How to Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu 24.04
If you started using the internet post 2008, it is very likely that your first interaction over the internet was via Google Chrome web browser. People were frustrated with Microsoft Internet Explorer (which has reached its end of life and has now been discontinued), so when Google launched its proprietary product, Google Chrome, it was met with great demand, and hundreds of thousands of people switched to Chrome from Internet Explorer.
The reason for this switch was obvious, Chrome was definitely much faster and sleek in comparison to Internet Explorer and it offered a unique user experience. Within 4 years after its launch date, Chrome overtook Internet Explorer in terms of having the most users.
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Let’s switch gears now and move to the crucial part where we’ll talk about downloading and installing Chrome on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS which happens to be the latest OS at the time.
Method 1: Installing Google Chrome via Graphical Interface (GUI) Copy link
The first method is straight as an arrow and needs no extra skills other than the ability to operate a personal computer. Go ahead and search the term ‘Google Chrome’ in the browser bar.
Of course, you need a browser for this. Nothing to worry about as Ubuntu has a browser that comes built-in, this built-in browser is Firefox.
Follow along, see where the arrows are pointing in the screenshots and download the 64 bit .deb (For Debian/Ubuntu).
Once you select the right version, go ahead and click on Accept and Install.
Go to the directory where this package is downloaded, in my case, it is downloaded within my Downloads directory. Click on the file twice so it opens up in the Software Center where you will see a green Install button. Click that.
Again, click on Install.
After following along, complete the authentication by putting in your password.
After installation is done, go to apps and search for ‘Google Chrome’. You can click on it to open it and then you can start using it.
Method 2: Installing Google Chrome via Terminal Copy link
- Update Package Information
Updating package information is easy, run the update command:
sudo apt update- Download Chrome with wget
Use the wget utility to download Chrome from the provided URL:
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
This URL is the external source from where you can acquire the stable version of Chrome. Chrome is now downloaded but not yet installed.
- Install Chrome using dpkg
To install this package you need to use the Debian package manager dpkg with the -i flag which indicates the installation.
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
- Fix Dependency Errors
During our procedure, we didn’t come across any dependency error, if you face any then you can use the following command:
sudo apt install -fOr:
sudo apt-get install -f
- Run Google Chrome
You can either open the browser from GUI or you can run this command and open the browser from within the terminal:
google-chrome-stable
Method 3: Installing Beta or Unstable Versions of Google Chrome Copy link
Installing Google Chrome Beta Copy link
Some developers get super excited when it comes to testing the versions of different products before the general public. If you are one of them, you can install Google Chrome’s beta version.
- Download Beta Google Chrome
Use wget with the direct URL pointing to an external source from where you can download the beta package of the browser:
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-beta_current_amd64.deb
- Install Beta Google Chrome
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-beta_current_amd64.deb
If dependency errors pop up, just use the command shown in Method 2.
- Run Beta Google Chrome
Open beta version using terminal:
google-chrome-beta
The beta version of this browser runs smoothly without any issues, if you see any warnings in the terminal simply ignore it and you can use the beta version without any hassle.
Install Unstable Google Chrome Copy link
If you are someone who likes to do testing way in advance and you are okay with multiple crashes, you can install Unstable Google Chrome.
Unstable Google Chrome has feature access before Beta Chrome. Main difference between Beta Google Chrome and Unstable Google Chrome is that Beta is updated every 4 weeks while Unstable is updated every day.
- Download Unstable Google Chrome
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-unstable_current_amd64.deb
- Install Unstable Google Chrome
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-unstable_current_amd64.deb
- Run Unstable Google Chrome
google-chrome-unstable
Unstable versions of Chrome run smoothly, warnings or errors might pop up but you can ignore those, it works ok.
Additional Tips Copy link
As Ubuntu’s default repository does not have Chrome due to proprietary rights, Google Chrome creates its own repo in your system and it updates each time you update your default repository.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeConclusion Copy link
A vast number of Linux users prioritize their privacy and prefer open-source products. If this is you, you might be aware that Google Chrome is a proprietary product and is owned by Alphabet (parent company of Google) which means it's not open source. If you are looking for something similar and also open source then Chromium is a great browser to consider.
Google Chrome came with the concept of extensions and Google enabled them by default in 2009. These extensions extended the performance of the Chrome web browser and offered additional options to accomplish many things in much easier ways than previously. The main thing that really made Chrome “The King of The Market” was its speed and the ability to get updates for new versions. Google Chrome was able to fix issues much faster than competitors and users had a fine way to access all Google Products in one place.
The birth of the Chrome browser was the result of the problems Google workers faced with the browsers in the market at the time. They created a ‘Just Built For Them’ product which was actually what was needed in the market. Internet Explorer was the most used browser at the time but it was slow. It took Google Chrome just a few years to beat Internet Explorer in the market and in the upcoming decade, it completely wiped it off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Copy link
How to install Google Chrome in Linux Ubuntu? Copy link
The fastest method is using the terminal. Download the official package and install it with apt to handle dependencies automatically:
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wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb -
sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
How to fix Google Chrome not opening in Ubuntu? Copy link
If Chrome fails to launch, try these steps:
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Run from Terminal: Type google-chrome in the terminal. The output often reveals the specific error (e.g., GPU issues or missing libraries).
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Clear Lock Files: If the browser thinks it is already running, remove the lock file: rm ~/.config/google-chrome/SingletonLock
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Check Permissions: On Ubuntu 24.04, ensure AppArmor isn't blocking the application if you are using a custom security profile.
Does Ubuntu have a Chrome browser? Copy link
No, Ubuntu comes with Firefox installed by default. However, you can easily install:
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Google Chrome: The official proprietary browser (requires manual installation).
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Chromium: The open-source version of Chrome, available directly in the Ubuntu Software Center (Snap store).
How do I update Google Chrome on Ubuntu? Copy link
When you install the .deb file, it automatically adds the Google repository to your system. Chrome will update alongside your other system apps when you run sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.
How do I make Chrome my default browser? Copy link
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps (or "Default Applications").Look for the "Web" dropdown menu and select Google Chrome.