Install the Symbian emulator

The SDK uses a separately distributed EKA2L1 frontend with its Qt desktop libraries, plugins and firmware importer. The emulator is GPL-3.0-or-later; it runs as a separate executable. Firmware and guest libraries, including Symbian Qt, are supplied separately.

The installation commands below require SDK 0.1.2 or later.

With the SDK's Python commands installed, select a compatible native bundle:

symbian emulator install
symbian emulator doctor
symbian emulator list

The installer chooses your macOS or Linux architecture and checks the actual executable's control protocol and features before selecting it. Emulator versions have their own release cadence. An SDK upgrade keeps a compatible emulator; SDK and emulator version numbers need not match.

For an offline installation, download the matching archive from the emulator releases:

symbian emulator install --archive '/path/to/symbian-emulator-bundle.tar.gz'

Add --sha256 HEX_DIGEST to verify a digest obtained separately. Explicit versions let you upgrade or return to a retained installation:

symbian emulator install --version 0.1.0
symbian emulator select 0.1.0

Installation uses the per-user XDG data directory, normally ~/.local/share/symbian/emulators. Selection uses the XDG configuration directory. Old versions remain available for rollback. Installation does not replace firmware or emulator sessions. Explicit project, SDK or command tool paths take precedence; symbian emu resolve shows the effective selection.

On Linux, use glibc 2.39 or later, a desktop session with X11 or Wayland and working graphics drivers. The bundle supplies Qt and its non-system dependencies; the system supplies glibc and graphics-driver interfaces. macOS bundles require macOS 15 or later. Initial macOS bundles use ad hoc signatures. Gatekeeper may require approval to open downloaded code; use the normal macOS security settings after checking its origin.

Next, import local firmware and run an application. For a custom frontend, use the source build reference and select its executable through symbian emu configure --scope global --emulator /path/to/frontend --importer /path/to/symbian_firmware_tool.