But for some, the lack of actual apps makes ChromeOS a questionable choice. Fortunately, it’s not only possible to enable Linux (and install Linux apps) on your Chromebook, but it’s also possible to enable the installation of Android apps. Once you have this feature enabled, you can install any app from the Google Play Store to turn your Chromebook into a more robust and flexible laptop. Also: The best Chromebooks for students (and why they’re great) With this method, you can install alternative browsers, an actual email client, and even an office suite. Of course, there’s a caveat. You might find some apps don’t work as expected. This can occur when an app isn’t optimized for a larger display (like a tablet). Even apps that aren’t optimized can still work (they just might be a bit small). Another issue is that if an app depends on phone functionality, it won’t work. Lastly, not every Chromebook is supported. Here’s a convenient list of ChromeOS hardware that does support Android apps. With all of that said, I’ll show you how to enable Android app support and how to install your first application.
How to enable Android apps on your Chromebook
Installing your first Android app on ChromeOS
The installation of Android apps on ChromeOS is handled in the same way you’d install them on your Android phone. Say, for instance, you want to install the Firefox web browser. To do that, type Firefox in the search bar of the Google Play Store app. Click the System Tray at the bottom-right corner of your screen and then click the gear icon. Also: The best Chromebooks for work Before you do, the Play Store will install the Android Accessibility Suite in the background. You need to allow that to finish before installing anything. If you find the Google Play Store keeps crashing, it means the Accessibility Suite isn’t done installing. Give it time and it’ll finish. On the resulting page, click Install and allow the installation to complete. When the installation finishes, you’ll find the app available in the ChromeOS launcher. Also: Firefox for Android just got an important privacy feature: How it could benefit you And that’s all there is to installing Android apps on ChromeOS. Once you start installing applications, you’ll find this helps to bring your Chromebook to the next level of productivity. Just remember: If you install an app that doesn’t function properly and you don’t wind up using it, delete it from your Chromebook so it’s not taking up precious space.
