Android on Linux
Written on Apr 21, 2026
When I heard about Anbox years ago, a software compatibility layer that would let me run the same Android applications from my phone on Linux Mint, I wanted to find out if it was worth the effort.
Until development shifted to Waydroid in 2023, it didn't seem like it was something I could actually accomplish. Linux Mint Cinnamon started supporting an experimental Wayland session beginning with version 21.3.
I temporarily installed Waydroid on my computer in 2024, just to see if it was something I would use. From what I understand, Wayland won't be experimental anymore with Linux Mint 23 later this year. If so, I may test Waydroid again.
Waydroid Installation
It wasn't difficult because the folks behind Waydroid published excellent installation instructions, which worked without a lot of hassle. I logged out, started a Wayland session, dropped to the terminal, and followed those instructions.
As soon as I completed the last item, "Waydroid" appeared as a category in my menu, with "Waydroid" as the only launcher. I launched it and had the option to choose between a vanilla setup and a GAPPS setup. I chose GAPPS because I wanted access to the Google Play Store.
In order to have access to the store, I had to follow some additional instructions. The next time I checked that category in the menu, there was a substantial amount of new launchers available. Since it was merely a test, I didn't mess with any of them.
I've read some forum remarks where people had issues connecting to the Internet with Waydroid, requiring firewall entries. I didn't have my firewall running during this test. Apparently, the folks at Waydroid published the fix.
Waydroid Is Android
It's a version of Android created by LineageOS. I once used LineageOS to breathe new life into a Samsung Galaxy S4, after the phone was no longer supported and I couldn't upgrade the Android version.
I played with the interface for a while before it no longer interested me. Using the removal instructions provided on the same documentation page as the installation instructions, I completely removed Waydroid. I had satisfied my curiosity.
Since I know I can run Android on Linux Mint, I'll install it again should I ever need it to use it. I may install it anyway, although I use few applications on my phone without a web-based counterpart.
Image by Janos Perian from Pixabay