UserLAnd
Linux on Android

How to install Alpine Linux on Android

Install UserLAnd from Google Play, tap Alpine, choose a username and password, and pick Terminal or Graphical. UserLAnd downloads Alpine Linux and opens it, with no root required. Alpine Linux is tiny and fast to download, which makes it ideal for phones with limited storage.

Get it on Google PlayUserLAnd

Step by step

  1. Install UserLAnd from Google Play

    UserLAnd is free, and no root is needed.

  2. Tap Alpine

    Open UserLAnd. On the Apps tab, tap Alpine.

  3. Create your Linux user

    Enter a username and password for Linux. If you want a graphical desktop, also set a VNC password (6 to 8 characters).

  4. Choose Terminal or Graphical

    Terminal opens a command line. Graphical opens a desktop through UserLAnd's built-in VNC viewer, and asks which desktop environment you want.

  5. Wait for the download

    UserLAnd downloads and sets up the filesystem. This takes a few minutes the first time; stay on Wi-Fi.

  6. Install packages with apk

    You are now in Alpine Linux. Install software with sudo apk add git python3.

What you need

  • An Android phone or tablet
  • Free storage space for the filesystem
  • Wi-Fi for the first download

Frequently asked questions

Why is Alpine so small?

Alpine uses musl libc and BusyBox, so a base install is a few megabytes. Some software built for glibc won't run on it without changes.

Is it free to run Alpine Linux on Android?

Yes. UserLAnd and its distributions are free. UserLAnd Pro is an optional upgrade for VM sessions, LXDE/XFCE desktops, sound and file access.

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