Chromium Browser is a fast, secure, and open-source web browser widely used for its stability and privacy features. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to install Chromium Browser on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20 using three methods: the APT repository, the XtraDebs PPA, or Flatpak via Flathub.
Key Considerations Before You Begin
- System Compatibility: All methods outlined here are compatible with Linux Mint versions 20, 21, and 22.
- Linux Mint and Third-Party Repositories: While the APT method uses official Linux Mint repositories, the XtraDebs PPA and Flathub methods are managed by third parties. Although widely trusted and safe, these repositories are not maintained by Linux Mint or the Chromium development team.
Install Chromium Browser on Linux Mint
This section provides detailed instructions for installing Chromium Browser using APT, the XtraDebs PPA, or Flatpak. Choose the method that suits your needs and system setup.
Update Your System
Before proceeding, update your system to avoid potential compatibility issues. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Chromium Browser via APT
Option 1: Using the Linux Mint Repository
The simplest way to install Chromium is through the Linux Mint repository, which provides a stable and officially supported version. Run the following command:
sudo apt install chromium-browserAfter the installation completes, verify the version with:
chromium-browser --versionOption 2: Using the XtraDebs PPA
For those seeking the latest Chromium updates and features, the XtraDebs PPA is a reliable option. Begin by adding the XtraDebs repository to your system. Open your terminal and run:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps -yAfter adding the repository, refresh the system’s package list to include the new repository:
sudo apt updateNext, install Chromium Browser from the XtraDebs PPA by entering the following command:
sudo apt install chromiumOnce the installation is complete, verify the installed version of Chromium using:
chromium --versionTo ensure your system prioritizes updates from the XtraDebs PPA, you can configure APT pinning. This helps your system fetch updates from the preferred repository over others, ensuring consistency and access to the latest Chromium features. APT pinning is particularly useful when multiple repositories contain the same package, as it allows you to set a priority for which repository to trust for updates.
Use this command to create a preferences file:
echo "Package: chromium
Pin: release o=LP-PPA-xtradeb-apps
Pin-Priority: 700" | sudo tee /etc/apt/preferences.d/chromium-pinAPT pinning is a method to control which repository a package is sourced from, giving users more control over their updates and ensuring a stable experience.
This setup ensures Chromium updates are fetched from the XtraDebs PPA whenever available.
Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak
Flatpak provides a secure, sandboxed environment for installing applications, offering enhanced compatibility across different Linux distributions. This method is particularly beneficial if you prefer an isolated environment for your apps.
To begin, you need to add the Flathub repository to your system. Open your terminal and run:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoAdding the Flathub repository ensures that your system can access the wide range of applications it offers, including Chromium Browser.
Once Flathub is configured, install Chromium by entering:
flatpak install flathub org.chromium.ChromiumThis command fetches and installs Chromium from the Flathub repository. After the installation is complete, verify the installed version and details using:
flatpak info org.chromium.ChromiumFlatpak’s sandboxed model isolates applications from the rest of the system, ensuring improved security and minimizing potential conflicts with other software.
With Chromium installed via Flatpak, you can now enjoy a secure browsing experience with the latest updates and features.
Launch Chromium Browser on Linux Mint
After completing the installation, you can start Chromium Browser using either the terminal or the graphical user interface (GUI). Choose the method that best suits your workflow.
Launch Using the Terminal
For a quick and efficient way to open Chromium, use the terminal. If you installed Chromium through APT, enter the following command:
chromiumIf you installed Chromium via Flatpak, use this command instead:
flatpak run org.chromium.ChromiumBoth commands will launch the browser and make it ready for use.
Launch Using the Graphical Interface
For users who prefer a GUI, navigate to the Taskbar in Linux Mint. Open the Internet category and select Chromium Web Browser. This approach allows you to launch Chromium without using terminal commands.
With Chromium now installed and launched, you’re ready to browse the web on Linux Mint.
Update Chromium Browser on Linux Mint
Keeping Chromium Browser up-to-date ensures you have access to the latest features, performance improvements, and security fixes. The update process varies depending on the installation method.
Update Chromium Installed via APT
If you installed Chromium using APT (either from the Linux Mint repository or the XtraDebs PPA), update it by refreshing the package list and upgrading installed packages. Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command ensures that the latest version of Chromium is downloaded and installed from the respective repository.
Update Chromium Installed via Flatpak
For Flatpak installations, use the following command to check for and apply updates:
flatpak updateThis command scans all installed Flatpak applications, including Chromium, for updates and applies them as needed.
Remove Chromium Browser from Linux Mint
If you no longer need Chromium Browser, you can remove it from your system using the appropriate method based on how it was installed.
Remove Chromium Installed via APT
If you installed Chromium through the Linux Mint repository or the XtraDebs PPA, use the following command to uninstall it:
sudo apt remove chromium-browserFor installations specifically from the XtraDebs PPA, use this command instead:
sudo apt remove chromiumBoth commands will remove Chromium from your system.
Remove Chromium Installed via Flatpak
If you installed Chromium using Flatpak, remove it by running:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.chromium.ChromiumThis command deletes the application along with its data files. If you want to clean up unused Flatpak files after removal, you can run:
flatpak remove --unusedFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most reliable method is through the Linux Mint repository using the APT package manager. This ensures a stable version supported directly by Linux Mint. Alternatively, you can use the XtraDebs PPA or Flatpak, both of which are widely trusted but managed by third parties.
Yes, these repositories are considered safe and have been trusted by the Linux community for many years. However, they are not maintained by Linux Mint or the Chromium development team. Users should be aware that they are third-party sources.
APT installations are more integrated with the Linux Mint system and follow the distribution’s package management conventions. Flatpak provides a sandboxed environment, which is useful for isolating applications and improving compatibility across different Linux distributions.
APT pinning is a method to prioritize updates from specific repositories. When using the XtraDebs PPA, pinning ensures that Chromium updates are consistently pulled from this repository, reducing conflicts with other sources.
This guide is written for Linux Mint versions 20, 21, and 22. While it may be possible to adapt these steps for older versions, compatibility is not guaranteed, and additional troubleshooting may be required.
Chromium is an open-source browser that does not include proprietary Google features, such as built-in codecs for certain media formats or the automatic update mechanism. Google Chrome adds these features but is not open-source.
Conclusion
Chromium Browser is a fast, secure, and open-source tool that enhances the browsing experience on Linux Mint. This guide provided detailed methods for installing, updating, and managing Chromium across Linux Mint versions 20, 21, and 22. Whether you choose the stability of APT, the frequent updates from the XtraDebs PPA, or the sandboxed security of Flatpak, you now have the flexibility to tailor Chromium to your needs.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and optimized browsing experience. Chromium’s open-source nature and robust performance make it a valuable tool for Linux users, whether you are browsing, developing, or customizing your workflows.
Relevant and Useful Links
- Chromium Browser on Flathub
Explore the Flatpak version of Chromium and install it directly from Flathub. - XtraDebs PPA on Launchpad
View the XtraDebs PPA repository for the latest Chromium packages and more. - XtraDebs Official Website
Visit the official XtraDebs website for additional information and supported packages. - Chromium Browser in Linux Mint Repository
Search for Chromium packages in the Linux Mint official repository.
We Would Love to Hear From You
Do you have questions, tips, or insights about using Chromium on Linux Mint? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Your feedback helps us improve this guide and creates a community of Linux enthusiasts who can learn from one another. Together, we can make this resource even more helpful.