Firefox does not install directly on Chrome OS, but you can run it through Linux

Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which is built around the Chrome browser. Firefox will not appear in the Google Play Store or the Chrome Web Store. However, most modern Chromebooks include a Linux environment you can turn on, and Firefox installs into that Linux space just like it would on a desktop computer. Once running, Firefox works the same way — you get your own bookmarks, extensions, and settings separate from Chrome.

The process takes about 15 minutes if your Chromebook supports Linux. Older models and some budget Chromebooks do not have this feature, so you should check first. If your device does not support Linux, you have other options covered later in this article.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Chromebooks made after 2018 can run Linux, which lets you install Firefox as a full desktop process.
  • Turning on Linux uses some storage space and takes a few minutes, but you only do it once.
  • Firefox in Linux runs separately from Chrome and keeps its own bookmarks, passwords, and extensions.
  • If your Chromebook does not support Linux, you can use Firefox as a web app or switch to a different browser built into Chrome OS.

Check whether your Chromebook supports Linux

Open Chrome and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select About Chrome OS from the left menu. Look for a section called Linux development environment or Developers. If you see an option to turn on Linux, your device supports it and you can proceed. If that section does not appear, your Chromebook is too old or does not have the hardware for Linux.

You can also check the official Chromebook model list on Google's support site, but the Settings check is faster. Write down your exact Chromebook model (found in Settings > About Chrome OS > Detailed build information) if you want to search for confirmation.

Turn on Linux and install Firefox

Go back to Settings > About Chrome OS and find the Linux section. Click Turn on or Set up. Chrome OS will ask you to confirm and may ask for your password. The system will read and install a Linux container — this takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet speed and Chromebook model. Do not close the lid or disconnect power during this process.

Once Linux finishes installing, a terminal window opens automatically. At the command prompt, type this command exactly and press Enter:

sudo apt update

Wait for that to finish, then type:

sudo apt install firefox

The system will ask you to confirm by typing y and pressing Enter. Firefox will read and install. This usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. When it finishes, you can close the terminal.

Launch Firefox and set it as your default browser

Click the Show Applications button (the grid icon) in the bottom left corner of your screen. Search for Firefox and click it. Firefox opens in a window just like any other process on your Chromebook. The first time you launch it, Firefox asks whether to import bookmarks and settings from Chrome — you can choose to do this or start fresh.

Firefox runs in the Linux environment, so it has its own separate bookmarks, passwords, and extensions from Chrome. If you want to use the same bookmarks in both browsers, you can sign into a Firefox account and sync them, or manually export bookmarks from Chrome and import them into Firefox.

Understand what Firefox in Linux can and cannot do

Firefox in Linux works like desktop Firefox — you can install extensions from the Firefox Add-ons store, use developer tools, and adjust all the same settings. However, it runs in a sandboxed Linux container, which means it cannot access some Chromebook features. You cannot use Chromebook-specific features like printing to a Chromebook printer through the Chrome OS print dialog, though Firefox can print to PDF or to a network printer.

File access is also limited. Firefox can read and write files in the Linux home folder, but accessing files in your Chrome OS Downloads folder or Google Drive requires you to move or copy them into Linux first. This is a security feature — the Linux container is isolated from the rest of your system.

If your Chromebook does not support Linux

Older Chromebooks and some budget models cannot run Linux. In that case, you have two alternatives. First, you can use Firefox as a web app — go to firefox.com in Chrome, click the menu (three dots in the top right), and select Install app. This creates a shortcut that opens Firefox in a window, but it is still running through Chrome OS, not as a full browser. Second, you can use Brave, Edge, or Opera, which are available in the Google Play Store on most Chromebooks and work like full browsers without needing Linux.

Check which browsers your Chromebook supports by opening the Google Play Store and searching for browser names. If your device is very old, the Play Store itself may not be available, in which case Chrome is your only option.

Manage Firefox updates and storage

Firefox in Linux updates automatically, usually once a month. You do not need to do anything — the next time you launch Firefox, it will check for updates and install them in the background. If you want to check manually, open Firefox and go to Menu > Help > About Firefox. The browser shows your current version and checks for updates when ready.

Firefox takes up about 200 to 300 megabytes of storage on your Chromebook, plus additional space for your bookmarks, extensions, and cached web pages. If storage becomes tight, you can clear Firefox's cache by going to Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security, scrolling to Cookies and Site Data, and clicking Clear Data. Choose what to delete and confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Firefox extensions on my Chromebook?

Yes, Firefox in Linux supports all Firefox extensions from the Firefox Add-ons store. Install them the same way you would on desktop Firefox — search for the extension, click Add to Firefox, and confirm. Extensions work independently from Chrome extensions, so you may need to install your favorites twice if you use both browsers.

Will Firefox slow down my Chromebook?

Firefox uses some memory and processor power, but modern Chromebooks have enough resources to run both Chrome and Firefox without noticeable slowdown. If your Chromebook has 4 gigabytes of RAM or more, you should not notice a difference. Older models with 2 gigabytes of RAM may feel slightly slower when both browsers are open.

Can I sync my Firefox bookmarks and passwords across devices?

Yes. Create or sign into a Firefox account in Firefox on your Chromebook, then go to Menu > Settings > Sync and turn on syncing. Sign into the same account on Firefox on your phone, tablet, or computer, and your bookmarks, passwords, and history sync automatically across all devices.

What happens to Firefox if I turn off Linux?

Firefox and everything in the Linux container are deleted. If you turn Linux back on later, you will need to reinstall Firefox. Your Firefox account and synced data remain safe in your Firefox account online, so you can sign back in and restore your bookmarks and passwords.

Can I print from Firefox on a Chromebook?

Yes, but with limitations. Firefox can print to PDF or to a network printer. It cannot use the Chromebook's native printer through the Chrome OS print dialog. If you have a printer connected to your Chromebook, try printing to PDF first, then opening the PDF in Chrome to print from there.