Apart from browsing the web via Google Chrome, your Chromebook can also run Linux and Android apps. While most Android apps are available from the Google Play Store, you also have the option to sideload apps that aren't accessible from the official Play Store. Sideloading apps with ChromeOS does require some effort though. You need to enable developer mode on your Chromebook or use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to get it done.

There's no need to sideload a Linux app to your Chromebook. As we've explained in our guide to Linux apps, you can install almost any Linux app directly onto your ChromeOS device using the standard terminal command. Also, ChromeOS web apps don't need to be sideloaded since they're just websites.

Top down view of the white keyboard on the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
How to turn on ChromeOS Developer Mode on your Chromebook

Developer mode unlocks a whole new world of possibilities on ChromeOS

By 

A word of caution

Before we show you the steps to enable developer mode and sideload apps on Chromebook, let's have a word of caution. Since these apps are unavailable from the Google Play Store, Google hasn't verified them. You should download APK files from trusted sources and developers only. Unknown, corrupt, or unverified APK files may cause glitches on your Chromebook.

You should also be watchful if you plan to install third-party apps and IPTV services with unlicensed content. Streaming such content on your Chromebook may not be legal in your region. You may even receive a legal notice from the local authorities if you stream unlicensed content from such apps.

How to sideload apps to a Chromebook in developer mode

Using developer mode is the easiest way to sideload an Android app on a Chromebook. The option is usually reserved for developers to test their apps on Chromebooks. Simply follow the steps below to give it a try.

Using developer mode on Chromebook may void your device warranty. Switching to developer mode will also completely erase your Chromebook, including any information that you already have stored on it.

  1. Power on your Chromebook.
  2. Press and hold Esc + Refresh on your keyboard, then press the Power button while you're on the sign-in screen or the home screen).
  3. A message saying Let's step you through the recovery process will appear.
    A photo showing the ChromeOS Chromebook Recovery screen
  4. Press and hold Ctrl + D.
  5. You'll see a warning message saying "You are attempting to enable developer mode". Press the up arrow and select Confirm to confirm you're entering developer mode, then press Enter.

    This will erase all the data on your device.

    A photo showing the proccess of entering developer mode in ChromeOS
  6. Press Ctrl + D again and wait for your device to restart.
  7. You will notice a You are in recovery mode message. Press Ctrl + D to dismiss the message, and you're now in developer mode.
  8. Open Chrome and download the APK file for the Android app you want to install. APKMirror is a great resource for finding apps.
  9. Go to Files on your Chromebook. Find the APK file you downloaded and double-click it to isntall the app
    A screenshot of the ChomeOS package installer as seen in the Files app
  10. You'll see a warning about installing unknown apps. Click Continue.
    A screenshot of prompts to install an Android app as seen in the ChromeOS package installer
  11. Click Install and wait for the process to finish.

You can now use your new Android app to your heart's content.

How to sideload apps on a Chromebook via ADB

If you don't want to deal with developer mode on Chromebook or lose the information stored on your computer, use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to push apps onto an Android device using a PC, and in this case, we'll be using Linux in ChromeOS to do it. Naturally, that means enabling Linux itself, too.

Enable Linux in ChromeOS settings

  1. Open the ChromeOS Settings app and scroll down the sidebar on the left to About ChromeOS.
  2. On this page, scroll down to the Developers section and click Set up next to Linux development environment.
    Screenshot of ChromeOS settings showing the option to set up a Linux development environment
  3. Follow the steps on your screen to set up Linux. Installing Linux may take some time.

Enable Android App development

  1. Go back to the Settings app, and in the search box look for Develop Android Apps, then pick the top result found.
  2. Set the Enable ADB debugging to On, then select Restart and Continue, and then Confirm.
    Screenshot of Chrome OS settings showing a prompt to confirm enabling USB debugging
  3. Once your Chromebook restarts, go to the launcher, search for Terminal, and choose the top result found.
  4. Click Penguin to launch it.
  5. Type the following command: sudo apt install adb, hit Y then Enter.
    A screenshot of the Linux command for installing an Android app on ChromeOS
  6. Type adb connect arc and press Enter.
  7. Click the checkbox next to Always allow from this computer, then click Allow.

Install your application

  1. Download the APK file for the app you want.
  2. Copy the file or move it into the Linux files folder by dragging and dropping it there.
    Screenshot of the Chrome OS files app showing an APK file in the Linux files folder
  3. Open the Terminal app again.
  4. Type the following command, replacing APPNAME with the file name of the APK file you downloaded: 
    adb -s emulator-5554 install "APPNAME.apk"
    Screenshot of the Linux terminal in Chrome OS showing an ADB command to install an app

Wait for the install to finish and the app should show up in your Chrome OS Launcher.

Access your favorite apps on your Chromebook

Screenshot of the Microsoft 365 app for Android on Chrome OS

The default Google Play Store is packed with millions of apps and games to choose from. We suggest that you avoid sideloading apps unless you absolutely trust the source and legality of said apps. Once you complete your Chromebook setup, check out our separate post on top ChomeOS apps.