How to Install Full Linux on Your Mobile Phone

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Installing a full Linux distribution on your mobile phone using Termux involves several steps. Termux is a terminal emulator for Android that provides a Linux environment, but to install a complete Linux distribution like Ubuntu, Debian, or Arch, you’ll need to use a few additional tools. Below is a general guide:

1. Install Termux

2. Update Termux Packages

  • Open Termux and update the package list:
pkg update && pkg upgrade

3. Install Required Packages

  • You’ll need to install some basic packages:
pkg install wget proot git

4. Install a Linux Distribution

You can install a Linux distribution using scripts or tools like Andronix or AnLinux.

Using AnLinux:

  • Install AnLinux from the Google Play Store.
  • Choose your desired Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, Arch).
  • Follow the steps provided by AnLinux to download and configure the Linux distribution.
  • AnLinux will provide you with a command to copy into Termux to set up the Linux environment. Using manual scripts (like Andronix):
  • Install Andronix from the Google Play Store.
  • Select your desired Linux distribution.
  • Andronix will guide you through the setup process.

5. Start the Linux Distribution

  • After installing the distribution, you can start it with the following commands (example for Ubuntu):
./start-ubuntu.sh

6. Install a Desktop Environment (Optional)

  • If you want a graphical interface, you’ll need to install a desktop environment and a VNC server.
  • Install the desktop environment:
apt install xfce4
  • Install a VNC server:
    apt install tightvncserver
  • Start the VNC server:
vncserver :1
  • Use a VNC client app on your phone (like VNC Viewer) to connect to your Linux desktop environment.

7. Accessing Linux from Termux

  • To start using your Linux distribution, use the start script (e.g.,
./start-ubuntu.sh).
  • For VNC, connect using the VNC viewer with the address.
localhost:1

8. Additional Configuration

  • You might need to configure various aspects like keyboard input, file access, or network settings depending on your needs.

This process turns your mobile phone into a portable Linux machine. However, note that performance and functionality might be limited compared to a full desktop experience.

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