If you’re working on IoT projects, having a reliable MQTT broker is essential for communication between devices. But what if you could host your MQTT broker on your Android device, turning it into a portable IoT server? In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up the Mosquitto MQTT broker on Android, making your IoT systems flexible, portable, and cost-effective.
In previous blogs, we learned how to set up a Node-RED server on Android, and we have also learned how to use Android as an MQTT client by creating an app using MIT app inventor.
Why Use an Android Device as an MQTT Broker?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s discuss why using an Android device for your MQTT broker is an excellent idea:
- Portability
An Android device is lightweight, easy to carry, and can fit right in your pocket. Perfect for on-the-go IoT systems! - Mobile Data Connectivity
Unlike a Raspberry Pi or PC, your phone can stay connected using mobile data, ensuring seamless communication without relying solely on Wi-Fi. - Cost-Effective
No need for extra hardware—your Android device serves as the central hub for your IoT projects.
With these advantages, it’s time to set up your Android MQTT broker.
Video Tutorial
MQTT Broker on Android
Step 1: Install the Required Tools
Download Termux and a Terminal Emulator
Head to the Play Store and install the Termux app. This app allows you to run Linux commands on your Android device.
Install Mosquitto
Open Termux and enter the following commands to update your package repository and install Mosquitto:
pkg update && pkg upgrade pkg install mosquitto This installs Mosquitto, the lightweight MQTT broker software.
Start the Mosquitto Service
Run the following command to start Mosquitto in daemon mode, which allows it to run in the background:
mosquitto -dStep 2: Configure Authentication
To secure your MQTT broker, add an authentication layer:
Create a Password File
Use this command to create a password file and set a username and password:
mosquitto_passwd -c /data/data/com.termux/files/home/mosquitto_passwd YOUR_USERNAMEEdit the Configuration File
Open the Mosquitto configuration file:
nano /data/data/com.termux/files/usr/etc/mosquitto/mosquitto.conf Add the following lines to enable authentication:
allow_anonymous false password_file /data/data/com.termux/files/home/mosquitto_passwd Save and exit by pressing CTRL + X, then Y, and Enter.
Restart Mosquitto
Apply the changes by restarting the Mosquitto service:
pkill mosquitto mosquitto -dStep 3: Test Your MQTT Broker
To ensure everything is working correctly:
Find Your Device’s IP Address
Type the following command in Termux:
ifconfig Look for your local IP under the wlan0 section.
Connect Using MQTT Explorer
Download the MQTT Explorer app on your PC or another device.
Enter your Android device’s IP address, username, and password to connect.
Test publishing and subscribing to topics to verify the broker’s functionality.
Other MQTT broker on Android
If you prefer a more straightforward approach to transforming your Android device into an MQTT broker, several dedicated apps are available on the Play Store. Here are some notable options:
Mqtt Broker App
This application allows you to create an MQTT broker directly on your Android phone, displaying the full URL and port of the server. It’s particularly useful for IoT applications, eliminating the need for separate server hardware.
MQTT Broker Server
This app sets up an MQTT broker on your local network that is suitable for internal IoT projects and home automation. Features include enabling/disabling the broker, editing MQTT and WebSocket ports, authentication, and auto-start after device reboot.
Narada: MQTT Broker
An open-source MQTT broker that runs on Android, utilizing the Moquette library and supporting version 3.1 of the protocol. It’s beneficial for prototyping and operating an MQTT server directly from your Android device.
These applications simplify the process of setting up an MQTT broker on your Android device, offering user-friendly interfaces and essential features to support your IoT projects.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully turned your Android device into a portable MQTT broker. With this setup, you now have a cost-effective, portable, and efficient IoT server that can scale your projects with ease.
Whether you’re prototyping IoT systems, experimenting with device communication, or building large-scale networks, this Android-based MQTT broker provides unmatched flexibility.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your IoT community! In the comments, let us know what projects you’re building with this setup.
