Run Linux containers on Android, no root required • Hacker News Board

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#21

Post by nagaiaida » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:10 AM UTC

vimredo wrote: post #17

I don't understand what this would be useful for. The Linux terminal app on Android (check Developer settings if you want it) already exists and it uses hardware accelerated virtualization, while this uses QEMU with TCG. The Linux terminal app also supports running a DE (No VNC - as in no VNC, not NoVNC - required!), has full shell, full root, all the features of Podroid, and hell, you could even swap out the termina…

you seem to have articulated precisely the advantage that makes it serve a purpose for me: supporting the version of android on my phone. presumably i am far from unique in not having android 16

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#22

Post by tuananh » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:33 AM UTC

what about the other way around?

i'm aware about waydroid but it has too many problems with nvidia. also require wayland.

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#23

Post by unicornporn » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:36 AM UTC

tuananh wrote: post #22

what about the other way around? i'm aware about waydroid but it has too many problems with nvidia. also require wayland.

X86 builds of Android are stuck at many generations back of the OS. Running Android in a VM on X86 is basically dead AFAIK. :(

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#24

Post by figmert » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:38 AM UTC

Retr0id wrote: post #19

NewJazz wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Permissions. Isolation.

so, like namespaces and cgroups?

Android kernel has the relevant kernel parameters disabled. It is entirely possible to run containers directly on android, but it requires enabled the relevant parameter (iirc no recompilation need, just a cmdline change). But this of course requires root.

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#25

Post by unicornporn » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:39 AM UTC

seba_dos1 wrote: post #20

nullbyte808 wrote: post #9

Is it possible to get the reverse of this working? (Waydroid with play services on Linux phones, such as postmarketOS)

I've been using Waydroid with microG on a Librem 5 with PureOS for years. Not extensively as I don't have a lot of reasons to boot Android, but when I do have one it's there. I've seen some guides for installing Play Services in Waydroid, but personally I'm not interested.

The latest Waydroid beta is over three years old. Waydroid is dead and I haven't found an alternative.

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#26

Post by VonGuard » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:40 AM UTC

Podman.....

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#27

Post by volemo » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 5:44 AM UTC

nixosbestos wrote: post #11

I just want a folding portable monitor now. We're getting so close...

I’ve heard Samsung makes something like that. :D

https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-z-trifold/

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#28

Post by gbil » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 6:12 AM UTC

vimredo wrote: post #17

I don't understand what this would be useful for. The Linux terminal app on Android (check Developer settings if you want it) already exists and it uses hardware accelerated virtualization, while this uses QEMU with TCG. The Linux terminal app also supports running a DE (No VNC - as in no VNC, not NoVNC - required!), has full shell, full root, all the features of Podroid, and hell, you could even swap out the termina…

My understanding is that the integrated linux terminal is not supported on all processors like snapdragon ones and also is not available on all manufactures like Samsung. Therefore this approach covers a much bigger audience.

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#29

Post by ekropotin » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 6:15 AM UTC

I find the title very misleading. Linux containers typically means LXC, but when in readme you say it’s intended for running OCI-based containers.

Re: Run Linux containers on Android, no root required

#30

Post by anthk » Sat, Apr 04, 2026, 6:19 AM UTC

Termux and a BT keyboard it's enough.

Also, native Emacs under FDroid has recently been improved a lot.

With just Emacs you get:

- An IRC, Usenet and Mail client. The ONLY libre Usenet client. comp.arch and comp.misc have really engaging discussions. You can score up nice commenters and blacklist every spammer

- Gemini and Gopher via ELPA (run Esc-x package-install RET elpher)

- A math mini CAS with Esc-x calc RET

- Esc-x package-install RET malyon, get some nice ZMachine text adventures at IFDB

- Elisp environment+cl-lib can do a lot

- Esc-x package-install jabber, Esc-x jabber. Chat with cool people at XMPP servers.

- Org-Mode, enough said

- eshell will allow you to automate stuff

- Elisp + Android related functions + org-mode: heaven.

- Sudoku, Sokoban, Tetris...

- LSP integration it's possible

Get some $10 pocket bluetooth keyboard and try it.