Hand on: We’re running full desktop Linux apps on an Android phone!

Mashal Rehman / Android Authority

tl; drag

• The forthcoming Android update will significantly upgrade the Linux terminal app, which will help it run a full graphical linux program on auxiliary devices.
• The feature is currently experimental, which requires pixel 6 or more new on a specific Android canary blood and manual measures to accelerate both the terminal terminal and hardware for better performance.
• This guide states that how to install and run graphical apps like the Gampa or Library Office using a flat pack, either manually launching them or setting a full desktop environment like the XFCE.

The Linux terminal app has been set up for some major upgrades in the next Android release. If you are unfamiliar, the terminal app allows you to run a full Linux program in the virtual machine, and opens the door to run many powerful tools that are not locally available on Android. Initially, the terminal app command line was limited to running applications, but the recent Android update introduced cooperation for graphical apps. Despite some of the long -lasting problems, we were surprised how much it was already. If you are interested in trying it, here’s how to start.

First of all, you will need to run the latest 2507 Android Canary release after Pixel 6 or then, as it is currently the only public construction with support to run graphical Linux apps. Although the release in the second quarter of Android 16 (QPR2) can introduce this feature more widely, we will certainly not know until the public beta arrives.

Since this ability is not in the stable version of Android 16, other devices will have to wait. It is possible that some non -pixel devices will get it in Android 16 QPR 2 updates, but is more likely to reach the next year’s Android 17 release.

To see what is possible, watch this video of multiple desktop Linux apps on Pixel:

If you have a synchronized device and want to create a copy, there are steps here.

How to enable the Linux terminal in Android

Linux terminal is not active as default in Android. To enable this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Barley System
3. Tap Manufacturer’s options
4. Tap Linux development environment
5. Tar (Experimental) run the Linux terminal on Android

Once you take these steps, a “terminal” icon will be added to the app drawer. Before you open it, read the next section to enable hardware acceleration for better performance.

How to enable Hardware Acceleration in Linux Terminal on Android

It is straightforward to activate hardware acceleration. You just need to create an empty file called Verglland inside the /SDCARD /Linux directory. This directory is not yet available on your device, so you have to make it manually. If you already have an ADB setup, you can do this by running these two commands:

Code

Copy Text ADB Shell “MK DIR/SD Card/Linux” ADB Shell “Touch/SD Card/Linux/Vergalinder”

The terminal app checks for this file before activation, a graphics virtualization technology that translates open GL commands into the host from a guest virtual machine. Although it does not offer absolute excellent performance, Google is working on a more modern solution for the future.

To confirm that it is working, launch the terminal app. You should see the toast message below the screen which is said, “Virgil is active. Once you see this, you are ready to install and run graphical linux apps.

How to drive a graphical desktop Linux apps on your Android phone

When you open the terminal app for the first time, you will be indicated to download the files required for the boot debut. Tap on “Install” and wait for the download to complete. Once you see the command line console, you are ready to move forward.

Mashal Rehman / Android Authority

First, update your package lists and upgrade any existing package with these commands:

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Copy Textsodo Opt-Gate Update Sudo Upgrade

Next, install a famous framework, flatopic install, and its central storage, Flatheb to divide Linux applications:

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Copy Textsodo Opt install Flatpak Sudo Flatpic Remote-AD-IF-NE -NOST FLATHTH HTTPS://dl.flathub.org/repo/Flathub.flatpakrepo

Now you can install graphical apps. For example, here is the way to install chromium, gym, and libel office:

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Copy Textsodo Flatpic Install Flatheb Org.chromium.chromium Sudo Flatpk Install Flatheb Org org.gimp.gimp.gimp Sudo Flatpic install FlaThub Org

Note that not all flatopic apps will work. For the best opportunity to success, look for the applications set for ARM 64 that support the Wyland Display Protocol.

Manually launching apps

You have to start a basic graphical environment first to run these apps. This process includes a bit and is perfect for quick tests:

1. Tap the display icon in the upper right corner of the terminal app. It pushes the graphical output on your Android screen from Linux VM.
2. Add a physical keyboard. On -screen keyboard will not appear in this mode.
3. Type Weston and press Inter to start a graphical session.
4. Once the atmosphere load, click on the terminal icon in the top left corner to open the Wellland terminal window.
5. In this new terminal, launch your app using its package. For example, to run the gym, type:

Code

Copy Text Flatpic org.gimp.gimp

Chromium requires some extra flags to work correctly:

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Copy Text Flatopic org.chromium.Chromium-No-Sandbox-capable Features = Used Features = UseozonePlatform -ozone-Platform = Wayland

Launching apps through desktop environment

Manually launching apps is cumbersome. LI of more traditional desktop experience, I recommend installing XFCE:

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Copy Task-XFCE Desktop Install Textsudo Opt

Installation will take some time, as it contains many packages. During the process you will be indicated to select your keyboard layout.

Once it ends, close the terminal app to ensure the VM closes. Return it, tap the display icon in the upper right corner, and the XFCE desktop will be loaded automatically. If the login is indicated, use the username root and leave the password blank. This default account can be saved later using standard Linux commands.

This is! Your installed flatopic apps will now appear in the applications menu in the top left corner of the top. Although other apps should be launched directly from the menu, remember that chromium still needs special launch flags mentioned in the previous section.

Mashal Rehman / Android Authority

The more easier way to add new flat packs to you, you can install a toll like a warehouse. And if you face slow performance, you can improve the VM by allocating more RAM by following these steps.

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