How to install Firefox on a Chromebook

In this guide, we'll walk you through installing Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) on your Chromebook using Linux apps. Firefox ESR is specifically designed for organizations and users who need extended support for mass deployments, making it an excellent choice for Chromebook users who value stability over cutting-edge features.

This tutorial is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow along with the video tutorial below for a visual walkthrough, and use the commands provided in this post for easy reference and copy-pasting.

What is Firefox ESR?

Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) is a version of Firefox that receives major updates on a slower cycle than the standard release. While the regular Firefox browser updates every four weeks with new features, Firefox ESR is updated with new features only once every 42 weeks (approximately once per year). However, it continues to receive critical security and stability updates throughout its lifecycle.

This makes Firefox ESR ideal for Chromebook users who prefer a stable browsing experience without frequent feature changes that might affect compatibility or workflow. It's also perfect for educational institutions, businesses, or anyone who values consistency and reliability in their web browser.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have Linux apps (also known as Crostini) enabled on your Chromebook. If you haven't already set this up, you can enable it through your Chromebook's settings under the "Linux (Beta)" section. Once Linux is enabled, you'll have access to the Terminal application where we'll execute our installation commands.

Installation Steps

Installing Firefox ESR on your Chromebook is a simple two-step process. Open your Terminal application and follow these commands in order:

Step 1: Update Your Package List

First, we need to update the package list to ensure we're getting the latest version of Firefox ESR available in the repositories:

sudo apt update

This command refreshes your system's package database, ensuring you'll download the most current version of Firefox ESR. You may be prompted to enter your Linux password—this is normal for any command that begins with "sudo."

Step 2: Install Firefox ESR

Now that your package list is updated, you can install Firefox ESR with this command:

sudo apt install firefox-esr

The system will show you how much disk space will be used and ask for confirmation. Type "y" and press Enter to proceed with the installation. The download and installation process should only take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection.

Launching Firefox ESR

Once the installation is complete, you can find Firefox ESR in your Chromebook's app launcher. Look in the Linux apps folder, where you'll see the Firefox icon. Click it to launch your new browser!

Firefox ESR will maintain your bookmarks, passwords, and other settings through Firefox Sync if you choose to sign in with a Firefox account. This makes it easy to keep your browsing experience consistent across all your devices.

Why Choose Firefox ESR on a Chromebook?

There are several compelling reasons to install Firefox ESR on your Chromebook:

• Stability: With less frequent major updates, Firefox ESR provides a more consistent browsing experience.
• Privacy: Firefox has robust privacy features and doesn't track your browsing behavior for advertising purposes.
• Compatibility: The extended support cycle means web applications and extensions have more time to maintain compatibility.
• Security: Despite the slower feature update cycle, Firefox ESR receives all critical security patches promptly.
• Performance: Firefox ESR runs efficiently on Chromebooks, even those with modest hardware specifications.

Additional Resources

For more information about Firefox ESR and its release cycle, check out these helpful resources:

• Google Doc used in the tutorial
• About Firefox ESR Release Cycle
• Official Firefox Website
• All Currently Supported Chromebooks with Linux Apps (Crostini) support

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues during installation, here are a few common solutions:

• Command not found errors: Make sure Linux apps are properly enabled on your Chromebook and that the Terminal is fully loaded before running commands.
• Package installation fails: Try running sudo apt update again, followed by sudo apt upgrade to ensure all existing packages are current before attempting the Firefox ESR installation.
• Firefox won't launch: Restart your Chromebook's Linux container by right-clicking the Terminal icon and selecting "Shut down Linux" then reopening the Terminal.

If you have questions or run into any issues not covered here, feel free to reach out via a comment on the YouTube video, and we'll be happy to help you get Firefox ESR up and running on your Chromebook!

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