How to Install Firefox for Chromebook

A few good reasons to do this

Although Chrome is the principal browser on Chromebooks, there are valid reasons to install Firefox. You could love Chrome OS but not the Chrome web browser. Using Firefox or any third-party browser allows you to catch a break from the Google ecosystem, enjoy better privacy, and use some unique feature.

Firefox offers better tracking prevention and an advanced screenshot tool over Chrome. Even if you can’t stop using Chrome, Firefox is great as a backup browser. In this guide, we’ll show different ways to install Firefox on yourChromebook.

We also list the types of Firefox browsers available for Chromebooks, what they do, and their differences.

Install Firefox From the Google Play Store

Play Store is the recognized platform to install applications on Android devices and Chromebooks. The Android versions of Firefox work perfectly on Chrome OS; here’s how to install them on your device.

  1. Launch Play Store from the Chromebook desktop or apps viewer.

  2. Typefirefoxin the search bar and pressEnter.

  3. Click theInstallbutton to download the browser to your Chromebook.

You may find several variants of Firefox on the Google Play Store.Firefox Browseris the standard version of the browser that you’re probably looking to download. We list other variants of the browser below:

Firefox Lite:This is a stripped version of Firefox that’s lighter and faster than the standard Firefox. You should consider installing Firefox Lite if your Chromebook is low on memory or storage space.

Firefox Focus:This is the privacy-focused version of Firefox that providesenhanced protection against a wide range of trackers—ad trackers, analytical trackers, social trackers, etc. If you’re big on online privacy, or you needa tool to keep snooping eyes out of your web activity, you should install Firefox Focus.

Firefox Nightly (formerly Firefox Preview):Firefox Nightly is an “unstable” variant of the browser designed to test new and developmental features. Picture Nightly as the first testing ground for new Firefox features; the Alpha build.

Before Mozilla introduces a new feature, it pushes it to the Nightly build of the browser where users test the features and provide feedback. This Firefox build is usually unstable and filled with bugs, so you don’t want to have it as your primary browser.

Firefox Beta:When the experimental features on Firefox Nightly are successful or become much more stable in Nightly, Mozilla ships them over to Firefox Beta. This app is the second and final testing ground for new or development features before the final or stable version.

Firefox Beta also contains several bugs, but it’s a lot more stable than Firefox Nightly. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t use an unstable or experimental variant of Firefox as your primary browser. Firefox Beta could crash during usage, some features may not work correctly, and it can also crash your Chromebook.

These Firefox browsers for Android are free and work on Chromebooks running Chrome OS 80 or newer. If you don’t find Firefox on the Play Store, update your Chromebook and check again.

Install Firefox As a Linux App

Chrome OS has an experimental development environment that lets youinstall Linux applications on your Chromebook. If Firefox for Android lacks some features you desire, follow the steps below to download and install the Linux version of the browser on your Chromebook.

Before anything, enable the Linux development environment on your device.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and go toDevelopers>Linux development environment (Beta)and click theTurn onbutton.

Note:The Linux development environment is available on Chromebooks running Chrome OS 69 or newer. If you don’t find the option in the settings menu, update your Chromebook’s operating system to the latest version-—go toSettings>About Chrome OS.

  1. ClickNextto continue.

  2. Chrome OS will generate a username for the Linux environment and also recommend a storage quota. You can change the name but we advise that you proceed with the recommended disk size. ClickInstallto continue.

Your Chromebook will download the necessary files, tools, and apps needed to set up the Linux environment. and Chromebook’s hardware configuration. Proceed to the next step to download Firefox’s Linux setup file.

  1. Open your Chromebook’s apps viewer and launchTerminal. You’ll find it tucked in theLinux appsfolder.

  2. Paste the command below in the Terminal console and pressEnter.

sudo apt install firefox-esr

  1. Terminal will display a prompt notifying you of the app’s download size and disk space that it’ll occupy on your Chromebook. Typeyand press Enter to continue.

Wait till the progress bar hits 100% and Terminal displays a success message.

  1. Open the Linux apps folder in the apps viewer and selectFirefox ESR.

The app might take some seconds to load when you launch it for the first time after installation. That’s completely normal.

Firefox for Android vs Firefox for Linux

Firefox for Linux provides a full-on PC experience when navigating web pages. Websites will load their desktop version by default, plus you also get to enjoy advanced features designed for PC users. There’s a screenshot tool, a dedicatedTask Manager to monitor memory usage, an offline mode, web development toolkits, and more.

Tab management on Firefox for Linux is also way better. You can move, mute, duplicate, and even pin a tab.

Firefox for Android, on the other hand, is primarily a mobile browser. You may enjoy using this version only if you use your Chromebook in tablet mode. The toolbar is at the bottom by default, but you can move it to the top in the settings menu—go toSettings>Customize>Toolbarand select eitherToporBottom.

Summarily, Firefox for Linux will hand you a full-on desktop experience and tools while Firefox for Android has a mobile interface and limited features. Although the decision is yours to make, we recommend installing the Linux version of the browser on your Chromebook.

Uninstall Firefox from Chromebook

Tired of Firefox? Want to delete the browser from your Chromebook to free up space? Right-click or long-press the app’s icon and selectUninstall.

Troubleshoot Firefox Installation Issues

If you’re experiencing difficulties installing Firefox from Play Store or Terminal, restart your Chromebook and try again. You should also ensure your Chromebook is running the latest Chrome OS.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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