How to Run Android on Linux Using Virtual Machine

In this guide, we will show you the steps to run Android on Linux with the help of a Virtual Machine. While emulators could perform the said task, the results...

Syed Sadique Hassan

Last updated on September 12, 2023

Syed Sadique Hassan

Author

Did his MBA from Delhi but then something about the Android ecosystem intrigued him so much that he made Tech Blogging his permanent job. And now there's no looking back.

How to Run Android on Linux Using Virtual Machine

To begin with, there are a few files that you need to download. So head over to the requirements section below, get holds of the required files, and proceed with the instructions steps.

Prerequisites

First off, download the Android 9 ISO image corresponding to the architecture: Android-x86

Next up, download the Virtual Box for your Linux Setup: VirtualBox for Linux Hosts.

That’s it. You may now proceed with the steps to run Android on Linux.

STEP 1: Setting up the Virtual Machine

Launch Virtual Box on your Linux and click on New.
Now give it a name of your choice, let’s say Android. Then choose Linux as the Type, and under Version, select Other Linux (64-bit). Click Next.
You will now have to allocate RAM; at least 2GB is recommended. After this, again click Next.
In the Hard disk section, select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
Select VDI under the Hard Disk File Type and click “Next.”
Under Storage on the physical hard disk, select Dynamically allocated and click Next.
You will now have to allocate the storage space to the Android-x86’s ISO image. Give it at least 10GB and click Create.

With this, you have successfully set up the Virtual Machine to run Android on Linux. Now head over to the next set of instructions to carry out other optimizations.

STEP 2: Configure Virtual Machine for Android

Head over to the home screen of Virtual Machine and select Android (or the name you have given) from the left menu. Then click on System from the right menu.
Go to the Processor tab and allocate at least 2 cores.
After this, go to the Acceleration section and select KVM under Paravirtualization Interface.
That’s all from the System tab. Now go to the Display section from the left menu and change the “Graphics controller” to “VBoxSVGA. “
Now go to the Storage section and select Empty under Storage device. Then click on the Disk icon at the extreme right and select “Choose a disk file” from the menu.
Select the Android-x86’s ISO image and click OK. These were the required configurations. You may now proceed with the steps to run Android on your Linux setup.

STEP 3: Run Android on Linux

Go to the main menu of Virtual Box and select Android from the left menu.
Then click on the Start arrow situated at the top menu bar.
From the blue menu screen that appears, select Advanced options.
Then select “Auto_Installation- AutoInstall to Specified Hard Disk
Select Yes from the Auto Installer dialog box that appears.
Finally, select Run Android-x86 and hit Enter.

That’s it. These were the steps to run Android on your Linux using Virtual Machines. You may now head over to the Play Store, log in with your Google Account, and make full use of the open-source ecosystem. Furthermore, if you have any queries about the above instructions, let us know in the comments. Rounding off, here are some equally useful iPhone Tips and Tricks, PC tips and tricks, and Android Tips and Trick that deserve your attention as well.

How to Run Android on Linux Using Virtual Machine