How to Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu and Linux Mint
Google Chrome has become the go-to web browser for millions around the globe, and for good reason. If you’re using Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or any other Ubuntu-based distribution, you might wonder how to get Chrome up and running since it doesn’t come pre-installed. This guide will walk you through the steps to easily install Google Chrome on your system.
Why You Need This Guide
While Google Chrome has been available for Linux since 2010, it’s not included by default in Ubuntu or its derivatives. You won’t find it in the Ubuntu App Center or the Linux Mint Software Manager for versions like Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or Linux Mint 22. But fear not—installing it is straightforward!
Installing Google Chrome on Ubuntu
Step 1: Download the Installer
Begin by downloading the Google Chrome .DEB package from the official website. You can use any web browser available on your system, such as Firefox, which is pre-installed on Ubuntu.
- Select the 64-bit DEB package when prompted.
- Agree to the Google Chrome Terms of Service to initiate the download.
Step 2: Install the Package
Once the download is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved the file). Double-click the .DEB file, which should open it in the Software Center.
In case double-clicking doesn’t work, right-click the .DEB file, select Open with…, and choose the Software Center from the options provided.
Step 3: Complete the Installation
In the Software Center, review the details and click the Install button. You’ll need to enter your user password for confirmation. A progress bar will track the installation process, and once it’s done, you can launch Google Chrome from your application menu.
Command Line Installation
If you prefer using the terminal, you can install Google Chrome with just a couple of commands:
- Open the Terminal and run:
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
If you encounter any dependency issues, you can resolve them by running:
sudo apt -f install
Setting Up Google Chrome
When you first launch Google Chrome, it will prompt you to set it as your default browser. If you want links from other applications to open in Chrome, check the box. You can also opt to send usage statistics and crash reports to Google to help improve the browser.
To sync your bookmarks, passwords, and extensions across devices, sign in with your Google account. This feature ensures a seamless experience whether you’re on your laptop or mobile device.
Keeping Chrome Updated
Upon installation, Google’s repository is added to your system, allowing you to receive future updates automatically. You can check for updates through the Software Update tool or your preferred command line package manager.
Notes on 32-Bit Systems
It’s important to note that Google discontinued support for 32-bit Ubuntu systems back in 2016. If you’re still using a 32-bit version, consider installing Chromium, the open-source alternative to Google Chrome.
Uninstalling Google Chrome
If you decide that Chrome isn’t for you, uninstalling it is just as easy. Open a new terminal window and execute the following command:
sudo apt remove google-chrome
This command removes the browser quickly, but some configuration files may remain on your system. You can clean these up manually or use tools like BleachBit for a thorough removal.
