Over the last few years , Android apps have been added to more and more Chromebook models . A vivid enlargement of the overall user experience , Google went forrader and integrated thePlay Storeinto most Chromebooks made after 2019 . This is the most commodious room to download an Android app or two , but if you own an old Chromebook , the auto may not have aboriginal backing for downloading and installing applets .
To confirm this , we recommend referencing thisextensive Android app musical accompaniment listfrom The Chromium Projects .
luckily , there ’s a couple of workarounds you may implement to successfully load up Android apps onto your senior Chromebook . Here ’s a template to help you along the mode .
Update Chrome OS
First , let ’s make indisputable that your Chromebook is runningChrome OS version 53 or new .
Step 1 : Click theQuick configurations Panel(beside the system of rules clock ) followed by theSettingscog on the crop up - up menu .
Step 2 : When theSettingswindow opens , selectAbout Chrome OSlisted on the left .
footfall 3 : On the right , you ’ll see the chopine automatically update if a new version is uncommitted . If it does n’t mechanically update , sink in theCheck for Updatesbutton and restart as requested .
Enable the Google Play Store
You belike already have the Google Play Store enable , but if it ’s not intelligibly visible on the Shelf or Launcher , here ’s how to ensure it ’s exchange on .
Step 1 : Click theQuick Settingspanel ( system clock ) followed by theSettingscog on the kill - up menu .
footprint 2 : SelectAppslisted on the left .
Step 3 : SelectGoogle Play Storelisted on the rightfield .
If the Google Play Store is enabled , you ’ll see aRemovebutton . If not , move on to the next step .
Step 4 : dawn theTurn Onbutton display next toInstall Apps and Games from Google Play on Your Chromebook .
Step 5 : SelectMorein the bulge - up windowpane .
Step 6 : SelectI Agreeafter reading Google ’s term of Service .
gradation 7 : TheGoogle encounter Storeappears on the cover . take over the additional price and conditions .
Now you may proceed to the next discussion section .
Download and install your Android apps
The process of instal Android apps from thePlay fund on a Chromebookis similar to doing so on an Android machine .
You ’ll find that the Play Store will be format for a tablet - manner screen . Other Android apps can work the same way — an app will take on the tab user interface if the developer enabled it . Otherwise , they ’ll scale to the Chromebook ’s larger screen or visually remain in smartphone fashion . For the latter , they can gate-crash if you force a full - CRT screen windowpane .
Step 1 : To install an app , locate it in the Play Store , chatter on its entry , and click the greenInstallbutton .
mark : Android apps that are not compatible with your Chromebook will not appear on the Play Store .
Step 2 : The app will download and install . When finish , snap the greenOpenbutton or give the app from the Launcher .
you could make do Android apps like other Chrome OS apps . The same windowpane controls are locate in the upper - rightfield recess , while theBackarrow fundamental resides in the top - left niche , allowing you to easily navigate through the app .
observe : Some apps may be “ inst apps , ” which mean you may open and taste them out before downloading them . This is a corking way to test out how an Android app single-valued function before you choose to in full install it .
Change app permissions or uninstall
Step 3 : SelectManage Your Appslisted on the right wing .
Step 4 : penetrate on the app you want to modify or delete .
footstep 5 : To qualify the permissions , click theTogglenext to each to exchange them on or off . For example , Microsoft Word can access storage but not the camera , mike , or contacts .
If you just desire to uninstall the app , get through theUninstallbutton instead .
Android app extra tips
Chromebook case : The quality of your Android app experience will vary based on your Chromebook . For case , Chromebooks with touchscreens , and particularly 2 - in-1s , will provide the best Android app experience . System constituent like accelerometers will make playing games and other tasks more enjoyable as well . Remember , always update Chrome o before trying to download Android apps !
Syncing : Your Android apps , like other apps , will seek to mechanically synchronize to the data in any other Chromebooks you are logged on to . However , they may not sync if you are using the app on a non - Chrome equipment .
Administrators : decision maker preferences may obstruct the ability to add together the Chrome Store or Android Apps to your calculator . If you ’re at employment or school , you may demand to procure permissions or move to a dissimilar web .
For Chromebooks that don’t support Android
Chromebooks either support the Google Play Store , or they do n’t . The underlying computer hardware must support Android , and jumping into the developer communication channel wo n’t as if by magic make Android apps work . One possible workaround is to sideload Android apps using Linux .
This can be utile for those who prefer Linux statement and could make some Android apps more stable on a Chromebook . Also , sideloading apps means you do n’t have to get your apps through the Play Store , which can make it easy to get at some apps that you may require to apply .
However , there ’s a arrest — the process is n’t light . You need to be comfortable with Linux and Android APKs to make the whole thing work . Here are a few other things to consider :
Installing Android apps outside the Google Play Store is dangerous , as they could incorporate malware .
Android apps only may not scarper commonly on your Chromebook ’s hardware .
Your Chromebook may not have adequate space to host the Android tools and apps .
If you require to take the risk , utilise the next steps .
Step 2 : SelectAdvanced , thenDevelopers .
footfall 3 : bet forLinux Development Environment , and selectTurn On . Linux will take several minute to set up . substantiate the on - screen instructions to proceed .
footfall 4 : Linux should install with its final open and ready for command . Now , you ’ll require the tools and APK to sideload your Android apps . Type / Paste the folllowing command to download the ADB puppet :
sudo disposed - get install android - tools - adb -y
Step 5 : With the Linux Terminal still open , type the following command :
adb touch base 100.115.92.2:5555
gradation 6 : In the pop - up windowpane toAllow USB Debugging , match the box next toAlways Allowand then selectOK .
Step 7 : set up the Android APK . To sideload a downloaded Android APK , utilise the next command in the Linux Terminal :
adb set up appname.apk
The whole process is certainly not for everyone , but those who are happy to use Linux will find it a smashing way to run Android apps without the Play Store .
