How to Run Android Apps in Linux Without an Emulator

Sep. 17, 2021



Before Microsoft could bring nativeAndroid app support in Windows 11, Linux has spoiled the party. WayDroid is a kind of compatibility layer that enables you to run Android apps in anyLinux distribution. The best part about WayDroid is that you get far better performance, even better than an optimizedAndroid emulatoror avirtual machine running Android x86 on Linux. It almost feels like you are running Android apps natively on your Linux machine. With that said, let’s not waste more time and learn how to run Android apps in Linux without an emulator.

  1. First of all, you need toinstall Curlin case you have not installed it already. Open the Terminal and run the below command. Press “y” and hit Enter when the Terminal asks for your permission.

  2. Next, run the below commandbased on your Linux distro. If you are using Ubuntu, usefocalfor the Distro, and for the latest Debian, choosebullseye, and so on. If you get a “Permission denied” error along the way, just runsudo suand then proceed with the commands.

  3. Once you have done that,execute the below commandto download WayDroid’s GPG key on your Linux distro.

  4. Then, run the next command listed below, and it will add WayDroid to thesource list.

  5. Now, run thebasic Linux command“side apt update” to update the repository and packages.

  6. Finally, you are ready toinstall WayDroidon your Linux machine. Enter the below command, press “y” when asked, and hit Enter to proceed.

  7. After the installation is complete, you need to run another command to download the Android image for WayDroid. Keep in mind that it will take some time as the image size is around600MB.

  8. Now, you are almost ready. You first need tostart some WayDroid servicesbefore you can run Android apps on your Linux PC without an emulator. Execute the below commands one by one.

  9. Finally, run the below command, and WayDroid’s GUI will open up on your Linux PC. You can now go ahead andenjoy Android appson your Linux computer. By the way, you can also start WayDroid from the app drawer.

Install Android Apps on Linux and Enjoy Near-Native Experience

Install Android Apps on Linux and Enjoy Near-Native Experience

So that is how you can install and run Android apps on your Linux PC, no matter if you are using Ubuntu, Debian, or some other distro. As we mentioned above, the performance of Android apps is really good. I regularly use Android apps on my Chromebook, and I must say the performance is almost identical. One thing is for sure, it does not feel like you are using an Android emulator. Anyway, that is all from us. If you are a Chromebook user and want toupdate the Linux container to Bullseye, follow our linked article for detailed instructions. You can also learnhow to install MinecraftorAlbion Online on your Chromebookvia the linked articles. And if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

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