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Difficulty
Beginner
Time
5 minutes

First Launch

Hand-drawn loop: start desktop, run apps, save work, stop session, return to Android, and start again next time
A full session, start to finish

Everything is installed. Time to launch your Linux desktop.

Step 1: Start the Desktop​

✅💡 Preflight check

If this is your very first launch, confirm both Termux:X11 components exist: command -v termux-x11 (Termux-side client) and pm list packages | grep termux.x11 (Android app). If the second returns nothing on a Samsung device, see Termux:X11 APK will not install on Samsung devices.

$~/start-desktop.sh
Expected Result

You'll see output from the X11 server starting and XFCE initializing. A few seconds of log messages are normal.

Step 2: Open Termux:X11​

Switch to the Termux:X11 app (you can use Android's app switcher or notification shade -- Termux:X11 often shows a notification when the server is running).

Expected Result

You should see the XFCE desktop environment with a panel at the top, a dock or panel at the bottom, and a desktop with a default wallpaper. This is a fully functional Linux desktop running on your Android device.

Step 3: Explore Your New Desktop​

Things to try right away:

  • Open the File Manager: Click the file cabinet icon in the panel or find "File Manager" in the Applications menu. Browse your Linux filesystem.
  • Open a Terminal: Right-click the desktop and select "Open Terminal Here", or find "Terminal Emulator" in the Applications menu. Try running uname -a to confirm you're in Ubuntu.
  • Change the Wallpaper: Right-click the desktop, select "Desktop Settings", and choose a new wallpaper or solid color.
  • Open the Application Menu: Click "Applications" in the top-left panel to see all installed programs.
✅💡 Keyboard Shortcuts

XFCE supports standard keyboard shortcuts. If you have a keyboard connected: Alt+F2 opens the application runner, Ctrl+Alt+T opens a terminal, and Alt+Tab switches between windows. These are especially useful with Samsung DeX or USB keyboards.

✅💡 Touch Navigation

On a touchscreen, tap to click, long-press for right-click, and pinch to zoom in Termux:X11. Two-finger swipe scrolls within windows.

ℹ️Congratulations!

You now have a complete Linux desktop running on your Android device. You can install software with apt, edit documents, write code, browse files, and much more -- all without rooting your phone or voiding your warranty.

Next Steps​

Now that your desktop is running, here's where to go next:

⭐Stopping the Desktop

To cleanly stop your desktop session, log out from XFCE (Applications > Log Out) or switch back to Termux and press Ctrl+C. Avoid just closing the Termux app, as this can leave orphaned processes.