How to install anbox on a pure debian system

Ok, I know it's not supported fully on debian yet, but is there anyway to run anbox (anbox.io) on a debian installation. Since It runs on ubuntu, I assume it would be possible on debian.


Use snapd. anbox is only available as snaps.

Install snapd :

sudo apt install snapd

and install (& run) anbox:

sudo snap install --classic anbox-installer && anbox-installer

On Debian Sid, there is a package for Anbox: https://packages.debian.org/sid/utils/anbox

The package sets everything up in the kernel (module binder_linux, ashmem), and sets up a systemd service (anbox-container-manager).

However, the package does not contain any android image expected in /var/lib/anbox/android.img, this image has to be taken from https://build.anbox.io/android-images/ or from an existing snap installation in /var/snap/anbox/android.img.

Once, the image is installed, run:

  • as root: service anbox-container-manager start
  • as normal user (in a first terminal): anbox session-manager
  • as normal user (in a second terminal): anbox launch --package=org.anbox.appmgr --component=org.anbox.appmgr.AppViewActivity

(There may be a refresh bug, move the cursor within the anbox graphical window)

See Debian documentation in /usr/share/doc/anbox/README.Debian