How to Install Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 - LinuxCapable (2024)

Chromium Browser stands as an open-source foundation for some of the most widely used web browsers in the world. In this guide, we will demonstrate how to install Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04, ensuring you have access to a fast, reliable, and customizable internet browsing experience. Known for its speed and efficiency, Chromium offers a unique blend of features that cater to both casual and power users.

Key Features of Chromium:

• Open-Source Nature: Allows for transparency, security, and community-driven development.
• Speed and Performance: Engineered for quick page loads and smooth browsing.
• Customization and Flexibility: Supports a wide range of extensions and themes.
• Security Features: Regular updates and a strong focus on user privacy and data protection.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on various operating systems, ensuring a consistent experience.

As you embark on installing Chromium on your Ubuntu system, these features ensure you have a robust tool for exploring the web. The installation process is straightforward and adaptable to both Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04. Let’s dive into the steps to unlock the full potential of your internet browsing with Chromium.

Install Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Step 1: Update the Ubuntu System Before the Chromium Installation

Before proceeding with the installation of Chromium, it’s essential to update your Ubuntu system. This ensures that all existing packages are up-to-date, helping you avoid potential conflicts during the installation process. To update your system, execute the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT Command

There are two main methods to install Chromium on your Ubuntu system: using the Ubuntu repository or using a PPA (Personal Package Archive). Each method has its advantages, so let’s explore both options.

Method 1: Install Chromium Browser with the Ubuntu Repository

The first installation method uses the APT package manager. However, it’s important to note that this method installs Chromium as a Snap package, similar to the default installation of Firefox. This method is an excellent choice if you don’t mind using Snap packages. But if you prefer a non-snap APT method, you may want to consider Method 2, which uses a PPA.

To install Chromium with the Ubuntu repository and Snapcraft, execute the following command:

sudo apt install chromium-browser

Method 2: Install Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT PPA

The second method involves using the xtradeb/apps Launchpad PPA, which contains several well-known applications, including the Chromium browser. These applications are updated more frequently, making this PPA a reliable option for installing Chromium.

First, import the PPA by running the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

After adding the PPA, update the packages list with this command:

sudo apt update

Finally, install Chromium by executing the following command:

sudo apt install chromium

To adjust package priorities in your system, particularly for Chromium from the xtradeb/apps repository, you can employ the technique of APT pinning. This method effectively sets a higher preference for specific packages, ensuring they are chosen over others during installation or updates.

The process is straightforward and can be executed using a concise command. Here’s the method:

Use the following command to set up a pinning preference for the Chromium package:

echo "Package: chromium\nPin: release o=LP-PPA-xtradeb-apps\nPin-Priority: 700" | sudo tee /etc/apt/preferences.d/chromium-pin

This command utilizes echo to generate the necessary pinning information, which is subsequently directed using a pipe (|) into the sudo tee command. This action creates a file in /etc/apt/preferences.d/ named chromium-pin. The file serves as an instruction for your system, ensuring it gives precedence to the Chromium package from this particular PPA over other available options.

Install Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method to install Chromium using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a universal packaging format similar to Snap, offering benefits such as sandboxing, easy distribution, and increased security for applications like Chromium.

Step 1: Enable Flathub For Chromium on Ubuntu

Before installing Chromium through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including Chromium.

Step 2: Install Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can install Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.chromium.Chromium -y

This command installs Chromium from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest browser version.

If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our comprehensive guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak. This guide will help you set up Flatpak on your Ubuntu system and ensure you can take advantage of its benefits when installing applications like Chromium.

Launch Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you have successfully installed the Chromium Browser on your system, it’s time to launch it and start browsing. Depending on your preferences and installation method, there are several ways to open Chromium.

CLI Methods to Launch Chromium on Ubuntu

You can launch Chromium immediately from your terminal by typing the following command:

chromium

If you installed Chromium using Flatpak, you would need to use a different command to launch it from the terminal:

flatpak run org.chromium.Chromium

While launching Chromium from the terminal can be quick and convenient, it might not always be the most practical option for everyday use.

GUI Method to Launch Chromium on Ubuntu

You can launch Chromium directly from your desktop environment for a more user-friendly approach. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Show Applications menu at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Search for “Chromium” in the search bar or browse the list of installed applications.
3. Click on the Chromium Web Browser icon to launch the browser.

Tips on Getting Started with Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you have Chromium installed and know how to launch it, it’s time to get acquainted with some tips and tricks to maximize your browsing experience on Ubuntu Linux. This section will provide general tips, customization options, and other helpful suggestions to enhance your Chromium experience.

General Tips with Chromium on Ubuntu

• Stay up-to-date: Keep Chromium updated to the latest version to ensure optimal performance, security, and access to new features. You can check for updates by clicking the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then selecting Help > About Chromium.
• Use keyboard shortcuts: Speed up your browsing by learning and utilizing Chromium’s keyboard shortcuts. Some common shortcuts include Ctrl+T to open a new tab, Ctrl+W to close the current tab, and Ctrl+Shift+N to open a new incognito window.
• Manage extensions: Enhance Chromium’s functionality by adding extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Click the three-dot menu > More tools > Extensions to manage your extensions.

Customization Tips with Chromium on Ubuntu

• Change the theme: Personalize Chromium’s appearance by applying a custom theme. Visit the Chrome Web Store, search for themes, and click Add to Chrome on your chosen theme to apply it.
• Customize the new tab page: Tailor the new tab page to display your most visited sites, curated news articles, or a custom background by clicking the Customize button at the bottom-right corner of the new tab page.
• Organize bookmarks: Keep your favorite websites easily accessible by organizing your bookmarks. To create folders, right-click the bookmarks bar and select Add folder.

Other Helpful Tips with Chromium on Ubuntu

• Enable dark mode: Reduce eye strain and save battery life by enabling dark mode. Go to Settings > Appearance > Themes and select the dark theme.
• Manage your privacy: Configure your privacy settings to protect your personal information. Visit Settings > Privacy and Security to review and adjust your privacy preferences.
• Sync your data: Synchronize your bookmarks, history, and extensions across devices by signing in with a Google account. Click on the profile icon in the top-right corner and follow the prompts to sign in and sync your data.

Managing Chromium on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will discuss how to update and uninstall the Chromium browser on your Ubuntu system and the installation method you used. These steps will help you keep your browser up-to-date or remove it if you no longer need it.

Update the Chromium Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

To ensure optimal performance and security, it is essential to keep your Chromium browser updated. Depending on your installation method, use one of the following commands to update Chromium:

APT Chromium Update Method on Ubuntu

If you installed Chromium using the APT package manager, execute the following command in your terminal to check for updates and upgrade all packages, including Chromium:

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Chromium Update Method on Ubuntu

If you installed Chromium with Flatpak, use the following command to update the browser:

flatpak update

Remove Chromium Browser From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you no longer need the Chromium browser on your system, use one of the following commands based on your installation method to uninstall it:

APT Chromium Remove Method on Ubuntu

For users who installed Chromium using the APT and Ubuntu’s repository package manager, execute the following command in your terminal to remove the browser:

sudo snap remove chromium

Ubuntu’s default Chromium installation version uses Snap now as you may have noticed when installing it, so it is best to use the Snap remove command.

Alternatively, if you installed Chromium from the PPA, you can run the following command to remove Chromium:

sudo apt remove chromium

Flatpak Chromium Remove Method on Ubuntu

For users who installed Chromium using Flatpak, run the following command to uninstall the browser and delete its associated data:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.chromium.Chromium

Closing Thoughts

This article covered different methods for installing the Chromium browser on Ubuntu Linux, including the APT package manager and Flatpak. We also discussed how to launch the browser, shared tips for getting started, and provided additional commands and tips for updating and uninstalling Chromium. Following the steps outlined, you can easily manage your Chromium browser on your Ubuntu system to ensure a secure and efficient browsing experience.