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
- Download Termux from the Google Play Store or F-Droid.
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.