Not everyone has a laptop right away — and that's okay! If you have an Android phone, you can still write and run real Python code, completely free, using an app called Pydroid 3.
In this guide, I'll walk you through installing it step by step. By the end, you'll be able to write your first Python program right from your pocket.
🤔 What is Pydroid 3?
Pydroid 3 is a free app that turns your Android phone into a mini Python coding lab. It has:
- A code editor (where you type your Python code)
- A built-in Python interpreter (so it runs offline, no internet needed once installed)
- Support for installing extra Python libraries later on
No root access needed. No laptop needed. Just your phone.
✅ Before You Start
You just need:
- An Android phone
- About 150–200 MB of free storage
- Internet connection (only for downloading the app)
Step 1: Open the Play Store
Open the Google Play Store app on your phone and search for "Pydroid 3 - IDE for Python 3".
Or just tap the link below to jump straight to it:
Step 2: Install the App
Tap Install and wait for it to download. It's a free app (with an optional paid "Pro" version you do not need for this course).
Step 3: Open Pydroid 3
Once installed, tap Open. The app may ask for a couple of permissions (like storage access) — go ahead and allow them so it can save your code.
👀 A Quick Look Around
Once the app opens, you'll mainly move between three areas:
- Home Screen — where you land after opening the app, and where you can start a new file
- Code Editor — where you'll type your Python code
- Output Screen — where your results show up after running the code
That's really all you need to know to get started.
Step 4: Write Your First Python Program
Tap on the editor area and type this classic first line of code every programmer writes:
print("Hello, World!")Step 5: Run Your Code
Look for the ▶ (play) button, usually at the bottom-right of the screen, and tap it.
Step 6: See Your Output
If everything went well, you'll see this appear at the bottom of the screen:
Hello, World!Congratulations — you just ran your first Python program on your phone! 🎉
🎁 Bonus: Installing Extra Libraries
Later in the course, you might need extra Python libraries. Pydroid 3 has a built-in Pip manager for this — just open the side menu and look for "Pip" to search and install packages, no separate setup required.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pydroid 3 really free?
Yes! There's an optional paid "Pro" version with extra features, but everything you need for this course is in the free version.
Do I need internet every time I want to code?
No — once installed, Python code runs completely offline. You only need internet to download the app or install extra libraries.
Do I need to root my phone?
Not at all. Pydroid 3 works on any regular, non-rooted Android device.
Can I fully replace a laptop with this for the course?
For most of Week 1 and early lessons, yes! As things get more advanced later on, a laptop becomes more convenient — but you can absolutely start your Python journey on your phone.
My phone is a bit old/low on storage — will it still work?
Pydroid 3 is lightweight and works on most Android phones, even older or budget models.
🚀 You're Ready!
That's it — you now have a working Python coding environment right on your phone. Go ahead and try changing the text inside the print() statement and run it again!
Stuck at any step? Don't worry, just ask in the group: