Ubuntu + Google Chrome
As the world’s most popular web browser it’s natural that new Linux users often ask how to install Google Chrome in Ubuntu.
It’s not a silly question. With Linux distros being built around “repos” most users attempt to install Google Chrome in Ubuntu Linux from Ubuntu Software app.
Obviously they come up short when they search for it as it’s not available via the repos of any major Linux distribution.
The good news is that it is easy to download Google Chrome for Linux and install it on Ubuntu, Linux Mint and other Ubuntu-based distros — and in this post we show you how.
Before we move on please note that this post does not cover reasons why you might want to use Chrome as an alternative to Mozilla Firefox, Vivaldi, or other web browsers.
How to Install Google Chrome in Ubuntu & Linux Mint
All you need to install Chrome on Ubuntu & Linux Mint is …everything you already have. Open Firefox (the default web browser on Ubuntu) and head to the official Google Chrome download for Linux page.
On this page you’ll be asked to “accept” the Google Chrome Terms of Service. If you’re happy with what’s on offer click the “Accept & Install” button:
If that doesn’t work you can use this link:
Direct Download of Google Chrome for Linux
You’ll see the following box appear. Check the “Download” option:
The installer package is downloaded to your ~/Downloads folder by default (unless you choose a different location).
When the Chrome installer download completes you can open your file manager to find it. To begin installation just click twice on the installer package:
The Software app will open. Click the ‘install’ button:
Enter your password when/if prompted:
The progress bar will shuffle along for a few seconds.
When the install is complete you can open Google Chrome by a) clicking the ‘launch’ button in the Software app, or b) search and open it from the app menu.
Getting Set Up with Google Chrome in Ubuntu
On first run you may see a prompt asking if you want to make Google Chrome your default browser on Ubuntu:
If you do, check the box and click “Ok” to proceed.
If you don’t want to make Chrome the default browser right now, but you think you might want to do so in the future consider bookmarking our “How to change default web browser in Ubuntu” article.
Google Chrome will open and you’ll see a (mostly empty) browser window.
Sign-in with your Google Account to sync your synced bookmarks, passwords and extensions (if you have any).
Staying up to date
When you install Google Chrome on Ubuntu using the official installer the official Google repository will be added to your system. This step ensures that you get all future Google Chrome updates automatically, as they’re released, via your desktop’s standard Software Update tool.
Google Chrome and 32 bit Linux
Google Chrome for Linux is only available for 64 bit systems.
Google axed Chrome for 32 bit Ubuntu in 2016. This means it’s not possible to install Google Chrome in 32 bit Ubuntu.
If you encounter a compatibility error after following this tutorial it’s likely that you’re using a 32-bit system.
You’re not out of luck; you can install Chromium, an open-source version of Chrome. This is available from the Ubuntu Software (or equivalent) app. Just search for ‘Chromium’ (minus the quote marks).