Chromebook: Install Android apps - so it'll work
If you want to install your Android apps from your smartphone on the Chromebook, there are several ways to do this. We present two variants to you.
ARC Welder: Install Android apps on the Chromebook
Note: The following instructions are particularly suitable for laypersons. Note that not every Android app runs on Chrome OS yet.
- Open Google Chrome and download the ARC Welder from the Chrome Store.
- Then the ARC Welder starts. You can also access it using the Windows icon.
- Click here on the "Add your APK" button and select the Android app from your computer.
- You can find Android apps on Beste-Apps.CHIP.de or via the APK Downloader.
- Now make all desired settings such as orientation and size and click on the "Download ZIP" button below.
- Save the ZIP file, then open the path and extract the ZIP file again.
- Then click on the menu button in Chrome at the top right and select the "Extensions" in the "Settings".
- Activate the developer mode in the top right corner and click on the button "Load unpacked extensions".
- Now you can start the installed Android app via Google Chrome or the Windows icon.
Install Android apps on Chromebook - the steps
In order for Android apps to work on the Chromebook, you need the "Runtime" program on your Chromebook. The easiest way to install runtime automatically is to install one of the four official Android apps from the Chrome Web Store: Vine, Evernote, Duolingo and Sight Words. However, you should not follow these instructions as an inexperienced user.
- Open the Chrome Web Store and install the Evernote app, for example. This means that the Runtime app is installed at the same time in order to use the Android app.
- Then download the ChromeOS APK and node.js.
- You can then download any of your Android APKs. Convert the downloaded APK using the ChromeOS APK tool and save it to your Chromebook. Note: Not every Android app works on the Chromebook.
- Then open "chrome: // extensions" in the Chrome browser and call "Load unpacked extension". This allows you to select and install the converted app.
- Now you can use the Android app on your Chromebook.
We'll show you how to install Skype on the Samsung Chromebook in the next practical tip.