you may install Firefox on a Chromebook, but it isn’t easy to access the proper desktop version of Firefox. Here’s everything you need to know about the two versions of Firefox for Chromebook and how you can install them.

Can You Use Firefox on a Chromebook?

You can install Firefox on a Chromebook using one of two different methods: downloading Firefox for Android from Google Play or installing the full Linux version.

Firefox for Android is sufficient for most tasks, but browsing the web is undoubtedly easier with Linux Firefox. Your access to browser add-ons will expand from the limited Firefox for Android selection to the full breadth of Mozilla’s Firefox Add-Ons store. You’ll also enjoy the desktop layout’s proper bookmarks bar and tab bar.

installing chrome from the google play store

The simplest method of getting Firefox onto your Chromebook is to download the Firefox for Android app. Click theGoogle Playicon on your taskbar and search forFirefox. Select theFirefox Fast & Private Browserapp and clickInstall.

Once Firefox is finished installing, you’re able to sync your saved passwords and browser history by opening the app and clicking throughthe three-dot icon > Sync and save data. You can also view your bookmarks and history, install new browser add-ons, and switch to the desktop site mode through this extended menu.

activating the linux development environment through chromebook developer settings

Install Firefox on Chromebook With Linux

If you’re comfortable with a more complex installation process, the full Linux version of Firefox will provide a superior browsing experience. Before proceeding, you’ll need toactivate Linux on your Chromebookby openingSettingsand navigating throughAdvanced > Developers.

Look for theLinux development environmentoption in the Developers tab and clickTurn on. When the configuration menu appears, enter a username and drag the disk size slider until you’re satisfied with the settings. 10 GB of disk space is sufficient for most purposes.

determining linux environment version and updating linux on chromeos

Finally, clickInstalland wait for your Chromebook to finish setting up the new Linux environment. If you have already installed your Linux environment, you should verify that it is still up-to-date. You can confirm this by opening theTerminal, selectingPenguin, and entering the following command:

Firefox won’t work correctly if your Linux isn’t version 10 or above.

determining chromebook processor architecture with cog on chromeos

You can update your Linux development container by entering the following command:

Now that you’ve updated your Linux development container, all that’s left for you to do is to find out whether your Chromebook has anARM or x86 processor. You can do so usingCog. After installing and running Cog, you can see your processor type underArchitecture.

installing firefox as a flatpak on chromeos

How to Install Firefox With Flatpak on an x86 Chromebook

If your Chromebook has an x86 processor, you can install Firefox with Flatpak. After opening theTerminaland selectingPenguin, update your package repository and install Flatpak with the following commands:

After Flatpak finishes installing, you’ll need to add the Flathub package repository to your Chromebook with this command:

Finally, install Firefox using Flatpak. You candownload Firefoxdirectly from Flathub, or enter the following command in the Terminal:

Once Firefox finishes installing, you’re able to launch Firefox by opening the start menu, expanding theLinux appsfolder, and clicking on theFirefoxicon.

How to Install Firefox on an ARM Chromebook

Firefox isn’t officially supported on ARM, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to install it on your Chromebook. Click to open theTerminalagain and selectPenguin. Next, enter the following commands:

This will update your packages and download the ESR (Extended Support Release) version of Firefox.

You won’t have access to the latest upgrades and features when using Firefox ESR. Despite this, Firefox ESR’s stability still makes it a great fit for most users. Due to the nature of extended support releases, you will need to update Firefox after approximately one year of use.

Configure and Use Firefox Effectively

Firefox is an incredible browser, but it can be difficult to take advantage of its unique features if you’re used to other browsers. Consider checking out some of Firefox’s compelling features, and tryinstalling a few add-ons to streamline your browsingwhile you’re at it.