How to Run Android Apps on Chromebook?

Google has made one of the most exciting changes in its Chrome Operating System platform was the addition of Android app support. While Chrome OS already supports and runs browser extensions and web apps, adding Android apps support highly increases the platform's value.

However, not all Chromebooks are compatible with running Android apps. The Chromebooks launched in 2019 or after support installing and running Android apps, and they are enabled with Google Play Store. Such Chromebook allows downloading Android apps from the Play Store app and accessing them on your Chromebook device. This article illustrates how to run Android apps on Chromebook.

Check Chromebook compatibility with Android apps

Before you get started and try to install the Android app on your Chromebook, first of all, check whether your device is compatible with Android apps. You can check this by navigating to Settings on your Chromebook.

1. Turn on the Chromebook and log in to it.
2. Tap on the Quick Settings panel inside the system clock at the bottom right of the device screen.
3. Click on the Setting option on the pop-up menu.
4. Now, choose the Apps
5. You will see a Google Play Store option if the Chromebook is suitable for Android apps.

Update your Chromebook if it does not support the Android app

Older Chromebooks don't come with Google Play support by default. Besides that, lots of devices get Android app support after updating them. If you are running an older Chromebook and don't see the Google Play Store option, check for any available updates. Following are the steps to update your Chromebook device:

1. Please turn on your Chromebook and log in to it.
2. Connect your device to a Wi-Fi connection.
3. Tap on the time section at the bottom right corner of the device screen.
4. Select the Settings
5. Tap on the About ChromeOS
6. Now, tap on Check for updates.
7. If you find updates available, click on them and follow the instructions until the update process gets completed.

After updating the device, even the Google Play Store option does not appear in the Settings section; your Chromebook device doesn't support the Android app. It is a matter of worry if your device does not support the Android app. In this case, you need a new Chromebook to run the Android app.

If your Chromebook supports Android apps, you will find that Google Play Store is enabled by default. In very few cases, you will find this option still needs to be turned on to allow Google Play Store to run Android apps.

Enable the Google Play Store

Suppose you updated your Chromebook to a higher version or using the latest release Chromebook. But still, if Google Play Store is not visible on the Launcher screen, the following steps ensure you that it has turned on:

1. Click on the Quick Settings panel inside the system clock at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Click on the Setting cog on the pop-up menu.
3. Under the "Apps" section, choose the Google Play Store You will see a "Remove" button if it gets enabled. If you don't see such an option, move on to the next step.
4. Activate the option "Install Apps and Games from Google Play on your Chromebook" device.
5. From the pop-up screen, select More.
6. A Google Play Store icon appears on the device screen. Read the term and conditions and accept them to proceed.

Installing and using Android apps on Chromebook OS

If you are an active user of an Android phone, you probably know how to install an app on an Android device from Play Store. But this process is slightly different for iPhone users. The method of installing apps from the Play Store is very similar to the operation of installing apps from the Apple App Store for iOS or macOS devices.

1. Turn on your Chromebook device and log in to it.
2. Open the app drawer section either by tapping on the Launcher icon or clicking on it from the left side of the screen.
3. Look for the Google Play Store app and tap to open it.
4. Now, search for the app which you want to install.
5. Once you find the app of your choice, click on Install.
6. Wait a few moments to finish the installation process, and once it is completed, it will appear in the app drawer.

Change app permissions or uninstall

1. Click on the Quick Settings panel inside the system clock at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Click on the Setting cog on the pop-up menu.
3. Now, choose the Apps listed on the left.
4. Tab on the "Manage Your Apps" at the right of the screen.
5. Tab on the app you want to modify or delete.
6. To change app permission, click the "Toggle" button next to each toggle button to switch them.
7. If you want to remove an app, just click the "Uninstall" button.

How to enable Android apps on your Chromebook

1. Open Settings

Open the Settings app and tap on the time section at the bottom-right of the screen. From the screen open, tap on the gear (setting) icon.

2. Enabling Android app support

Now, on the open window (Settings) screen, scroll down to the Apps section and tap on the "Turn on" option next to Google Play Store. It will allow the installation of apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook device.

3. Accept Google Policy

Accept the Google Policy and terms of service, then click on More. You can also use the option to back up your Android apps to Google Drive and click on the Accept button.

Before you move further to installing Android apps on your Chromebook, the Play Store install Android Accessibility Suite in the background. Also, if your Google Play Store keeps crashing, it means the Accessibility Suite is not installed correctly; give it more time to finish.

How to install the first Android app on Chrome operating system (Chromebook)

The process and steps to install the Android app on Chromebook are performed like you do to install the app on an Android phone. Suppose you want to install the Chrome Web browser app on your Chrome OS. Launch the Google Play Store app and type Chrome in the search section. Choose the Chrome browser from the result display and tap the "Install" option. Now, let the installation process complete. When the installation finishes, your app appears in the Chrome OS launcher.

Not all apps are optimized for Chromebooks

As we all know, millions of Android apps are available, but not all apps are optimized for Chromebook. Some popular apps from a wide range of Android apps are optimized for Chrome OS. The supported apps work in full-screen mode, and they are easy to use. The compatible Android apps work just like the standard Chromebook apps.

The Android apps which are not optimized for Chromebook appear in a phone screen format. However you can even use them, but you can't get a better user experience. In the screenshot below, see how an un-optimized Android app looks on Chromebook.

Some frequently asked questions about Chromebook

How to run the Android app on my old Chromebook?

If you are running an older version of Chromebook that doesn't officially support the Android app or has not installed Google Play Store, you can't run the Android app.

How to install the Android app on a Chromebook without using Google Play Store?

On an Android app-supported Chromebook, you can use the APK file of the Android app you wish to install on your device. But remember that you need to enable developer mode and the unknown source app installation function in your Settings app. Also, you will require a file manager app to access and open APK files.

Do all Android apps work on Chromebook?

Not all Android apps work on Chromebook, but most popular ones do. Some apps are based on specific hardware or software to meet, but some or all Chromebooks may not fulfill their need. And prevent them from running apps on it.