How to Install and Use Alternate Browsers on a Chromebook

Yes. To use a desktop browser besides Chrome on a Chromebook, enable Linux and install a Linux build such as Firefox. The browser runs as a separate app in a Debian container; it does not replace ChromeOS’s built-in Chrome. Compatibility depends on Linux support, your Chromebook’s processor, and any work or school restrictions.

ChromeOS sets up the Debian environment for you. For Firefox, the current route is Mozilla’s signed package repository; the old GNOME Software and Flatpak steps are unnecessary.

Check compatibility first

Open chrome://version in Chrome to check your ChromeOS version. Mozilla’s ChromeOS-specific guide currently lists an x86-based Chromebook running ChromeOS 80 or later for its Firefox method. Linux may also be disabled on a managed device. After setup, cat /etc/os-release shows the Debian release, and dpkg --print-architecture shows the container’s architecture.

Other browsers may support ARM64 as well as Intel/AMD, but check each vendor’s requirements before choosing a package.

Enable Linux on your Chromebook

1. Select the time at the bottom right, then open Settings.
2. Go to About ChromeOS > Developers.
3. Next to Linux development environment, select Set up and follow the prompts.

Setup can take 10 minutes or more. ChromeOS then opens Terminal with a Debian environment.

If Set up is missing, consult Google’s Linux setup guidance and check with your administrator if the Chromebook is managed.

Update the Linux container

In Terminal, run Google’s recommended package update command:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Press Enter, enter your Linux password if prompted, and confirm package changes. Restart the Chromebook if the update asks you to.

Install Firefox

Check the Debian release with cat /etc/os-release. Then follow Mozilla’s ChromeOS installation guide to add its signed APT repository. The repository setup differs for Debian 12 and older versus Debian 13 and newer; use the matching instructions. After it is configured, run:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install firefox

Keep Terminal open until the install finishes. The older advice to find Firefox in GNOME Software is not a reliable path on a fresh Chromebook Linux container.

Open Firefox from the launcher. It has its own profile, cookies, bookmarks, and saved passwords, separate from Chrome. Sign in to Firefox Sync if you want to bring Firefox data from another device.

If the launcher icon is missing, try firefox in Terminal. If the command fails, recheck the Debian version and follow Mozilla’s package steps again.

Install another Linux browser

Brave, Microsoft Edge, and Opera publish Linux desktop versions. Use their official Linux instructions and a package that matches your container:

• Brave: Its Linux install page provides Debian repository steps and the command curl -fsS https://dl.brave.com/install.sh | sh. Brave lists Debian 10 or newer and 64-bit Intel/AMD or ARM64 requirements in its system requirements.
• Edge: Microsoft offers a Linux .deb on its Edge download page.
• Opera: Opera’s Debian repository page links to its .deb package and explains updates.

Use packages from the browser maker, not third-party download sites. If a downloaded package is in ChromeOS Downloads, share that folder with Linux in the Files app, then follow the vendor’s Debian installation steps.

Understand Linux browser limitations

Google says Linux apps share one sandbox, and files shared with Linux are available to all Linux apps. Share only folders the apps need. Google also lists cameras and hardware acceleration—including GPU and video decoding—as unsupported in Linux. A browser may therefore be a poor choice for camera calls, graphics-heavy pages, or smooth video playback. Microphone access can be enabled separately in Linux settings.

Troubleshoot or remove a browser

• Linux will not start: Restart the Chromebook, then run the package update command above. If it is managed, ask the administrator about Linux access.
• A browser package fails: Compare its requirements with dpkg --print-architecture and your Debian release.
• Remove one browser: Use APT with its package name, for example sudo apt remove firefox, or the vendor’s uninstall instructions.
• Remove Linux entirely: Back up first. In Settings, open About ChromeOS > Developers > Linux development environment and select Remove. This removes the Linux environment and its apps and files. Follow Google’s Linux backup instructions before proceeding.

Keep Chrome for features that depend on ChromeOS integration, and use a Linux browser when its package and capabilities fit your device.