Mobile App Knowledge
How to run Linux on the latest Android devices
Did you know that Android devices are powered by a modified Linux kernel? Although the kernel is very limited, it is possible to run Linux on Android phones and tablets.
I. Can you run Linux on Android?
Thanks to apps like UserLAnd, anyone can install a full Linux distribution on their Android device. You don’t even need to root your device, so there’s no risk of bricking your phone or voiding your warranty.
With the UserLAnd app, you can install Arch Linux, Debian, Kali Linux, and Ubuntu on your device. The program will install an additional Lv layer on a device running on the selected Linux version, allowing you to connect to a Linux session via SSH or VNC with the support of the bVNC application.
II. How to install Linux on Android
To run Ubuntu on an Android device with UserLAnd:
1. Download and install UserLAnd from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the UserLAnd app and tap Ubuntu
3. Click OK and then ALLOW to grant the necessary application permissions.
4. Enter username , password , and VNC password for the Ubuntu session, then press CONTINUE
5. Select VNC and press CONTINUE .
6. You will be redirected back to the Google Play Store where you can download bVNC (if you have not done so already). Tap Settings , then tap the Back button on your device to return to UserLAnd.
7. Tap Sessions at the bottom of the screen, then tap the plus sign ( + ) in the upper right corner.
8. Name the session Ubuntu , select application: Ubuntu from the File System drop-down menu , and select SSH for Service Type . Click Save (icon in the upper right corner) when you’re done.
9. Tap Sessions , then tap Ubuntu to launch your Linux session.
III. How to use Linux on Android
The Ubuntu session will open to a desktop environment where you can zoom in with your fingers. From here, you can open apps by tapping the start menu in the lower left corner. To install new Linux programs using the command terminal, tap System Tools > LXTerminal .
IV. Pros and cons of running Linux on Android
Linux is much more flexible than Android. There are a lot of tasks you can do with Linux that you can’t do on Android including app development, advanced image editing, and working in a true desktop environment.
That said, the small form factor of smartphones makes it difficult to pack an entire desktop GUI into such a small screen. You have to use your finger to move the mouse pointer, and you won’t be able to use your phone app while the Linux desktop is running.
V. Why isn’t Linux officially ported to mobile devices?
In 2013, Canonical developed a mobile device running a special version of Ubuntu called Ubuntu Touch. Unfortunately, it was a commercial flop, so the device was discontinued. No other company has tried to release Linux phones due to GUI challenges. The desktop would have to be completely re-imagined to work on such a small screen.