Run Debian Linux on Android 9

Android is a great operating system, no question. But, there are times when you need to run a more feature-rich desktop app on a more traditional desktop operating system. That’s okay – you just pull out your Android phone (and a handy Bluetooth keyboard and mouse). Android is built on the goodness of Linux, but you can now get a real taste of Linux running as an app – and with good speed – on your Android phone. What’s more, your Android OS is never more than a swipe away. So, this month, we’ll show you how to get your Linux on with an Android 9-powered Samsung Galaxy A30 phone.

WAS BROKEN, NOW FIXED

We’ve previously looked at the excellent combination of XServer XSDL and UserLAnd, both available free from Google Play. XServer XSDL is a neat X Window server backend that delivers the Linux frames to your device screen, while UserLAnd is the front-end installer that builds and runs your Linux operating system. It does this inside a clever ‘chroot’- alternative or ‘proot’ environment – think of it as like a virtual machine, but not.

However, the arrival of Android 9 effectively broke XServer XSDL for new Android devices, which was a huge disappointment. But it’s back, bigger and better and now works a treat on Android 9