Install /e/OS on a Fairphone FP3/3+ - “FP3”

The instructions in this guide will assist you to install /e/OS on your FP3. Please read through the instructions at least once before actually following them, so as to avoid any problems later.

It is advisable to flash your device only if you know what you are doing and are ok taking the associated risk. All /e/OS builds are provided as best effort, without any guarantee. The /e/OS project and its project members deny any and all responsibility about the consequences of using /e/OS software and or /e/OS services.

Requirements

  • If required take a backup of all important data from your phone on an external storage device before proceeding.
  • Do not take a backup on the same device as some of these actions will format the device and delete the backup.
  • Ensure your phone is charged more than 50%
  • Check that adb and fastboot are enabled on your PC. If not you can find the setup instructions here
  • Download all the files and images mentioned in the download section below before starting the installation

  • Make sure you have a working data cable to connect your device to the PC. There are cables which are only for charging and do not transfer data.

  • Your device requires a code to unlock the bootloader. Get the code here before proceeding with the next steps

  • Enable USB debugging on your device. You can find the instructions here
  • Make sure that your model is listed in the Smartphone Selector. Check the model supported. Where available, information on the model supported should show as a pop-up when you hover the cursor on the Device name. The model number supported should be the exact same.
  • Boot your device with the stock OS at least once and check every functionality.
Warning: Make sure that you can send and receive SMS and place and receive calls (also via WiFi and LTE, if available), otherwise it will not work on /e/OS as well. Additionally, some devices require that VoLTE/VoWiFi be utilized once on stock to provision IMS.

Please share your experience , suggest tips or changes to this install guide documentation by visiting the FP3/3+ specific topic on our community forum.

To report issues in /e/OS please refer this guide

Downloads for FP3

To understand the difference between /e/OS builds check this guide

Warning: Please note some of the above links can lead to external sites

Unlock the bootloader

  • Allow the bootloader unlocking by following the official FP3 unlock documentation
  • Reboot the device on fastboot mode by running adb reboot bootloader (or press Power + Volume - if your device is off)
  • Once on fastboot mode, unlock the device by running fastboot flashing unlock

    On previous versions of fastboot, the command is fastboot oem unlock

  • The device will ask you to confirm the unlocking. Confirm by selecting UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER and confirm with Power
  • The device reboot automatically. Press and hold Volume Down + Power buttons, to boot to Fastboot Mode.

Installing /e/OS from the bootloader

Tip: For Windows users, we advise to use Git Bash. For more info about Downloads and Installation see Official Documentation

  1. Unzip the archive

     unzip fileyoudownloaded

    Replace fileyoudownloaded with the name of the archive file you downloaded.

    Alternately you can create a folder and unzip the archive there.

  2. Confirm that extracted directory contains following content:

    • bin-linux-x86 directory - which contains linux tools including fastboot and adb
    • bin-msys directory - which contains Windows tools including fastboot and adb
    • img files - The img files that are to be flashed onto the device.
    • flash_FP3_factory.sh - The installer script.

  3. Boot into bootloader/fastboot mode.

    • Power OFF the device and press Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.

  4. Run the installer script on Terminal(Linux) or on Git Bash UI(Windows).

  5. Make sure you are in the current directory which contains the flash_FP3_factory.sh file.

    Linux

    • Right click -> Open terminal here
    • Execute the following command:
     chmod +x flash_FP3_factory.sh && ./flash_FP3_factory.sh

    Windows

    • Right click -> Git Bash here

    • Execute the following command:

     chmod +x flash_FP3_factory.sh && ./flash_FP3_factory.sh

    • The script will flash all required files and will wait for input at the last step.

    • The last command will ask you to confirm on the device to lock the bootloader.

    • Select LOCK THE BOOTLOADER with Volume + and validate with Power button.

  6. Enjoy! The device will now reboot automatically on /e/OS.

Tip: If you find an issue with this installation document or if you want to suggest improvements, Please share your suggestion in this document
Success: Congratulations !! Your phone should now be booting into /e/OS !!

Still need help to complete the installation ?

Check out this document: An install Guide for the FP3

Please share your experience , suggest tips or changes to this install guide documentation by visiting the FP3/3+ specific topic on our community forum.

To report issues in /e/OS please refer this guide