How to Install Google Play Store in Anbox on Linux

Installing the Google Play Store within Anbox on your Linux computer can significantly enhance your Android experience. With this setup, you’ll have the ability to log in to your Google account and access a variety of Android applications directly from your desktop environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the installation process.

What is Anbox?

Anbox, which stands for “Android in a Box,” is a free and open-source platform that allows you to run Android applications on Linux. It operates by creating an Android runtime environment within an LXC container, mimicking the Android directory structure while utilizing the native Linux kernel for executing applications. This means that Android apps will run in their own windows, much like any other native application, allowing for a seamless user experience.

Key Considerations

It’s important to note that Anbox does not come pre-installed with the Google Play Store or support for ARM applications. To install apps, you typically need to download their APK files manually. Furthermore, not all Android applications are compatible with Anbox, even with ARM support enabled through libhoudini. Some apps may not be available in the Google Play Store, while others may appear but fail to function correctly.

Installation Steps

Follow these steps to successfully install the Google Play Store in Anbox:

Step 1: Install Anbox

• Visit the Anbox website at anbox.io and follow the installation instructions provided.
• After installation, launch the Anbox application manager at least once to ensure everything is set up correctly. It’s crucial to ensure that Anbox is not running when you execute the installation script.

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

To get started, you need to install some essential dependencies. If you are using Debian, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint, open your terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install wget curl lzip tar unzip squashfs-tools

Step 3: Download the Installation Script

The next step involves downloading a script that will automate the installation of the Google Play Store and Google Play Services along with libhoudini for ARM support. Use these commands in your terminal:

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/geeks-r-us/anbox-playstore-installer/master/install-playstore.sh

chmod +x install-playstore.sh

Step 4: Execute the Script

Run the installation script by entering the following command:

./install-playstore.sh

Step 5: Grant Permissions

To ensure the Google Play Store functions properly, you must enable all necessary permissions for both Google Play Store and Google Play Services:

• Launch Anbox using the command anbox.appmgr.
• Navigate to Settings > Apps, select Google Play Services, and enable all permissions.
• Repeat this process for the Google Play Store.

Step 6: Access the Google Play Store

After completing the steps above, you should now be able to access the Google Play Store and download apps. However, remember that not all applications may work as expected.