How to Install SillyTavern on Android in 2026

Before you begin installing SillyTavern on Android, ensure your device meets the basic requirements. You need an Android phone or tablet running Android 8.0 or higher, with at least 4GB of RAM for smooth performance. A stable internet connection is required for downloading files and later using API services. The installation relies on Termux, a terminal emulator and Linux environment app for Android, which you must download from the official F-Droid store (not Google Play, as the Play version is outdated). Additionally, you'll need a text editor app like QuickEdit or Termux's built-in nano for editing configuration files. Finally, have an API key ready from a supported provider such as OpenAI, Anthropic, or a local LLM backend like KoboldCPP. Without this key, SillyTavern won't function beyond the basic interface.

Start by installing Termux from F-Droid (https://f-droid.org/packages/com.termux/). Open the app and grant storage permissions when prompted. Update the package list and upgrade existing packages with the command: `pkg update && pkg upgrade`. Then install the essential packages: `pkg install git nodejs python`. Git is needed to clone the SillyTavern repository, Node.js runs the server, and Python is used for some plugins. This process takes about 5–10 minutes depending on your internet speed. For better text editing, also install nano: `pkg install nano`. If you plan to run local models, install additional tools like ffmpeg and cmake, but those are optional for basic installation. Confirm each installation by typing 'y' when prompted. After completion, verify Node.js is installed with `node --version`; you should see v18 or higher.

With Termux ready, clone the SillyTavern repository from GitHub using the command: `git clone https://github.com/SillyTavern/SillyTavern.git`. This creates a folder named 'SillyTavern' in your Termux home directory. The download is roughly 200MB and may take a minute on slower connections. After cloning, navigate into the folder with `cd SillyTavern`. You'll see files like `package.json`, `server.js`, and subfolders. Next, install Node.js dependencies by running `npm install`. This reads `package.json` and downloads required modules (about 500MB). If any errors occur, ensure your Node.js version is 16 or higher by running `node -v`. Once dependencies are installed, you can proceed to configure your API key. It's good practice to keep the repository updated; later you can run `git pull` to fetch the latest version.

SillyTavern requires an API key to generate responses. Inside the cloned folder, copy `config.yaml` to a new file called `config.yaml.bak` as a backup. Then edit `config.yaml` using nano: `nano config.yaml`. Look for the `api_keys` section (about line 50). Add your API key under the relevant service, e.g., for OpenAI: `openai: "sk-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"`. If using a local backend, set `type: "kobold"` and configure the URL. Save changes with Ctrl+O, then exit with Ctrl+X. You can also adjust UI settings like theme, language, and character settings in the same file. For first-time users, leave most defaults untouched. If you want to use the built-in extensions (e.g., image generation), provide additional keys for those services. Remember that API keys are sensitive – never share your config.yaml file publicly.

To start SillyTavern, ensure you're in the SillyTavern directory and run: `node server.js` or `node server`. The terminal will show a message like "SillyTavern is listening on port 8000". If port 8000 is busy, use a different port by adding `--port 8080`. The server runs locally on your device. Open your Android browser (Chrome, Firefox) and navigate to `http://localhost:8000` or `http://127.0.0.1:8000`. You should see the SillyTavern login screen. The default username is `admin` and password is `password`; change these in `config.yaml` for security. If you want to access from another device on the same network, find your device's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and use `http://[IP]:8000`. Keep Termux running in the background; if you close it, the server stops. For persistent operation, consider using a tool like Termux:Boot to start the server automatically.

Users often encounter errors during installation. If `git clone` fails, check your internet connection or try using a VPN. If `npm install` shows EACCES errors, run `termux-setup-storage` first to allow storage access. Another common issue is Node.js version too old; update with `pkg upgrade nodejs`. If the server starts but the browser shows a blank page, clear your browser cache or try a different browser. Port conflicts can be resolved by specifying a different port with `--port` flag. For API key errors, verify the key format (no extra spaces) and that the key is active. If you're stuck, refer to the SillyTavern documentation on GitHub or the community Discord. For a simpler alternative, consider AIAngels, which offers a free tier with no setup required and runs entirely in your browser.