MSM8916 LTE stick Linux port
Project: Running Linux on a cheap MSM8916-based 4G LTE dongle using the OpenStick project.
Details
- Chip: Qualcomm MSM8916, 4x 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53
- RAM: 512MB, Storage: 4GB or 8GB eMMC
- Features: WiFi, GPS, LTE modem, Bluetooth (hardware-dependent)
- Frequency bands: 4G FDD LTE B1/3/5, 3G WCDMA B1
- Size: ~95x33mm, transmission rate: 150Mbps
- Ships with Android 4.4.4, reflashable to mainline Linux
- Common variants: UZ801 V3.0/V3.2, UFI001B/C, UFI003, UFI103S, UF896, SP970
- Default management IPs: 192.168.43.1:8080 (white) or 192.168.100.1 (black)
Flashing notes
- Enter EDL mode:
adb reboot edlor short EDL testpoint whilst inserting USB - UZ801 V3.0: Enable ADB at http://192.168.100.1/usb_debug.html
- UZ801 V3.2: Enable ADB at http://192.168.100.1/usbdebug.html
- UART voltage: 1.8V for UZ801, 3.3V for UFI models
- Backup eMMC before flashing (using bkerler/EDL tool)
- May need to replace firmware files in /lib/firmware for modem to work properly
Resources
- AliExpress listing
- OpenStick GitHub
- OpenStick Wiki
- PostmarketOS wiki - Detailed technical info
- Wim van ’t Hoog’s guide - Comprehensive guide with Debian Bookworm build, USB Gadget examples, pentesting applications
- HN discussion
Log
- 2025-12-27: Purchased MSM8916-based LTE stick from AliExpress.
- 2025-12-27: Researched OpenStick project, PostmarketOS wiki, and Wim van ’t Hoog’s guide.
- 2025-12-27: Backed up eMMC via EDL, flashed Linux firmware. Flash successful - Linux booting on the stick!
Last updated on February 23, 2026. For any questions/feedback, email me at hi@stavros.io.