I2P Android
Introduction
I2P Android is a software developped by Str4d, designed to run a I2P node on a Android device.
Str4d worked a lot on I2P-Bote, this is why this is the first I2P-compatible application available on Android.
Screenshot
Screenshot of the main window (2015):
Requirements
As of 2021-06:[1]
- Android OS: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher
- RAM: 512 MB RAM minimum; 1 GB recommended
- File size: 5 MB
Suggested
- A microUSB to Ethernet adapter. It is quite hard to find, and not compatible with all Android devices. Price is less than 20 $/€[2]
Pros/Cons
Pros
- Running a I2P router with a cheap/old Android device (Android netbook, Smart TV box, tablet, smartphone ...)
- It's easy to install a I2P router on a Android device
Cons
- Drain the battery, will "kill" it faster. For most of Android device, even connected to the power plug, the power goes trough the battery
- Most of devices only have WI-FI (not Ethernet): non stop WI-FI radio waves in the room
- Because of the CPU lack of power, the Android device might not use all the bandwidth that you provide
- Can't reseed from file
- Can't choose a reseed URL
- No I2P router console to fine-tune your I2P router settings.
Installation
Where to get the file
There is 3 ways to get the I2P Android file :
- install from main F-Droid repository[3]
- install from I2P F-Droid repository[4]
- downloading the .apk file from the I2P official website
- from Google Play
Hint: I2P has multiple App IDs. There is net.i2p.android.router within official F-Droid repositories. I2P F-Droid repository and manual .apk download use net.i2p.android. Google play use two different IDs for donated and free version. When changing your update source you have to manually check you do not install I2P twice.
How to access to IRC2P (chat network)
To get a IRC client in order to connect to the IRC2P network:
- you will have to install a IRC client software then set up it
- example: go to F-Droid and download the software Atomic
- then set up your IRC client to 127.0.0.1:6668
- connect to IRC2P
- type for example "/help" then "/join #i2p" and "/join #i2p-chat"
Note: there is a browser setup guide in the help menu of the I2P application ("Help")
Example of steps :
- go to F-Droid repository (install its app from here (clearnet) if wanted)
- install a alternative web browser, for example Privacy Browser or Lightning
- go to settings and change the proxy address to "127.0.0.1" and port number to "4444"
Misc
I2P Android used as a I2P gateway for the computers running in the same LAN
As of 2016-07, this seems not possible.
About torrents and I2P Android
As of 2016-07, this seems not possible.
How to bypass the battery of a Android device
Note: onto most of Android devices, the battery is soldered to the motherboard. It is not possible for a end user to use only the power adapter of the device.
... (write me or put some clearnet links!)
Hosting a eepsite onto a I2P Android hardware
As of 2016-07, this seems not possible.
Firefox setup for I2P-Android
Firefox Mobile is able to work with I2P. To change the default settings follow these steps:
- Enter "about:config" into the adressbar
- Enter “proxy.http” into the search box on the about:config page.
- Tap Modify on “network.proxy.http” and type the proxy server name/ip address into the text box. (127.0.0.1)
- Tap Modify on “network.proxy.http_port” and type the port number into the number box. (4444)
- Enter “network.proxy.type” into the search box on the about:config page.
- Tap Modify on “network.proxy.type” and input the number 1.
Now you can use Firefox Mobile with I2P. You should install an AddOn to block JavaScript.
References
External Links
- Official I2P (router) page on Google play (clearnet)
- Official Bote (Android) on Google play (clearnet)
- Official eepsite to download it through I2P
- official chatroom into IRC2P : #i2p-android-dev
Development:
- http://zzz.i2p/forums/ Official dev forum
- http://str4d.i2p/android/ (outdated as of 2016-03) Official URL of the developper (Str4d) about I2P-Android
- http://str4d.i2p/ Official Str4d's eepsite
- http://trac.i2p2.i2p - List of I2P Android's open issues