Google Chrome is a widely used web browser known for its speed, security, and support for many web standards. It offers automatic updates, built-in malware protection, and a vast library of extensions and web applications. Chrome also includes advanced tools for web developers, synchronization across devices, and robust privacy settings. Installing Google Chrome on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20 ensures you have access to these powerful features and the latest web technologies.
To install Google Chrome, you can use the official Google APT repository, which provides access to the latest stable, beta, or unstable builds. This guide will also cover troubleshooting tips to address issues, such as duplicate entries that might arise during installation.
Import Google Chrome APT Repository
Update Linux Mint Before Google Chrome Installation
Start by updating your system to ensure that all packages are current. This step is essential because installing the latest software updates on your system can help prevent potential compatibility issues when installing Google Chrome. It also helps to ensure a smooth and problem-free installation process.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Initial Packages for Google Chrome Installation
Next, you need to install the following packages. Execute this command to do so. It’s important to note that these are common dependencies that may already be installed on your system.
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl -yImport Google Chrome APT Repository on Linux Mint
The initial step in installing Google Chrome involves importing the GPG key for the digital signature. Without this crucial step, the installation will not be completed successfully.
curl -fSsL https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/google-chrome.gpg >> /dev/nullUpon successfully importing the GPG key, you must import the Google Chrome repository.
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.listRefresh APT Index After Google Chrome Repository Import
The final step in importing the Google Chrome repository involves updating the repository list with the “apt update” command to incorporate the new additions to the apt sources list.
sudo apt updateFinalize Installation Google Chrome
Install Google Chrome Browser – stable build
Now that the Google Chrome repository has been imported, it is recommended that all users install the stable edition of Google Chrome. This is the preferred choice because the stable edition is thoroughly tested and deemed the most reliable and secure version for general use.
sudo apt install google-chrome-stableInstall Alternative Google Chrome Browser builds
As an alternative, you can choose to install the Google Chrome Beta or the Unstable version. It is important to note that these versions are not recommended for regular, daily use, particularly not on a primary desktop or production server. However, they may appeal to tech-savvy individuals looking to try out new features and are comfortable with potential instability.
Use one of the following commands in your terminal to install the beta or unstable version of Google Chrome.
sudo apt install google-chrome-betasudo apt install google-chrome-unstableIt is possible to install all three branches of Google Chrome, as they each have separate installations. However, you will need to delete the imported sources. Google imported the list file, which is explained in the Troubleshooting Tips section at the end of the guide.
Launch Google Chrome Browser
With Google Chrome installed, you can launch the browser using the appropriate command in your terminal. You have the option to launch the stable, beta, or unstable version of Google Chrome by using one of the following commands:
google-chrome-stablegoogle-chrome-betagoogle-chrome-unstableMost desktop users can launch the browser by navigating to the application icon through the following path. However, the exact location may vary depending on the desktop environment that was initially installed.
Taskbar > Internet > Google Chrome {version}
Upon opening Google Chrome for the first time, a pop-up will ask you to create a password for the keychain. Additionally, Google Chrome will ask if you want to set it as the default browser for your desktop and if you consent to send data back to Google.
When presented with the option to make Google Chrome the default browser over the typical default, Firefox, you can either uncheck this option or leave it as is. You will also have the option to allow Google to receive data and crash reports. Click the “OK” button to proceed.
The next step will be to sign in to Google Chrome, but you can skip this step. If you skip, click the “X” in the Chrome browser tab.
Additional Commands for Google Chrome
Update Google Chrome
It is essential to regularly check for updates of Google Chrome using the terminal, as the GUI update notifications may not always effectively update the browser. To ensure you have the latest version, run your terminal’s “apt update” and the “apt upgrade” commands.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeUninstall Google Chrome
If you no longer want to use the stable version of the Google Chrome browser, use the following command to uninstall it.
sudo apt remove google-chrome-stable --purgeUse the following commands to remove the beta or unstable version of Google Chrome.
sudo apt remove google-chrome-beta --purgesudo apt remove google-chrome-unstable --purgeTo altogether remove the Google Chrome repository that was previously imported, execute the following set of commands.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.listTroubleshooting Tips with Google Chrome
Google Chrome Multiple Sources.list
When installing all three editions of Google Chrome (stable, beta, and unstable), it’s important to note that each one will create its own separate sources list in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. This can cause a conflict when using the apt update command as multiple sources.list files for Google Chrome will exist, and the system will ignore some of them.
Example of the error you may have in your terminal:
W: Target Packages (main/binary-amd64/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-all/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en_AU) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-amd64.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-all.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-amd64) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-all) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-amd64/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-all/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en_AU) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-amd64.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-all.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-amd64) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-all) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-amd64/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-all/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en_AU) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-amd64.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-all.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-amd64) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-all) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-amd64/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Packages (main/binary-all/Packages) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en_AU) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target Translations (main/i18n/Translation-en) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-amd64.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target DEP-11 (main/dep11/Components-all.yml) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-amd64) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3
W: Target CNF (main/cnf/Commands-all) is configured multiple times in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list:3 and /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list:3So when installing Google Chrome from the source you imported from this guide, the beta and developer installations added extra sources, so, for example, you can remove these with the following command.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-beta.list
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome-unstable.listOr remove all Chrome repositories.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome*Then, re-add the one repository.
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.listRemember to run an APT update.
sudo apt updateThis should fix the issue in the future, and you will still receive updates for all three browsers.
Conclusion
With Google Chrome successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can leverage its advanced features and security enhancements. Regular updates from the official Google repository ensure you stay current with the latest developments. If you encounter any issues, such as duplicate entries, refer to the troubleshooting tips provided. Utilize the full potential of Google Chrome for a comprehensive and secure web browsing experience on your Linux Mint system.