How to install an APK on a Chromebook

Two ways, neither of them a tap

ChromeOS runs Android apps in a container, but the file manager will not install an APK you download. You need either Developer mode on the Chromebook, which disables verified boot and is not recommended on school or work devices, or the Linux environment plus adb, which keeps the device secure.

Method 1: Linux and adb (recommended)

1. Settings › Advanced › Developers › Linux development environment › Turn on.
2. In the same Developers section, open Develop Android apps and enable Enable ADB debugging. The Chromebook restarts and shows a warning banner at boot; that is expected.
3. Open the Terminal app and install adb: sudo apt update && sudo apt install adb.
4. Connect to the Android container: adb connect arc (on some builds adb connect 100.115.92.2:5555). Accept the debugging prompt that appears in Android.
5. Copy the APK into the Linux files folder, then run adb install file.apk. For bundles, extract and use adb install-multiple.

The app appears in the launcher with the other Android apps.

Method 2: Developer mode

With Developer mode enabled, the Android Settings › Apps › Special app access › Install unknown apps switch becomes available and the Files app can open APKs directly. Developer mode wipes the device when enabled and shows a warning screen at every boot, so use it only on a personal machine you can afford to reset.

Limits

• Managed Chromebooks (school, company) usually block both methods by policy.
• Apps built only for phones may open in a small window; most can be resized.
• Chromebooks are x86_64 or ARM depending on the model. Check About ChromeOS for the CPU and prefer a universal APK.
• Play Protect and the signature check still apply, so an APK cannot replace a Play-installed app signed with a different key.