How to Install Arch Linux on Android Without Root

If you’re someone who loves tech and Linux, you’ve probably heard of the Arch Linux operating system.

In one of my previous posts, I explained how to install Kali Linux on a non-rooted Android phone. Many people liked it and asked, “Can we install Arch Linux on Android without root too?” So in this article, I’m going to give you a simple method to do that.

I’ll also explain everything you need to know about running Arch Linux on your Android phone.

What is Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is a computer operating system like Windows or Kali Linux. It is Linux-based, clean, simple, and very powerful software that many people use to learn and explore the Linux systems.

Arch Linux is mainly made for computers, but with the help of Android apps like Termux, you can easily install and use it on your phone without root.

Since we will use the Termux app to install Arch Linux, let’s first understand what Termux is.

What is Termux?

Termux is a command-line app for Android. It gives you a terminal where you can run Linux commands and tools. It works like a mini Linux system on your phone. You can install and use many Linux packages and tools using Termux.

Now, let’s see the steps to install Arch Linux on an Android phone using Termux.

How to install Arch Linux on Android

Follow these simple steps to install Arch Linux on your Android phone without root, using Termux.

Step 1: Install Termux

First, download and install the latest version of Termux from F-Droid or the official Termux GitHub page.

Step 2: Open Termux and Update Packages

After installing Termux, open it and you will see a black screen with a keyboard, you need to run commands here.

First, update inbuilt packages by running this command:

pkg update && pkg upgrade

This command will update and upgrade Termux inbuilt packages which is necessary.

Step 3: Install Required Packages

Next, install some necessary packages that help run Arch Linux. Run the following command:

pkg install wget proot tar -y

This command will install the necessary packages.

Step 4: Download Arch Linux Installation Script

Now download the script that installs Arch Linux in Termux by running this command:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/TermuxArch/TermuxArch/master/setupTermuxArch.sh

This command will download the Arch Linux installation script file.

Step 5: Give Permission and Start Installation

Now, give executable permission to installation script.

chmod +x setupTermuxArch.sh

After that, Run the installation script with this command:

bash setupTermuxArch.sh

This command will start the Arch Linux installation process. It may take upto 30 minutes, depending on your internet connection speed.

Note: If the installation process stops or fails in the middle, don’t worry just run the script again.

Once the installation process is complete, you will see a new command line starting with [root20:48~$].

This means Arch Linux is successfully installed on your Android phone. You can now use Arch Linux tools and commands.

Start Arch Linux Again (Next Time)

If you want to start Arch Linux again then open Termux and type:

startarch

This command will start Arch Linux again.

How to Use Arch Linux GUI on Android

The above steps will install Arch Linux on your Android phone without root using Termux, but it will open only in a command-line screen (like a black-and-white coding screen).

If you are happy using commands, you can continue with that but if you want to use Arch Linux like a computer, with buttons, windows, and mouse pointer, then you can follow these steps to use Arch Linux in a Graphical User interface.

Step 1: Start Arch Linux

Open Termux and run this command:

startarch

It will start Arch Linux.

Step 2: Update Arch Linux

Now update all inbuilt packages by running:

pacman -Syu

Press y if it asks for confirmation.

Step 3: Install Required Packages

You need to install some required packages to install and use desktop version. Just run this command:

pacman -S lxde xorg-xinit

This command will install desktop environment required packages, press enter button if it asks for confirmation and wait a few minutes for installation to complete.

Step 4: Install VNC Server

You need a VNC server to see the Arch Linux desktop from your Android screen. Install it by typing:

pacman -S tigervnc

Step 5: Set a VNC Password

Now create a password to access vnc server:

vncpasswd

It will ask you to set a new password. Type a simple password that you can easily remember.

Step 6: Start VNC Server

Run this command to start the vnc server:

vncserver :1

This will launch the Arch Linux desktop version in the background.

Step 7: Install & Open VNC Viewer App

Now open google play store and install VNC viewer app.

After installing, Open it and tap “+” to add a new connection.

• Set Address: localhost:5901
• Set Name: Arch Linux

Click on “Create” and then tap connect button.

Enter the password you created earlier.

Now you will see Arch Linux Desktop GUI on your Android phone!

Bonus Tip: Stop the VNC Server

When you’re done and want to stop vnc server then go back to Termux and press:

Press CTRL + C

This will stops the vnc server.

How to Uninstall Arch Linux from Android

If you want to Uninstall or Delete Arch Linux from your phone then open Termux and run this command:

rm -rf arch setupTermuxArch.sh

This command will delete all data and files of Arch Linux from your phone.

FAQ – Arch Linux on Android

Conclusion

Arch Linux is a powerful Linux-based operating system. You can install it on your Android phone to explore and learn how the Arch Linux environment works.

In this article, I have shared a simple method to install and use Arch Linux on an Android phone without root. I’ve also included easy steps to run Arch Linux in a graphical user interface (GUI), just like a computer screen.