How to Install Chromium Browser on Fedora 40 or 39

The Chromium browser is the open-source foundation for Google Chrome, providing a fast, secure, and customizable browsing experience. It is widely used by developers and privacy-conscious users who prefer a browser with less integration into the Google ecosystem. Chromium supports many extensions, and its regular updates ensure that users benefit from the latest web standards and security improvements.

On Fedora 40 or 39, Chromium can be installed via Fedora’s AppStream, offering a stable and well-maintained version integrated with the system’s package management. Alternatively, for users who prefer more flexibility or to keep the browser isolated from the rest of the system, Chromium can also be installed using Flatpak with Flathub. This guide will walk you through both methods, allowing you to choose the installation approach that best fits your needs.

Method 1: Install Chromium Browser via DNF

Update Fedora Packages Before Chromium Installation

Updating your Fedora packages is essential to ensure a smooth installation process and maintain system health. This step helps prevent potential conflicts that may arise during the Chromium installation.

Execute the following command in your terminal to update your system:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

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

Install Chromium Browser via DNF Command

Fedora users are encouraged to install the Chromium Browser using the DNF package manager, Fedora’s default software package management tool. Installing Chromium through DNF is straightforward and offers seamless integration with the system.

Enter the following command in your terminal to install Chromium:

sudo dnf install chromium

Those who prefer Flatpak as a package management solution can install Chromium using Flatpak commands. However, this guide focuses on using DNF for a native Fedora experience.

Method 2: Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak and Flathub

The second option for the average desktop user environment is to install Chromium with Flatpak Manager, which is automatically installed on your Fedora workstation. Flatpak also always offers the latest browser version binary, as it’s a popular package.

Ensure Flatpak is Installed on Fedora for Chromium

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

Reinstall Flatpak by executing the command below:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

The -y flag automates the acceptance of the installation prompt, 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 this command in your terminal:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command will add the Flathub repository if it isn’t present, enabling you to install apps directly from there.

Install Chromium Browser via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Chromium. Use the following Flatpak command to carry out the installation:

flatpak install flathub org.chromium.Chromium -y

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

Troubleshoot Chromium Flatpak Installation

Occasionally, you may encounter an error that prevents downloading from Flathub, 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 inputting this command:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

This command rectifies the error, allowing the Flathub repository to function correctly for application installations and updates.

Launch Chromium Browser

CLI Commands to Launch Chromium

First DNF installations, you can initiate the browser using the following command to launch Chromium:

chromium

The launch command differs slightly for users who have installed Chromium via Flatpak. Input the following into your terminal:

flatpak run flatpak run org.chromium.Chromium

GUI Method to Launch Chromium

For those who prefer a graphical approach, Chromium is accessible through Fedora’s applications menu. Navigate through the GUI with the following steps:

1. Select Activities on the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Click on Show Applications to open the applications drawer.
3. Look for the Chromium Web Browser icon and click on it to open the browser.

Additional Commands For Chromium Browser

Update Chromium Browser

DNF Update Method for Chromium

Periodically check for updates to ensure Chromium remains up-to-date with the latest security patches and features. Although Fedora often notifies you of available updates, it is advisable to check for updates manually using the terminal.

To update Chromium via DNF, run the following command:

sudo dnf update --refresh

This command will refresh the repository metadata and search for updates for all installed packages, including Chromium.

Flatpak Update Method for Chromium

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

flatpak update

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

Remove Chromium Browser

DNF Remove Method for Chromium

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

sudo dnf remove chromium

Flatpak Remove Method for Chromium

To remove Chromium installed via Flatpak, use this command:

flatpak remove flathub org.chromium.Chromium

This command is streamlined to remove the specified application. Note that remove is synonymous with uninstall in Flatpak, and the provided identifier org.chromium.Chromium is unique to the Chromium application within the Flatpak ecosystem.

Conclusion

By installing Chromium on Fedora via the AppStream or Flatpak, you have successfully set up a secure and customizable browsing environment. The AppStream method ensures seamless integration with your Fedora system, while the Flatpak option provides additional isolation and flexibility. To maintain optimal performance and security, regularly update Chromium using your chosen installation method. Monitoring the browser’s performance and ensuring compatibility with your installed extensions will help you get the most out of Chromium on your Fedora system.