Welcome to Android Desktop Linux
Android Desktop Linux (ADL) is the open knowledge base that shows you how to turn your Android phone or tablet into a full Linux desktop computer — no root required, no warranty voided, no risk to your device.
Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to a Samsung Galaxy with DeX, or use your phone screen with a touch-friendly desktop environment. Either way, you get a real Linux desktop running real Linux applications.
Who is this for?
This documentation is written for everyone, regardless of experience level.
- Complete beginners who have never used Linux before
- Android enthusiasts who want to push their device further
- Developers looking for a portable development environment
- Students who need a desktop computer on a budget
- Power users who want Linux everywhere they go
Every technical term is explained before it is used. Every command includes what it does, why you need it, and what to do if something goes wrong.
How this documentation is organized
The three tracks
| Track | Purpose | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | Working desktop in 30-45 min | "Just get it running" |
| Learn | Deep explanations of every concept | "I want to understand first" |
| Reference | Searchable technical reference | "I need to look something up" |
Every concept has one canonical explanation in the Learn section. Other pages link to it rather than repeating it. This means information is always accurate and up to date, no matter where you find it.
What you will build
By the end of the Quick Start, you will have:
- A complete Ubuntu Linux installation on your Android device
- The XFCE desktop environment with a taskbar, file manager, and application menu
- A working web browser (Firefox)
- Audio support for media playback
- Optional: Samsung DeX integration for an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse
The setup ADL documents runs entirely inside the Termux app. It does not modify your Android system, does not require root access, and does not void your warranty. Uninstalling is as simple as deleting the Termux app.
Primary hardware
This documentation is built around the Samsung Galaxy S22+ with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and 8 GB RAM, but ADL works on most modern Android devices. See Supported Devices for the full compatibility list.
Ready to start?
- Quick Start → — Get a working desktop in 30-45 minutes
- What is Android Desktop Linux? → — Start with the fundamentals
- Downloads → — Get all required software