Because it is based on Google’s OS, some apps are not available for download from the Google Play Store on the device. There is a simple reason behind it. Since it doesn’t meet Google’s requirements, it wasn’t listed in the Chromebook Google Play Store version. If you wonder how you can sideload Android applications on Chromebook, then here in this article we will guide you through how you can sideload APK on Chromebook. So let’s take a deep dive into it and learn more about it.
How to Sideload an APK on a Chromebook Without Developer Mode
APK stands for Android Package Kit or Android Package. When it comes to sideloading, Chromebooks officially support it, but it requires you to enable developer mode and a system reset.
It is quite straightforward with the Linux subsystem and does not require a clean state. Checkout with the following instructions mentioned below:
Enable the Linux Subsystem
If you have already enabled it, then you can proceed to the next step.
- Drag the notification, and then head over to settings by clicking on the cogwheel icon that appears in the upper-right corner.
- Next, on the settings page, search for Linux and, from there, look for “Linux Development Environment (Beta)” and turn it on.
- Once you enable it by clicking on “Turn On,” it will start downloading and setting up Linux development.
- Click on Next, and then enter the username and assign the disc size, which can be modified later in the device settings.
- After that, it will start downloading and installing. Once it is done, it will open a Linux terminal.
Set up the Android Debugging Bridge.
- Open the Device System submenu in the notification area, and then search for Linux.
- There you get more options to configure, and from there you choose “Develop Android App.” Toggle to enable “Enable ADB Debugging.”
- It will ask you to restart and continue. Click on it to confirm, and then once your Chromebook reboots,
- Tap on the “everything” button, and it will search for a terminal.
- Execute the following command:
- sudo apt install android-tools-adb -y
- sudo adb connect 100.155.92.2:5555
- Simply confirm your action, check the checkbox for “Always allow from this computer,” and tap OK to confirm your action for USB debugging.
- Troubleshoot
- If your Chromebook doesn’t show “Connected to 100.155.92.2:55,” then enable it in the settings.
- Open Device Settings and head over to Apps.
- Go to the Google Play Store, and then tap Manage Android Preferences.
- Select About Device from the System menu.
- Tap X7 times to enable developer mode.
- Reboot your device.
- Try executing the above-mentioned commands, or also try sudo adb connect arc.
Installing an APK on a Chromebook
- First, download an APK from a trusted source. Ensure you have downloaded the x86_64″. As an example,
- We will be installing CoDMobile (for which you are likely to have saved the file in the Linux file directory; if not, then move it to the directory).
- Execute the command: adb -s emulator-5554 install CoD.apk (replace the filename with the one you saved).
- And then adb install CoD.apk.
- Now, it is likely to be installed successfully on your Chromebook.
- That’s it.
Now you can find the app on your Chromebook screen. We advise you to sideload the APK from a trusted app because sometimes APKs may come with vulnerabilities that can cause serious damage to your Chromebook.