Where Chromebook apps come from

Most apps on a Chromebook come from the Google Play Store, which is built into your device. You search for an app by name, tap Install, and it appears on your shelf or in your app drawer within seconds. This is the same store that supplies apps to Android phones, so many of the apps you know already exist there.

Some Chromebooks also run Linux apps, which is a separate system for more technical software. And you can use web apps — programs that run in your browser without installing anything at all. But the Play Store is where most people find what they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Play Store app (usually on your shelf or in the app drawer) and search for the app you want by name.
  • Tap the Install button, wait for the download to finish, and the app will appear in your app drawer or on your shelf automatically.
  • Not all apps work on Chromebooks — check the store listing to see if your device is compatible before you install.
  • If the Play Store is not visible on your Chromebook, you may need to turn it on in Settings under Apps.
  • Uninstall apps by right-clicking them in the app drawer and selecting Remove from Chrome OS, or by opening the app in the Play Store and tapping Uninstall.

Opening the Google Play Store and searching for apps

The Play Store app usually sits on your shelf at the bottom of the screen, or you can find it in your app drawer. Tap the app drawer icon (it looks like a grid of dots) in the bottom left corner, then scroll through your apps until you see the Play Store icon — it is a colorful triangle.

Once the Play Store opens, tap the search icon at the top and type the name of the app you want. Results appear as you type. Tap the app you are looking for to see its full page, which shows screenshots, reviews, and the Install button.

Before you tap Install, scroll down to check the Compatibility section. It tells you whether the app will work on your specific Chromebook model. Some apps only run on certain devices or require a minimum amount of storage space.

Installing an app and finding it afterward

Tap the blue Install button on the app's page. The Play Store will ask for permission to use certain features — for example, a camera app needs permission to access your camera. Read what the app is asking for and tap Install again to confirm.

The download usually takes a few seconds to a minute, depending on the app size and your internet speed. Once it finishes, the Install button changes to Open, and the app appears in your app drawer automatically. You can also pin it to your shelf by right-clicking the app in the drawer and selecting Pin to shelf.

If you do not see the app right away, close and reopen the app drawer, or restart your Chromebook. Occasionally an app takes a moment to register.

What to do if the Play Store is missing or turned off

Some Chromebooks do not have the Play Store turned on by default. If you cannot find it in your app drawer, you can turn it on yourself. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then click the Settings gear icon.

In Settings, click Apps on the left side. You should see an option for Google Play Store. If it says Off, click it and toggle it On. Your Chromebook will restart, and the Play Store will appear in your app drawer once it boots back up.

If you still do not see the Play Store option in Settings, your Chromebook model may not support it. In that case, you can still use web apps — programs that run in your browser without installing anything.

Removing apps you no longer want

To uninstall an app, open your app drawer and right-click the app you want to remove. A menu appears with the option Remove from Chrome OS. Click it, and the app disappears immediately.

Alternatively, open the Google Play Store, search for the app, tap it to open its page, and tap the Uninstall button. Either method works the same way — the app is deleted and you get back the storage space it was using.

Installing Linux apps for advanced users

Some Chromebooks support Linux apps, which are programs designed for the Linux operating system. These are more technical tools — things like code editors, design software, or command-line programs — and they are not in the Play Store.

If your Chromebook supports Linux, you can turn it on in Settings under Developers. Once Linux is enabled, you can install apps through the Linux terminal using text commands. This is not a beginner task, and most everyday users will not need it. The Play Store covers most common needs like email, messaging, photo editing, and web browsing.

Using web apps instead of installing

Many services — Gmail, Google Docs, Slack, Spotify, Netflix — work perfectly well in your browser without installing an app at all. You simply visit the website and use it there. This saves storage space and means you do not have to manage separate apps.

If you use a web service often, you can create a shortcut to it on your shelf. Open the website in Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select More tools, then Create shortcut. Choose whether you want it on your shelf or in your app drawer. It will open in its own window, and it behaves almost like an installed app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install the same app on multiple Chromebooks?

Yes. Any app you install from the Play Store is tied to your Google account, not to a single device. Sign into your Google account on another Chromebook, open the Play Store, and the app will show as installed already. You can tap Install again to add it to that device.

What if an app says it is not compatible with my Chromebook?

The app was not designed to run on your device model or Chrome OS version. You cannot force it to install. Check whether a web version exists — many apps offer both a Play Store version and a website you can use instead.

Do I need to pay for apps?

Most apps in the Play Store are free. Some charge a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. The price is always shown on the app's page before you install, and you will be asked to confirm payment if there is a cost.

How much storage space do apps use?

It varies widely. A simple app might use 5 to 10 megabytes, while a game or photo editor can use 100 megabytes or more. The Play Store listing shows the app size before you install. Most Chromebooks have 32 to 128 gigabytes of storage, which is usually enough for dozens of apps.

Can I move an app to an external drive or SD card?

No. Apps installed from the Play Store stay on your Chromebook's internal storage. You cannot move them to external storage. If you are running low on space, uninstall apps you do not use regularly, or clear your browser cache and downloads folder.