Requirements for Termux
What a phone needs to run Andronix with Termux - Android 7 or newer, the CPU types, free storage and RAM - for phones that can't run Linux in the app.
This page is for Andronix with Termux, on phones that can't run Linux in the app (Android 7, or no 64-bit ARM processor). For everything else, see Requirements.
In Termux, Andronix runs on more devices than in the app, including Android 7, 32-bit ARM, x86 and x86_64:
| 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): desktops work on many of these phones but may stay black; the command line always works. Modded OS needs 4.8 or newer. The app and the installer warn you. See The installer warns about an old kernel.
To check your kernel, run uname -r in Termux.
Limitations
What Andronix can't do and why, from gaming and containers to hardware access, networking and hardware acceleration on Android.
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.