How to Use Discord on a Chromebook: Web, Android, and Linux

Use Discord on a Chromebook in Chrome by opening the official web client and signing in; no installation is required. If the device supports Google Play, the Android app is another option. Linux is an advanced route, and ChromeOS does not support cameras in Linux apps, so it cannot handle video calls.

Use Discord in Chrome

1. Open Discord’s official login page in Chrome. You can bookmark it or keep it pinned in a tab.
2. Enter your account email or verified phone number and password. Or use QR sign-in: open Discord on your phone, choose the QR scanner in User Settings, scan the code on the Chromebook, and approve the login. Approve only a code you requested.
3. After sign-in, select a server on the left, then choose one of its text or voice channels. Post in a text channel or select a voice channel to join.

Discord explains browser sign-in options in its account login guide.

Optional: add Discord as a web app

For a Launcher icon, open Chrome’s More menu and choose Cast, save, and share > Install page as app. Follow the prompts if available; some sites show an Install icon in the address bar. Discord still works in a regular tab if Chrome does not offer installation. See Google’s web app instructions.

Install the Android app from Google Play

Choose Android if Play Store is available on the Chromebook. Some work and school devices are restricted by their administrator.

1. Update ChromeOS, then select the time > Settings > Apps > Manage Google Play preferences. Follow setup and terms prompts. If the option is missing, the Chromebook may not support Play Store apps or access may be managed.
2. Open Play Store, search for Discord, and install the official listing. Launch it from the Launcher and sign in to your account.
3. If the app opens in a narrow phone layout, use the size control in its title bar. ChromeOS lets you choose Phone, Tablet, or Resizable for supported apps.

Google covers compatibility and app resizing in its Android app guide.

What about the Linux desktop app?

Discord offers a Linux desktop build on its official download page, but it is an advanced option and not ideal for video calls.

1. In Chromebook Settings, open About ChromeOS > Developers. Next to Linux development environment, select Set up and follow the prompts. Setup can take 10 minutes or longer and opens a Debian terminal.
2. From Discord’s download page, choose the Linux Debian package. Use only Discord’s official site for the installer. In the Files app, open Downloads and right-click the package; if ChromeOS offers Install with Linux, follow the installer prompts.

The Files menu and package compatibility vary by device and ChromeOS version. If installation fails, return to the web or Android option rather than using an unofficial package. Google says cameras are not supported in Linux, and explains microphone access in its Linux setup guide.

Fix microphone or camera access

If text chat works but voice or video does not, check permissions at both ChromeOS and browser level:

• When Chrome asks to use the microphone or camera, choose Allow for Discord. If you previously blocked the microphone, open Chrome Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Microphone, remove Discord from the blocked list, then reload Discord and join voice again.
• In ChromeOS Settings, open Privacy and security > Privacy controls. Turn on microphone and camera access, then grant the relevant permission. If your Chromebook has a physical microphone switch, make sure it is on.
• In Discord’s User Settings > Voice & Video, confirm the intended input device and run the mic test. Refresh the page or restart the app after changing permissions.

If permissions still fail, consult Discord’s Chrome microphone instructions and Google’s Chromebook privacy controls guide. On a managed device, ask the administrator.

Which option should you choose?

For most users, Chrome is the easiest option. Choose Android for an app window if Play Store is available. Use Linux only if you need the desktop build and accept its device-specific limits. Your Discord account works across the clients.