UserLAnd
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How to install Linux software on Android

Start a distribution in UserLAnd, then use its package manager: sudo apt install <package> on Ubuntu, Debian and Kali, sudo pacman -S on Arch, sudo apk add on Alpine, and sudo dnf install on Fedora. It works just like on a PC, with no root needed on Android.

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Step by step

  1. Start a session

    Open UserLAnd and tap your distribution on the Apps tab, or reconnect from the Sessions tab.

  2. Refresh the package list

    On Ubuntu, Debian or Kali, run sudo apt update. The password is the Linux password you chose during setup.

  3. Install what you need

    For example, sudo apt install git python3 build-essential.

  4. Run it

    Command-line programs run in the terminal. Graphical programs appear when you're connected through a Graphical (VNC) session.

Package manager cheat sheet

Distribution Update Install Search
Ubuntu, Debian, Kali sudo apt update sudo apt install git apt search git
Arch sudo pacman -Syu sudo pacman -S git pacman -Ss git
Alpine sudo apk update sudo apk add git apk search git
Fedora sudo dnf upgrade sudo dnf install git dnf search git

Frequently asked questions

Why does sudo ask for a password?

It's the Linux password you set when you created the filesystem in UserLAnd, not your Android PIN.

Can I compile software?

Yes. Install a compiler (build-essential on Debian-based systems) and build as usual. Large builds are slower on a phone than on a PC.

Some programs fail with permission or kernel errors. Why?

Standard mode runs on Android's kernel without root, so software that needs kernel modules, raw sockets or systemd may not work. VM mode (UserLAnd Pro, on supported devices) runs a full Linux kernel.

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