[Android] shimp208:
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!