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 on 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, Chromebook does officially support it, but it requires you to enable developer mode and system reset.
It is quite straightforward with the Linus Subsystem, and does not require a clean state. Checkout with the following instructions mentioned down 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 “Linuxx Development Environment (Beta)” and turn it on.
- Once you enable it by clicking on “Turn On”, it will start downloading and setting up the Linux Development.
- Click on Next, and then enter the username and assign the disc size, which can be modified later from the device settings.
- After that, it will start downloading and installing. Once it is done, it will open the Linux Terminal.
Setup the Android Debugging Bridge
- Open Device system submenu from 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 the 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 on 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 from 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 any apk from a trusted source. Ensure you have downloaded the x86_64″. As an example,
- we will be installing CoDMobile (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 which can cause some serious damage to your chromebook.
Hopefully, this article remains helpful for you and you will be able to successfully sideload the APK on your device. If there is any query, share it with us in the comment section down below. Keep an eye out for future updates on the subject.
