This article explains how to install Firefox on Chrome OS, either through Flatpak, Snap, or Google Play. {for win mac linux}{note}'''This article only applies to Chrome OS.''' {for mac}For instructions to install Firefox on Mac, see [[How to download and install Firefox on Mac]].{/for}{for win}For instructions to install Firefox on Windows, see [[Installing Firefox on Windows]].{/for}{for linux}For instructions on how to install Firefox on Linux, see [[Install Firefox on Linux]].{/for}{/note}{/for} __TOC__ = Installing the Firefox browser as a Linux app = Going this route takes a few more steps, but it’s worth it. When you install the Firefox browser as a Linux app, you get the Firefox desktop browser and all the benefits that come with it, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, a built-in password manager, access to thousands of add-ons (including the uBlock Origin ad blocker), and themes to customize the look of your browser. == System requirements == *'''Chrome OS 80 or later''' You can check your Chrome OS version by going to <code>chrome://version</code> in the Chrome browser address bar. You can follow [https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177889 these instructions from Google] if you need to upgrade your OS. We recommend being on the latest version of Chrome OS that your Chromebook supports, as this guide uses instructions and imagery based off of it. *'''Linux support''' Some Chromebooks don't support Linux. If your Chromebook does, you'll find "Linux" in your OS settings. == Installation process == === Setting up Linux === Search "Linux" in your OS settings, and then press {button Turn on} next to ''Linux development environment''. [[Image:LinuxCrOSTurnOn]] A pop-up window will appear. Press the {button Next} button, and then press {button Install}. You'll need 10 GB of free space on your Chromebook to use the recommended size. [[Image:LinuxCrOSInstallingLinux]] Once the Terminal opens, go into the Linux settings. Look for a toggle that says "Allow Linux to access your microphone" and enable it. This allows Firefox to pass your microphone through to websites you've granted permission to access it. [[Image:LinuxCrOSAccessMic]] Press {button Shut down} to confirm the change, then go back to the Terminal app and choose ''penguin'' to start Linux again. Now, enter the following into the Terminal: ;<code>sudo bash /opt/google/cros-containers/bin/upgrade_container</code> Then, right-click the Terminal app and select {button Shut down Linux}. Once Linux starts back up, run the following in the Terminal: ;<code>export $(cat /etc/os-release | grep VERSION_CODENAME); echo $VERSION_CODENAME</code> If everything went smoothly, either <code>buster</code> or <code>bullseye</code> will appear. From here, you'll need to choose an installation method. === Installing the Firefox desktop browser with Flatpak === Flatpaks are a packaging format for Linux, and are meant to be packages that can be used by any Linux distribution. The Firefox Flatpak is the easiest way to install Firefox on Chrome OS, but it does come with a few drawbacks: * The Firefox Flatpak can only be installed on an x86_64 Chromebook * Flatpaks don't auto-update, so you'll have to run <code>flatpak update</code> in the Terminal to update Firefox * Extra post-install work is required for a good experience on Chrome OS ==== Determining architecture ==== You can enter <code>uname -m</code> in the Terminal to determine whether you're running on <code>x86_64</code> or <code>aarch64</code>. If you're on <code>aarch64</code>, you'll need to install Firefox with Snap instead. ==== Installing Flatpak ==== Go to Chrome, and visit {button ctrl}+{button alt}+{button t} on your keyboard to open ''crosh''. Enter the following commands into ''crosh'': ;<code>vmc start termina</code> ;<code>lxc config set penguin security.nesting true</code> ;<code>exit</code> ;<code>vmc stop termina</code> Linux will shut down, so go back to the Terminal app and select ''penguin'' to start it up again. Type this into the Terminal, then press {button enter}: ;<code>sudo bash -c "echo 'deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye-backports main' > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/backports.list" && sudo apt update && sudo apt install flatpak/bullseye-backports -y</code> ==== Installing the Firefox Flatpak ==== Visit [https://flathub.org/apps/details/org.mozilla.firefox the Firefox Flathub page] and press {button INSTALL} to download the Flatpak reference file. Choose {button Show in folder} when asked, and drag <code>org.mozilla.firefox.flatpakref</code> to ''Linux files''. Once it's finished copying the file, install Firefox by typing this into the Terminal and pressing {button enter}: ;<code>sudo flatpak install org.mozilla.firefox.flatpakref -y</code> Say yes to all that it asks. ==== Installing Flatseal ==== Visit [https://flathub.org/apps/details/com.github.tchx84.Flatseal the Flatseal Flathub page] and press {button INSTALL} to download the Flatpak reference file. Choose {button Show in folder} when asked, and drag <code>com.github.tchx84.Flatseal.flatpakref</code> to ''Linux files''. Once it's finished copying the file, install Flatseal by typing this into the Terminal and pressing {button enter}: ;<code>sudo flatpak install com.github.tchx84.Flatseal.flatpakref -y</code> Say yes to all that it asks. ==== Configuring Firefox in Flatseal ==== Launch Flatseal from the Launcher, then scroll until you find the ''Filesystem'' section. Turn on "All user files", and wait for the blue caution sign to appear. This sign signals that the setting was changed by you. Once it appears, you're safe to close Flatseal. [[Image:FlatsealCrOSAllUserFiles]] You may want to drag Firefox and Flatseal out of the Linux apps folder if they're the only two Linux apps you have. '''Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!''' === Installing the Firefox desktop browser with Snap === Snaps are a packaging format for Linux, and are meant to be packages that can be used by any Linux distribution. The Firefox snap is a great way to install Firefox on Chrome OS, but it does come with drawbacks: * Snap currently doesn't have a great install experience on Chrome OS; some things need to be done multiple times * Snaps do not get added automatically to the Chrome OS shelf, unlike Flatpaks - although the install command listed below handles this for you * You can't set the Firefox snap as your default browser in Linux-- you'll need to check the "Don't show again" checkbox to avoid seeing the default browser popup everytime you launch Firefox ==== Installing Snap ==== Type this into the Terminal: ;<code>sudo apt install squashfuse snapd -y && sudo snap install core</code> Then press {button enter}. You'll see a lot of "Failed to write change" errors - simply re-run the last command: ;<code>sudo snap install core</code> ==== Installing the Firefox snap ==== Type this into the Terminal to install Firefox: ;<code>mkdir ~/.local; mkdir ~/.local/share; mkdir ~/.local/share/applications; sudo snap install firefox && curl -fsS https://pastebin.com/raw/wYMFRnmn > ~/.local/share/applications/firefox.desktop</code> '''Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!''' = Installing Firefox for Android from Google Play = Going this route is easier, but note that the Firefox for Android app is designed with mobile devices in mind and not Chromebooks. You'll have a much better experience when you install Firefox as a Linux app, giving you access to the Firefox desktop browser and all the benefits that come with it. == System requirements == *'''Chrome OS 80 or later''' You can check your Chrome OS version by going to <code>chrome://version</code> in the Chrome browser address bar. You can follow [https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177889 these instructions from Google] if you need to upgrade your OS. We recommend being on the latest version of Chrome OS that your Chromebook supports, as this guide uses instructions and imagery based off of it. *'''Google Play support''' Some Chromebooks don't support Google Play. If your Chromebook does, you'll find "Play Store" in your OS settings. == Installing Firefox for Android == Search "Play Store" in your OS settings, and then press {button Turn on} next to ''Google Play Store''. [[Image:PlayCrOSTurnOn]] A pop-up window will appear. Make sure "Use location" is checked. This allows Firefox to give your location to websites you've granted permission to have it. Then, press {button Accept}. [[Image:PlayCrOSAcceptTerms]] Google Play will begin installing. Once it opens, simply visit [http://www.mozilla.org/firefox/android the download page for Firefox for Android] and press tap [[Image:GooglePlayButton]]. Open the page in Play Store if it doesn't open automatically, then press {button Install}. Once it's done installing, press {button Open}. '''Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!'''

This article explains how to install Firefox on Chrome OS, either through Flatpak, Snap, or Google Play.

Installing the Firefox browser as a Linux app

Going this route takes a few more steps, but it’s worth it.

When you install the Firefox browser as a Linux app, you get the Firefox desktop browser and all the benefits that come with it, including Enhanced Tracking Protection, a built-in password manager, access to thousands of add-ons (including the uBlock Origin ad blocker), and themes to customize the look of your browser.

System requirements

• Chrome OS 80 or later

You can check your Chrome OS version by going to chrome://version in the Chrome browser address bar. You can follow these instructions from Google if you need to upgrade your OS. We recommend being on the latest version of Chrome OS that your Chromebook supports, as this guide uses instructions and imagery based off of it.

• Linux support

Some Chromebooks don't support Linux. If your Chromebook does, you'll find "Linux" in your OS settings.

Installation process

Setting up Linux

Search "Linux" in your OS settings, and then press Turn on next to Linux development environment.

A pop-up window will appear. Press the Next button, and then press Install. You'll need 10 GB of free space on your Chromebook to use the recommended size.

Once the Terminal opens, go into the Linux settings. Look for a toggle that says "Allow Linux to access your microphone" and enable it. This allows Firefox to pass your microphone through to websites you've granted permission to access it.

Press Shut down to confirm the change, then go back to the Terminal app and choose penguin to start Linux again.

Now, enter the following into the Terminal:

sudo bash /opt/google/cros-containers/bin/upgrade_container

Then, right-click the Terminal app and select Shut down Linux.

Once Linux starts back up, run the following in the Terminal:

export $(cat /etc/os-release | grep VERSION_CODENAME); echo $VERSION_CODENAME

If everything went smoothly, either buster or bullseye will appear.

From here, you'll need to choose an installation method.

Installing the Firefox desktop browser with Flatpak

Flatpaks are a packaging format for Linux, and are meant to be packages that can be used by any Linux distribution. The Firefox Flatpak is the easiest way to install Firefox on Chrome OS, but it does come with a few drawbacks:

• The Firefox Flatpak can only be installed on an x86_64 Chromebook
• Flatpaks don't auto-update, so you'll have to run flatpak update in the Terminal to update Firefox
• Extra post-install work is required for a good experience on Chrome OS

Determining architecture

You can enter uname -m in the Terminal to determine whether you're running on x86_64 or aarch64.

If you're on aarch64, you'll need to install Firefox with Snap instead.

Installing Flatpak

Go to Chrome, and visit ctrl+alt+t on your keyboard to open crosh.

Enter the following commands into crosh:

vmc start termina

lxc config set penguin security.nesting true

exit

vmc stop termina

Linux will shut down, so go back to the Terminal app and select penguin to start it up again.

Type this into the Terminal, then press enter:

sudo bash -c "echo 'deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye-backports main' > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/backports.list" && sudo apt update && sudo apt install flatpak/bullseye-backports -y

Installing the Firefox Flatpak

Visit the Firefox Flathub page and press INSTALL to download the Flatpak reference file. Choose Show in folder when asked, and drag org.mozilla.firefox.flatpakref to Linux files.

Once it's finished copying the file, install Firefox by typing this into the Terminal and pressing enter:

sudo flatpak install org.mozilla.firefox.flatpakref -y

Say yes to all that it asks.

Installing Flatseal

Visit the Flatseal Flathub page and press INSTALL to download the Flatpak reference file. Choose Show in folder when asked, and drag com.github.tchx84.Flatseal.flatpakref to Linux files.

Once it's finished copying the file, install Flatseal by typing this into the Terminal and pressing enter:

sudo flatpak install com.github.tchx84.Flatseal.flatpakref -y

Say yes to all that it asks.

Configuring Firefox in Flatseal

Launch Flatseal from the Launcher, then scroll until you find the Filesystem section. Turn on "All user files", and wait for the blue caution sign to appear. This sign signals that the setting was changed by you. Once it appears, you're safe to close Flatseal.

You may want to drag Firefox and Flatseal out of the Linux apps folder if they're the only two Linux apps you have.

Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!

Installing the Firefox desktop browser with Snap

Snaps are a packaging format for Linux, and are meant to be packages that can be used by any Linux distribution. The Firefox snap is a great way to install Firefox on Chrome OS, but it does come with drawbacks:

• Snap currently doesn't have a great install experience on Chrome OS; some things need to be done multiple times
• Snaps do not get added automatically to the Chrome OS shelf, unlike Flatpaks - although the install command listed below handles this for you
• You can't set the Firefox snap as your default browser in Linux-- you'll need to check the "Don't show again" checkbox to avoid seeing the default browser popup everytime you launch Firefox

Installing Snap

Type this into the Terminal:

sudo apt install squashfuse snapd -y && sudo snap install core

Then press enter.

You'll see a lot of "Failed to write change" errors - simply re-run the last command:

sudo snap install core

Installing the Firefox snap

Type this into the Terminal to install Firefox:

mkdir ~/.local; mkdir ~/.local/share; mkdir ~/.local/share/applications; sudo snap install firefox && curl -fsS https://pastebin.com/raw/wYMFRnmn > ~/.local/share/applications/firefox.desktop

Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!

Installing Firefox for Android from Google Play

Going this route is easier, but note that the Firefox for Android app is designed with mobile devices in mind and not Chromebooks. You'll have a much better experience when you install Firefox as a Linux app, giving you access to the Firefox desktop browser and all the benefits that come with it.

System requirements

• Chrome OS 80 or later

You can check your Chrome OS version by going to chrome://version in the Chrome browser address bar. You can follow these instructions from Google if you need to upgrade your OS. We recommend being on the latest version of Chrome OS that your Chromebook supports, as this guide uses instructions and imagery based off of it.

• Google Play support

Some Chromebooks don't support Google Play. If your Chromebook does, you'll find "Play Store" in your OS settings.

Installing Firefox for Android

Search "Play Store" in your OS settings, and then press Turn on next to Google Play Store.

A pop-up window will appear. Make sure "Use location" is checked. This allows Firefox to give your location to websites you've granted permission to have it. Then, press Accept.

Google Play will begin installing. Once it opens, simply visit the download page for Firefox for Android and press tap .

Open the page in Play Store if it doesn't open automatically, then press Install.

Once it's done installing, press Open.

Congratulations, you are done installing Firefox!