Yes—you can run Android 15 alongside Nintendo’s Horizon OS, but only on a Switch that can already boot Hekate: an exploitable original V1, or a V1, V2, Lite, or OLED with a compatible modchip. The current route is the Switchroot/LineageOS build based on LineageOS 22.1/22.2, installed to a separate microSD partition. It does not replace Horizon OS.
This guide uses the current LineageOS 22.2 instructions checked in August 2026. Back up the card first, use the SD-card method rather than eMMC unless you are an advanced user, and do not mix files or steps from older Android 10/11 tutorials.
Check compatibility before downloading anything
The installation guide assumes Hekate already boots successfully. It does not explain how to exploit a console, install a modchip, or inject a payload.
| Console | What is required |
|---|---|
| Original V1 (HAC-001) | Most units are potentially RCM-exploitable, but verify the serial number with an authoritative compatibility checker. You need an RCM jig and a payload injector each time the fully powered-off console must boot Hekate. |
| V1 with a modchip | A compatible hard mod that launches Hekate. |
| V2 (generally HAC-001(-01)) | Hard mod; the ordinary software-only RCM procedure does not apply. |
| Switch Lite | Hard mod. |
| Switch OLED | Hard mod. |
| Unmodified V2, Lite, or OLED | Not supported by this software-only method. |
Model labels alone do not prove exploitability. Confirm the exact model and serial status, and stop if Hekate cannot be reached.
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- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
What this installation changes—and what it does not
The recommended setup repartitions the microSD card. Android occupies its own partition while Horizon OS remains on the console’s normal storage. You choose Android from Hekate’s More Configs menu and can continue booting Nintendo’s system normally.
Partitioning erases the microSD card, including its Nintendo folder, games, and other files. It is less invasive than repartitioning eMMC, but it is not risk-free. Nintendo’s U.S. agreement prohibits unauthorized modification or circumvention and says unauthorized devices may lead to content removal or unusable software: Nintendo Switch User Agreement. Unauthorized modification can also affect warranty and repair eligibility (warranty limitations; factory-service terms).
Android is not a Nintendo game operating system and does not provide a legitimate way to run pirated Switch games. Apps may fail device-integrity, DRM, certification, or hardware checks; Google Apps do not guarantee that Netflix, banking apps, streaming services, or games will work.
Prepare the hardware and software
- A compatible Switch with Hekate v6.1.0 or newer already booting.
- A genuine, high-quality microSD card with enough capacity for Horizon data and at least about 10 GB reserved for Android. Use a reputable seller; no brand or speed rating guarantees compatibility.
- A computer with current Android platform tools (`adb`) and a reliable card reader.
- A USB-C data cable (not charge-only).
- An RCM jig and payload launcher for an exploitable V1.
- Joy-Cons attached and paired in Horizon OS before the Bluetooth dump.
- A complete backup location for the entire card.
- Optional ARM64 Google Apps (GApps) matching the Android release.
Choose the interface before downloading. The Tablet build suits touchscreen apps and browsing; Android TV is better for docked television use, controller navigation, and streaming-style interfaces. They are separate builds or packages. Use the current download choices at Switchroot and LineageOS downloads, not an old video’s files.
Back up and verify the console
- Boot Horizon OS and test the screen, touchscreen, buttons, Joy-Cons, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, charging, and dock.
- Record the exact model and serial information and confirm exploit or modchip status.
- Copy the entire microSD card to the computer. Include
Nintendo,bootloader, custom-firmware files, and personal files. A few visible folders are not a sufficient backup. - For an exploitable V1, insert the RCM jig, enter RCM, inject Hekate, and confirm its graphical interface appears. A modchipped console normally launches Hekate itself.
Install Android to the microSD card
1. Partition the card in Hekate
- Open Tools → Partition SD Card and accept the warning.
- Allocate Android space and give it roughly 10 GB or more.
- When offered a format, choose Dynamic: Android 13+.
- Select Next Step, then Start. Wait through the safety pause and press Power when prompted.
- When finished, select SD UMS to mount the card on the computer.
The current guide requires a freshly partitioned setup; unofficial or previous Switchroot installations should not be dirty-upgraded.
2. Copy the boot files
Download the package for your exact device variant from the current LineageOS page and reproduce this layout exactly, including capitalization:
switchroot/
├── install/
│ ├── boot.img
│ ├── recovery.img
│ └── nx-plat.dtimg
└── android/
├── bl31.bin
├── bl33.bin
├── boot.scr
├── bootlogo_android.bmp
└── icon_android_hue.bmp
bootloader/
└── ini/
└── android.ini3. Create android.ini
Create bootloader/ini/android.ini (enable file-name extensions in Windows so it is not saved as android.ini.txt) with:
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- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
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[LineageOS]
l4t=1
boot_prefixes=switchroot/android/
id=SWANDR
icon=switchroot/android/icon_android_hue.bmp
logopath=switchroot/android/bootlogo_android.bmp
r2p_action=self
; alarms_disable=1 uncomment to disable notifications for better battery life
; touch_skip_tuning=1 uncomment if your touchscreen is broken
; usb3_enable=1 uncomment for faster USB at expense of WiFi/BT quality
; ddr200_enable=1 uncomment for faster SD speed on models that support it
; emmc=1 uncomment to boot from the internal eMMCLeave optional lines commented initially. usb3_enable=1 can reduce Wi-Fi/Bluetooth quality; touch_skip_tuning=1 is for a broken touchscreen; ddr200_enable=1 is card- and hardware-dependent; emmc=1 does not convert this SD procedure into an eMMC installation.
4. Flash Android
- Safely eject the card, close SD UMS on the Switch, and choose Flash Android 13+ in Hekate.
- Let flashing finish.
- When asked to reboot into recovery, select No, then return to Hekate’s main menu.
Hekate wording can vary slightly between revisions; follow the current guide’s labels rather than an older screenshot.
5. Dump Joy-Con pairing data
- In Hekate select Nyx Settings → Dump Joy-Con BT.
- Confirm that the dump succeeds, ideally reporting both Joy-Con records.
If it fails, boot Horizon OS, attach and pair the preferred Joy-Cons there, then repeat the dump.
6. Enter LineageOS Recovery
- Return to Hekate, select More Configs, hold Volume Up, and select LineageOS.
- Keep holding Volume Up until the LineageOS splash screen appears.
If text appears in the splash screen’s upper-left corner, restart and recheck the installation paths and files.
7. Format Android data
In recovery choose Factory Reset → Format data / factory reset, confirm, and return to the recovery main menu. Recovery’s “Internal Storage” here means Android’s data/cache area, not Horizon OS storage.
8. Sideload LineageOS
- Select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
- On the computer run:
adb -d sideload /path/to/lineageos-package.zipReplace the path with the actual ZIP location. A transfer that stops near 47% with adb: failed to read command: Success or adb: failed to read command: No error can still have succeeded according to the official guide. Check recovery’s result before retrying; other errors require investigation.
9. Optionally install Google Apps
Before the first Android boot, download the matching ARM64 GApps package and use Apply update → Apply from ADB again:
Rank #3
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
adb -d sideload /path/to/gapps-package.zipA signature warning for an add-on may be expected because it is not signed with LineageOS’s official key. Do not install a package for a different Android release or architecture.
10. First boot
Select Reboot system now. The first boot usually takes no more than about 15 minutes, depending on the device. Do not repeatedly interrupt it before that window has passed.
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Boot Android after installation
Enter Hekate and choose More Configs → LineageOS. On an unmodded exploitable V1, the payload (often through a Fusee launcher workflow) generally must be injected again after a complete power-off. A modchip normally handles the boot chain.
Initial Android checks
- Complete touchscreen or controller setup and connect Wi-Fi.
- Test the Joy-Cons after the Hekate Bluetooth dump.
- Boot undocked first, then test the official dock and power adapter.
- Install apps only from legitimate sources and expect some incompatibility because the Switch is not a certified Android phone or tablet.
- Keep the original card backup so Android can be removed by restoring the card’s previous partition layout and files.
Troubleshoot by symptom
Hekate will not boot or the console is unsupported
Stop. Recheck the serial status and modchip installation. A jig does not make an unmodified V2, Lite, or OLED software-exploitable.
The Android entry is missing
- Verify
bootloader/ini/android.iniexists and is notandroid.ini.txt. - Check
boot_prefixes, icon, and logo paths against the actual files. - Confirm Hekate is v6.1.0 or newer.
- Safely eject and remount the card, then recheck capitalization.
Recovery immediately returns to Hekate
Check that boot.img, recovery.img, and nx-plat.dtimg are present in switchroot/install, that the package matches the console variant, and that Volume Up was held at the right time. Do not mix old and current file trees; if necessary, repartition and reinstall from a clean backup.
Joy-Cons do not connect
Pair them in Horizon OS, keep them attached during setup, repeat Nyx Settings → Dump Joy-Con BT, and reboot Android. This check is specific to the dumped controller records, not a guarantee that every Bluetooth device will work.
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Docked video fails
- Boot Android undocked and confirm the installation works.
- Use the original dock and Nintendo power adapter if available.
- Connect HDMI after Android has booted; try another cable and display.
- Check whether the internal screen turns off when docked.
Switchroot documents HDMI hotplug problems as a possible cause with the original dock: common issues.
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- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth worsened
Comment out usb3_enable=1 in android.ini. That option trades wireless quality for USB performance.
ADB cannot see the console
adb devicesMake sure recovery is on Apply from ADB, reconnect with a data cable, try another USB port, and update platform tools. Avoid competing ADB installations.
First boot appears stuck
Allow up to about 15 minutes. If it remains stuck, verify the device package, confirm GApps (if used) was installed before first boot, re-enter recovery, and reinstall from a freshly partitioned card if old and current files were mixed.
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SD card or eMMC?
SD installation is the sensible default because it leaves Horizon OS in its normal storage, is easier to replace, and limits mistakes to the removable card. It still erases that card and depends on its health and speed.
eMMC installation is an advanced, separate procedure. Repartitioning or flashing eMMC can destroy the stock Horizon installation. The Switchroot guide requires complete backups of eMMC BOOT0 & BOOT1 and eMMC RAW GPP before proceeding: Android 14/15 eMMC boot guide. Do not attempt it as a shortcut or assume it is faster.
Why older tutorials are unsafe to mix in
Switchroot still documents Android 10 and 11, but Android 10 is deprecated and those guides use different files, partitioning, and boot assumptions. The Android 10 documentation even warns about Hekate 6.5.0 and legacy coreboot launching: Android 10 guide and Android 11 guide. For a new setup, use the current LineageOS 22.2/Android 15 instructions at the device guide and verify the download page again before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Android on an unmodified Switch OLED?
No. The current procedure expects a hard-modded OLED; an RCM jig alone is not sufficient.
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- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
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- Built for Adventure — Shock-resistant, IPX6 water-resistant, and rated for extreme temperatures (−10°C to +80°C). Also resistant to X-rays and magnetic fields — ideal for travel, outdoor use, and dashcams.
Can I keep Horizon OS and my Nintendo games?
Yes, with the normal SD-card method Horizon OS remains on the console, but the microSD card is erased during partitioning. Back up its contents first.
Do I need a modchip?
Only if the console is not an exploitable original V1. V2, Lite, and OLED installations in the current guide require a hard mod.
Can I use Google Play?
You can sideload a matching ARM64 GApps package before first boot, but individual apps may reject the Switch or lack required certification.
Can I install Android without erasing the microSD card?
Not with this supported partitioning procedure. Hekate repartitions and erases the card, so make a complete backup.
Will installing Android guarantee a Nintendo ban?
No certainty is established. Nintendo’s agreement permits broad action against unauthorized modifications, which can affect updates, services, warranty, or repair eligibility.
Can I install Android on Nintendo Switch 2?
This guide covers the original Switch family only. It provides no Switch 2 compatibility information.
Quick Recap
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