Requirements
What your phone needs to run Andronix - Android version, CPU, free storage, RAM and the right Termux - and what to expect on older phones.
Andronix runs on most Android phones and tablets from the last several years. Check these before you install.
| Command line only | With a desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Android | 7 or newer | 7 or newer |
| CPU | arm64 (most phones), also arm, x86 and x86_64 for some distros | Same |
| Free storage | about 0.5 GB | 1.5 to 2 GB (about 3 GB for KDE Plasma) |
| RAM | 2 GB | 3 GB or more is comfortable; 4 GB or more for KDE Plasma |
| Root | Not needed | Not needed |
Android version
Andronix needs Android 7 or newer, because Termux does. The Play Store build of Termux needs Android 11 or newer; see Install Termux.
On Android 12 and newer, Android can stop long-running apps in the background, which shows up as Process completed (signal 9). Turning that off takes a minute; see Process completed (signal 9).
CPU type
Most phones are arm64, and every distro supports it. Some distros also run on 32-bit arm, x86 and x86_64 devices (like Chromebooks); see Supported distros. You don't need to check this yourself: the installer checks your CPU first and tells you if a distro doesn't support it.
Storage
Distros install to your phone's internal storage, inside Termux. They can't be installed on an SD card. Roughly how much space an install takes:
| Install | Space used |
|---|---|
| Command line only | 250 to 400 MB |
| XFCE or LXQt | 0.8 to 1.6 GB |
| MATE | 1.5 to 1.9 GB |
| KDE Plasma | about 2.5 GB |
Leave some extra room for the download while it unpacks.
Memory (RAM)
On phones with less than 3 GB of RAM, Andronix sets up the desktop with a light profile automatically (no effects, fewer background apps). See Make it faster. KDE Plasma needs 4 GB or more; the installer warns you below that.
Older phones
- Kernels older than 4.8 (for example Android 8 or 9 phones on a 4.4 kernel): every desktop stays black, in Termux:X11 and VNC alike, but the command line works fully. The installer warns you. See The installer warns about an old kernel.
To check your kernel, run uname -r in Termux.
What is Andronix
Andronix runs real Linux distros like Debian, Ubuntu and Fedora on your Android phone, without root. Here's how the pieces fit together.
Install Termux
Which Termux works with Andronix (F-Droid, GitHub or the new Play Store build), how to check the one you have, and how to replace the old Play Store version.