DistroHopper • Linux desktop

DistroHopper • Linux desktop

Overview

• DistroHopper is a specialized Android launcher that transforms your mobile interface into a functional Linux desktop experience.

• It caters to Linux enthusiasts, open-source advocates, and users seeking a distinct, desktop-style layout on Android devices.

Supported Desktop Environments

• GNOME: Delivers a modern, streamlined user interface focused on productivity.

• Pantheon: Features the clean, minimalist design language inspired by elementary OS.

• Unity: Recreates the efficient, sidebar-driven visual experience of classic Ubuntu layouts.

• Community Extensions: Additional desktop environments can be integrated based on user demand and developer feedback.

Key Features and Customization

• Visual Themes: Choose from multiple pre-configured themes to match your aesthetic preferences.

• Integrated Search: Search seamlessly across both local device data and various remote web sources from a centralized search bar.

• Tailored Controls: Adjust layout settings and system behaviors to personalize your home screen setup.

Privacy and Accessibility Compliance

• Notification Gesture: Uses Android's Accessibility Service solely to enable a custom swipe gesture that opens the notification tray.

• Data Security: The Accessibility Service is strictly limited to opening the tray; it never reads screen content, collects personal data, or executes unauthorized background tasks.

Open Source and Community Engagement

• Public Repository: Fully open-source project with code accessible on GitHub (github.com/RobinJ1995/DistroHopper).

• Translation Support: Non-technical contributors can assist with localization efforts via Transifex (transifex.com/distrohopper/).

• Feedback: Users are encouraged to submit bug reports and feature suggestions directly to the developer.

Trademark Disclaimers

• elementary is a registered trademark of elementary LLC.

• GNOME is a registered trademark of the GNOME Foundation.

FAQ

Q: Which Linux desktop environments are currently supported by the launcher?

A: Out of the box, DistroHopper supports three highly popular Linux layouts: GNOME, Pantheon, and Unity. Each of these environments recreates the distinct visual style and user experience of their desktop counterparts, and you can easily switch between them depending on your mood and productivity needs.

Q: How does the GNOME desktop environment option function on my phone?

A: The GNOME layout in DistroHopper delivers a modern and streamlined user interface that focuses heavily on productivity. It mimics the clean top bar and efficient navigation of the desktop version, allowing you to manage your daily tasks on Android with the same clean, distraction-free aesthetic that GNOME users love.

Q: Can I get a minimalist look inspired by elementary OS with DistroHopper?

A: You absolutely can! By choosing the Pantheon desktop option, you will experience a clean and minimalist design language inspired directly by elementary OS. It gives your Android device a polished, elegant feel with simplified navigation and a gorgeous layout that emphasizes aesthetic clarity.

Version History

v3.0.0——17 Aug 2026

The Linux desktop on your Android device! Download the latest version of DistroHopper • Linux desktop to enjoy new features and updates immediately!

*3.0.0

- Widget support

- Smoother drag-and-drop app ordering and pinning

- Multiple desktops, and desktop app pinning

- Folders

- Support for Android profiles (e.g. work profile)

- Configurable gestures

- First-run setup wizard

- Revamped and added new themes

- Settings always accessible from dash and desktop long-press menu

- Added, improved, and deleted several search sources

- Smooth animations and effects

- Fixed a whole lot of long-standing bugs

*2.7.0

- Support for third-party icon packs

*2.6.5

- Speculative fix for permissions-related crash on launch

- Speculative fix for crash when caching non-bitmap icons