How to sideload Android APKs on your Chromebook
If an app isn't available on the Play Store, you can sideload an Android APK onto your Chromebook using ADB. This guide covers two official methods, but warns that you proceed at your own risk.
A Chromebook is a flexible device that can be used for productivity, gaming, watching movies, and more. While most apps come from the Google Play Store, the platform also supports Linux apps and progressive web apps. But sometimes the exact experience you need isn't available through any of these channels. In that case, you might want to install an Android app from another source by sideloading an APK file.
Before diving in, be aware that sideloading is done at your own risk. Google hasn't verified apps obtained outside the Play Store, so it's wise to do your own research to ensure the APK is legitimate and free of malware. The article outlines two official methods that use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which work on Chromebooks released after 2020. You'll also need the APK file already stored on your device, ideally with a simple filename.
The first step is to enable Linux on your Chromebook. Go to Settings, click "About ChromeOS" on the left, scroll to "Developers," and select "Set up" for the Linux development environment. Once that's done, return to the "Linux development environment" section, click "Develop Android apps," and toggle on "Enable ADB debugging." Your Chromebook will restart, so save your work first. After reboot, a message will appear warning about unverified apps.
From there, you have two options. The first is using the Terminal. Search for and open Terminal, select the "Penguin" option, and install ADB if needed with the command "sudo apt install adb" — press Y to confirm. Then run "adb connect arc" and authorize USB debugging in the pop-up dialog by checking "Always allow from this computer" and clicking Allow. Finally, move or copy the APK to your Linux Files folder and run "adb install filename.apk." The app will then appear in the Chrome OS launcher.
The second approach involves Android Studio. If you don't have it set up, locate the DEB package in Files > My files > Downloads, move it to Linux Files, and install it in the Linux terminal with "sudo apt install ./android-studio-panda2-cros.deb" (the filename might differ). After opening Android Studio, create an Android Virtual Device — this can simulate a phone, tablet, Wear OS, Android TV, or Automotive OS device. Tablet and Android TV offer landscape formats. Then drag and drop the APK onto the emulator screen. An APK Installer box will confirm the installation, and you can access the app from your apps list.
