UserLAnd
Linux apps on Android

How to run R on Android

Install the R app from Google Play. It runs the Linux edition of R on your phone or tablet, so you can fit models, run statistical tests and draw plots on the go.

Get it on Google PlayR

Step by step

  1. Install the app from Google Play

    Search Google Play for R 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. Start R

    R opens in a desktop window. Try summary(cars) or plot(cars) to make sure everything works.

  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

  • Linear and nonlinear modelling and classical statistical tests
  • Time-series analysis, classification and clustering
  • R's statistical graphics
  • Direct access to Android folders for your data files

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 R in it yourself: in UserLAnd, set up Debian, choose Graphical, open a terminal and run sudo apt install r-base. R does all of that for you in one tap, and buying it supports UserLAnd development.

How UserLAnd works →

Frequently asked questions

Can I install CRAN packages?

R runs on a real Linux system underneath, so install.packages() is available. Packages that compile native code take a while on a phone.

Is RStudio included?

No. The app runs R itself. You can install other tools inside a full Linux distribution with UserLAnd.

Can I run R on Android for free?

Yes. Install Debian in the free UserLAnd app and run sudo apt install r-base in its terminal. R saves you those setup steps.

About this app

This app adapts the Linux desktop edition of R for Android. It is not made by the R Foundation.

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