Arch Linux

Guybrush1988

Member

Registered: 2018-10-03

Posts: 6

Run .apk on Arch

Hi! There is a way to run .apk apps on archlinux? Except emulators, I'd like to know if there are some well working way to run apk natively.

V1del

Forum Moderator

Registered: 2012-10-16

Posts: 25,104

Re: Run .apk on Arch

Uhm... Seing as they are completely different CPU instruction sets, unless it's entirely in Java which is unlikely, how do you presume this to be doable without an emulator? Even if you were refering to x86 apk, there are likely to be enough differences between the systems that this is entirely unfeasible.

Last edited by V1del (2018-10-04 15:02:12)

Guybrush1988

Member

Registered: 2018-10-03

Posts: 6

Re: Run .apk on Arch

Uhm... Seing as they are completely different CPU instruction sets, unless it's entirely in Java which is unlikely, how do you presume this to be doable without an emulator? Even if you were refering to x86 apk, there are likely to be enough differences between the systems that this is entirely unfeasible.

I've read that anbox can do this but I'd want to know if is a safe and reliable method

x33a

Forum Fellow

Registered: 2009-08-15

Posts: 4,587

Re: Run .apk on Arch

What are you trying to achieve, why can't you use an emulator?

These forums aren't for anbox support, so we can't comment on its safety or reliability. That said, its code is hosted on Github and it seems to be fairly popular. Visit its issue tracker to see how safe and reliable it is.

HiImTye

Member

From: Halifax, NS, Canada

Registered: 2012-05-09

Posts: 1,072

Re: Run .apk on Arch

there's a chrome addon called ARChon that runs Android apps inside it.
there's also Genymotion which is a wrapper around Virtualbox for running Android VMs. this is the method that I would prefer (and use).

neither are native, even in as much as wine would be considered native

nomorewindows

Member

Registered: 2010-04-03

Posts: 3,511

Re: Run .apk on Arch

there's a chrome addon called ARChon that runs Android apps inside it.
there's also Genymotion which is a wrapper around Virtualbox for running Android VMs. this is the method that I would prefer (and use).

neither are native, even in as much as wine would be considered native

There's an archon in the aur, I've tried to use it before, but didn't get very far.

---

I may have to CONSOLE you about your usage of ridiculously easy graphical interfaces...
Look ma, no mouse.

StubbledBannana

Member

Registered: 2025-04-27

Posts: 2

Re: Run .apk on Arch

I have done it before on adb app debugging for developers. I don't remember exact details so I am testing now to give a definite solution to your problem.
(The only way to run apks natively without an android is to make it yourself. The same way wine is only native to windows and private distrobutions.)

Last edited by StubbledBannana (2025-04-27 04:44:14)

V1del

Forum Moderator

Registered: 2012-10-16

Posts: 25,104

Re: Run .apk on Arch

The 2025 option would be waydroid - still not native and exactly matching OPs not well defined goal but that would be the best option. But seeing as this thread is 7 years old let's take the opportunity to close this.

Closing.