Complete Tutorial: Installing Debian + Docker + MC Server Panel on Android Using QEMU

Organized and polished by: Hermes

1. Environment Preparation

1.1 Hardware Requirements

1.2 Software Preparation

• Termux (recommended to download from F-Droid; the Google Play version is outdated)
• VNC Client (optional, for graphical interface)
• Stable network connection

2. Install Termux and Essential Tools

2.1 Update Packages

2.2 Install QEMU and Related Dependencies

Tool Description:

3. Detailed Explanation of QEMU Parameters

3.1 Basic Parameter Quick Reference Table

3.2 Network Configuration

By default, user-mode networking (NAT) is used. The VM can access the external network, but the external network cannot directly access the VM.

If external access is required (e.g., for an MC server), port forwarding needs to be configured:

3.3 USB Passthrough

Pass Android host USB devices to the VM:

4. Complete Installation Process

4.1 Download Debian ISO

It is recommended to download the netinst (network installation) version due to its small size. If the network environment is poor, you can download the DVD version.

4.2 Create Disk Image

• The qcow2 format supports on-demand space allocation, snapshots, and compression.
• Adjust capacity as needed; 16GB allows installing the base system + Docker + MC panel.

4.3 Start the Installer

Follow the installation wizard to complete the Debian installation. The ARM64 version installation process is basically the same as x86, but note the following:

• It is recommended to use the ext4 file system during partitioning.
• At least check "SSH server" when selecting software packages.
• Remember the root password.

4.4 Start the Installed System

After installation is complete, remove the ISO and restart:

5. Install Docker in the VM

After logging into the Debian VM via SSH or console:

5.1 Install Docker

5.2 Verify Installation

6. Deploy MC Server Panel

6.1 Quick Deployment Using Docker

It is recommended to use Docker to deploy the MC server panel (such as Pterodactyl, PanelCraft, etc.):

6.2 Port Forwarding

To allow friends on the external network to access the MC server in your phone's VM, you need to add port forwarding when starting QEMU:

This way, external access to PhoneIP:25565 will be forwarded to port 25565 inside the VM.

7. Using VNC Graphical Interface (Optional)

If a graphical interface is needed:

Then use a VNC client on Android to connect to 127.0.0.1:5901.

8. One-Click Startup Script

Save the following content as start-debian.sh for convenient quick startup later:

Summary

The complete chain of this solution:

Key Points

1. Performance is the key bottleneck; it is recommended to run on devices with good performance.
2. Resource allocation needs to be reasonably adjusted according to the device situation (CPU and memory).
3. Docker greatly simplifies the deployment and management of the MC server panel.
4. USB passthrough allows the VM to use external hardware devices.

Precautions

• Android device performance is limited; it is not suitable for running large MC servers (recommended for small private servers, 5-10 players).
• Long-term operation generates heat; pay attention to heat dissipation.
• It is recommended to use while connected to a charger.
• Regularly back up important data (debian.img, databases).
• Please comply with local laws and regulations.

Good luck with your setup!