Google Chrome is a widely-used web browser renowned for its speed, security, and extensive feature set, including synchronization across devices, built-in malware protection, and support for a vast library of extensions. Installing Google Chrome on Debian 12 Bookworm or Debian 11 Bullseye ensures you can access the latest features and security updates directly from Google.
To install Google Chrome on these Debian versions, the command-line terminal and Google’s official APT repository mirror are utilized. This method allows you to seamlessly install the latest stable, beta, or unstable (dev) builds, ensuring your browser is always up-to-date with the newest functionalities and security patches. The APT repository setup also provides automatic updates, simplifying the maintenance of your browser. This guide will walk you through the installation process, detailing the steps needed to configure your system to receive the latest Chrome builds.
Update Debian Before Google Chrome Installation
The first step to installing Google Chrome on Debian Linux is to ensure that your system is up to date. By updating your system, you mitigate any potential compatibility issues that may occur during the Google Chrome installation process.
To update your Debian system, you need to open the terminal and execute the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeAfter updating your system, you should install specific packages crucial for the installation process. These packages include software-properties-common, apt-transport-https, ca-certificates, and curl.
You can install these packages by executing the following command:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl -yRemember that your system may have installed these packages as they are common dependencies.
Import Google Chrome APT Repository
The subsequent step to installing Google Chrome involves incorporating the Google Chrome repository. This process begins with importing the GPG key for the digital signature.
You can achieve this by executing the following command:
curl -fSsL https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg >> /dev/nullThis command ensures the successful importation of the GPG key, a prerequisite for the installation process. The absence of this step results in an incomplete installation.
After successfully importing the GPG key, import the Google Chrome repository by executing the following command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.listTo complete the incorporation of the Google Chrome repository, you must update the repository list using the apt update command. This step updates the apt sources list with the newly added Google Chrome repository.
Execute the following command to update your repository list:
sudo apt updateOnce you have successfully updated your system, installed the required packages, and incorporated the Google Chrome repository, you can install Google Chrome.
Finalize Installation of Google Chrome via APT
The installation of Google Chrome begins with the stable version. Due to its thorough testing, this version is typically the most secure and reliable option for general use.
To install the Google Chrome stable version, execute the following command:
sudo apt install google-chrome-stableIn addition to its stable version, Google Chrome provides Beta and Unstable versions. Because of their potential instability, Google doesn’t recommend these versions for daily use. However, tech enthusiasts eager to experiment with new features may find these versions attractive.
To install the Google Chrome Beta or Unstable versions, execute one of the following commands:
sudo apt install google-chrome-betasudo apt install google-chrome-unstablePlease note that it is possible to install all three versions of Google Chrome as they each run as separate installations.
Launching Google Chrome via GUI Path or CLI Commands
The next step is to launch the browser after successfully installing Google Chrome on your Debian Linux system. The method you choose to launch Google Chrome largely depends on its installed version: stable, beta, or unstable.
CLI Methods to Launch Google Chrome
You can launch Google Chrome directly from the terminal using a version-specific command; each version has a unique command.
Use the command below for the stable version of Google Chrome:
google-chrome-stableIf you have chosen to install the beta version, use this command:
google-chrome-betaAnd if you’ve opted for the unstable version, use this command:
google-chrome-unstableGUI Method to Launch Google Chrome
Most desktop users can launch Google Chrome directly from their desktop environment. Typically, this process requires navigating to the application icon. The general access path to Google Chrome is as follows:
Activities > Show Applications > Google Chrome {version}
First Run Experience with Google Chrome
Upon opening Google Chrome for the first time, several prompts will greet you. First, the browser will request that you create a keychain password, a security measure designed to store all passwords for websites and applications. Google Chrome will also ask whether you want to set it as your system’s default browser, replacing the current one (Firefox by default). This optional choice can streamline your web browsing experience.
In this prompt, you’ll see a tick box requesting your consent to send usage statistics and crash reports to Google. While this data helps Google improve its browser, you can agree or disagree with this proposition.
Once you have decided, click the “OK” button to proceed. Next, Google Chrome allows you to sign in for a more personalized experience. However, if you prefer, you can skip this step by clicking the “X” in the browser tab.
Additional Google Chrome Commands
Update Google Chrome
Google Chrome’s developers regularly release updates to improve the browser’s performance, patch security vulnerabilities, and add new features. As a user, it’s critical to keep your browser updated to benefit from these enhancements.
To update Google Chrome along with other installed packages, you need to run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command first updates the package list (sudo apt update), and then upgrades all upgradable packages (sudo apt upgrade), which includes Google Chrome if an update is available.
Remove Google Chrome
Should you switch web browsers or need to free up system space over time, you can easily remove Google Chrome from your Debian Linux system with a few terminal commands. If you installed the stable version of Google Chrome, use the following commands to remove it:
sudo apt remove google-chrome-stableFor those who chose the beta or unstable version, the commands would be:
sudo apt remove google-chrome-betaor
sudo apt remove google-chrome-unstablerespectively.
After uninstalling the browser, consider removing the Google Chrome repository imported earlier during installation. Execute the following to do this:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.listThis command removes the Google Chrome list file from the sources.list.d directory, ensuring that the repository will no longer be used for package updates.
Fix Multiple Google Chrome ‘sources.list’ on Debian
Managing different versions of Google Chrome on Debian Linux requires understanding the potential issues that might arise. Installing multiple browser versions, like stable, beta, and unstable releases, can create conflicts. Each installation generates a unique source list file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory, leading to problems during an apt update. The system may struggle with handling multiple source list files for Google Chrome.
For example, if you install Google Chrome following a guide for the stable release and later decide to experiment with beta or developer versions, you introduce additional source list files, creating conflicts.
Addressing Source List Conflicts
The solution to this problem lies in managing your source list files correctly. If you’ve identified conflicts stemming from the beta or unstable Google Chrome releases, you can remove these source files using the terminal commands:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.listThese commands precisely remove the source list files for the beta and unstable Google Chrome releases.
Alternatively, you might start afresh and remove all Google Chrome-related source list files, including the one for the stable release. This allows you to re-establish a clean slate and circumvent any potential conflicts. You can remove all Google Chrome source list files with the command:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome*Re-establishing the Correct Google Chrome Repository
Remove all Google Chrome repositories, then re-add the initial correct one. Use the following command to do so:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.listThis command recreates the Google Chrome source list file, pointing to the stable release. As a best practice, you should run an APT update to ensure the system recognizes the newly added repository:
sudo apt updateManaging your source list files carefully can resolve conflicts between different Google Chrome versions. This allows your system to continue receiving updates for all installed browser versions without interference.
Conclusion
With Google Chrome installed on your Debian system using the official APT repository, you can enjoy the latest features and security updates that the browser has to offer. Whether you opt for the stable, beta, or unstable build, this method ensures that your browser remains up-to-date with Google’s latest developments. Regularly updating your installation through the repository will help maintain optimal performance and security, ensuring a smooth browsing experience on your Debian system.
Great, I have Google on my debian 12.