UserLAnd
Linux apps on Android

How to run VS Code on Android

Install deVStudio from Google Play. It runs the Linux desktop edition of Visual Studio Code on Android, with extensions, IntelliSense, debugging, Git and a terminal where apt installs any toolchain you need.

Get it on Google PlaydeVStudio

Step by step

  1. Install the app from Google Play

    Search Google Play for deVStudio 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. Set up your toolchain

    VS Code opens with a minimal install. Open the terminal and add what you need, for example sudo apt install build-essential gdb for C and C++.

  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

  • Desktop VS Code: debugging, syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, snippets, refactoring and embedded Git
  • Extensions, themes and keybindings from the extension marketplace
  • A built-in terminal backed by a real Linux system with apt
  • Touch-to-mouse controls and an on-screen keyboard

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 VS Code in it yourself: in UserLAnd, set up Debian, choose Graphical, open a terminal and download the ARM64 .deb from code.visualstudio.com, then run sudo apt install ./code_*.deb. deVStudio does all of that for you in one tap, and buying it supports UserLAnd development.

How UserLAnd works →

Frequently asked questions

Is this the official VS Code?

No. deVStudio adapts the Linux desktop edition of Visual Studio Code for Android. Microsoft does not make it.

Which languages can I use?

Anything you can install with apt or a language's own installer: C, C++, Python, Node.js, Go, Rust and more.

Can I run VS Code on Android for free?

Yes. Install Debian in the free UserLAnd app and download the ARM64 .deb from code.visualstudio.com, then run sudo apt install ./code_*.deb in its terminal. deVStudio saves you those setup steps.

About this app

deVStudio adapts the Linux desktop edition of Visual Studio Code for Android. It is not made by Microsoft.

Related