With the Steam Deck's growing popularity, many people want to know how to download Google Chrome to use on Valve's handheld gaming PC. Fortunately, installing Chrome on the Steam Deck is straightforward, as the device runs a Linux-based operating system that supports adding new software.
You will learn how to download and install Google Chrome on your Steam Deck in this guide. You'll learn how to enable Developer Mode, add the Chromium repository, update your system, and finally install Chrome from the Discover software store. In no time, you'll be browsing the web on your Steam Deck with Chrome.
Key Steps to Download and Install Chrome on Steam Deck:
- Enable Developer Mode on your Steam Deck
- Add the proper repository that contains Chromium packages
- Update your system's package list
- Open the Discover software store and install Google Chrome
- Launch Chrome and enjoy browsing the web!
Below we'll go through each of these key steps in more detail, including how to troubleshoot any issues along the way.
Enable Developer Mode on Your Steam Deck
This will open the sources list file in the nano text editor.
- From the main Steam Deck UI, press the Steam button to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Select the "System" tab, then choose "Developer".
- On the Developer page, toggle the switch for "Developer Mode" to the ON position.
By enabling Developer Mode, you are able to download and install apps outside SteamOS's normal repositories, including the Chromium repository that is necessary to install Chrome.
Add the Chromium Repository to Your Steam Deck
When Developer Mode is enabled, the Chromium packages needed to install Google Chrome can be added to the following repository:
- Launch the Terminal app on your Steam Deck. You can find it in the Applications Menu.
- In the Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list
- This will open the sources list file in the nano text editor.
- Use the arrow keys to move to the bottom of the file, and add the following line:
deb http://deb.debian.org/debian bullseye main contrib non-free - Press Ctrl + O and then Enter to save the file.
- Press Ctrl + X to exit nano.
- Lastly, update your package list with the following command: Copy the code
sudo apt update
The Chromium repository has now been added! You'll now be able to install Chrome from the main repositories.
Update Your Steam Deck's Software Repositories
Before installing Google Chrome, it's a good idea to refresh your Steam Deck's repositories and install any pending system updates:
- In the Terminal app, type the following commands: Copy code
sudo apt update sudo apt full-upgrade - Press Y and Enter to confirm installing any available package upgrades.
- Restart your Steam Deck after the update process completes.
Your system is now totally up-to-date and ready for installing Google Chrome!
Install Google Chrome via the Discover Software Store
With your Steam Deck in Developer Mode and the Chromium repository added, you can now install Google Chrome easily via the Discover software store:
- From the main Steam Deck UI, launch the Discover software store.
- In the Search bar, type "Google Chrome" and press Enter.
- The Google Chrome browser should appear in the search results. Select it.
- On the Chrome page, click the "Install" button to add Chrome to your Steam Deck.
- The installation only takes a few seconds. Once complete, you'll see a "Launch" button instead.
That's it! Google Chrome is now installed on your Steam Deck. Next, we'll launch it for the first time.
Launching Chrome for the First Time on Steam Deck
Let's get Chrome up and running on your Steam Deck:
- In your Applications list or the Discover software store, find and select the Google Chrome app icon to launch it.
- The first time you open Chrome, you'll need to accept the Terms of Service. Click Accept and Continue.
- On the following screen, you can sign into Chrome with your Google Account to sync settings, bookmarks, etc. Or select Continue without syncing.
- After a quick setup, the Chrome browser will open on your Steam Deck! You can now browse the web, play web games, stream videos, and more.
With Chrome now installed, let's go over some tips for customizing it to best work on the Steam Deck.
Customizing Chrome for the Steam Deck
Here are some ways to tailor Google Chrome's settings and extensions specifically for the Steam Deck:
- In Settings, enable gesture navigation like swiping to navigate between pages.
- Increase text size under Appearance settings for improved readability on the smaller screen.
- Add Steam Deck-friendly extensions like Touch VPN to emulate touch inputs.
- Import bookmarks for your favorite gaming sites and web apps to easily access them.
- Set Chrome as the default browser in System Settings > Applications.
- Adjust Cookie controls if logging into gaming sites. Some require cookies enabled.
- Enable Site Isolation under Privacy and security for improved stability with web apps.
Optimizing these types of settings will let you take full advantage of Chrome on the go with your Steam Deck.
Troubleshooting Chrome Installation Issues on Steam Deck
If you encounter any problems installing or running Google Chrome on the Steam Deck, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Double-check that Developer Mode is enabled in your system settings. Chrome can't install without it.
- Verify the Chromium repository was added by checking your
/etc/apt/sources.listfile in the Terminal. - Run
sudo apt updateagain if Chrome doesn't appear in the Discover store after adding the repository. - Restart your Steam Deck and try installing Chrome again if it fails mid-installation.
- If Chrome crashes on launch, try running from the terminal with the --no-sandbox flag.
- For login looping issues, try disabling Chrome sync or using guest mode.
- Can't install extensions? Enable developer mode on the Chrome extensions page.
- Consult Steam Deck community forums if you need additional help troubleshooting Chrome.
Following these tips should help you overcome any issues getting Chrome up and running on the Steam Deck.
Conclusion: Enjoy Chrome on Your Steam Deck!
You can access your favorite websites, web apps, games, and streaming services without compromising when you install Google Chrome on the Steam Deck.
By enabling Developer Mode, adding the Chromium repository, installing packages via the Discover store, launching Chrome, and customizing settings, you are ready to go.
While you may hit minor bugs, Chrome generally provides an excellent web experience on Valve's handheld. With the steps in this guide, you'll be browsing smoothly on your Steam Deck's display in no time. Have some fun exploring the web untethered!
Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Google Chrome on the Steam Deck
Is Google Chrome preinstalled on the Steam Deck?
No, Chrome does not come preinstalled, but it can be easily downloaded and installed via the Discover software store.
Does the Steam Deck support Google Chrome?
Yes, the Steam Deck runs a Linux-based OS that fully supports installing and running Google Chrome.
Do I need to enable Developer Mode to get Chrome on Steam Deck?
Yes, you need to enable Developer Mode before Chrome can be installed from the Chromium repository.
How much storage does Google Chrome use on Steam Deck?
Chrome takes up around 100 - 150MB of storage when installed on the Steam Deck.
Is Chrome slow on the Steam Deck?
No, Chrome performs very well thanks to the Steam Deck's modern hardware. But you can tweak settings like enabling Lite mode for even smoother browsing.
Does Chrome drain the Steam Deck battery faster?
Chrome uses slightly more battery than SteamOS's default browser, but the difference is minimal during average use.
Can I install Chrome extensions on Steam Deck?
Yes, Chrome's full extension library can be added through the normal process in Chrome settings or the Web Store.
What's the easiest way to install Chrome on my Steam Deck?
The quickest method is to enable Developer mode, add the Chromium repository via the Terminal, update packages, and install Chrome through the Discover software store app.
