# DistroHopper • Linux desktop

> The Linux desktop on your Android device!

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/be.robinj.distrohopper](https://chrome-stats.com/d/be.robinj.distrohopper)

## Overview

- **ID:** `be.robinj.distrohopper`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Robin Jacobs
- **Category:** PERSONALIZATION
- **Downloads:** 38,459
- **Rating:** 3.89 / 5 (309 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.0.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-08-11
- **First published:** 2017-03-30
- **Publisher country:** IE
- **Size:** 15 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-04
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=be.robinj.distrohopper)
- **Website:** [http://www.robinj.be/](http://www.robinj.be/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://github.com/RobinJ1995/DistroHopper/blob/master/PRIVACY.md](https://github.com/RobinJ1995/DistroHopper/blob/master/PRIVACY.md)

## Description

DistroHopper brings the power of the Linux desktop right to your Android device. Originally known as Ubuntu Launcher, this app allows users to experience popular Linux desktop environments including Unity, elementary OS's Pantheon, and Gnome. It offers multiple themes, a versatile search feature integrating local and remote sources, and extensive customization options to tailor your mobile Linux experience.

Ideal for Linux enthusiasts and newcomers alike, DistroHopper is an open-source project with publicly available source code on GitHub. It also encourages community contributions through translations and feedback. If your preferred desktop environment is missing, user interest may prompt its addition in future updates. Transform your Android device into a portable Linux desktop seamlessly with DistroHopper!

## Rankings

- #333,589 — Overall

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_HIDDEN_PROFILES`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.GET_TASKS`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW`
- `be.robinj.distrohopper.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

DistroHopper offers a smooth, fast, and nostalgic Linux-like launcher experience without ads or cash grabs, pleasing many Linux users. However, multiple reviews highlight significant limitations, such as lack of widgets, customization options like hiding app drawer text or changing icon sizes, and bugs in several themes. Users want better support for icon packs, app uninstallation, and widgets to enhance functionality. Some find the disabling of screen lock problematic. While the app has a passionate following, it needs refinements to meet broader user expectations.

### Pros

- Authentic Linux desktop experience, emulating popular environments like Gnome, Unity, Cinnamon, and Pantheon, which appeals to Linux enthusiasts.
- Fast and aesthetically pleasing launcher with a nostalgic feel and no ads.
- Simple and straightforward to use, appreciated by users who dislike typical phone launchers.
- Good performance and stability on devices like Pixel phones.
- Free from in-app purchases or cash grabs, providing a pleasant user experience.

### Cons

- Lack of support for widgets, which several users expect and find limiting.
- No ability to hide app drawer text or change app drawer icon size, impacting customization.
- Missing features like uninstalling apps through the launcher and inability to use custom icon packs, limiting user control.
- Themes other than Cinnamon have bugs, such as redundant home and applications tabs and inconsistent functionality.
- Disabling of screen lock when using the launcher, which is seen as unacceptable by some users.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/be.robinj.distrohopper)