Discover how to run Android apps on Linux with this easy-to-follow tutorial. Android apps have become extremely popular, and now you can enjoy them on your Linux operating system. Thanks to Anbox, which stands for “Android in a Box,” you can install and use Android apps on Linux just like any other application. Here’s how to get started:
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have Anbox installed. This tutorial is specifically written for Debian-based operating systems, such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint. So, if you’re using a different distribution, you may need to modify some commands.
Check for Snapd
The first step is to check if your system supports Snapd, which is required for Anbox to work. Open a terminal and type “snap find hello.” If you see a list of packages, you’re good to go. If not, follow the Ubuntu guide to install Snapd.
Install Kernel Modules
Next, you need to install the kernel modules for Anbox. These modules help Anbox to run Android containers on Linux. Open a terminal and run the following commands:
- sudo add-apt-repository ppa:morphis/anbox-support
- sudo apt update
- sudo apt install linux-headers-generic anbox-modules-dkms
After the modules are installed, you need to load them. Run the following commands:
- sudo modprobe ashmem_linux
- sudo modprobe binder_linux
To confirm the installation, type “ls -1 /dev/{ashmem,binder}.” You should see the installed modules listed.
Install the Anbox Plugin
Now, let’s install Anbox from the Snap Store. Open a terminal and type “snap install –devmode –beta anbox” to install Anbox. If this command doesn’t work, try “sudo snap install –devmode –beta anbox.” Once installed, you can verify the installation by checking the Anbox version.
Install ADB for Linux
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for connecting and managing Android devices or instances via the command line. Anbox utilizes ADB to install applications. To install ADB, run the following command in a terminal:
- sudo apt install android-tools-adb
Verify the installation by typing “adb –version.”
Running Android Apps on Linux
Now, you’re ready to install Android apps on Linux using Anbox. However, before you proceed, make sure you have the APK (Android Package Kit) file of the app you want to install. APK files are like .deb files for Debian and Ubuntu.
You can obtain APK files from platforms like APKMirror.
To install an app, open a terminal and type “adb install
If you encounter an ADB error, make sure Anbox is running. You can start Anbox by running “anbox.appmgr”. After starting Anbox, retry the installation command.
You can access the installed apps by searching for Anbox Application Manager in the applications menu. From there, you can launch and use the apps.
While most applications should work fine on Anbox, some might not be compatible. It’s worth experimenting and trying out various apps to see what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I run Android apps on any Linux distribution?
This tutorial is specifically written for Debian-based operating systems, such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint. However, Anbox might work on other Linux distributions as well, with some modifications to the commands.
2. Are all Android apps supported on Anbox?
Anbox can run most Android apps, but there might be some compatibility issues with certain apps. It’s recommended to experiment and try different apps to see what works for you.
