Termux is a free, open-source Android application that brings a full Linux-compatible terminal environment to your phone or tablet — no root required. It ships with a working shell, aDocumentation Index
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pkg/apt package manager backed by thousands of packages, and a plugin ecosystem that extends the app with Android API access, home screen widgets, boot scripts, and more.
What is Termux?
Termux combines a terminal emulator with a Linux environment that runs entirely inside Android’s app sandbox. When you open Termux you get a bash shell, a$HOME directory in the app’s private storage, and a $PREFIX (/data/data/com.termux/files/usr) that holds a self-contained set of Linux binaries compiled for Android. From there you can install compilers, interpreters, servers, and tools using pkg install exactly as you would with apt on Debian or Ubuntu.
The environment does not require root access and works on any Android device running Android 7 or higher. Because Termux ships its own binaries rather than relying on the system’s /usr, it provides a consistent Linux-like experience regardless of the Android version or device manufacturer.
Key features
Terminal emulator
Full VT100/xterm-compatible terminal emulation. Supports multiple concurrent sessions, each accessible from a slide-out drawer.
Package manager
pkg and apt give you access to thousands of packages — compilers, interpreters, databases, network tools, and more — without root.No root required
Runs entirely inside Android’s app sandbox. Everything installs into Termux’s private data directory; no system partition modifications are needed.
Storage access
Run
termux-setup-storage to create ~/storage symlinks that give the terminal access to your Android shared storage and SD card.SSH and remote access
Install OpenSSH to connect to remote servers or turn your Android device into an SSH server accessible from your workstation.
Android TV and Samsung DeX
The manifest declares Leanback launcher support and Samsung DeX dual-mode metadata, so Termux runs on Android TV and desktop-mode displays.
App and plugins
The core Termux app handles terminal emulation, session management, and package installation. Six optional plugin apps extend it with additional capabilities. All plugins communicate with the core app via Android intents and must be installed from the same APK source as Termux itself (F-Droid, GitHub, or Google Play) because they share thecom.termux user ID and must be signed with the same key.
Termux:API
Exposes Android system APIs — camera, GPS, SMS, clipboard, notifications, and more — as command-line tools callable from shell scripts.
Termux:Boot
Runs scripts automatically when the device boots. Place scripts in
~/.termux/boot/ and they execute on every startup.Termux:Float
Opens a floating terminal window that overlays other apps, useful for quick commands without leaving your current activity.
Termux:Styling
Provides colour schemes and fonts for the terminal. Change the appearance of the terminal from a built-in selection of themes.
Termux:Tasker
Integrates with the Tasker automation app to run Termux commands as part of Tasker tasks and profiles.
Termux:Widget
Adds Android home screen widgets that launch scripts or shortcuts directly from the launcher without opening the full terminal.
Important notices
Community
The Termux community is active across several platforms. All community links are listed on the Termux Wiki community page.- Termux subreddit — questions, tips, and general discussion
- Matrix channel (bridged with Gitter) — real-time user chat
- Dev Matrix channel (bridged with Gitter) — contributor discussion
- Termux on X (Twitter) — announcements
- Termux Wiki — comprehensive documentation, FAQ, and guides