Chromebooks use the Google Play Store, not a traditional app store

Most Chromebooks can download apps the same way Android phones do — through the Google Play Store built into Chrome OS. You search for an app, tap Install, and it appears on your shelf (the taskbar at the bottom). The process takes about a minute for most apps.

Not every Chromebook has Play Store access. Older models or those managed by a school or workplace may not. If you don't see a Google Play Store icon in your app launcher, your device doesn't support it. In that case, you can still use web apps and extensions through the Chrome Web Store instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Play Store from your app launcher, search for the app you want, and tap the Install button to download it to your Chromebook.
  • Apps download to your shelf automatically and take up minimal storage space because Chromebooks store most data in the cloud.
  • If your Chromebook doesn't have the Play Store, you can use Chrome extensions and web apps from the Chrome Web Store as alternatives.
  • You can uninstall apps by right-clicking the icon on your shelf and selecting Remove from Chrome OS, or by opening the Play Store and tapping Uninstall.
  • Some apps require permissions to work — like camera access or file storage — and you grant these the first time you open the app.

Opening the Google Play Store and finding apps

Tap the Launcher button (the circle icon in the bottom left corner of your screen). Type "Play Store" into the search box. When the Google Play Store icon appears, tap it to open the store.

Once the Play Store is open, use the search bar at the top to find the app you want. Type the app name — for example, "Spotify" or "Microsoft Word" — and tap Enter. The store shows you matching results with screenshots, ratings, and descriptions so you can confirm you're downloading the right thing.

Installing an app to your Chromebook

When you find the app you want, tap on it to open its store page. Read the description and check what permissions it needs (listed under "Permissions"). Then tap the blue Install button.

The app begins downloading immediately. You'll see a progress bar showing the download status. Most apps finish in under a minute, depending on file size and your internet speed. Once installation is complete, the Install button changes to Open — tap it to launch the app right away, or close the Play Store and find the app on your shelf later.

Finding your newly installed apps

After you install an app, it automatically appears on your shelf at the bottom of the screen. The shelf shows your most recently used apps and pinned favorites. If you don't see your new app there, tap the Launcher button again and search for it by name.

You can pin frequently used apps to your shelf so they stay visible. Right-click the app icon and select Pin to shelf. To remove an app from the shelf without uninstalling it, right-click and select Unpin from shelf — the app stays on your Chromebook but disappears from the shelf.

Understanding app permissions

When you open an app for the first time, it may ask for permission to access your camera, microphone, files, or location. These permissions let the app do what it's designed to do — a video chat app needs camera access, for example. Tap Allow to grant the permission or Deny to refuse it.

You can change permissions later by opening Settings, selecting Apps, finding the app in the list, and tapping Permissions. This is useful if an app asks for something it doesn't actually need, or if you want to revoke access later.

Using the Chrome Web Store if Play Store isn't available

If your Chromebook doesn't have the Google Play Store, you can still extend its functionality through the Chrome Web Store. Open a new tab in Chrome, tap the Apps icon (a grid of dots), and select Web Store. Search for extensions or web apps the same way you would in the Play Store.

Extensions add features directly to Chrome — ad blockers, password managers, and note-taking tools are common examples. Web apps are simplified versions of websites that work offline or run in their own window. Neither takes up much storage space, and both install with a single tap.

Removing apps you no longer need

To uninstall an app, right-click its icon on the shelf and select Remove from Chrome OS. The app disappears immediately, and the storage space it used is freed up. Alternatively, open the Google Play Store, search for the app, tap it, and select Uninstall.

Uninstalling an app doesn't delete any files you created with it — those stay in your Google Drive or local storage. If you change your mind, you can reinstall the app anytime by returning to the Play Store and tapping Install again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find an app in the Google Play Store?

Some apps are not available for Chromebooks because they're designed only for Windows, Mac, or traditional Android phones. Check the app's description to see which devices it supports. You might find a web-based alternative that does the same thing — for example, Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word desktop.

Do Chromebook apps take up a lot of storage space?

No. Most Chromebook apps are small and store their data in the cloud rather than on your device. Even if you install 20 apps, they typically use less than 1 GB of storage. Chromebooks usually have 32 GB or 64 GB of built-in storage, so space is rarely a problem.

Can I use the same app on my phone and Chromebook?

Many apps work on both, but not all. If you have a Google account, apps you install on your Chromebook sync to your account, so you can reinstall them on another Chromebook or Android phone. Check the Play Store listing to confirm the app supports Chromebook before installing.

What should I do if an app crashes or won't open?

Try closing the app completely and reopening it. If that doesn't work, uninstall it and reinstall it fresh from the Play Store. Restart your Chromebook if the problem persists — this clears temporary files and often fixes app issues.

Can I download apps without a Google account?

No. You need a Google account signed into your Chromebook to access the Play Store and download apps. If you don't have one, you can create a free account at google.com in a few minutes.