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The phone in your pocket can do much more than just run Android.
And, if youre reading this, you probably are looking for ways to run Linux on Android.
Linux is an open-source operating system and is free to use.
Android is based on the Linux kernel.
But what if you want to re-purpose your Android mobile to run Linux for a more complete desktop experience?
For that, youll need to install Linux on your Android phone.
And in this article, were going to do just that.
In most cases, your gear can run Linux.
However, you need a rooted Android machine (jailbroken) if you want complete control over machine resources.
The best way to get Linux is to useAndroNix,Termux, andVNC Viewer.
AndroNixis a popular Android app that lets you install Linux on Android.
you could use it to install Linux at no cost.
Lastly, we have a VNC viewer, which well need to connect to our Linux session.
Lets go through the process of installing Linux without root.
I will use my Samsung FE 21 5G Android phone for this tutorial.
Samsung is known to provide an excellent ecosystem.
It offers access to Samsung Dex, which lets you multitask between devices.
Once you connect your modern Samsung phone to a computer, you get a working environment like a PC.
Once done, youll see a desktop-like UI directly on your PC.
But what if you dont have access to a Samsung gear?
In that case, you might still connect wired or wirelessly.
Youll need an OTG adapter and a USB hub to connect using wires.
With this, youll get access to multiple USB ports necessary to connect your wired mouse and keyboard.
Note:This step is entirely optional.
Go to their respective Play Store page and install them.
From here, you could punch Linux Distribution and see a list of supported distros.
These include:
All of these distros are official and not modified.
For this tutorial, were going to install Ubuntu.
So, hit Ubuntu, and itll ask you to select GUI.
you’ve got the option to select any of the available options.
Well useXFCEfor this tutorial as it is lightweight and can run on low system resources.
As soon as you click Next, itll copy a command.
For our selection of options, it copied the following command for us.
Note:The code for your deployment might differ depending on your choices.
Now paste the command in the terminal and pressENTER.
Note:you might press the middle mouse button to paste the command.
You also need your phone unit to be connected to the internet to download the necessary files.
Note:During the installation, youll get various prompts.
For all of them, pressEnterto proceed.
The installation will also prompt you to give Termux file permission.
kindly wait until it asks you to enter a new VNC password.
Well come back to it later on.
Step 5: Creating a VNC Session
Open RealVNC Viewerandpress on +to create a new VNC session.
Now enter the address as localhost:1 and the Name you like.
Now, add a new VNC password.
Once you do, youll see the AndroNix VNCserver resolution selection.
Here, you’re free to select any option based on your liking.
For this tutorial, lets choose the resolution as HD-ready.
And youll see your Ubuntu terminal!
fire off the following command to check yourself.
Note:Itll prompt you about an unencrypted connection.
Now, enter the VNC password you set above.
You have installed Linux on an Android machine.
And this is how it looks on your phone.
And, if youve rooted your rig already, installing Linux on it is quite easy.
Step 1:InstallBusyBoxon your phone.
This will give you better control over root controls.
Step 2:Install any of these three apps,UserLAnd,AnLinux, or LinuxDeploy.
These apps will help you deploy the Linux distro.
Also, see to it that it has root permissions enabled.
Step 4:Go to the bottom-right of LinuxDeploy and tap configs.
Step 5:Here, snag the distro of your choice.
you could choose from Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, etc.
Step 6:Under GUI, check the Enable box.
Step 7:Under Graphics, select VNC.
Step 8:Itll then ask which GUI Setting you want.
Choose a Desktop environment.
Step 9:input your name and password.
Step 10:Go to the upper-right corner, and exit the menu.
However, youll need to enter the address aslocalhost:5900.
Once done, connect to the instance and drop your Linux Desktop with the credentials you entered inStep 9.
You have successfully installed Linux on a rooted Android unit.
Lets list a few of them below.
Andronix
Andronixlets you install Linux on Android more intuitively.
It works excellently on non-rooted devices.
And the best part is that it is free to use due to its open-source license.
Out of the box, you might use it to install 8 official Linux distributions.
Earlier, we used Andronix to install Ubuntu.
In addition to the free Linux distro distributions, it offers paid Andronix Modded OS.
These are optimized for Android devices, providing better stability and customizability.
UserLAnd
UserLAnd is a useful open-source app that lets you run a Linux distro on Android.
Just like Andronix, it works on non-rooted devices.
It offers a built-in terminal with support for different shells.
Additionally, you might connect to VNC to turn on the graphics interface.
Similar to UserLAnd and Andronix, it doesnt require root access.
you might use it to run multiple distros without any conflict.
AndroLinux
AnrdoLinux is an open-source operating system using a GNOME desktop environment.
This package gives you a complete Linux desktop experience on your Android gear.
Under the hood, AndroLinux is based on CentOS and Fedora.
It also offers good security.
Termux
Termux gives you access to a powerful terminal without installing third-party files or services.
Once you install it, you get access to bash and zsh shells.
After all, Android uses a Linux kernel, and hence it can build on top of it.
Smartphones are more powerful than you might think of.
Technology in your hands is not just to watch TikTok or Instagram mindlessly.
It also opens up the path to experimentation.
you could also use an Android-powered mobile unit to try differentLinux distros.
Final Words
Running Linux on Android is fun.
It is a cool experiment you’ve got the option to run on weekends.
The best part about Linux on Android is that Android itself uses a Linux kernel.
That means vast support for Android apps that can let you install and try different Linux distros.
Furthermore, rooting your rig to use Linux on an Android rig is unnecessary.
A jailbroken gear gives you more freedom when configuring and using Linux on an Android gear.
