How to Install Chromium Browser on Fedora Linux

Chromium is the open-source browser project that serves as the foundation for Google Chrome, offering a fast, secure, and customizable browsing experience without Google account integration. As a result, developers frequently use Chromium to test web applications across different rendering engines, while privacy-focused users prefer it to avoid Chrome’s data collection mechanisms. Additionally, extension developers test add-ons in the upstream codebase before Chrome adoption. By the end of this guide, you will have a working Chromium installation with automatic updates, full extension support, and the ability to sync bookmarks using third-party tools or manual imports.

This guide covers two installation methods for Chromium on Fedora: the DNF package manager for native system integration and Flatpak for sandboxed isolation. Specifically, DNF installs Chromium from Fedora’s AppStream repository with standard system permissions, whereas Flatpak delivers the latest release through Flathub with filesystem restrictions and enhanced security boundaries. Therefore, choose DNF for traditional package management or Flatpak when you need application isolation from the base system.

Contents hide

1 Choose Your Chromium Installation Method

2 Method 1: Install Chromium Browser via DNF

3 Method 2: Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak and Flathub

4 Launch Chromium Browser

5 Manage Chromium Browser

6 Conclusion

7 Relevant and Useful Links

Choose Your Chromium Installation Method

Fedora provides two installation paths for Chromium, each with distinct trade-offs in system integration, update management, and security isolation. Consequently, the method you choose determines how updates are delivered and how the browser interacts with your desktop environment.

Method	Channel	Stability	Best For
DNF (AppStream)	Fedora repositories	Stable, tested by Fedora	Users who prefer native package management and standard system integration
Flatpak (Flathub)	Flathub stable	Latest upstream releases	Users prioritizing application sandboxing and filesystem isolation

In most cases, users should choose DNF for straightforward system integration. However, the Flatpak method suits users who need sandboxed browsers for testing, prefer isolated application environments, or want the latest Chromium releases without waiting for Fedora package updates. While both methods support extensions, bookmarks, and standard browser features, Flatpak restricts filesystem access by default and may require additional permissions for downloads or file uploads.

Method 1: Install Chromium Browser via DNF

Update Fedora Packages Before Chromium Installation

Before installing Chromium, updating your Fedora packages is essential to ensure a smooth installation process and maintain system health. Moreover, this step helps prevent potential conflicts that may arise during the Chromium installation.

To begin, execute the following command in your terminal to update your system:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes the repository metadata and subsequently updates all packages to their latest versions.

Install Chromium Browser via DNF Command

DNF is Fedora’s default package manager and the recommended method for installing Chromium. As a result, this approach integrates Chromium directly with your system package management and receives updates through Fedora’s standard update channels.

Next, enter the following command in your terminal to install Chromium:

sudo dnf install chromium

DNF will resolve dependencies, download the package, and then configure Chromium for system-wide use. Typically, the installation completes in under a minute on modern connections.

Afterward, verify the installation by checking the installed version:

chromium --version

You should see output similar to the following:

Chromium 136.0.7103.92 Fedora Project

Note that your version number will differ based on when you install, since Chromium receives frequent updates.

Method 2: Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak and Flathub

Alternatively, Flatpak provides an installation method with sandboxed application isolation. Notably, Fedora Workstation includes Flatpak by default, and Flathub typically delivers upstream Chromium releases faster than Fedora’s AppStream repository.

Ensure Flatpak is Installed on Fedora for Chromium

First, confirm that Flatpak is installed on your Fedora system to prepare for Chromium installation. Although Flatpak comes pre-installed with Fedora Workstation, if it has been previously removed, you can reinstall it. This step ensures compatibility with the Flathub repository where Chromium is hosted.

If needed, reinstall Flatpak by executing the command below:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

Here, the -y flag automates the acceptance of the installation prompt, thereby facilitating a more efficient setup.

Enable Flathub for Chromium Browser

Flathub is a third-party repository for Flatpak applications where you can access a wide array of applications, including the latest version of the Chromium browser. To integrate Flathub into your Fedora system, run 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 if it is not already present, thereby enabling you to install apps directly from there.

Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak Command

Now that Flathub is enabled, you can proceed with installing Chromium. Use the following Flatpak command to carry out the installation:

flatpak install flathub org.chromium.Chromium -y

Similar to the DNF command, the -y flag here confirms your consent to install without additional prompts.

Once complete, verify the Flatpak installation:

flatpak list | grep -i chromium

You should see the application listed:

Chromium Web Browser  org.chromium.Chromium  stable  flathub  system

Troubleshoot Chromium Flatpak Installation

In some cases, you may encounter an error that prevents downloading from Flathub. This issue is typically indicated by the following message:

"error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can't fetch summary from disabled remote 'flathub,"

To resolve this issue, enable the Flathub repository by running the following command:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

Then, verify that the repository is now enabled:

flatpak remotes

You should see Flathub listed without any disabled status:

Name    Options
flathub system

After confirming Flathub is enabled, retry the Chromium installation command.

Launch Chromium Browser

Launch Chromium from Terminal

For DNF installations, you can launch Chromium using the following command:

chromium

However, the launch command differs slightly for Flatpak installations. Instead, input the following into your terminal:

flatpak run org.chromium.Chromium

Launch Chromium from Applications Menu

Alternatively, if you prefer a graphical approach, Chromium is accessible through Fedora’s applications menu. Navigate through the GUI with the following steps:

First, select Activities on the top-left corner of your screen.
Next, click on Show Applications to open the applications drawer.
Finally, look for the Chromium Web Browser icon and click on it to open the browser.

Manage Chromium Browser

Update Chromium Browser

DNF Update Method for Chromium

It is important to periodically check for updates to ensure Chromium remains current with the latest security patches and features. Although Fedora often notifies you of available updates, it is still advisable to check for updates manually using the terminal.

To update Chromium via DNF, run the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes the repository metadata and upgrades all installed packages, including Chromium, to their latest versions.

Flatpak Update Method for Chromium

For installations done via Flatpak, instead update Chromium by executing the following command:

flatpak update

This command checks for updates across all Flatpak-managed applications and subsequently provides you with the latest versions available on Flathub or other configured repositories.

Remove Chromium Browser

DNF Remove Method for Chromium

If you decide to uninstall Chromium Browser installed through DNF, the following command will remove the browser along with any unused dependencies:

sudo dnf remove chromium

Flatpak Remove Method for Chromium

Alternatively, to remove Chromium installed via Flatpak, use this command:

flatpak remove flathub org.chromium.Chromium

This command removes the application package. Note that the remove and uninstall subcommands are interchangeable in Flatpak.

Remove Chromium User Data

By default, package removal commands leave your browser profile data intact. However, if you want to completely remove Chromium including bookmarks, history, saved passwords, and extensions, you must also delete the configuration directories.

The following commands permanently delete your Chromium browsing data. Export bookmarks and passwords before proceeding if you need to preserve them.

For DNF installations, first remove the Chromium configuration directory:

rm -rf ~/.config/chromium

Additionally, remove the cache directory:

rm -rf ~/.cache/chromium

For Flatpak installations, instead remove the sandboxed application data:

rm -rf ~/.var/app/org.chromium.Chromium

These commands remove all Chromium data including configuration files, browser profiles, bookmarks, history, saved passwords, extensions, and cached content.

Conclusion

You now have Chromium running on Fedora with automatic updates through DNF or Flatpak, full extension support from the Chrome Web Store, and the ability to import bookmarks from other browsers. Specifically, DNF installations receive security patches through your system update schedule, whereas Flatpak delivers upstream releases with sandboxed filesystem access. To maintain security, run sudo dnf upgrade --refresh or flatpak update regularly to keep Chromium current with the latest fixes and web standards.

Relevant and Useful Links

Chromium Project Homepage
Official documentation, release notes, and development resources for the Chromium browser.
Chromium on Flathub
Browse the Flatpak version details, permissions, and installation options for Chromium.
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