[Guide] How to install Android 2.3 Gingerbread on Nokia N900

Quick take: This guide shows how to install the unofficial NitDroid Android 2.3 Gingerbread port on the Nokia N900.

Google released Android 2.3 Gingerbread alongside the Google Nexus S, which was the first Android device to officially receive the new version of the OS.

So it came as a surprise that the Nokia N900 received Android Gingerbread through NitDroid before many actual Android devices.

We have already seen Android 2.3 running on the N900, and now you can try it on your own device.

Important: Installing Android on the Nokia N900 is not officially supported by Nokia. Do not continue unless you understand the risks of modifying how your device works.

Disclaimer: DJs Mobiles and the NitDroid developers are not responsible for data loss, device malfunction, or any other issues caused by following this guide. Proceed at your own risk.

Prerequisites

Wi-Fi or cellular data connection
microSD card, 2GB or higher, preferably 8GB
Enable all repositories from App Manager:
Install rootsh from App Manager
Install Leafpad from App Manager

Before installing

This is an unofficial Android port for the Nokia N900.
You should back up your important data before continuing.
A microSD card is strongly recommended.
You will need to use X-Terminal for the installation.

Install NitDroid Installer

Open X-Terminal and enter the following commands:

root
apt-get update
apt-get install nitdroid-installer

Confirm the installation when prompted. If asked again, confirm once more. Close X-Terminal after the package has installed.

Copy the required files

Download the NitDroid Gingerbread package
Copy the downloaded file to:
/home/user/MyDocs
Download the NitDroid kernel
Copy the kernel file to:
/home/user/MyDocs

Install Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Open X-Terminal again and enter the following commands:

root
cd /home/user/MyDocs
bzip2 -d gingerbread.tar.bz2
cd /home
mkdir /and
cd /
mount /home /and
cd /and
tar xvf /home/user/MyDocs/gingerbread.tar
dpkg -i /home/user/MyDocs/nitdroid-kernel-2.6.28-06_final1_armel.deb

Next, open the multiboot configuration file:

leafpad /etc/multiboot.d/11

Tip: After typing part of the filename, press Tab to auto-complete the rest, then press Enter to open it in Leafpad.

Configure the boot option

Once the .item file opens, check the device entry.

If you are using an MMC card, use:

ITEM_DEVICE=${INT_CARD}p2

If you are not using an MMC card, use:

ITEM_DEVICE=mmcblkop2

Recommendation: Using an MMC card is strongly recommended for this setup.

Optional Gingerbread updates

There are two additional updates available for the Gingerbread port:

Download Codec Update
Download VOIP Update

To install the updates, use the following commands. Replace x with 1 or 2, depending on the update you are installing.

root
mount /home /and
cd /home/user/MyDocs
bzip2 -d gingerbread_updatex.tar.bz2
cd /and
tar xvf /home/user/MyDocs/gingerbread_updatex.tar

Boot into Android

Reboot your device and open the physical keyboard. You should be prompted to choose between NitDroid and Maemo.

Select NitDroid, and your Nokia N900 will boot into Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

NitDroid Android Gingerbread on Nokia N900

Final notes

If you run into issues or have questions, leave a comment below and we will do our best to help.