Shimp208's Guide to Finding the Kernel Source Code for your Device
Introduction
I see a lot of people asking how to start make custom kernels (This is well beyond the scope of this guide, for a great introduction check out Building Your First Kernel), or I want to port CM, AOKP, AOSP, etc. to my device. Well that great except you can’t begin to make a custom kernel or truly port CM, AOKP, AOSP, etc. without the appropriate kernel source code for your device. The following list tells you where you can find the kernel source code (Among other bits and pieces of code essential to development) for your device based on your manufacturer, as well as some other places to look for kernel sources.
Please Note: Not all manufactures release their kernel sources, and not all kernel sources are released for every device
Manufactures
LG
http://www.lg.com/global/support/opensource/opensource.jsp
* Under category select mobile phones and hit the search button located to the right, optionally you can enter in a model number to search for.
HTC
http://htcdev.com/devcenter/downloads
* You can easily find what you’re looking for by using the filters, for device, carrier, region, and android version. You will also find some useful files here besides kernel source code.
Samsung
http://opensource.samsung.com/index.jsp;jsessionid=52CC30D59B619BB5D77CE750C8AD80E1
* The easiest way to find your device is to use the search box and search for your devices model number.
Motorola
http://sourceforge.net/motorola/wiki/Projects/
https://github.com/MotorolaMobilityLLC
* Contains some devices kernel source code as well as many device specific proprietary files.
Kyocera
http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/support/developers.htm
* Small selection of kernel source code in addition to some other code.
Sony (Ericsson)
http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/xperia-open-source-archives/
* Variety of kernel sources and some interesting release notes documents
Google
https://android.googlesource.com/?format=HTML
* Very large selection of kernel sources for Google devices as well as tons of other hardware specific files.
Pantech
http://opensource.pantech.com/model/list.asp?Category=Mobile
* You have to sign-up and create an account (Don’t worry it’s free and easy) before you can download the kernel sources. You can use the list on your left to quickly scroll through the available devices to find the one you are looking for.
ZTE
http://support.zte.com.cn/support/news/NewsMain.aspx?type=service
http://support.zte.com.cn/support/ServiceCenter/ServiceMain.aspx
* Random of assortment of kernel sources, software updates, and pieces of code for ZTE devices. Note, the second link requires you to register for an account which gives you further access but requires you to wait a day of two for your account to be approved.
Asus
http://support.asus.com/download/options.aspx?SLanguage=en
* You can either preform a model name search to find your device or press the select model manually and select if from the list. Common product model families for Android include Eee Pad (Select under Eee Family) and PadFone (In Handheld and Navigation, under Mobile Phone, then PadFone series). It includes everything from kernel source, firmware, USB drivers, and manuals.
Acer
http://support.acer.com/product/default.aspx
* Includes kernel source for some phones and tablets. To find your device click on the link that says select a product model if your device is a smartphone select smart handheld then select your device model. If your device is a tablet select tablet from the family of products list then select your device model.
Archos
http://www.archos.com/support/support_tech/updates.html?country=us&lang=en
* Includes the kernel source code for many of Archos tablets from several generations of products, as well as firmware and other experimental software for the tablet.
Dell
http://opensource.dell.com/releases/
* Kernel source for many of Dell's Android devices as well as some additional patches, and driver files.
Huawei
http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/downloadCenter.do?method=index&type=software
http://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/downloads/index.htm
* Kernel source for many of Huawei's devices both phones and tablets, also includes platform code, firmware, and some user manuals, you can scroll through the available software by hitting the *more* button at the bottom of the page
Alcatel
http://sourceforge.net/projects/alcatel/files/?source=navbar
* Kernel source as well as other files for development of Alcatel branded devices
Other Resources
Qualcomm
https://www.codeaurora.org/xwiki/bin/QAEP/
https://www.codeaurora.org/cgit/
* Great resource for finding the kernel source code of many Qualcomm chipsets.
Amlogic
http://openlinux.amlogic.com/index.php/Arm/Kernel_Info
* Contains kernel source code for devices based on the Amlogic 6236M(sz/sh), 7266M(sz/sh), 8226M(dvbc), or 8726M chipsets.
Allwinner
https://github.com/linux-sunxi
http://linux-sunxi.org/Main_Page
*Wide range of development resources from kernel source, to tools, and lots of other information for devices based on the Allwinner platform
I hope the information in this guide helped you out
A Note On Mediatek (MTK) Sources
While Mediatek sources are not officially available except through third-party repositories (Usually github) or some manufactures websites, Mediatek is taking steps to be more open source and GPL compliant with the release of MediaTek Labs. You can sign up for and stay up to date on MediaTek's efforts by signing up for MediaTek Lab's here.
Huge thanks to POORCOLLEGEGUY and all the other XDA writers for featuring this on the portal on October 2, 2012!
Just wanted to say Thank you!
Very Nice Share For All Dev............ Many Many Thanks For it......
Please find source for Micromax Devices!
shimp208 said:
Shimp208's Guide to Finding the Kernel Source Code for your Device
Introduction
I see a lot of people asking how to start make custom kernels (This is well beyond the scope of this guide, for a great introduction check out Building Your First Kernel), or I want to port CM, AOKP, AOSP, etc. to my device. Well that great except you can’t begin to make a custom kernel or truly port CM, AOKP, AOSP, etc. without the appropriate kernel source code for your device. The following list tells you where you can find the kernel source code (Among other bits and pieces of code essential to development) for your device based on your manufacturer, as well as some other places to look for kernel sources.
Please Note: Not all manufactures release their kernel sources, and not all kernel sources are released for every device
Manufactures
LG
http://www.lg.com/global/support/opensource/opensource.jsp
* Under category select mobile phones and hit the search button located to the right, optionally you can enter in a model number to search for.
HTC
http://htcdev.com/devcenter/downloads
* You can easily find what you’re looking for by using the filters, for device, carrier, region, and android version. You will also find some useful files here besides kernel source code.
Samsung
http://opensource.samsung.com/index.jsp;jsessionid=52CC30D59B619BB5D77CE750C8AD80E1
* The easiest way to find your device is to use the search box and search for your devices model number.
Motorola
http://sourceforge.net/motorola/wiki/Projects/
* Contains some devices kernel source code as well as many device specific proprietary files.
Kyocera
http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/support/developers.htm
* Small selection of kernel source code in addition to some other code.
Sony (Ericsson)
http://developer.sonymobile.com/wportal/devworld/search-downloads/opensource?cat=&maxItemCount=100&q=&searchTargetPage=&sortField=release_date&sortOrder=true&sortState=
* Variety of kernel sources and some interesting release notes documents
Google
https://android.googlesource.com/?format=HTML
* Very large selection of kernel sources for Google devices as well as tons of other hardware specific files.
Pantech
http://opensource.pantech.com/model/list.asp?Category=Mobile
* You have to sign-up and create an account (Don’t worry it’s free and easy) before you can download the kernel sources. You can use the list on your left to quickly scroll through the available devices to find the one you are looking for.
ZTE
http://support.zte.com.cn/support/news/NewsMain.aspx?type=service
http://support.zte.com.cn/support/ServiceCenter/ServiceMain.aspx
* Random of assortment of kernel sources, software updates, and pieces of code for ZTE devices. Note, the second link requires you to register for an account which gives you further access but requires you to wait a day of two for your account to be approved.
Asus
http://support.asus.com/download/options.aspx?SLanguage=en
* You can either preform a model name search to find your device or press the select model manually and select if from the list. Common product model families for Android include Eee Pad (Select under Eee Family) and PadFone (In Handheld and Navigation, under Mobile Phone, then PadFone series). It includes everything from kernel source, firmware, USB drivers, and manuals.
Acer
http://support.acer.com/product/default.aspx
* Includes kernel source for some phones and tablets. To find your device click on the link that says select a product model if your device is a smartphone select smart handheld then select your device model. If your device is a tablet select tablet from the family of products list then select your device model.
Archos
http://www.archos.com/support/support_tech/updates.html?country=us&lang=en
* Includes the kernel source code for many of Archos tablets from several generations of products, as well as firmware and other experimental software for the tablet.
Other Resources
Qualcomm
http://https://www.codeaurora.org/xwiki/bin/QAEP/
* Great resource for finding the kernel source code of many Qualcomm chipsets.
Amlogic
http://openlinux.amlogic.com/index.php/Arm/Kernel_Info
*Contains kernel source code for devices based on the Amlogic 6236M(sz/sh), 7266M(sz/sh), 8226M(dvbc), or 8726M chipsets.
I hope the information in this guide helped you out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please Give me the source for Micromax Devices (I do have Funbook Pro (P500))
any for huawei honor?
lucacerio said:
any for huawei honor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this link for huawei honor source:
http://hbf.by/index.php?/topic/16424-huawei-honor-u8860-kernel-source-308/
thatsgamer said:
Please Give me the source for Micromax Devices (I do have Funbook Pro (P500))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't able to find the source for Micromax devices and from what I have read they don't seem to release there kernel source . I suppose you could try contacting them about it if you wanted to.
thatsgamer said:
Please Give me the source for Micromax Devices (I do have Funbook Pro (P500))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shimp208 said:
I wasn't able to find the source for Micromax devices and from what I have read they don't seem to release there kernel source . I suppose you could try contacting them about it if you wanted to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Micromax uses qualcomm chipsets. You can find their kernel here. Just look at your device's build.prop for ro.product.board. For example, my Micromax A57 uses msm7627a chipset.
Nice find I didn't realize that micromax used qualcomm I have that link in the op though already. Still great find though
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
thanks for this!
codeaurora link needs to be fixed though
Mediatek
Any kernel sources publicly available for Mediatek SOCs MT(K) 6575 6577 6583 6588 ? I couldn't find anything Is Mediatek open source friendly ?
PS: I ask this because I consider buying a dual sim dual active android phone and best bang for the buck seems to be offered by MT6577 devices like ZTE Grand X (V970), Huawei Ascend G500 (U8836D,U8832D) and many other chinese phones.
Also, devices based on MT658x started appearing on the market too.
shimp208 said:
Qualcomm
http://https://www.codeaurora.org/xwiki/bin/QAEP/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that http://https://.. is valid URL
invisiblek said:
thanks for this!
codeaurora link needs to be fixed though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SamePaul said:
I don't think that http://https://.. is valid URL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing this out guys link should be fixed now!
" Dell "
anyone?
xtcdj15 said:
Any kernel sources publicly available for Mediatek SOCs MT(K) 6575 6577 6583 6588 ? I couldn't find anything Is Mediatek open source friendly ?
PS: I ask this because I consider buying a dual sim dual active android phone and best bang for the buck seems to be offered by MT6577 devices like ZTE Grand X (V970), Huawei Ascend G500 (U8836D,U8832D) and many other chinese phones.
Also, devices based on MT658x started appearing on the market too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems Mediatek is not that open source friendly, the small bits and pieces I could find on Mediatek SOC's were long outdated or really incomplete sources.
prasad12ka4 said:
" Dell "
anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just updated the OP to include Dell sources
i want mediatek kernel please help me...i have new cloned phone and its touch stopped working...please help me so i can flash it with odin and update a new rom...
shimp208 said:
Sony (Ericsson)
http://developer.sonymobile.com/wportal/devworld/search-downloads/opensource?cat=&maxItemCount=100&q=&searchTargetPage=&sortField=release_date&sortOrder=true&sortState=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great thread, here is an update: http://developer.sonymobile.com/downloads/xperia-open-source-archives
Mediatek
shimp208 said:
It seems Mediatek is not that open source friendly, the small bits and pieces I could find on Mediatek SOC's were long outdated or really incomplete sources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn
I found few customized roms for Mediatek based phones....but virualy all of them use stock unmodified kernels form manufacturers.
Did any developer (interested in Mediatek based phones) tried to contact Mediatek regarding support policy for their SOCs ? The strange thing is that, although most mediatek based phones target Asia (China, India, etc), virtually all asian developers around xda-forum seems to target high end international phone models based on more widely spread SOCs. I wonder if this is related to poor SOC support from Mediatek or just poor phones quality. Probably first one .
---------- Post added at 01:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 PM ----------
When I'll have enough posts to be able to post in devel section of the forum I'll try to contact Bruno Martin ( bgcngm ), the guy who released customized roms for both ZTE V970 and Huawei U8836D, maybe he have more details about Mediatek and this 2 phones.
How about MTK Kernel Source
I am new with the rom development and I would like to know if there is a way to create device specific code (mostly the device tree and the proprietary blobs) depending on the desired android sdk version. To be more specific, my device (Huawei P8 Lite) will not get an official nougat update and I would like to know the prerequisites and a good guide to follow, in order to create (and contribute to others - currently active devs) device specific code for my phone, since there is no open source for this phone.
Thanks in advance.
Many might think that this could be duplicate, but I haven't seen any question regarding the connection of the device tree and the android version ...
My question is really simple: How can I make an unofficial port of LineageOS? I've read this, which is based on an article from the (now death) CM Wiki, but some files (e.g. the mkvendor.sh script) are in older CM repos/branches. According to what I've read, there's not a full guide explaining the porting process since every device has its own tweaks (I imagine that it's due to ARM's nature)
What I want to do: Port LineageOS (the latest version) to the Samsung Galaxy Ace 4 Neo SM-G136ML (codenamed vivalto3mve3gltn). However there's not a LOS port at the latest version for a similar device which I could fork, so this would be "from scratch" in some way. I've seen Lineage's android repository at github but idk what are those xml files (they are definitively not the source code of a whole OS) EDIT: I realized that I had to clone it with `repo init`
What I've done so far: Documented myself as much as I could, read about how to get the vendor files, firmwares, kernel sources (in fact I requested the kernel source code for the device to the vendor), build.prop, recovery.fstab, and recovery/boot images.
My skills: I have a lot of experience with the GNU/Linux OS and I know some Linux kernel hacking, in fact I'm used to compile kernels for the x86_64, i686 and armv7h arch'es (not the vanilla kernel itself, but the Linux-libre kernel, which is basically vanilla but without binary blobs) and also patch them, and test them, etc. Besides kernel-stuff, I know shell scripting, advanced use of git (git clone, commit, add, push, remote, fetch, diff, apply, and more), use Heimdall, install custom recoveries and ROMs, and some advanced (non-noob ) Android hacking (Idk Java, C nor C++, however)
I know that here at XDA we've very talented developers who have experience with this, and much more. The only thing I need is some guidance to help me in my way to contribute the FLOSS community, I say this because when I asked in the LineageOS IRC channel if there was an official or well documented and updated guide, step-by-step, tutorial to port LOS that I could follow, someone answered me "it's impossible to have something like this", but I believe that there's ppl here who can demonstrate me the opposite
Thanks in advance
(...) I requested the kernel source code for the device to the vendor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is https://gitlab.com/Megver83/android_kernel_samsung_vivalto3mve3gltn
Where can I found the source code for build android for Alcatel pop c7 ?
I wrote a whole piece on how you could contact them, but they actualy shared sources for alott of their phone's and such already.
But that doesnt make it a ready 1-2-3 step compile android for yourself Ow no, Alcatel like many companies only comply by the licenses to share any source they used or modifications they made if required by lisences. If they have a NDA with Mediatek (wich they do) they are probably not required to include proprietary software, tools or sources they got from mediatek.
Think mediatek chipset specific header files, drivers, firmware (only binairy blobs might be shared). maybe they share enough for you to compile a working kernel and filesystem, but no signing keys, maybe the resulting files will run on a rooted, Custom firmware phone but No updates, some hardware not working, maybe the phone funstion doesnt work (due to missing specific code to use the mobile chipset).
Quick google, Alcatel shared it on sourceforge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/alcatel/files/ search for (ctr+f)
Code:
OT_7041_20141204.tar.xz
A quick look inside reveals alott of the expected sources, generic hardware support and specific drivers (in blob form it seems). A readme with instructions seem to be included, but very basic,
So, here you go. The "sourcecode". all 162MB of it. or go search on Baidu, maybe an ex dev leaked internl documents and firmware sources :fingers-crossed: maybe this is just what you needed, enjoy
Hi,
I have a legal question. Lets say - im building an android os fork (something like lineageos) and i need to use proprietary blobs in device tree (Qualcomm to be precise).
My question is - can i use them legally? Am i allowed to get them from other vendor's OS, copy them and use them in my android? Can such android be legally published on the net? If it is legal what limits do i have? For example can i build commercial os on basis of such solution?
Could someone link me any qualcomm documents about this topic?
Thanks and best regards, K
Your limited on what you can do. The simple answer is no you can't use it for a commercial OS. Most roms use those blobs as they are needed for a device to work. But you can forget making money off it without looking at being sued.