Termux apt update command

Having trouble with the Termux apt update command? Packages not refreshing or cryptic errors getting in your way? You’re definitely not alone. In 2025, Termux is still a crucial tool for development and scripting on Android. However, when updates fail, it can really put a damper on productivity. So, let’s dive into the common causes of apt update errors in Termux, dig into the fixes, and keep your workflow smooth and efficient.

Problem: When apt update Stops Your Termux Workflow

The apt update command is your go-to for keeping everything current in Termux. Yet, as of July 2025, some users frequently hit snags like:

• Connection timed out: Err:... Connection timed out [IP: x.x.x.x 443]
• The repository is no longer signed: Release file is not signed
• Repository 404: 404 Not Found [IP: ...]

What happens if you encounter apt update failures?

• Outdated packages—missing out on crucial security patches or new features.
• Development scripts break with missing dependencies.
• You’ll deal with persistent error messages every time you run apt install.

Let’s say you run apt update and see something like this:

$ apt update
...
Err:1 https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable Release
  404  Not Found [IP: 185.199.111.133 443]
E: The repository 'https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable Release' does not have a Release file.

Instant headache! You’re blocked from installing new packages or updating existing ones, messing up your workflow.

Agitation: Real Developer Impact of apt update Failures

Imagine prepping for a demo and suddenly apt update conks out:

• You can’t update essential tools like python or nodejs.
• Your CI/CD scripts start throwing E: Unable to locate package errors.
• Scripts relying on the latest package versions stop working reliably.

Whether you’re automating deployments or just tackling daily dev tasks, these errors can really throw a wrench in the works:

• You might resort to risky workarounds like manual downloads.
• Start piling up technical debt because of unpatched code.
• Your device stays vulnerable without updates.
• Spending hours scouring GitHub issues and forums for solutions.

**What many developers overlook:** In 2025, Termux changed its package repository URL and updated some repo signatures, adding to the complexity. If you’re on an old Termux or Android version, you might run into incompatible repository formats.

Solution: Fix apt update Issues in Termux (2025 Edition)

Let’s troubleshoot and fix those Termux apt update problems. Regardless of whether you’re on Android 12, 13, or 14 in 2025, follow this guide for a rock-solid solution.

1. Verify Your Termux Version

Make sure you’re getting Termux right from the official GitHub releases. The Play Store and sometimes even F-Droid versions? They’re outdated and unsupported in 2025.

termux-info | grep version

termux-info | grep version

If your version is below v0.119.0, update via GitHub. Mismatched Termux or Android versions can mess up repositories.

2. Update Package Repository URLs

The Termux package repositories have moved to new hosts. Check and update your sources.list:

• Open or create the file /data/data/com.termux/files/usr/etc/apt/sources.list using vi or nano:

cd $PREFIX/etc/apt
nano sources.list

cd $PREFIX/etc/apt
nano sources.list

• Ensure your sources.list uses these (2025 update):

deb https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable main

deb https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable main

1. Deactivate any other lines or old URLs (like termux.org, bintray.com).
2. Update any sources.list.d/* addon URLs to start with https://packages.termux.dev.

Save your changes and try again:

apt update

apt update

3. Reset Corrupted Package Cache

If outdated caches or errors have crept in, reset them:

apt clean
apt update --allow-unauthenticated

apt clean
apt update --allow-unauthenticated

If you hit cryptic signature errors, try nuking the bad lists:

rm -rf $PREFIX/var/lib/apt/lists/*
apt update

rm -rf $PREFIX/var/lib/apt/lists/*
apt update

This will force apt to grab a fresh repo index.

4. Fix Common Certificate & Signature Problems

Have Android security changes been giving you SSL handshake headaches? If you see errors like:

E: Failed to fetch https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable Release
Certificate verification failed: The certificate is NOT trusted

Here’s what to do:

• Double-check that your device’s date/time settings are correct, as wrong timing triggers SSL errors.
• Update ca-certificates:

pkg install -y ca-certificates

pkg install -y ca-certificates

• Install gnupg if missing:

pkg install gnupg

pkg install gnupg

5. Full Reset: Reinstall Termux and Packages

If you’ve tried everything and updates still fail, you might be facing severe config or repo issues. Time for a clean slate:

1. Back up your important scripts and data from $HOME folder.
2. Fully uninstall Termux.
3. Reinstall from the GitHub APK release.
4. Repeat the repository update steps above.

Implementation Example: Working Fix Script

Here’s a handy script to automate the update fix (safe for copy-paste):

# Fix Termux apt update issues
cd $PREFIX/etc/apt
# Clean sources
mv sources.list sources.list.bak 2>/dev/null
cat > sources.list << EOF
deb https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable main
EOF
rm -rf $PREFIX/var/lib/apt/lists/*
apt clean
apt update

# Fix Termux apt update issues
cd $PREFIX/etc/apt
# Clean sources
mv sources.list sources.list.bak 2>/dev/null
cat > sources.list << EOF
deb https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable main
EOF
rm -rf $PREFIX/var/lib/apt/lists/*
apt clean
apt update

Here’s what the script does:

• Backs up the old sources.list.
• Replaces it with the correct 2025 repository URL.
• Clears all cached and conflicting lists.
• Runs apt update to test the new sources.

Output Example:

Get:1 https://packages.termux.dev/apt/termux-main stable InRelease [11.1 kB]
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree... Done
All packages are up to date.

Now, you can safely install new packages as you normally would:

apt install vim python nodejs

apt install vim python nodejs

Common Errors Section

• 404 Not Found: You’re dealing with obsolete repo URLs. Update your sources.list as mentioned above to fix it.
• Release File Not Signed: Missing GPG signature.
  Install gnupg then try again with apt update.
• Certificate Errors: Often old ca-certificates or incorrect device time. Update ca-certificates and make sure your device’s clock is correct.
• Permission Denied: Running as root or non-standard environments. Always use the default Termux shell as the standard user.

Best Practices for Termux Package Management (2025)

• Only download from the official Termux GitHub releases APK
• Pin your sources.list to the latest repository URLs
• After any major Android OS updates, verify repository compatibility
• Always run apt update before every apt install
• Back up your sources.list, $HOME scripts before any reset or uninstall of Termux
• Stay on top of changes by subscribing to Termux GitHub Issues
• Don’t mix and match between Play Store, F-Droid, and GitHub Termux installs – stick to one source

Pro Developer Tip: Automate your apt update checks and log repository health after OS or Termux upgrades with a shell script. Catch problems before they derail your builds or deployments.

Performance & Compatibility Notes

• The new repository (2025) supports Android 10+; Android 9 or older might need older Termux builds.
• Improved repository CDN: regular apt update runs should take <2s on Wi-Fi, <10s on LTE.
• Find benchmarks at github.com/termux/termux-packages.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Mixing repository URLs: Using both termux.org and packages.termux.dev leads to signature conflicts—ensure only the latest URLs are in use.
• Installing Termux from Play Store: Results in no updates and old repositories—always go for GitHub sources.
• Ignoring certificate updates: Following Android security patches, make sure to update ca-certificates if apt update fails with HTTPS errors.
• Not resetting package lists after manual changes: Always follow up with apt clean and rm -rf $PREFIX/var/lib/apt/lists/* when repairing sources.

FAQ: Termux apt update Command Troubleshooting (2025)

Conclusion: Stay Up-to-Date and Productive in Termux

Termux keeps pushing the boundaries for development, scripting, and automation on Android in 2025. As repository URLs change and Android security tightens, keeping your Termux apt update command running smoothly is crucial. Stick to these steps, automate your health checks, and always use official sources to minimize downtime and technical debt.

References:

• Official Termux GitHub Releases
• Termux Packages Source
• Termux Wiki
• Stack Overflow: Termux APT Update Error