Ubuntu GUI is a desktop-style Linux environment that can be installed on Android devices using the Termux terminal application without root access. It allows you to use Ubuntu with graphical windows, desktop menus, Linux applications, and a mouse-based interface directly from your mobile device for learning, development, and testing purposes. Here’s what you can do with Ubuntu GUI on Android:
- Run Ubuntu desktop environment on Android.
- Use Linux apps with graphical interface.
- Practice Linux commands and package management.
- Learn Ubuntu and Linux system operations.
- Test development and server tools directly on mobile.
Requirements
Before installing Ubuntu GUI on Android device, make sure you have these requirements:
- Termux Application (latest version).
- VNC Viewer application.
- Internet connection: 1GB – 2GB.
- Free storage: Minimum 5GB.
- RAM required: Minimum 3GB recommended.
- Processor required: 64-bit CPU recommended.
- Android version required: Android 7.0 or above.
- Installation time: Approx 30–90 minutes.
Installation Commands
Open Termux app and run the following commands one by one.
Update Termux packages:
apt update && apt upgrade -yInstall required packages:
apt install wget curl proot tar -yDownload Ubuntu installation script:
wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AndronixApp/AndronixOrigin/master/Installer/Ubuntu22/ubuntu22-xfce.sh -O ubuntu22-xfce.shGive executable permission and start installation:
chmod +x ubuntu22-xfce.sh && bash ubuntu22-xfce.shThis command will start the Ubuntu GUI installation process and it may take around 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your internet connection speed and device performance.
During the installation process, it will ask you to select your timezone and set a password for the VNC server. You can simply choose your timezone from the menu and set any 6-digit password for VNC login. After the installation is completed successfully, you will automatically enter the Ubuntu environment which starts with the root@localhost:~# shell.
Ubuntu GUI Setup on Android
Ubuntu GUI setup on Android allows you to use Ubuntu with a full desktop-style graphical interface directly on your mobile device. This setup provides windows, menus, mouse support, and desktop applications similar to a computer environment while running completely inside Termux without root access. Below are the steps to setup and use Ubuntu GUI on Android with the Ubuntu installation inside the Termux terminal application:
Start Ubuntu first:
./start-ubuntu22.shNow start VNC server:
vncserverNow, Open the RealVNC Viewer app and follow these steps:
- Tap on (+) icon on the right side bottom.
- Enter the address: 127.0.0.1:5901
- Enter the Name: Ubuntu Linux
- Tap on the Create and Connect to start it.
- Enter the VNC password you set during Fedora setup.
- Ubuntu desktop will open on your Android device.
Ubuntu GUI is successfully installed, you can now use Ubuntu GUI on Android without root.
Stop Ubuntu GUI
Stop VNC server:
vncserver -kill :1Exit Ubuntu:
exitStart Ubuntu GUI Next Time
Open Termux and start Ubuntu:
./start-ubuntu22.shStart GUI mode:
vncserverNow open VNC Viewer and connect again using:
localhost:5901Basic Ubuntu Commands
These basic Ubuntu commands help you manage packages, files, folders, and system operations inside Ubuntu environment on Android. These commands are useful for learning Linux terminal operations and everyday Ubuntu tasks.
Update system packages:
apt update && apt upgrade -yInstall a package:
apt install git -yRemove a package:
apt remove git -yList files and folders:
lsCreate a folder:
mkdir foldernameChange directory:
cd foldernameRemove file:
rm filenameRemove folder:
rm -rf foldernameClear terminal screen:
clearEnd Note
Ubuntu GUI on Android provides a simple way to experience a full Linux desktop environment directly from a mobile device without needing root access. It is useful for learning Linux, practicing Ubuntu commands, testing desktop applications, and exploring Linux system environments anytime using Android and Termux.
