UserLAnd
Linux apps on Android

How to run Octave on Android

Install the Octave app from Google Play. It runs GNU Octave on your device (not in the cloud), so you can run MATLAB-style scripts and make 2D and 3D plots anywhere, with no restrictions.

Get it on Google PlayOctave

Step by step

  1. Install the app from Google Play

    Search Google Play for Octave by UserLAnd Technologies, or use the button on this page. It is a one-time purchase.

  2. Open it and let it set up

    The first launch downloads and sets up the Linux files the app needs. Stay on Wi-Fi; this only happens once.

  3. Run your first command

    Use the Octave GUI or the command window. Try x = linspace(0, 2*pi); plot(x, sin(x)) to draw a plot.

  4. Use touch as a mouse

    Tap with one finger to click, two-finger tap to right-click, pinch to zoom, slide two fingers to scroll, and hold and slide to pan. Tap the screen and choose the keyboard icon to type.

What you get

  • A high-level numerical language that is mostly MATLAB-compatible
  • Built-in 2D and 3D plotting and visualization
  • Command-line and graphical interfaces
  • Runs entirely on your device, so it works offline once set up

What you need

  • An Android phone or tablet with Google Play
  • Free storage for the Linux files (a tablet or a phone with a large screen is most comfortable)
  • Internet for the first-time setup
  • Optional: a Bluetooth or USB keyboard and mouse

Working with your files

Your Linux home folder (/home/userland) links to Android’s Documents, Pictures and other folders, so you open and save files there directly.

Prefer free? Run it inside UserLAnd

UserLAnd is free, and you can install GNU Octave in it yourself: in UserLAnd, set up Debian, choose Graphical, open a terminal and run sudo apt install octave. Octave does all of that for you in one tap, and buying it supports UserLAnd development.

How UserLAnd works →

Frequently asked questions

Can Octave run my MATLAB code?

Octave's language is mostly compatible with MATLAB, so many scripts run unchanged. Toolbox-specific functions may need Octave packages or small edits.

Does it need an internet connection?

Only for the first-time setup. After that Octave runs locally on your device.

Can I run Octave on Android for free?

Yes. Install Debian in the free UserLAnd app and run sudo apt install octave in its terminal. Octave saves you those setup steps.

About this app

This app adapts the Linux desktop edition of GNU Octave for Android. It is not made by the GNU Octave team.

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