Chrome on Ubuntu: The straightforward installation path
Google Chrome runs on Ubuntu through the official Chrome repository, which means your system will download updates automatically alongside your other software. You can install it in about five minutes using either the command line or Ubuntu's graphical app store. The command-line method is faster and more reliable, but both work.
Ubuntu comes with Firefox pre-installed, so Chrome is optional — you are choosing to add a second browser. Chrome will sit alongside Firefox without conflict. If you later decide you do not want it, removing Chrome is just as straightforward as installing it.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest installation uses the terminal and takes about two minutes from start to finish.
- Chrome updates automatically once installed, so you do not have to manually check for new versions.
- You can install Chrome through Ubuntu's Software app if you prefer not to use the terminal.
- Chrome and Firefox can both run on the same Ubuntu system without interfering with each other.
Installing Chrome through the terminal
Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T, or by clicking the Activities menu in the top left, typing "terminal", and pressing Enter. A black window will open where you can type commands.
Copy and paste this command into the terminal, then press Enter:
wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -
This command downloads Google's security key, which tells Ubuntu that updates from Google's repository are legitimate. You may be asked to enter your password — type it and press Enter. The terminal will not show the characters as you type, which is normal.
Next, paste this command and press Enter:
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'
This tells Ubuntu where to find Chrome updates. Then paste and run this command:
sudo apt update
This refreshes Ubuntu's list of available software. Finally, paste and run:
sudo apt install google-chrome-stable
Ubuntu will show you how much space Chrome needs and ask you to confirm. Type "y" and press Enter. The download and installation will take a few minutes depending on your internet speed. When it finishes, you are done.
Installing Chrome through the Software app
If you prefer not to use the terminal, Ubuntu's graphical Software app can install Chrome, though the process is slightly slower. Click the grid icon in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen (or press the Super key and type "software"), then search for "google chrome".
The official Chrome entry will appear with a blue Google logo. Click it, then click the Install button. You will be asked for your password. Enter it and wait for the installation to complete. This method handles the repository setup automatically, so you do not need to run any terminal commands.
Launching Chrome for the first time
Once installation finishes, Chrome will not automatically open. Press the Super key (the Windows key) and type "chrome", then press Enter. Chrome will launch and ask you to sign in with a Google account if you have one. Signing in is optional — you can use Chrome without a Google account, though signing in will sync your bookmarks and passwords across devices.
Chrome will appear in your applications menu from now on. You can also pin it to your taskbar by right-clicking the Chrome icon and selecting "Add to Favorites".
Keeping Chrome updated automatically
Because you installed Chrome from Google's official repository, Ubuntu will check for updates whenever you run the system update command. You do not need to do anything manually. If you want to check for updates right now, open the terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This will update Chrome along with any other software that has newer versions available. You can also check for updates inside Chrome itself by clicking the three-dot menu in the top right, selecting "Help", then "About Google Chrome". Chrome will show you the current version and download any pending updates.
Removing Chrome if you change your mind
If you decide Chrome is not for you, removing it is simple. Open the terminal and run:
sudo apt remove google-chrome-stable
Type "y" and press Enter. This removes the Chrome program but leaves the repository in place, which takes up negligible space. If you want to remove the repository as well, run:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list
Then run "sudo apt update" to refresh your software list. Chrome will be completely gone, and your system will return to its original state.
Troubleshooting common installation problems
If the terminal commands do not work, the most common cause is that your system is not connected to the internet or the connection is unstable. Check your network connection and try again. If you see an error message about "permission denied", make sure you included "sudo" at the beginning of each command — this gives the command the permissions it needs to modify system files.
If Chrome installs but will not launch, try opening the terminal and typing "google-chrome" without quotes, then pressing Enter. This will show you any error messages that might explain what is wrong. If you see a message about missing libraries, run "sudo apt install -f" to fix missing dependencies, then try launching Chrome again.
If you installed Chrome through the Software app and it is not showing up in your applications menu, try logging out and logging back in. Sometimes Ubuntu needs to refresh its menu after a new installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall Firefox to use Chrome?
No. Firefox and Chrome can both run on the same Ubuntu system. You can use whichever browser you prefer for each task, or keep both open at the same time. Removing Firefox is optional and does not affect Chrome.
Will Chrome slow down my Ubuntu system?
Chrome uses more memory than Firefox, so if your computer has limited RAM (less than 4 GB), you may notice a slowdown when Chrome is running. On systems with 8 GB or more, the difference is usually not noticeable. You can always close Chrome when you are not using it to free up memory.
Can I sync my Chrome bookmarks across multiple devices?
Yes, if you sign into Chrome with a Google account. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history will sync to any other device where you sign in with the same account. This is optional — you can use Chrome without signing in, but then your data will only exist on that one computer.
What if I get an error about "Unable to locate package"?
This usually means the repository information did not download correctly. Run "sudo apt update" again to refresh your software list, then try "sudo apt install google-chrome-stable" once more. If the error persists, try installing Chrome through the Software app instead, which handles repository setup automatically.
Is Chrome the same on Ubuntu as on Windows?
Chrome works the same way on Ubuntu as it does on Windows or Mac. The interface looks identical, and your bookmarks and settings will sync across all three if you sign in with a Google account. The only difference is how you install and update it — Ubuntu handles updates through its package manager rather than Chrome updating itself.