Through the Google Play Store, you can download apps to your Chromebook. However, the app you want to install may not be available on the Play Store. This is probably because the app hasn’t met Google’s requirements, and so it hasn’t been added to the company’s platform. If you still want to download the APK program, there are ways to do so with a little customization on your part. Show
Let’s look at the various methods you can use to sideload apps on a Chromebook. How to Sideload Apps on Chromebook Using Developer ModeOne method of sideloading apps on Chromebook is by enabling developer mode. Developer mode is a special section of Chrome OS that lets users modify the system files of their devices. You can use this feature to access various files such as root files, install other operating systems, and modify Chrome OS’s system files. This method is not without an element risk so before learning how to enable developer mode, let’s look at some of the reasons you should adopt this approach with caution. Risks of Enabling Chromebook Developer ModeChromebook’s developer mode gives you the freedom to customize your device, but it does come with some risks. Here are some factors that you need to know before enabling developer mode. Compromised SecurityWith the Chromebook, Google developed an operating system with outstanding security features. Accessing developer mode means disabling some of these vital safety checks. This will leave your device vulnerable to data and privacy hackers. Lose of DataTo enable developer mode, you’ll need to erase all the data on your Chromebook. Once you have set it up, you’ll enter this mode every time your system boots up. Therefore, you should be careful about how you exit this feature, as pressing the wrong button could cause you to lose your data again. It would be ideal to backup your files before starting this feature. Lose of System ControlOnce developer mode has been activated, the rebooting process changes significantly. You’ll have less control of system updates as you won’t be able to validate changes made to the operating system. Invalidates WarrantyYour Chromebook’s developer mode will invalidate your warranty. While you can restore your warranty when you exit this feature, you may find it harder to get your device repaired if the question of warranty validity arises. Sideloading Apps on Chromebook By Enabling Developer ModeNow that we have looked at the risks of enabling developer mode, let’s check out how to activate this feature.
Your Chromebook is now in developer mode and is ready for non-Google store app downloads. Sideloading Apps in Developer ModeAfter enabling developer mode, you can now download and install APK apps on Chrome OS. Here’s how it’s done:
Your app is now available on your Chromebook. How to Sideload Apps on Chromebook Without Developer ModeSideloading apps to Chromebook without enabling developer mode has two primary advantages. This method ensures that your device’s security isn’t compromised and prevents the loss of your data. To sideload apps using this technique, your PC needs to have Google Play Support and must be updated to at least Chrome OS 86. Once you have everything in place, you can follow the instructions shown here to download APK apps on your computer. Enable Linux SubsystemIt’s possible to install non-Android store apps without setting up developer mode on your Chromebook. However, you’ll need to enable Android Debugging Bridge (ADB). ADB is a tool that allows app developers to test their software but can also be used to sideload APKs. For ADB to be enabled, you will have to set up the Linux Subsystem on your machine.
Your Linux Subsystem is ready to go. Setting Up Android Debugging BridgeNow that you have installed the Linux Subsystem, you can proceed with enabling ADB.
You’re ADB should now be enabled. Sideloading Apps Without Developer ModeNow that ADB has been set up, you can download your APK files to your Chromebook. You can rename them before downloading, making them simpler to identify. The new name should end with .apk. Here’s how to sideload an app into Chromebook without enabling developer mode:
Expand Your App OptionsInstalling APK apps on Chromebooks can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of this guide, you can install these programs efficiently, with or without enabling developer mode. If you decide to use developer mode, remember that you won’t have the same safety measures in place as you did before you enabled this feature. Have you sideloaded apps on Chromebook? Let us know what method you used in the comments section below.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way. Send To SomeoneMissing DeviceHow do I download apps without Google Play on my Chromebook?I just want the steps!. Enable Linux support on your Chromebook.. Download whichever app (APK) file you would like to install.. Open the Files app and rename the app file (leave “. ... . Drag and drop the app file into “Linux files“. Open the Settings app and navigate to “Developers“. Click “Linux Development Environment”. Can you Install apps on a Chromebook without Play Store?And although the Play Store is the easiest, it isn't the only way to install apps on your Chromebook — you can also sideload them using Android Package (APK) files.
Can I Install Android apps on Chromebook?You can find and download Android apps on your Chromebook. Your Chromebook doesn't automatically download the same Android apps that are on your phone or tablet, so you must download them again. Also, some apps don't work with some Chromebooks, so you can't download them.
Can I Install APK without Google Play?And some popular devices, like the best Amazon Fire tablets, don't come preloaded with the Google Play Store. While Android lets you install an APK from anywhere on the web, you want to be smart when selecting a source for those files. We recommend APKMirror because it is a brand we know and trust.
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