCancel
  20. Avatar
    saad
    4 years ago

    can you please update your tutorial….on how to install jolla 2.0 with and witout dual boot on nexus 5 hammerhead………….pretty please…..

    thank you for your effort and time

    ReplyCancel
  21. Avatar
    ravi
    4 years ago

    I m using xolo 8x-1000 can i install this rom

    ReplyCancel
  22. Avatar
    karthik
    4 years ago

    Hey, im using motoG 1st gen. Im planning to buy another phone(probably a jolla) and also keep motoG, but instead of having android on it, can i completely remove android from the device and install sailfish alone. I don’t mind if my GSM functionality doesn’t works,.. i would like to use it more like a in hand PC.

    ReplyCancel
  23. Avatar
    cocovina
    4 years ago

    Hi all,
    It is possible use newer CyanogenMod Image (CyanogenMod 11 snapshot M11) as described on this less comfortable tutorial? https://wiki.merproject.org/wiki/Adaptations/libhybris/Install_SailfishOS_for_hammerhead
    and then use latest image Alpha 13 (1.1.7.28)
    THX for info.

    ReplyCancel
    • Avatar
      cocovina
      4 years ago

      I was not successful with CM12, but with the CM11 I did it! I had to combine several procedures like as above (because this one I misunderstood or its not complete/actual). I have original Android 5.1 and SFOF 1.1.9.28 on Nexus5 together now. I’m excited about the camera. On the other hand, I can not doing a lot of things like Patchmanager and MS Exhange etc. 🙁

      ReplyCancel
  24. Avatar
    Unnat Pandya
    4 years ago

    Just installed Sailfish according to above tutorial.
    booted into sailfish OS and now only i m able to see is Google boot logo as i’m using Nexus 5.
    Now what should do to make it work?

    ReplyCancel
  25. Avatar
    CepiPerez
    3 years ago

    Does it works with the stock nexus rom o cm is a must?

    ReplyCancel
  26. Avatar
    Mindaugas
    3 years ago

    Can i get this one os if i dont have rom for my phone

    ReplyCancel
  27. Avatar
    Dawood Aslam
    3 years ago

    i installed the same way you tell, but every time i boot selfish on my nexus5 i stuck on google logo, wipe dalvik cache partition, many times install uninstall, but no luck, can you help me on this,
    thanks

    ReplyCancel
  28. Avatar
    WannahaveSailfish
    3 years ago

    Please, Mac tutorial.

    How can I install Sailfish on an IPhone 6? Is that possible? Any way to do it?

    I have been looking for an answer to that for many months. I would appreciate if someone could explain to me how to do it.

    Best.

    ReplyCancel
  29. Avatar
    mallik
    3 years ago

    multirom in my nexus 5 what i will do?

    ReplyCancel
  30. Avatar
    mallik
    3 years ago

    multirom not working in my nexus5 & when i was tried to boot no comman is showing what i will do?

    ReplyCancel
  31. Avatar
    Dandroid
    3 years ago

    Please post a tutorial for linux. Many thanks

    ReplyCancel
  32. Avatar
    Evgeniy
    3 years ago

    Hello, what version of Cyanogen should I install? Can it be latest, today it is 13.0 from 20th August 2016, or it should be 11.0, as it is in Mer wiki?

    ReplyCancel
  33. Avatar
    Garigatzu
    3 years ago

    Hello Jolleros…
    I have an LG Nexus 5 (international version).
    The CM and SFOS that work in the device is https://download.cyanogenmod.org/get/jenkins/86435/cm-11-20141008-SNAPSHOT-M11-hammerhead.zip // http://images.devaamo.fi/sfe/hammerhead/beta0/sailfishos-hammerhead-release-1.1.9.28-beta0-201510022255.zip.
    But cannot install “android” applications, .apk files. The “File manager” application shows a message stating “xdg-open” “cannot install” messages.
    The “Android support” application is not found in “Jolla store”.
    Any idea how we can solve?

    ReplyCancel
  34. Avatar
    Oumar
    2 years ago

    hello,

    Is this tutorial only work for nexus ?

    ReplyCancel

Leave a Reply to Suresh Cancel reply

Sepehr James Noori
Sepehr James Noori

Hi! Sepehr James Noori here! A geek living in Sweden.
Maemo/MeeGo/Mer/Harmattan/Sailfish & Jolla enthusiast who is keen to share knowledge with friends.
Proud N900, N9 and Jolla owner!
Hope you guys enjoy my writing.
Feedback is appreciated!

5 years ago 46 Comments How ToJolla, Nexus 5, Sailfish on nexus 5, Sailfish OS, Sailfish OS alpha 357,527
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