UserLAnd
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How to run any Linux app on Android for free

Install UserLAnd (free on Google Play), set up Debian with a Graphical connection, then open a terminal and install the app you want with sudo apt install. Almost any Linux desktop program that runs on ARM works this way, with no root required.

Get it on Google PlayUserLAnd

Step by step

  1. Install UserLAnd

    Get UserLAnd free from Google Play.

  2. Set up Debian with a desktop

    On the Apps tab, tap Debian. Enter a Linux username and password plus a VNC password (6 to 8 characters), then choose Graphical.

  3. Open a terminal

    When the desktop appears, open a terminal from its menu.

  4. Install your app

    Run sudo apt update, then install the program, for example sudo apt install gimp. Use the Linux password you chose during setup.

  5. Launch it

    Start the program from the desktop menu, or type its name in the terminal.

What you get

  • Office: LibreOffice, GIMP, Inkscape, Audacity
  • Internet: Firefox ESR, Thunderbird
  • Development: Python IDLE, Git, compilers and more
  • Math and science: Octave, R, gnuplot

Install commands, or one tap with a standalone app

All commands are for Debian in UserLAnd.

Software Install it free in UserLAnd Or get the standalone app
GIMP sudo apt install gimp GIMP
Inkscape sudo apt install inkscape Inky
LibreOffice sudo apt install libreoffice LibreDocs
Audacity sudo apt install audacity Andacious
Firefox (desktop) sudo apt install firefox-esr FoxBox
Thunderbird sudo apt install thunderbird BirdBox
Python IDLE sudo apt install idle IDLE
Octave sudo apt install octave Octave
R sudo apt install r-base R
gnuplot sudo apt install gnuplot gnuplot
VS Code ARM64 .deb from code.visualstudio.com, then sudo apt install ./code_*.deb deVStudio

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between installing apps in UserLAnd and the paid standalone apps?

They run the same software. The standalone apps (GIMP, LibreDocs, FoxBox and the rest) do the setup for you and open straight into the program, and buying them supports development.

Why Debian instead of Ubuntu?

Both work, but on Ubuntu some apps, including Firefox and Thunderbird, install as snaps, and snaps don't run in UserLAnd's standard mode. Debian installs them as regular packages.

Can I hear sound from apps?

Sound and microphone support in UserLAnd is part of UserLAnd Pro.

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