How To Install Chromium Without Snap: A Guide for Ubuntu Users

In this guide, we’ll be exploring various methods to install Chromium on Ubuntu without using Snap. The need for this arises as Ubuntu has transitioned to packaging Chromium as a Snap package, which might not be the preferred method for some users due to various reasons including performance issues and system integration.

Method 1: Using the Debian “buster” Repository

This method involves adding the Debian “buster” repository to your Ubuntu system and installing Chromium from there. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Existing Ubuntu Chromium Packages

Start by removing any existing Ubuntu Chromium packages from your system. You can do this by running the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt remove chromium-browser chromium-browser-l10n chromium-codecs-ffmpeg-extra

In this command, sudo is used to run the command with root privileges, apt is the package handling utility in Ubuntu, remove is the command to remove packages, and the rest are the names of the packages to remove.

Step 2: Add the Debian “buster” Repository

Next, add the Debian “buster” repository by creating a new file /etc/apt/sources.list.d/debian.list with the following content:

deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster.gpg] http://deb.debian.org/debian buster main
deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster-updates.gpg] http://deb.debian.org/debian buster-updates main
deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/debian-security-buster.gpg] http://deb.debian.org/debian-security buster/updates main

Here, deb is the format used by the Debian software package management system, [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster.gpg] specifies that we’re adding a repository for 64-bit packages and the signing key used for the packages, and the rest is the URL of the repository.

Step 3: Add the Debian Signing Keys

After adding the repository, you need to add the Debian signing keys. Run the following commands in your terminal:

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys DCC9EFBF77E11517
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 648ACFD622F3D138
sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 112695A0E562B32A

In these commands, apt-key adv is used to manage the list of keys used by apt to authenticate packages, --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com specifies the key server from which to receive the keys, and --recv-keys followed by the key ID is used to receive the specified keys.

Step 4: Store the GPG Keys

Next, store the GPG keys in /usr/share/keyrings by running the following commands:

sudo apt-key export 77E11517 | sudo gpg --dearmour -o /usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster.gpg
sudo apt-key export 22F3D138 | sudo gpg --dearmour -o /usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster-updates.gpg
sudo apt-key export E562B32A | sudo gpg --dearmour -o /usr/share/keyrings/debian-security-buster.gpg

Here, apt-key export is used to export the key, gpg --dearmour is used to convert the key from ASCII armored format to binary format, and -o /usr/share/keyrings/debian-buster.gpg is used to specify the output file.

Step 5: Configure Apt Pinning

Now, configure apt pinning by creating a new file /etc/apt/preferences.d/chromium.pref with the following content:

# Note: 2 blank lines are required between entries
Package: *
Pin: release a=eoan
Pin-Priority: 500

Package: *
Pin: origin "deb.debian.org"
Pin-Priority: 300

# Pattern includes 'chromium', 'chromium-browser' and similarly
# named dependencies:
Package: chromium*
Pin: origin "deb.debian.org"
Pin-Priority: 700

Apt pinning is a method used to prioritize certain package sources over others. It allows you to mix and match software from various repositories.

Step 6: Install Chromium

Finally, update the package list and install Chromium by running the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install chromium

In these commands, apt update is used to update the package list, and apt install chromium is used to install Chromium.

Method 2: Using the Official Debian Package from Google

Another method to install Chromium without using snap is by downloading the official Debian package of Chrome from Google’s website and installing it manually. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Download the Package

First, download the package from the Chrome download page by selecting “other platforms” at the bottom of the page.

Step 2: Install the Package

Next, open a terminal and navigate to the directory where the downloaded package is located. Install the package using apt to automatically handle dependencies:

sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

In this command, ./google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb is the path to the downloaded package. Replace it with the actual path if it’s different on your system.

Method 3: Using the Chromium Beta PPA

The Chromium team maintains a Chromium beta PPA. You can add this PPA to your system and install Chromium from there. Here’s how:

Step 1: Add the Chromium Beta PPA

To add the Chromium beta PPA, run the following commands in your terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:saiarcot895/chromium-beta
sudo apt-get update

In these commands, add-apt-repository is used to add a PPA, and apt-get update is used to update the package list.

Step 2: Install Chromium

Finally, install Chromium by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install chromium-browser

In this command, apt-get install chromium-browser is used to install Chromium.

Method 4: Using Linux Mint Repository

Linux Mint maintains its own Chromium packages without using snap. You can add their repository and install Chromium from there. Here’s how:

Step 1: Add the Linux Mint Repository

To add the Linux Mint repository, run the following commands in your terminal:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:savoury1/chromium
sudo apt-get update

In these commands, add-apt-repository is used to add a PPA, and apt-get update is used to update the package list.

Step 2: Install Chromium

Finally, install Chromium by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install chromium-browser

In this command, apt-get install chromium-browser is used to install Chromium.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve explored various methods to install Chromium on Ubuntu without using Snap. Choose the method that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to exercise caution when adding external repositories and downloading software from unofficial sources. Happy browsing!