How to Run Android Apps on Ubuntu with Genymotion Android Emulator

If you’re developing Android apps or just want to test Android on your Ubuntu system, Genymotion is one of the best tools available. It’s fast, reliable, and much easier to use than the stock Android Emulator from Google. Here’s a straightforward guide to installing and running Android apps on Ubuntu using Genymotion.

Why Use Genymotion?

Genymotion emulates Android devices efficiently by leveraging VirtualBox. It supports different Android versions and device models, which makes it ideal for developers and power users alike. Compared to the default Android Emulator, Genymotion is noticeably faster and more responsive.

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

Genymotion depends on VirtualBox to run its virtual devices, so make sure it’s installed first.

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox

Once installed, verify that it’s working by launching it from your applications menu.

Step 2: Download Genymotion

Head to Genymotion’s official website and sign up for a free account. You’ll need this account to download and use the emulator.

Choose the Linux version (64-bit) and download the .bin installer file.

Step 3: Install Genymotion

After downloading the .bin file, open a terminal and run the following commands:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x genymotion-*.bin
./genymotion-*.bin

This extracts the Genymotion files into a folder. Enter that folder and run:

./genymotion

Genymotion will launch, and you can log in with your account.

Step 4: Set Up a Virtual Device

Once you’re signed in:

1. Click Add to create a new virtual device.
2. Choose a device model (like Google Pixel) and Android version.
3. Wait for the download and setup to complete.

You can now start the virtual device with one click.

Step 5: Install and Run Android Apps

With the virtual device running:

• You can install APK files by simply dragging them onto the Genymotion window.
• Alternatively, use ADB to install apps:

adb install your_app.apk

Note: To use adb, you may need to install Android SDK tools:

sudo apt install android-tools-adb

Optional: Add Google Play Store (If Needed)

By default, Genymotion does not include Google Play Services. You can add it using Genymotion’s GApps widget (available in the device’s sidebar), or install a compatible GApps package manually from OpenGApps.

Final Thoughts

Genymotion is a solid choice for anyone looking to run Android apps or test devices on Ubuntu. It’s quick to set up, offers excellent performance, and works smoothly on Linux. Whether you’re debugging apps or just want a sandboxed Android environment, Genymotion gets the job done.

If you run into any issues or need help setting it up, drop a comment below!