DroidPier GitHub

Linux and Android beta

Run Android apps in desktop windows on Linux

Launch separate app windows over USB or Wi-Fi. Your Android phone runs the apps. Linux becomes the workspace.

Download beta.2 View source

Free under Apache-2.0. Linux x86-64 packages available now.

DroidPier workspace showing two Android apps in separate desktop windows
Rendered DroidPier interface with synthetic demo data.
HostLinux x86-64
PhoneAndroid 8+
LinkUSB or Wi-Fi
LicenseApache-2.0

01 / Workspace

Your phone stays in charge. Each app gets room to work.

DroidPier launches apps on your phone and presents them as movable desktop windows. Keyboard and pointer input travel back through the authenticated ADB connection.

WINDOWS / MULTI-APP

Arrange separate app windows

Open, resize, maximize, minimize, and close multiple Android activities from one Linux workspace.

DroidPier app drawer listing Android applications
LINK / GUIDED

Connect the way your setup allows

Start with USB, discover nearby wireless debugging endpoints, scan a local QR code, or enter pairing details manually.

DroidPier connection screen with USB, nearby, QR code, and manual pairing options
DATA / LOCAL

No account or cloud relay

The device link stays between your computer and phone. Clipboard sync and notification access remain optional.

Read the privacy model
KEYBOARD / LAUNCHER

Built for the keyboard

Ctrl+Space opens the launcher and search ranks by what you meant — typing “wa” finds WhatsApp, and the apps you open most rise to the top. Ctrl+/ lists every shortcut. Windows reopen where you left them.

See what changed

02 / Connection

From cable to workspace in three clear moves

  1. 01

    Connect a phone

    Enable Android developer options and approve USB debugging, or use wireless debugging on a trusted network.

  2. 02

    Pick an app

    DroidPier discovers launchable applications after its signed companion and shell agent are ready.

  3. 03

    Arrange your workspace

    Move and resize app windows while your phone continues to execute the Android applications.

Good to know: DroidPier is not an Android emulator. A compatible phone remains connected while you work.

03 / Availability

Built for a transparent Linux beta

Download the package for your system. Every release includes checksums, notices, matching dependency sources, and the same signed companion APK.

PlatformPackageStatus
Ubuntu, Debian, MintDEBBeta
FedoraRPMBeta
Other compatible LinuxAppImage, tar.gzBeta
Android companionAPKBeta
Windows, macOSNative buildsIn development

Current beta limits

Desktop audio forwarding is not available. DRM-protected or secondary-display-restricted apps may refuse to run. Performance and behavior vary by device, Android version, network, and Linux graphics stack.

Check compatibility details

04 / Guides

Choose the Android desktop setup that fits your Linux system

These practical guides explain how DroidPier differs from screen mirroring, emulation, and manufacturer desktop modes.

GUIDE / LINUX

Run Android apps on Linux in separate windows

Learn what runs on the phone, what runs on Linux, and how USB and Wi-Fi connections work.

Read the Linux guide GUIDE / DESKTOP MODE

Looking for a Samsung DeX alternative on Linux?

See where DroidPier offers a similar workspace idea and where its architecture and limits differ.

Compare the approaches

05 / Answers

Common questions

How can I run Android apps on Linux?

Install DroidPier, connect an Android phone with USB debugging or wireless debugging, and select an app from the desktop drawer. The app executes on your phone and appears in a Linux window.

Does DroidPier use an emulator?

No. DroidPier uses your connected Android device. This avoids installing a separate Android system image, but the phone must remain available.

Can DroidPier connect over Wi-Fi?

Yes, on Android versions that support wireless debugging. DroidPier offers nearby discovery, QR pairing, and manual pairing. Network isolation or blocked multicast can prevent discovery.

Can I open multiple Android apps?

Yes, when the device and app permit secondary displays. Each supported app can occupy its own movable desktop window.

Does DroidPier forward Android audio?

Not in the current beta. Media controls can control supported playback on the phone, but desktop audio forwarding is not implemented.

Is DroidPier private and open source?

DroidPier requires no account, analytics, advertising, or cloud relay. The original project code is available under Apache-2.0. Bundled components retain their own licenses.

v0.1.0-beta.2

Your Android. A bigger workspace.

Start with the Linux package that fits your system and follow the guided connection screen.

Get DroidPier Read the wiki