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How to Install Android on Your HP TouchPad Tablet

Key Takeaways:

  • The HP TouchPad, despite being discontinued, can run various versions of Android, including the latest Android 9 Pie.
  • Installing Android on your TouchPad is a straightforward process that can breathe new life into the aging device.
  • While running Android on the TouchPad has its limitations, it’s a fun project for enthusiasts and can extend the tablet’s usefulness.

As an Android enthusiast and tech writer, I’ve always been fascinated by the HP TouchPad. Released in 2011, this tablet was ahead of its time with features like gesture navigation and a sleek design. Despite its innovative webOS operating system, HP discontinued the TouchPad just a month after its release, leading to a massive price drop and a surge in sales.

However, the TouchPad’s story didn’t end there. Developers quickly began porting Android to the device, starting with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Over the years, newer versions of Android have been adapted for the TouchPad, with the latest being Android 9 Pie.

If you have an HP TouchPad lying around, installing Android on it can be a fun weekend project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • An HP TouchPad
  • A Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
  • A USB cable to connect your TouchPad to your computer
  • At least 2 GB of free space on your TouchPad

Step 1: Download the Necessary Files

To install Android on your TouchPad, you’ll need the following files:

  • Android ROM (e.g., Evervolv Android 9 Pie)
  • Moboot bootloader
  • ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery
  • Google Apps package (optional, for access to Google Play Store and other Google services)

You can find these files on the XDA Developers forum or through a quick Google search. Make sure to download the correct versions for your TouchPad.

Step 2: Install Palm Novacom

Palm Novacom is a tool that allows your computer to communicate with your TouchPad. You can download it by installing the webOS SDK from the Palm website. During the installation process, make sure to select the “Novacom” option.

Step 3: Put Your TouchPad into Recovery Mode

  1. Power off your TouchPad.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up button while pressing the Power button.
  3. Continue holding the Volume Up button until you see a large USB symbol on the screen.

Step 4: Connect Your TouchPad to Your Computer

Using the USB cable, connect your TouchPad to your computer. Open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where you installed Palm Novacom.

Step 5: Install the Bootloader and Recovery

  1. Copy the Moboot and ClockworkMod files to the same directory as Palm Novacom.
  2. In the command prompt or terminal, run the following commands:
   novacom boot mem:// < ACMEInstaller
   novacom boot mem:// < moboot-0.3.5.zip
   novacom boot mem:// < update-cwm_tenderloin-1012.zip

Step 6: Install Android

  1. Copy the Android ROM and Google Apps package (if desired) to your TouchPad’s “cminstall” folder.
  2. Reboot your TouchPad and select “Boot ClockworkMod” from the Moboot menu.
  3. In ClockworkMod, select “install zip from SD card” and choose the Android ROM file.
  4. If you downloaded the Google Apps package, install it the same way.
  5. Once the installation is complete, reboot your TouchPad.

Congratulations! You now have Android running on your HP TouchPad. Keep in mind that some features, like the camera and Bluetooth, may not work depending on the Android version you installed. However, you should be able to use most apps and enjoy a more modern Android experience on your TouchPad.

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, don’t hesitate to consult the XDA Developers forum or other online resources for help. The TouchPad community is still active and always willing to assist fellow enthusiasts.

In conclusion, installing Android on your HP TouchPad is a relatively simple process that can give new life to an otherwise obsolete device. While it may not replace your primary tablet, it’s a fun project for those who enjoy tinkering with technology and want to experience the latest Android versions on older hardware.

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