How to Install the Tor Browser on a Chromebook

While Chrome works great on Chromebooks, some users might want to try the Tor browser for extra privacy. Tor is one of the top browsers for keeping your online activity secure, with a private network and built-in security features. Although it's easy to download Tor on PC, macOS, and Android devices, installing it on a Chromebook can be a little tricky since there's no direct download link for Chromebooks from the Tor project.

You can use the Tor browser Android app on Chromebooks, but it might not feel as smooth or user-friendly as the PC and macOS versions. Luckily, there's a simple way to install the Tor browser on a Chromebook using Linux. This guide will walk you through the steps, helping you choose between the Linux version or the Android version of Tor, depending on what works best for you. Let’s jump into the tutorial and get started!

What is Tor Browser and Why You Should Use It?

Tor Browser is a great choice for anyone who wants to bypass censorship and keep their online identity safe from tracking and surveillance. Best of all, it's completely free and open-source. Tor comes with several built-in privacy features that you won’t find in other popular browsers. For example, it blocks all third-party trackers and ads by default and automatically deletes cookies when you finish browsing. Plus, it routes all your traffic through the encrypted Tor network, which is run by volunteers worldwide. Tor also has tools to help prevent fingerprinting, so your anonymity stays protected.

In short, Tor is designed to help you avoid trackers, surveillance, and censorship online. If privacy is important to you, consider downloading the Tor browser on your Chromebook.

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system (OS) that helps different software and hardware on a device work together. It allows users to install extra software on various devices like smartphones, PCs, and even supercomputers. Because Linux is open-source, you might find that two devices running Linux can have different versions or setups, depending on how they've been customized.

Activate Linux on your Chromebook device

To get started with downloading and installing the Tor Browser, you'll first need to set up Linux on your Chromebook. Just follow our linked guide to install the Linux container, and you'll be ready to go!

Here’s how to set up Linux on your Chromebook:

Open Settings: Start by navigating to the settings application on your Chromebook.
Search for Linux: Type "Linux" into the search bar and press Enter.
Enable Linux: Click the "Turn On" option next to "Linux Development Environment."
Set Up Linux: When the "Set-up Linux Development Environment" prompt appears, click "Next."
Name Your Terminal: You’ll be asked to name your Linux terminal. Make sure to use all lowercase letters.
Set Disk Size: Leave the Disk Size option at its default setting, then click "Install."

Once the installation process begins, it might take a while, so you can step away and do something else while you wait. Just be sure not to close the tab during this time.

When the installation is complete, you’ll see a black screen with a name and a blinking cursor—this is your Linux Terminal. The name displayed will be the lowercase name you chose in step 3, followed by the word "Penguin." Now you're ready to start using Linux on your Chromebook!

To check what version of Linux is installed on your Chromebook, you can use a simple command in the Terminal:

Open the Linux Terminal: You should see a dollar sign ($) prompt in the Terminal.
Type the Command: Type cat /etc/os-release at the dollar sign.
Press Enter: After typing the command, press Enter.

Once you press Enter, lines of code will appear, showing the details of your Linux version. For example, if your device uses Debian Linux, you'll see information confirming this. The Terminal will then return to your prompt, displaying your name at the bottom, ready for you to enter additional commands.

Install the Tor Browser via Linux on Your Chromebook

Now that you have Linux set up on your Chromebook, installing Tor is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:

Initiate the Installation

In your Linux terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

echo "deb http://ftp.debian.org/debian buster-backports main contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/backports.list

This command adds the necessary repository for installing Tor. You'll see more code appear.

Update Linux

When your name reappears in the terminal, type the following command to check for updates and press Enter:

sudo apt update

This ensures that your Linux OS is up to date.

Start the Tor Installation

After the update, type the following command and press Enter to start installing Tor:

sudo apt install torbrowser-launcher -t buster-backports -y

A lot of text will appear as the installation process runs. If any prompts ask for confirmation, type Y and press Enter.

Install the Tor Browser Launcher

When your name reappears in the terminal, enter this final command and press Enter:

torbrowser-launcher

A progress bar will appear in the terminal. Wait for it to finish loading.

Connect to Tor

Once the progress bar is full, you'll be prompted to click "Connect." This will trigger another download.

Wait for the Download to Complete

The download may take some time, so feel free to step away while it completes. Once the progress bar is full, the Tor browser will open automatically.

Now, Tor is installed on your Chromebook, and you can launch it anytime from your app library. Just look for the Tor browser shortcut when you want to use it!

Install the Tor Browser Android App on Your Chromebook

If you want to run the Android version of the Tor Browser on your Chromebook, you can do that too! However, you’ll need to enable and use the Linux container to sideload the app, as the Tor Browser isn’t officially available on the Play Store for Chromebooks. Here’s how you can get it set up:

Set Up Linux and Sideloading

First, follow our guide on how to sideload Android apps on Chromebooks. This will allow you to manually sideload the Tor Browser APK.

Download the Tor Browser APK

Head to the official Tor Browser website and download the appropriate APK for your Chromebook. Most Chromebooks with Intel or AMD processors (64-bit) will need the x86_64 APK. If your Chromebook has a 32-bit processor, download the x86 version. For ARM-based Chromebooks, download the aarch64 APK for 64-bit or the arm version for 32-bit processors.

Move the APK to Linux Files

After downloading the APK, open the “Files” app and move the APK to the “Linux files” section. For convenience, rename the file to tor.apk.

Install the APK via Terminal

Open the Terminal app and run the following command to install the Android version of the Tor Browser:

adb install tor.apk

(Make sure ADB is set up on your Chromebook as per the tutorial linked in method #1.)

Launch the Tor Browser

After installation, you’ll find the Tor Browser shortcut in your app drawer. Click on it, and you’ll have the Android version of Tor Browser running on your Chromebook!

This method gives you a fully functional Tor Browser on your Chromebook, offering you enhanced privacy on the go.

Two Easy Ways to Download Tor Browser on Chromebooks

Here are two simple methods you can use to get the Tor browser up and running on your Chromebook. If you're concerned about privacy and the Chrome browser isn’t meeting your needs, Tor is a great alternative. That’s all from us for now! If you’re searching for the best Chromebook apps in 2022, be sure to check out our curated list. For more tips and tricks on Chrome OS, follow our linked guide. And if you run into any issues, feel free to let us know in the comments below!

Conclusion

In short, the Tor Browser is a fantastic choice if you're looking to keep your online activity private and secure. It blocks trackers, stops surveillance, and helps you bypass censorship, giving you a level of protection that other browsers just can’t match. Whether you’re on a Chromebook or any other device, setting up Tor is a great way to keep your browsing anonymous and safe. Just follow the simple steps we’ve outlined, and you’ll be ready to browse with peace of mind. If you’re interested in more ways to enhance your Chromebook experience and boost your privacy, be sure to check out our other guides. Stay safe and private with the Tor Browser!

FAQs about Tor Browser

Can I uninstall Tor from my Chromebook?

Yes, and it's simple. There is a file labelled "Tor" somewhere in your file library. Delete this file and empty your trash bin and the Tor browser is deleted from your device.

Is Tor compatible with Chromebooks?

While the Tor browser can't be installed from the official Tor website, Chromebook users can install the onion-routing browser via a few simple Linux commands.

Why is the Tor Browser not installed?

If you can't install Tor Browser, try changing the installation directory or moving the setup file. Your antivirus can sometimes interfere with the setup, so make sure you check its settings. Make sure you have administrative privileges when trying to run the Tor setup.

Why can't I install Linux apps on a Chromebook?

If you're running Chrome OS 69 or later, you can download Linux apps. If not, you're out of luck. However, if updating the Chromebook gets you to a newer version, you should be good to go.