How to Install Google Chrome on Debian 11 (Bullseye)

This guide shows two ways to install the Google Chrome web browser on Debian 11 (Bullseye) in a few easy-to-follow steps.

Google Chrome is a fast, intuitive, and secure browser built for the modern web. However, because it is not open-source software, it is not included by default in almost any Linux distribution and is usually unavailable for installation from their official repositories.

This is precisely the case with Debian, which strictly adheres to using only open-source software and ships with Firefox by default.

In this guide, I will show you two easy-to-follow ways to install Google Chrome on Debian 11 (Bullseye), so you can start browsing the web with your favorite browser in no time. Choose the one that is the easiest to implement for you.

However, if you’re using Debian 12, check our comprehensive and easy-to-follow “How to Install Google Chrome on Debian 12 (Bookworm)” guide.

Method 1: Installing Google Chrome on Debian 11 from DEB File

Step 1: Download the Google Chrome Linux Installer

Visit the download page for Google Chrome by clicking here or copying and pasting the following address in the browser you are currently using: https://www.google.com/chrome/. Then, hit the โ€œDownload Chromeโ€ button.

Download the Google Chrome Linux installation package.
Download the Google Chrome Linux installation package.

Next, select the โ€œ64-bit .deb (For Debian/Ubuntu)โ€ download package option and confirm by clicking the โ€œAccept and Installโ€ button.

Download the Google Chrome Linux installation package.
Download the Google Chrome Linux installation package.

Step 2: Installing Google Chrome on Debian 11

Once the download is complete, please navigate to your downloads directory, find the Google Chrome DEB installation package (google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb), right-click on it, and choose the โ€œOpen With Other Applicationโ€ option.

Google Chrome DEB installation package.
Google Chrome DEB installation package.

Highlight “Software Install” in the new window that appears and confirms by hitting the “Select” button.

Open a DEB file with the Software app.
Open a DEB file with the Software app.

The file will open in the Software app so that you can install it. Click the โ€œInstallโ€ button to begin the installation.

Start Google Chrome installation.
Start Google Chrome installation.

Enter your user password when prompted and hit โ€œAuthenticate.โ€

Start Google Chrome installation.
Start Google Chrome installation.

The progress bar lets you know when the Google Chrome browser has finished installing on your Debian 11 system.

Installing Google Chrome on Debian 11.
Installing Google Chrome on Debian 11.

The process usually takes up to 30 seconds. So please wait for it to complete. Then you can safely close the window.

Step 3: Launch Chrome Browser

Thatโ€™s all! Once installed, you can launch it from the application menu and enjoy it. Type โ€œchromeโ€ and click on the icon when it appears.

Launching Google Chrome.
Launching Google Chrome.

The first time you start Google Chrome, youโ€™ll have the chance to make Google Chrome your default browser. You can also choose to โ€œAutomatically send usage statistics and crash reports to Google.โ€ It is up to you whether you want to enable this or not.

Make your choices, and then click the โ€œOKโ€ button.

Google Chrome initial settings.
Google Chrome initial settings.

Google Chrome will start. Enjoy it!

Google Chrome web browser running on Debian 11 (Bullseye).
Google Chrome web browser running on Debian 11 (Bullseye).

Method 2: Installing Google Chrome on Debian via Command Line

Iโ€™ll show you the second way to install Google Chrome on Debian 11, which is entirely command-line-based. This approach is way faster, so if youโ€™re not afraid to dive into the Linux terminal, follow the steps below, and youโ€™ll be greeted with a successful result in minutes.

Step 1: Download and Import Googleโ€™s Signed Key

To ensure that the packages we receive to install the Chrome browser are genuine, first, we should download and import the Google signed key on your Debian system.

To do so, type the following two commands:

wget -q -O - https://dl-ssl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub > linux_signing_key.pub
sudo install -D -o root -g root -m 644 linux_signing_key.pub /etc/apt/keyrings/linux_signing_key.pubCode language: JavaScript (javascript)
Import Googleโ€™s signed key.
Import Googleโ€™s signed key.

Notice that neither command produces any output.

Step 2: Add Googleโ€™s Chrome Repository

After importing the package signing key, you must add the official Google Chrome repository to your Debian 11 system. This implies that the update package will be made available with the rest of our systemโ€™s regular updates when a new version is released.

Type the command shown below.

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/linux_signing_key.pub] http://dl.google.com/linux/chrome/deb/ stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list'Code language: JavaScript (javascript)
Add Googleโ€™s Chrome repository.
Add Googleโ€™s Chrome repository.

Step 3: Run System Update

Before installing Google Chrome on your Debian system, you should update the packages list. So, run the below command to update the APT repositories index.

sudo apt update
Update package list.
Update package list.

As you can see, your new Google Chrome repository is now available and ready to be used.

Step 4: Install Google Chrome on Debian 11 (Bullseye)

Everything is already prepared for the actual installation. Now, to install Chrome on your Debian system, run the following command:

sudo apt install google-chrome-stable
Install Google Chrome on Debian 11 from the command line.
Install Google Chrome on Debian 11 from the command line.

Once installed, launch the Chrome web browser from the GNOME dash and enjoy it.

Uninstall Google Chrome

If you decide to remove the Google Chrome browser from your Debian system for some reason, you can do it quickly and easily by typing the command shown below:

sudo apt purge google-chrome-stable
Uninstall Google Chrome.
Uninstall Google Chrome.

Conclusion

This guide shows you two ways to install one of the worldโ€™s most common web browsers, Google Chrome, on Debian 11 (Bullseye). So choose the one that feels the most comfortable and simple for you to implement.

In addition, once Chrome has been installed on your Debian system, you can add Chrome extensions and your favorite themes from the Chrome Web Store.

It is important to note that the installation process adds Googleโ€™s Chrome official repository to your system, so the browser will receive the latest updates automatically whenever you update your system via the Software app or command line.

Thanks for your time! I hope you find this guide useful. Your feedback and comments are most welcome.

Bobby Borisov

Bobby Borisov

Bobby, an editor-in-chief at Linuxiac, is a Linux professional with over 20 years of experience. With a strong focus on Linux and open-source software, he has worked as a Senior Linux System Administrator, Software Developer, and DevOps Engineer for small and large multinational companies.

Think You're an Ubuntu Expert? Let's Find Out!

Put your knowledge to the test in our lightning-fast Ubuntu quiz!
Ten questions to challenge yourself to see if you're a Linux legend or just a penguin in the making.

1 / 10

Ubuntu is an ancient African word that means:

2 / 10

Who is the Ubuntu's founder?

3 / 10

What year was the first official Ubuntu release?

4 / 10

What does the Ubuntu logo symbolize?

5 / 10

What package format does Ubuntu use for installing software?

6 / 10

When are Ubuntu's LTS versions released?

7 / 10

What is Unity?

8 / 10

What are Ubuntu versions named after?

9 / 10

What's Ubuntu Core?

10 / 10

Which Ubuntu version is Snap introduced?

The average score is 68%