Running Android apps on Chromebooks increases the whole experience, allowing users to access the same apps and games as on their phones. It also helps the platform. You can utilize Android’s creative, work, and productivity apps for serious projects.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering if your Chromebook can run Android apps and how to set them up. This post contains all relevant information.
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How to Run Android Apps on Chromebooks?
Table of Contents
- Which Chromebooks run Android apps?
- Update Chromebook
- Chromebook Google Play Store Enabled
- Chromebook optimization issues
- Download apps on Chromebook
1: Which Chromebooks Run Android Apps?
If your Chromebook was published in 2017 or later, it probably runs Android apps. The answer is twofold. Go to our list of Chromebooks that allow Android apps. You can also see if your Chrome OS device can run Linux programs, which would provide a whole new level of usefulness.
Is your Chromebook supported?
- See our list above.
- You may also check if your device supports Android apps on the Chromium website.
- Many gadgets can access the Google Play Store. Ctrl + F will discover it faster (if you are using Windows).
- Your Chromebook model.
- If your device name is found, you should be able to access Google Play.
No model name or wish to look through the Chromium website? You can check for Google applications support in your Chromebook’s settings.
Check if your Chromebook has the Google Play Store:
- Log in to your Chromebook.
- Click the status bar in the bottom right of the screen.
- Tap the Settings cog.
- Choose Apps.
- A Google Play Store option if your Chromebook supports it. So your Chromebook can run Android apps.
2: Update Chromebook
Many Chromebooks from 2017 and earlier didn’t come with Android app support. But a software upgrade allowed some of them to access the Play Store. If you have an older device and don’t see the Play Store, updating your OS may help.
How to Update Chromebook?
- Log in to your Chromebook.
- Make sure the device is online.
- Click the status bar in the bottom right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select About Chrome OS.
- Click on Updates.
- Follow the steps until the update is complete.
After that, just follow the steps in the preceding section to see if a Chromebook supports Android apps. No Google Play Store option in settings means your device doesn’t support Android apps.
3: Chromebook Google Play Store Enabled
If your Chromebook supports Android apps, the Play Store should appear in your app drawer. If you don’t see it, you must first enable it. It’s simple and takes less than 30 seconds.
How to Install Google Play Store on a Chromebook?
- Log in to your Chromebook.
- Click the status bar in the bottom right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apps.
- Turn on the Google Play Store option.
Just like that, the Play Store should appear in your Chromebook’s app drawer.
4: Chromebook Optimization Issues
Even though many Android apps particularly the more popular ones have been optimized for Chromebooks, many others have not yet been. A well-optimized program will work in full-screen mode, making it more convenient to use and navigate. These apps function in the same way as the normal Chromebook apps that you may download from the Chromebook app store.
The majority of programs that aren’t designed for mobile devices appear in a phone screen format, which only occupies a fraction of your screen. Even though they are still in use, the experience isn’t the most pleasant. In the screenshot above, you can see what an unoptimized app looks like on a Chromebook when it is not optimized.
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5: Download Apps on Chromebook
I’m sure most of you are familiar with the process of downloading apps for Chromebooks, but I’ll go over it again for those of you who are unfamiliar with Chromebooks or Android apps in general. In a nutshell, the procedure is nearly comparable to that of downloading programs into your Android smartphone or tablet.
How to Download Android Apps on Chromebook?
- Start by turning on your Chromebook and logging in.
- Open the app drawer by pressing the ESC key.
- Locate and launch the Play Store application.
- Search for or browse for the application of your choosing.
- The Install can be accessed by clicking on it.
- Allow your device to carry out its functions.
Once you have installed the app, it will appear in the app drawer on your device. Simply open it.
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