How To Install a Linux OS On Your Android Phone

Carry your desktop in your pocket

The general trend for technology is to become smaller and smaller. From desktops to watches, users see value in having a mobile computer without having to carry around a bag of wires and adapters.

This article will show you how to install a fully functioningUbuntu Linux operating system(OS) on your mobile phone. The first method we will describe requires you to root your device.

What Is Root?

Android phones use Linux file-system ownership and permissions. The root is the superuser.

When you log into your device, there are certain functions you can perform on your phone based on user permissions. The root user or superuser has permissions to do anything to any file such as uninstall an application.

Before you can grant yourself superuser permissions, you must unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery.

Rooting your device adds a standard Linux function that was removed by placing a small filesu(switch user) with permissions in the system.

When you run a file without any other parameters, your permissions and credentials are switched from a regular user to a superuser with complete control.

Use Apps to Root Your Android Device

For this method, you will need to install three apps from the Google Play Store.

BusyBox gives your phone access to Linux commands that you wouldn’t typically have. It is necessary to enable many root apps to work.

Linux Deploy is an open-source program used to easily and quickly install Linux OS on your Android mobile phone.

It works by creating a disk image on a flashcard, mounting it, and installing an OS distribution.

Open the app to make sure you have root access (you should after installing BusyBox). Click the download button on the top or bottom right-hand side of your screen.

To open the menu, click the three dots at the top right-hand side of your screen. SelectInstalland clickOKto start installing the app on your phone.

The process takes a little time as it is installing the entire Linux distribution on your Android device.

After the installation is complete, clickSTARTto open fruit (a sub-compartment), then hitSTOPwhen finished.

VNC Viewer

The final app to install is VNC Viewer. It will turn your Android device into a remote desktop and allow you to view the GUI.

Open the app, add a new connection, uselocalhost:5900forAddress, and clickCreate. This will open a new window for localhost. ClickCONNECT.

Enter the password you set earlier when asked for Authentication and clickDone. You will now be able to see Linux and use it.

Install a Linux OS On Your Android Mobile Phone With UserLAnd

Another way to install a Linux OS on your Android mobile phone is to use the UserLAnd app. With this method, there is no need to root your device.

Go to the Google Play Store, download, and installUserLAnd. The program will install a layer on your phone, enabling you to run the Linux distribution you choose.

Launch the app, we will chooseUbuntu, and then tapOK. Grant app permissions by clickingALLOW.

Provide user login details. Enter aUsername,Password, andVNC Passwordfor the Ubuntu session, then tapCONTINUE>VNC>CONTINUE.

UserLand will download all the required assets for Ubuntu. The process will vary in length depending upon your Internet speed.

You will use this for VNC and ssh access. Wait for the installation to complete, progress will be displayed.

At this point, UserLAnd will download all the necessary assets for the Ubuntu session. How long the process takes will depend upon the speed of your connection.

When the installation is complete, you will be redirected to the Google Play Store todownload bVNC.

ClickInstall, thenBackto return to the UserLAnd app. Give permission to bVNC to access your files if asked and then clickAllow.

If an option is available for Ubuntu, tap on it to start a Linux session. If there is no option, click onSessionsat the bottom of your screen, then tap the+sign at the top right-hand corner.

Name the new sessionUbuntu> selectapps:Ubuntufor Filesystem > choosesshfor Service Type >Done.

To launch a Linux session, tapSessionson the bottom of your screen. The new session will open to a desktop environment.

To open applications, tap the start menu located at the bottom-left side of your screen. Install new Linux programs using the command terminal by tappingSystem Tools>LXTTerminal.

If you want to close the desktop, tap anywhere on your screen > thethree vertical dots>Disconnect.

The methods above show you how to install a Linux OS on your smartphone. Linux is more flexible than Android by enabling users to perform functions such as advanced image editing, app development, and working in a real desktop environment.

The downside is that you are working on a tiny screen. However, if you want the ability to carry your desktop in your pocket, give it a try.

David has a background in small business and lives in Australia. He is a WordPress and Ubuntu Developer who enjoys design, CSS and tech tool integration.Read David’s Full Bio

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How To Install a Linux OS On Your Android Phone#

What Is Root?#

Use Apps to Root Your Android Device#

VNC Viewer#

Install a Linux OS On Your Android Mobile Phone With UserLAnd#