Fairphone 5
The Fairphone 5 launched in August 2023 as a modular, repairable phone built around Qualcomm’s QCM6490, a long-life industrial chip. Fairphone stopped selling it on January 12, 2026, and its refurbished stock has also run out, so today you’ll find it used or as leftover stock at some European retailers.
It is still one of the best-supported phones for private operating systems. CalyxOS, iodéOS, /e/OS and LineageOS all list it officially, and UBports calls it the best-supported device for Ubuntu Touch. Fairphone promises software updates until at least 2031, and CalyxOS estimates security updates to September 2031. On current software the bootloader unlocks without a code.
The hardware is mid-range: a 6.46-inch OLED at up to 90 Hz, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage with microSD, three 50 MP cameras and a removable 4,200 mAh battery. The main trade-off is buying a discontinued phone second-hand, plus IP55 protection and no headphone jack. Fairphone says spare parts, including batteries, stay available until at least 2031. If you want a new Fairphone, look at the Gen. 6.
Fairphone 5 tech specs
| Released | August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.46-inch OLED, 2700 × 1224, 60 Hz by default, up to 90 Hz |
| Chip | Qualcomm QCM6490 long-life chipset |
| RAM | 8 GB (a 6 GB / 128 GB version was also sold) |
| Storage | 256 GB (UFS 2.2) |
| microSD | Yes, up to 2 TB (per the LineageOS and /e/OS device pages) |
| Rear cameras | 50 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide |
| Front camera | 50 MP |
| Battery | 4,200 mAh, removable (per the LineageOS and /e/OS device pages) |
| Charging | Quick Charge 4+: 50% in 20 minutes; no wireless charging |
| Water/dust rating | IP55 |
| Size | 161.6 × 75.83 × 9.6 mm (11.5 mm at the camera bump) |
| Headphone jack | No (USB-C adapter offered) |
| SIM/eSIM | Dual SIM including eSIM; 5G standalone supported |
| Warranty | 5 years with registration (Fairphone 5 FAQ) |
| Availability | Discontinued: Fairphone stopped sales on January 12, 2026; refurbished units also sold out |
| Codename | FP5 (used on OS download pages) |
Strengths and drawbacks
Private operating systems for the Fairphone 5
4 private systems officially support this exact model (codename FP5), plus one community build or port that works with less polish and slower fixes. The table compares them on the things that matter day to day; the install guides below walk through each one.
| System | Support | Privacy | Effort | Apps and Google |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalyxOSCalyxOS 8.0.4.22 (October 6, 2026) | Official | 8.5/10 | Moderate · official flasher | microG, optional |
| iodéOSiodéOS 7 (LineageOS 23, Android 16) | Official | 7.5/10 | Easy · official installer app | microG + built-in tracker blocker |
| /e/OS/e/OS (Android 15 base) | Official | 7.5/10 | Easy · installer app, or preinstalled | microG built in + App Lounge |
| LineageOSLineageOS 24.0 (Android 17) | Official | 7/10 | Advanced · fastboot and recovery | No Google unless you add it |
| Ubuntu TouchUbuntu Touch 24.04-1.4 (stable, July 2026) | Community port | 8/10 | Moderate · UBports installer | Linux apps; Android via Waydroid |
- CalyxOS: CalyxOS estimates security updates until September 2031 and relocks the bootloader after install.
- iodéOS: Installer-compatible, relockable bootloader, VoLTE/VoWiFi and 5G listed as working.
- /e/OS: Official /e/OS build with a lockable bootloader; Murena no longer sells the FP5 new, so you'd install it yourself.
- LineageOS: Supported on model FP5 with the current LineageOS release.
- Ubuntu Touch: UBports calls it its best-supported device, but the installer needs the phone on Fairphone's Android 13 firmware first.
Not available for this model
- GrapheneOS: Fairphone's own support page says GrapheneOS does not support Fairphones.
- Nura (postmarketOS): Only in postmarketOS's 'testing' package category, not a supported device.
- Sailfish OS: Sailfish OS does not list any Fairphone.
Privacy scores and effort levels are explained in how we score each system; the feature-by-feature OS table goes deeper.
Unlocking the bootloader on the Fairphone 5
The bootloader is unlockable and, on current software, no unlock code is needed. The phone must be online when you switch on OEM unlocking.
- Update to the latest Fairphone software, then tap Settings > About phone > Build number seven times.
- In Settings > System > Developer options, turn on USB debugging and OEM unlocking while connected to the internet.
- Connect to a computer with Android platform tools and run: adb reboot bootloader.
- Run fastboot flashing unlock and confirm on the phone (this wipes it).
- Boot to fastboot again and run fastboot flashing unlock_critical, then confirm (wipes again).
- Install your OS; relock with fastboot flashing lock_critical then fastboot flashing lock only if the OS supports it.
- Fairphone's code page says codes are only needed on old software versions; update first and you can skip it.
- The FP5 needs an internet connection to verify OEM unlocking (Fairphone FP5 FAQ).
- Relocking with an OS on an older security patch than before can brick the phone.
- Ubuntu Touch requires Fairphone's Android 13 firmware, which means the newer Android versions now on most FP5s must be replaced first.
- Warranty covers hardware with another OS, but Fairphone may ask you to reinstall stock Android before a repair.
How to install a private OS on the Fairphone 5
Short versions of each project's official guide. Always keep the official page open while you work: it has the exact files for your model and changes faster than any summary.
Installing CalyxOSModerate · official flasher
What you need: A Windows, macOS or Linux computer, a USB-C cable, and the CalyxOS device flasher plus the factory image for your exact model. Installing erases the phone.
Apps: microG, optional: a free re-implementation of Google services for push and maps. Bootloader: Yes on supported devices; the flasher locks it at the end.
- Download the device flasher for your computer and the factory image for your model from calyxos.org.
- On the phone, turn on Developer options and OEM unlocking (some brands need an unlock code first, see the bootloader section above).
- Restart into the bootloader (fastboot) mode and connect the phone.
- Run the flasher and follow its prompts. It unlocks the bootloader, flashes CalyxOS and locks the bootloader again.
- During setup, choose whether to turn on microG. You can change your mind later.
Installing iodéOSEasy · official installer app
What you need: A Windows, macOS or Linux computer, a USB cable and the iodé installer app. Installing erases the phone.
Apps: microG, plus a built-in tracker and ad blocker you can tune per app. Bootloader: On some devices; check iodé's device list.
- Check that your exact model is on iodé's supported device list.
- Download the iodé installer for your computer.
- Turn on Developer options, USB debugging and OEM unlocking on the phone, then connect it.
- Follow the installer step by step; it downloads the right build and flashes it.
- Set up the phone and look at the blocker settings in the iodé app.
Installing /e/OSEasy · installer app, or preinstalled
What you need: For a phone you already own: a Windows, macOS or Linux computer and a USB cable. The Easy Installer covers many models; others use a command-line guide on the device's page. Installing erases the phone.
Apps: microG built in, plus the App Lounge store that shows each app's trackers. Bootloader: On some devices; the device's install page says.
- Look up your exact model on the /e/OS device list and check whether it supports the Easy Installer.
- Download the Easy Installer (or the build and guide from the device page) on your computer.
- Turn on Developer options, USB debugging and OEM unlocking on the phone, and connect it.
- Follow the installer's screens: it unlocks, flashes /e/OS and, where possible, relocks the bootloader.
- Set up the phone. A Murena account is optional; you can skip it.
Installing LineageOSAdvanced · fastboot and recovery
What you need: A computer with Android platform-tools (adb and fastboot) installed, a USB cable, and an evening. Follow the install page for your exact codename. Installing erases the phone.
Apps: No Google services by default; you add microG or Google apps yourself if you want them. Bootloader: Usually no: the bootloader stays unlocked on most devices.
- Find your phone's page on the LineageOS wiki by its codename and read the whole install guide once before you start.
- Make sure the stock firmware is the version the guide asks for, then unlock the bootloader the brand's official way.
- Flash the partitions the guide lists (such as boot, dtbo or vendor_boot) and boot into Lineage Recovery.
- In recovery, choose Factory reset → Format data, then Apply update → Apply from ADB, and run adb sideload with the LineageOS zip.
- Reboot. Add F-Droid for apps; skip the optional Google apps package if you want to stay degoogled.
Installing Ubuntu TouchModerate · UBports installer
What you need: A Windows, macOS or Linux computer with the UBports Installer, and a USB cable. Some ports need a specific stock Android version first; the device page says which.
Apps: Native Linux apps from the OpenStore; Android apps only through Waydroid, which isn't seamless. Bootloader: stays unlocked with this build.
- Open your model's page on devices.ubuntu-touch.io and check the support level and any firmware requirement.
- Install the UBports Installer on your computer.
- Unlock the bootloader if the device needs it, then connect the phone.
- Pick your device and the stable channel in the installer, and follow its prompts.
- After the first boot, get apps from the OpenStore.
Who the Fairphone 5 is for
People who already own a Fairphone 5 or find one used and want to degoogle it. It has the widest choice of private OSes of any Fairphone, including Ubuntu Touch.
Fairphone 5 questions, answered
Can I still buy a new Fairphone 5?
Not from Fairphone or Murena. Fairphone stopped sales on January 12, 2026, and its refurbished Fairphone 5 stock is no longer available; some European retailers may still have leftover units.
How long will the Fairphone 5 get updates?
Fairphone says software updates until 2031 at the earliest, with security patches every two months since mid-2026. CalyxOS estimates its own security updates until September 2031.
Which private OS should I put on a used Fairphone 5?
CalyxOS, iodéOS and /e/OS all relock the bootloader, which keeps verified boot working. LineageOS has the newest Android 17 base, and Ubuntu Touch is an option if you want a non-Android system.
Sources
- Fairphone support: Fairphone 5 FAQ (specs, bootloader, warranty)
- Fairphone support: Fairphone 5 discontinued
- Fairphone support: refurbished Fairphones
- Fairphone support: software and security update timelines
- Fairphone support: unlock or lock your bootloader
- Fairphone: bootloader unlock page (codes no longer needed)
- Fairphone support: alternative operating systems
- LineageOS wiki: FP5
- /e/OS device page: FP5
- CalyxOS install: Fairphone 5
- CalyxOS device support dates
- iodéOS officially supported devices
- Ubuntu Touch devices: Fairphone 5
Every fact on this page comes from the maker or the OS project's own pages, checked October 14, 2026. We don't claim hands-on testing. Found something out of date? Report a correction.
