C and C++ Compiler for Android: 3 Ways to Run C Code

To compile and run C or C++ on an Android phone, use an app that ships a compiler: Pocket Compiler: Run Code compiles C and C++ on the phone with Pro (a one-time download, then it works offline), Cxxdroid is a dedicated C/C++ IDE, and Termux lets you install clang from the command line. All three run the program on the device; none need root.

Which one fits you

App	C/C++ on the device	Other languages	Interface	Cost
Pocket Compiler: Run Code	Yes (one-time download, then offline)	Python, JavaScript, React, HTML, SQL, Java, PHP	Editor with Run button, program input, errors that point to the line	Free to download; some features are part of an optional upgrade
Cxxdroid	Yes	C and C++ focus	C/C++ IDE	Free with ads; premium available
Termux	Yes, after `pkg install clang`	Anything you install	Command line	Free, open source

If you only write C and C++, a dedicated IDE like Cxxdroid is a reasonable pick. If you also write Python, Java or SQL for class, one app that runs all of them saves switching. If you want make, many files and a real shell, Termux is the most flexible.

What Pocket Compiler does for C and C++

Compiles and runs on the phone. Tap ▶ Run and see the output, or the compiler error with the line it came from. Tap the error to jump there.
Program input: scanf and cin work. Type the input, then run.
Offline after one download. The C/C++ toolchain is a one-time download (internet needed once).
A program stuck in a loop stops at the time limit, so the app stays usable.
Java is free, if your course also uses Java.

What it does not do

C and C++ are Pro features, and they are Android only. The iPhone app runs Python, JavaScript, HTML and SQL.
Runs stop at 20 seconds with Pro, so it is for exercises and small programs, not long simulations.
It is not a full build system. For make and large multi-file projects, Termux is better suited.

Steps: run a C program on Android

Install Pocket Compiler: Run Code.
Create main.c and type:

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    int a, b;
    scanf("%d %d", &a, &b);
    printf("sum = %d\n", a + b);
    printf("7 / 2 = %d\n", 7 / 2);
    return 0;
}

Tap ▶ Run. The first time, the app offers the C/C++ download (Pro).
Type 3 4 in the input box and run. You get sum = 7 and 7 / 2 = 3, because integer division drops the remainder.
For C++, create main.cpp and use cin and cout the same way.

Steps: the Termux way

Install Termux (its maintainers recommend F-Droid or GitHub builds).
Run pkg install clang.
Write main.c with a terminal editor such as nano.
Compile with clang main.c -o main and run ./main.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run C++ on Android without internet?

Yes. Pocket Compiler needs internet once to download the C/C++ toolchain, then it runs offline. Termux also works offline once clang is installed.

Is there a free C compiler for Android?

Termux with clang is free. Cxxdroid has a free version with ads. In Pocket Compiler, C and C++ are Pro; Python, JavaScript, HTML, SQL and Java are free.

Does scanf work in a phone compiler?

In Pocket Compiler, yes: type the input before you run.

Can I compile C on iPhone?

Not in Pocket Compiler: C and C++ are Android only.

Do I need root?

No.

More about the app, including screenshots and the full free-vs-Pro list, is on the Pocket Compiler page.

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## Questions, answered

Is there a free Markdown editor for Android?

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Can I edit Markdown from my phone on a desktop browser?

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## From the journal

We're a small studio with one rule: each app does a single job well, works offline, and never asks who you are.