20 Cool and Fun Termux Commands in 2026 – Secret Commands & Tricks
Last Updated: August 2026
Termux is one of the most interesting Android applications for people who want to experiment
with a Linux-style command-line environment directly from their phone.
Unlike the old misconception that Termux is only a "hacking app", Termux can be used for
programming, automation, Linux utilities, SSH, Git, system administration, learning and plenty
of harmless terminal experiments.
In this updated 2026 guide, we have collected 20 cool, fun and useful Termux commands
that you can try on your Android phone.
Important: These commands are primarily for learning, customization and entertainment.
They do not magically turn your phone into a hacking device. Always use Termux and networking
tools responsibly and only on systems you own or have permission to test.
What Is Termux?
Termux is an Android terminal emulator and Linux environment. It provides a minimal base system
and lets users install additional packages through its package manager.
The official Termux project describes it as an Android terminal emulator and Linux environment
that works without requiring root access for its basic functionality.
Before Trying These Commands
If you have a fresh Termux installation, update your packages first:
pkg update && pkg upgrade
Some packages may not be installed by default. When a command requires a package, install it
using pkg install package-name.
Table of Contents
1. Run a Train in Termux 🚂
One of the classic Linux terminal jokes is the sl command. If you accidentally
type sl instead of ls, you can get a little train animation.
pkg install sl
Then run:
sl
It's completely harmless and is one of the most famous terminal Easter eggs.
2. Matrix Effect in Termux 🟢
Want the classic falling-green-character effect from the Matrix-style terminal aesthetic?
Try cmatrix.
pkg install cmatrix
Then:
cmatrix
To exit most terminal animations, press Ctrl + C.
The current Termux package ecosystem includes cmatrix as a Matrix-style animation package.
3. Make a Cow Say Anything 🐄
The classic cowsay package displays an ASCII cow with your message.
pkg install cowsay
Now try:
cowsay Hello Termux!
You can replace the message with your own text.
4. Create Giant ASCII Text
figlet converts ordinary text into large ASCII-style letters.
pkg install figlet
Then:
figlet Termux
This is useful for creating a customized terminal welcome screen.
5. Create Colorful Terminal Text 🌈
Another popular ASCII-art utility is toilet.
pkg install toilet
Try:
toilet Termux
You can experiment with the available fonts and filters on your installed version.
6. Fire Animation 🔥
The original version of this article used cacafire to create a terminal fire effect.
The command is still a fun terminal experiment when the relevant package is available.
pkg install libcaca
Then try:
cacafire
Note: Package availability can change between Termux repositories and versions.
If a package cannot be found, use pkg search package-name to check whether it is
available in your configured repository.
7. Display Random Quotes
The fortune command displays random quotes or messages.
pkg install fortune
Then:
fortune
Run it several times and you can get different results.
8. Try the Fish Shell 🐟
Fish is an alternative command-line shell designed to be user-friendly and interactive.
pkg install fish
Start Fish with:
fish
Fish provides features such as autosuggestions and syntax highlighting. It is an alternative
shell, not simply an "autocorrect package".
To return to your previous shell, type:
exit
9. Check Weather from Termux 🌦️
You can retrieve weather information using the command-line weather service
wttr.in.
curl wttr.in/Ahmedabad
Replace Ahmedabad with your city.
For example:
curl wttr.in/London
10. Browse Websites Using a Text Browser 🌐
Termux can also be used with command-line web browsers. If w3m is available in
your configured repository, install it with:
pkg install w3m
Then try:
w3m https://example.com
A text browser does not provide the same experience as Chrome or another graphical browser,
but it is a great way to understand command-line browsing.
11. Explore a World Map in the Terminal 🗺️
MapSCII is a fun way to explore a text-based world map from a compatible terminal.
telnet mapscii.me
Because this connects to an external service, availability can change. If it does not work,
the service may be offline or inaccessible from your network.
12. Display Date and Time ⏰
You don't need a special package to display the current date and time.
date
This is a simple command, but it demonstrates how Termux can access standard Unix/Linux utilities.
13. Display a Calendar 📅
Try:
cal
If cal isn't available on your installation, you can check available alternatives
with your package manager.
14. Check System Information
You can inspect basic Android/Linux environment information with:
uname -a
For a cleaner result, try:
uname -o -r -m
The exact output depends on your Android device and Termux environment.
15. Check Available Storage 💾
The df command can show filesystem space information.
df -h
The -h option makes the sizes easier to read.
16. Check Memory Usage 🧠
You can inspect memory information using:
free -h
This gives you a quick overview of available and used memory in the Termux environment.
17. Create a Directory Tree
If you have the tree package available, you can display folders in a tree format.
pkg install tree
Then:
tree
This is especially useful when learning how Linux directories are organized.
18. Create a Continuous Text Stream
The classic Unix yes command repeatedly outputs text until you stop it.
yes
Stop it with:
Ctrl + C
You can also provide your own text:
yes "Termux"
Be careful: Do not leave this running unnecessarily because continuous output
can consume CPU and battery.
19. Connect to a Remote Computer with SSH 🔐
Termux can be used as an SSH client. This is considerably more useful than many of the
visual Easter eggs in this list.
For example:
pkg install openssh
Then an SSH connection generally follows this format:
ssh username@server-address
Only connect to computers and servers that you own or have permission to access.
20. Use Python as a Calculator 🐍
Termux is also useful for learning programming. Install Python:
pkg install python
Start Python:
python
Then you can perform calculations such as:
10 * 25
Python is also a starting point for learning automation, scripting and software development
on Android.
Bonus: Useful Termux Commands
Here are a few basic commands worth learning:
| Command |
Purpose |
ls |
List files and folders |
pwd |
Show the current directory |
cd |
Change directory |
mkdir |
Create a folder |
touch |
Create an empty file |
cp |
Copy files |
mv |
Move or rename files |
rm |
Remove files |
clear |
Clear the terminal screen |
history |
Show previously entered commands |
pkg search |
Search available packages |
Are These Really "Secret" Termux Commands?
Not really. Most of these commands are not secret. They are ordinary Linux utilities,
terminal programs or fun Easter eggs that can be installed and used inside Termux.
The word "secret" is commonly used in tutorials because it makes these
little-known or fun commands easier to discover, but there is no hidden hacking capability
behind them.
Is Termux a Hacking App?
Termux itself is not a hacking application. It is a terminal emulator and Linux environment.
It can be used for legitimate cybersecurity education, programming, networking and system
administration, but the legality of an activity depends on what you use the tools against.
Stay ethical: Never attempt to access accounts, devices, networks, websites
or servers without authorization.
Pros and Cons of Using Termux
Pros
- Runs a Linux-style terminal environment on Android.
- Useful for programming and scripting.
- Supports many open-source packages.
- Useful for SSH and remote administration.
- Excellent learning tool for Linux commands.
- Can automate many tasks directly from an Android phone.
Cons
- Some Linux software is not available or requires modification.
- Android restrictions can affect background processes.
- Some old tutorials contain commands that no longer work.
- Package availability can change over time.
- Command-line tools have a learning curve for beginners.
Why Old Termux Tutorials May Not Work in 2026
A major problem with older Termux tutorials is that commands and packages can change.
The original version of this article was written around 2020 and included package-size
claims and instructions that should not be treated as current specifications.
Termux continues to receive package updates and development work, so users should prefer
current package repositories and official documentation instead of blindly copying commands
from very old tutorials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the coolest Termux commands in 2026?
Some popular fun commands include cmatrix, sl, cowsay,
figlet, toilet, fortune and cacafire
where supported.
Do I need root to use Termux?
No. Termux's basic terminal environment does not require root access. However, certain
advanced Android operations may require permissions or additional configuration.
Can Termux be used for programming?
Yes. Termux can provide programming tools and languages such as Python and many other
development utilities.
Can I use Termux for cybersecurity learning?
Yes. Termux can be useful for learning Linux, networking, scripting and cybersecurity.
Only test systems that you own or have explicit authorization to test.
Why does pkg install fail in Termux?
Possible causes include an outdated installation, repository problems, network issues or
a package that is not available in your configured repositories. First try updating your
packages and, when appropriate, checking the configured repository.
How do I stop a running Termux command?
For many foreground commands, Ctrl + C interrupts the process.
Conclusion
These 20 Termux commands are a mixture of fun terminal Easter eggs, customization tools,
Linux utilities and genuinely useful commands.
The best way to learn Termux is not to memorize hundreds of "secret commands". Instead,
start with basic Linux commands, learn how packages work, experiment safely and gradually
move toward programming, automation, Git, SSH and Linux administration.
If you enjoyed these commands, bookmark this page because Termux packages and commands
continue to evolve.
Have another cool Termux command? Share it in the comments.
