Linux and Android are quite compatible and even have certain similarities. The kernel used by the Android operating system is based on a modification of Linux. However, natively applications on one system do not automatically work on the other.
The proposal to install Linux on your Smartphone or Tablet is not unreasonable, managing to make them more powerful and have a desk similar to that of a desktop or laptop computer. It is a simple process, which with adding a couple of apps and configuring them, you will have your mobile ready to enjoy this experience.
The idea of this tutorial is indicate the benefits you could have if you decide to install Linux on Android, show two ways to configure them, recommend distributions and detail applications that you must download.
Is it really possible to use Linux from an Android smartphone? Why?
The direct answer is yes. There are various operating systems created by Linux distributions that are compatible with Android and that you can recharge your smartphone. For users who want an alternative system, with privacy and security options Guaranteed, these tools have appeared capable of offering open source for mobile devices.
What are the benefits of installing a Linux distribution on your Android device?
Linux has different distributions to be used on computer equipment. In recent years, its popularity has grown, although there are still those who are closed to trying other operating systems.
But using it has its benefits, some are the following:
- It’s free and free to use, so you will not have to pay anything and you can also modify it.
- Free operating systems they are safer, mostly hackers go for Windows.
- The programs perform better because no background apps are running.
- Works on low-resource computers, even some that with other systems would be obsolete. There are distributions for almost every feature.
- Protect privacy of the user by not collecting their personal data.
Learn step by step how to install Linux on your smart phone with Android operating system
For users of Linux who want to install their preferred distribution on their phone or tablet, We leave you two applications that will help in the process. It is not required to be an expert or have extensive knowledge on the subject, because with some steps they can already be configured.
Go for it:
With GNURoot Debian
There are several versions that adapt to different Android devices. The tool allows to enable startup through a Linux terminal with root faculties and install a desktop, in addition to the required applications. It is important to note that its use must be in conjunction with XServer XSDL to achieve the installation successfully.
The step by step to use it is as follows:
- Download “GNURoot”.
-
Run the command:
apt-get update. - Later insert:
apt-get install lxde. - And finally, writes:
apt-get install xterm synaptic pulseaudio.
Now, you change to “XServer XSDL”, where you are going to make the following configurations:
- Download the sources.
- Set up “DPI” Y “Resolution” until the system displays the blue screen.
- Then you go back to “GNURoot”.
-
We execute the command:
export DISPLAY=:0 PULSE_SERVER=tcp:127.0.0.1:4712. -
And then we place
startlxde &. - To finish the installation, we are going to “XServer” where the blue screen must have already disappeared and we can see the desktop of Linux already installed.
With Complete Linux Installer
This small project has broad growth projections, allows Linux distributions installed on the Android system to be used. We must say that there is a free application and a paid one, which contributes to development.
The steps to use it are as follows:
- In Google download the application “Complete Linux Installer”.
- After being installed, activate the “USB debugging”.
- To do so, you enter from the menu “Android Settings” Y “Development options”.
- Check the option “USB debugging”And you go back to the home screen to start the application.
- Once you have the installation and activation of Complete Linux Installer ready, you proceed to download “Ubuntu“on your mobile device.
- On the left side of Complete Linux Installer you go to “Menu” and you tap on “Install Guides ”.
- There it will show you a list of distributions compatible with Android that you are using.
- Choose “Ubuntu” and click on “Download image”.
- It will show you the sizes of each image, according to the free space. Please select one.
- Choose “From Sourceforge “ to download the distribution from the web and it will start the download.
- At the same time it is downloaded, it installs VNCViewer App, which is a remote access application.
- At the end, return to Complete Linux Installer.
- Click on “Download “/” Install Terminal App “.
- Having this option available will will allow to start it from the terminal.
- Yeah I know Ubuntu installation finished, unzip with the file manager to unzip the operating system.
- When unzipped, go back to “Complete Linux Installer” and look for the option “Launch“.
- Tap on “Setting” Y “Edit“to find the folder where the unzipped file is.
- When I load, save the changes and you can start it.
- Now access the graphical environment that you have installed starting the VNC application.
It will ask you for the connection parameters which are:
- Username: Ubuntu.
- Password: Ubuntu.
- Address: localhost.
- Port: 5900.
After completing this information, click on the option “Connect”.
List of the best Linux distributions that you can install on your Android smartphone
Till the date, there are at least 200 distributions available to run Linux on your Android smartphone. You just have to check the compatibility list with your device to be able to install them.
We leave you three of the most used:
LineageOS
This operating system is a good option to give life to Android devices; it flows better because it is light. Its most recent version comes loaded with new ways of customization, security patches, more languages added and support for fingerprint sensors, among others. It is compatible with 52 models, although that is increasing.
Ubuntu Touch
This operating system works on the lack of applications, providing different tools natively. The most current version offers support for Android applications and improvements to your browser. On the other hand, it has good multimedia support for video recording and camera acceleration. Likewise, it is compatible with a wide range of devices.
PostmarketOS
The distribution that we discuss now it is configured to work optimally on mobile devices. It is lightweight and includes security patches such as Grsecurity. It has the ability to use various graphical environments and gives a mobile device up to ten more years of life. One of its main orientations is to improve user privacy.
These are the best applications to install Linux on Android in the simplest way possible
We show you some applications with which you can install a Linux distribution and once it is ready it will work just like a desktop computer:
Termux.com
This Linux application is defined as an emulator for Android and works in isolation from the rest of the operating system, so you can continue to use the mobile in other things. It works as of Android 5.0, allows new packages to be added to it, and runs any GNU command.
UserLand.Tech
This tool has the particularity that allows mounting Linux on Android either on the local device or in the cloud. It enables the installation of packages and to obtain a graphical environment you can connect it to VNC. It contains SSH support via a terminal and runs full Linux distributions.
Linux Deploy
In just 15 minutes, this application available on Google Play makes it easy to install Linux on Android. For this, you must have at least 1 GB of free memory and once the process is completed, it automatically generates the passwords for access.