Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu & Debian

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, known for its speed, security, and extensive extension ecosystem. This guide covers installing Google Chrome on Ubuntu and Debian Linux.

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 20.04+ / Debian 10+
• Root or sudo access
• Internet connection
• 64-bit system

Method 1: Install Using .deb Package (Easiest)

Step 1: Update Package Lists

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Download Google Chrome

Download the stable .deb package:

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

Step 3: Install Chrome

Install the downloaded package:

sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

Fix any missing dependencies:

sudo apt install -f

Method 2: Add Chrome Repository (Recommended)

Installing via repository ensures automatic updates:

Step 1: Update System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Add Chrome GPG Key

wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg

Step 3: Add Chrome Repository

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list

Step 4: Install Chrome

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y google-chrome-stable

Launch Chrome

From Terminal

google-chrome

Or start in stable mode:

google-chrome-stable

From Application Menu

• Click “Activities” or applications icon
• Search for “Chrome”
• Click the Chrome icon

Run WithoutSandbox (Optional)

If you encounter issues in certain environments:

google-chrome --no-sandbox

Chrome Variants

• Stable – Latest stable release (recommended)
• Beta – Pre-release features
• Unstable – Development version
• Chromium – Open source version

Install Beta Version

sudo apt install -y google-chrome-beta

Install Unstable Version

sudo apt install -y google-chrome-unstable

Updating Chrome

Update via Repository

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y google-chrome-stable

Check Version

google-chrome --version

Uninstalling Chrome

Remove Chrome

sudo apt remove -y google-chrome-stable google-chrome-beta google-chrome-unstable

Remove Repository

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg
sudo apt update

Useful Chrome Commands

• google-chrome --new-window – Open new window
• google-chrome --incognito – Incognito mode
• google-chrome --disable-gpu – Disable GPU
• google-chrome --no-sandbox – Disable sandbox
• google-chrome --headless – Headless mode
• google-chrome --kiosk – Kiosk mode

Create Desktop Shortcut

Create a .desktop file:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/google-chrome.desktop

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=Google Chrome
Comment=Google Chrome Web Browser
Exec=/usr/bin/google-chrome-stable %U
Icon=google-chrome
Terminal=false
Categories=Network;WebBrowser;

Troubleshooting

Package Dependencies Error

Fix broken dependencies:

sudo apt install -f
sudo dpkg --configure -a

Chrome Won’t Start

Try starting with flags:

google-chrome --no-sandbox --disable-gpu --disable-software-rasterizer

32-bit Error

Chrome is 64-bit only. Verify your system:

uname -m

Should show x86_64

Conclusion

Google Chrome is now installed on your system! You can now:

• Browse the web with Chrome
• Sync bookmarks across devices
• Use Chrome extensions
• Access developer tools
• Use Chrome as default browser