Android 15 introduces a new feature in its second quarterly update: the Linux Terminal app, enabling users to run complete Linux applications on their Android devices through a Debian virtual machine. However, this app is restricted to only 4GB of memory, which can be inadequate for developers requiring more resources. A solution exists by enhancing zram size, creating a swap file, and adjusting swappiness settings to optimize memory usage. Although not flawless, these adjustments can help mitigate crashes due to insufficient memory within the Linux VM.

The newly launched Linux Terminal app in Android 15 allows users to boot a Debian distribution inside a virtual machine, sharing hardware and resources with the host device. Despite the powerful capabilities of modern Android devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro with nearly 10GB of free memory, the Linux VM remains capped at 4GB. This limitation poses challenges for developers who need higher memory allocations for intensive tasks. The issue stems from the fixed allocation regardless of the device’s total RAM, contrasting sharply with Chromebooks where the Linux VM can utilize almost all available memory, leaving just 1GB reserved for system stability.

Google’s intention behind developing the Linux Terminal app was to bring advanced development tools to Android. Unfortunately, the imposed 4GB memory cap disappoints many potential users. While the app features dynamic memory adjustment known as 'memory ballooning,' it only fluctuates between the minimum required for operation and the set 4GB limit. To address this limitation, developer Li Zhao proposed an effective workaround involving changes to the zram size, creation of a swap file, and optimization of the swappiness parameter.

To expand the zram size, one must modify the zram-generator.conf file located in /etc/systemd, increasing it from the default 1GB to 8GB. Additionally, editing the sysctl.conf file in /etc to set the swappiness value to 100 enhances memory management efficiency. Furthermore, creating an 8GB swap file involves several commands, including allocating space, setting permissions, formatting as swap, activating it, and ensuring it mounts correctly on boot via /etc/fstab modifications.

Zram technology enables part of the RAM to function as compressed swap space, effectively boosting accessible memory. Meanwhile, the swappiness value determines how aggressively the Linux kernel swaps out memory pages. Though faster than disk-based swapping, this method isn't foolproof due to compression limitations. Nevertheless, combining zram enhancements with an additional 8GB of disk-based swap space significantly reduces the likelihood of application terminations or crashes caused by low memory.

This practical solution empowers users to maximize their Android device's potential when utilizing the Linux Terminal app. By following these steps, developers can enjoy a more stable and resourceful environment for their demanding workloads. Whether you've experimented with this app or plan to, your feedback could inspire others to explore its possibilities further.