How to Install Google Chrome on Linux Mint

If you use Google Chrome on a Windows PC and have moved to Linux Mint, you may want the same browser on your new computer. The good news is that you can install Chrome on Linux Mint without using complicated commands.

The simplest method is to download the official Linux installer from Google’s website. This guide walks you through the process, including how to open Chrome for the first time and what to check if the installation does not work.

What you’ll need

• A Linux Mint computer connected to the internet.
• Your account password, in case Linux Mint asks you to approve the installation.
• A few minutes to download and install the browser.

Step 1: Open the official Google Chrome download page

Start by visiting Google’s own website. This helps you avoid unofficial downloads or websites offering modified versions of the browser.

1. Open the web browser already installed on Linux Mint, such as Firefox.
2. Click the address bar at the top of the browser window.
3. Type https://www.google.com/chrome/ and press Enter.
4. Wait for the Google Chrome download page to appear.
5. Choose Download Chrome.

Careful: Download Chrome from Google’s official website. Avoid third-party download sites, even if they offer a file with a similar name.

Step 2: Choose the correct Linux download

Google provides a Linux version of Chrome as a Debian package. Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, which uses this package format, so the Debian installer is the right choice for most standard Linux Mint computers.

1. When the download options appear, choose 64 bit .deb (For Debian/Ubuntu).
2. If a terms or confirmation window appears, review it and continue with the download.
3. Wait for the file to finish downloading.

The file will usually be saved in your Downloads folder. Its name will look similar to google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb.

Good to know: Most current Linux Mint desktop computers use 64-bit Intel or AMD processors. If your computer is an unusual model or uses a different processor architecture, check its specifications before choosing an installer.

Step 3: Open the downloaded installer

Linux Mint includes a graphical tool for installing downloaded software packages. You can use it to install Chrome without typing commands.

1. Open the Downloads folder. You can usually find it in the left-hand sidebar of the file manager.
2. Find the file named google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb, or a similarly named Chrome .deb file.
3. Double-click the file.
4. If Linux Mint asks which application to use, choose the package installer or software installation option offered.
5. Wait for the installer window to open.

If double-clicking opens a different app or does not start the installation, right-click the downloaded file and look for an option such as Open With GDebi Package Installer or Install Package. The exact wording can vary by Linux Mint version and the software installed on your computer.

Step 4: Install Google Chrome

Once the package installer opens, review the details and approve the installation.

1. In the installer window, choose Install Package or the available install button.
2. Enter your Linux Mint password if you are asked to authenticate.
3. Wait while the installer adds Google Chrome to your system.
4. When the process finishes, close the installer.

The password prompt is a normal security check. Linux Mint uses it to confirm that you are allowed to install software on the computer.

Tip: Keep the installer open until it confirms that installation is complete. Avoid restarting or shutting down the computer while the package is being installed.

Step 5: Open Google Chrome

After installation, Chrome should appear in the Linux Mint application menu.

1. Click the Menu button in the bottom-left corner of the desktop.
2. Open the Internet category, if it is shown.
3. Select Google Chrome.
4. Wait for the browser to open.
5. Read the first-run options and choose whether to make Chrome your default browser or send optional usage information.

You can also use the menu’s search field. Click Menu, type Google Chrome, and select the result when it appears.

Step 6: Sign in and bring over your bookmarks

If you already use Chrome on another computer, signing in can make it easier to access your familiar browser setup.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Select Sign in if the option appears, or open the profile menu near the top-right corner.
3. Enter your Google Account details.
4. Review the sync choices and decide what information you want Chrome to synchronize.

Sync can make items such as bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history available across devices, depending on your account settings. Only enable the types of information you are comfortable syncing.

Good to know: You do not need a Google Account to use Chrome. You can browse the web without signing in.

Step 7: Make Chrome your default browser (optional)

If you want web links to open in Chrome automatically, you can choose it as your default browser.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Open the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Look for the Default browser section.
5. Choose Make default if the option is available.

You may also be able to set the default browser through Linux Mint’s system settings. Open the application menu and search for Preferred Applications. If that tool is available, open it and choose Google Chrome for the web browser option.

Troubleshooting: If Chrome will not install

If the installation does not go as expected, try these checks.

• The installer says the package is not supported: Check that you downloaded 64 bit .deb (For Debian/Ubuntu) from Google’s official page. The package is not suitable for every processor architecture.
• The file will not open: Open the Downloads folder, right-click the .deb file, and look for a package installer option.
• Linux Mint asks for a password: Enter the password for your Linux Mint account if you have permission to install software. It is normal for the system to request approval.
• Chrome does not appear in the menu: Open the application menu and search for Google Chrome. If it is still missing, check whether the installer reported an error.
• The download seems incomplete: Delete the incomplete download and download the installer again from Google’s official Chrome page.

If you still cannot install Chrome, check that your version of Linux Mint is supported by the current Google Chrome package. You can also use the Firefox browser already included with Linux Mint while you investigate.

Enjoy browsing with Chrome on Linux Mint

Once Chrome is installed, you can use it much as you would on a Windows or Mac computer. Download the official Debian package, install it with Linux Mint’s package installer, and sign in only if you want your browser information synced across devices.