How to Install Chrome on Ubuntu: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers worldwide, known for its speed, security, and extensive extension library. If you’re using Ubuntu and wondering how to install Chrome on Ubuntu, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to install Google Chrome on your Ubuntu system, whether you prefer using the terminal or a graphical interface.

Table of Contents

• Why Install Chrome on Ubuntu?
• Prerequisites for Installing Chrome
• Method 1: Install Chrome via Terminal (Recommended)
• Method 2: Install Chrome Using GUI
• Method 3: Install Chrome as a Snap Package
• How to Set Chrome as Default Browser
• Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
• Conclusion

Why Install Chrome on Ubuntu?

While Ubuntu comes with Firefox pre-installed, many users prefer Chrome for several reasons:

• Better compatibility with Google services (Gmail, Docs, Meet)
• Faster performance on many websites
• Access to Chrome’s vast extension ecosystem
• Seamless sync across devices when signed into Google account
• More frequent security updates than some Linux browsers

Prerequisites for Installing Chrome

Before you proceed with installing Chrome on your Ubuntu system, ensure you have:

• An Ubuntu system (18.04, 20.04, 22.04, or newer)
• Administrator/sudo privileges
• At least 500MB of free disk space
• Active internet connection
• Basic familiarity with terminal commands (for some methods)

Method 1: Install Chrome via Terminal (Recommended)

This is the most reliable method to install Chrome on Ubuntu. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Chrome .deb Package

Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and enter:

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

Step 2: Install the Downloaded Package

Run the following command to install the package:

sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

Step 3: Launch Google Chrome

You can now launch Chrome either from terminal:

google-chrome

Or find it in your applications menu under “Internet” category.

Method 2: Install Chrome Using GUI

If you prefer a graphical approach, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Chrome Package

Visit the official Chrome download page in Firefox:

https://www.google.com/chrome/

Click “Download Chrome” and select the .deb package (For Debian/Ubuntu).

Step 2: Install the Package

1. Open your Downloads folder
2. Double-click the downloaded .deb file
3. Click “Install” in the Software Center that opens
4. Enter your password when prompted

Method 3: Install Chrome as a Snap Package

Ubuntu now prefers Snap packages. To install Chrome via Snap:

sudo snap install chromium

Note: This installs Chromium (the open-source version) rather than Chrome. For the official Chrome snap:

sudo snap install google-chrome

How to Set Chrome as Default Browser

After installation, you may want to make Chrome your default browser:

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu
2. Go to Settings > Default browser
3. Click “Make default”
4. Alternatively, go to Ubuntu Settings > Default Applications
5. Select “Google Chrome” as Web Browser

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Dependency Errors

If you encounter dependency issues, run:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

32-bit Systems

Chrome no longer supports 32-bit systems. Consider using Chromium instead:

sudo apt install chromium-browser

Signature Verification Failed

If you get GPG errors, update your keyring:

wget -q -O - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo apt-key add -

Conclusion

Now you know how to install Chrome on Ubuntu using multiple methods. The terminal method is generally the most reliable, but the GUI approach works well for those who prefer visual interfaces. Chrome offers excellent performance and compatibility that makes it worth installing alongside Firefox.

Have you successfully installed Chrome on your Ubuntu system? Which method worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments below!

Pro Tip: Keep Chrome updated by regularly running:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade