How to Install Chromium on Fedora 39, 38 Linux

Fedora Linux user’s often quest for a swift and secure internet browsing experience often leads to the decision to install Chromium on Fedora Linux. As an open-source project, Chromium is the foundation for a host of web browsers, prioritizing safety, speed, and stability for an enhanced online experience.

Consider the following benefits of using Chromium on Fedora Linux:

  • Enhanced Security: Chromium is at the forefront of browser security, with frequent updates that patch vulnerabilities swiftly and an open-source codebase that allows for peer review and collective improvement.
  • Peak Performance: It is engineered for speed, quickly loading complex web pages and heavy web applications, ensuring your online experience is smooth and productive.
  • Unwavering Stability: Users benefit from Chromium’s emphasis on a stable browsing environment, minimizing disruptions due to crashes or glitches.
  • Privacy Controls: With features that control your data and browsing history, Chromium respects your privacy and allows for a tailored browsing experience.
  • Developer-Friendly Tools: Offering a suite of developer tools built into the browser, Chromium is a favorite among web developers for testing and debugging web applications.
  • Extensive Extensions: A vast library of extensions and themes means that customization is only a few clicks away, allowing users to mold their browsers to fit their needs and preferences.
  • Open-Source Community: Being part of an active open-source community means having access to a wealth of support, knowledge, and continuous innovation from contributors around the world.

Switching to Chromium on Fedora Linux is not merely about adopting a new browser—it’s about leveraging a platform that respects the principles of open-source development while providing a top-tier web navigation tool. These benefits illustrate why Chromium is not just a choice but a strategic asset for both casual internet surfers and tech professionals alike.

Now, with a clear understanding of Chromium’s benefits, let’s guide you through the installation process on your Fedora Linux machine, laying the foundation for a faster, safer, and more stable digital experience.

Install Chromium Browser on Fedora via DNF

Step 1: Update Fedora Packages Before Chromium Installation

To ensure a smooth installation process and maintain system health, it’s essential to update your existing Fedora packages. This step helps prevent potential conflicts that may arise during the Chromium installation. Execute the following command in your terminal to update your system:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes the repository metadata and updates all the packages to their latest versions.

Step 2: Install Chromium on Fedora via DNF Command

Fedora users are encouraged to install the Chromium Browser using the DNF package manager, Fedora’s default software package management tool. Installing Chromium through DNF is straightforward and offers seamless integration with the system.

Enter the following command in your terminal to install Chromium:

sudo dnf install chromium

For those who prefer Flatpak as a package management solution, you can install Chromium using Flatpak commands. However, this guide focuses on using DNF for a native Fedora experience.

Install Chromium on Fedora via Flatpak and Flathub

The second option for the average desktop user environment is to install Chromium with Flatpak Manager, automatically installed on your Fedora workstation. Flatpak also always offers the latest browser version binary, as it’s a popular package.

Step 1: Ensure Flatpak is Installed on Fedora for Chromium

To prepare for Chromium installation, confirm that Flatpak is installed on your Fedora system. Flatpak comes pre-installed with Fedora Workstation; however, if it has been previously removed, you can reinstall it. This ensures compatibility with the Flathub repository where Chromium is hosted.

Reinstall Flatpak by executing the command below:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

The -y flag automates the acceptance of the installation prompt, facilitating a more efficient setup.

Step 2: Enable Flathub for Chromium on Fedora

Flathub is a third-party repository for Flatpak applications, where you can access a wide array of applications, including the latest version of the Chromium browser. To integrate Flathub into your Fedora system, run this command in your terminal:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command will add the Flathub repository if it isn’t present, enabling you to install apps directly from there.

Step 3: Install Chromium on Fedora via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Chromium. Use the following Flatpak command to carry out the installation:

flatpak install flathub org.chromium.Chromium -y

Like the DNF command, the -y here confirms your consent to install without additional prompts.

Troubleshoot Chromium Flatpak Installation

Occasionally, you may encounter an error that prevents downloading from Flathub, typically indicated by the following message:

"error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can't fetch summary from disabled remote 'flathub,"

To resolve this issue, enable the Flathub repository by inputting this command:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

This command rectifies the error, allowing the Flathub repository to function correctly for application installations and updates.

Launch Chromium Browser on Fedora

Now that you have the Chromium Browser installed, launching can be done in a few ways.

CLI Commands to Launch Chromium

First DNF installations, you can initiate the browser using the following command to launch Chromium:

chromium

This command quickly starts the Chromium Browser from the command line. It is a direct method that can be especially useful when working in a CLI-centric environment or for automating through scripts.

For users who have installed Chromium via Flatpak, the launch command differs slightly. Input the following into your terminal:

flatpak run flatpak run org.chromium.Chromium

GUI Method to Launch Chromium

For those who prefer a graphical approach, Chromium is accessible through Fedora’s applications menu. Navigate through the GUI with the following steps:

  1. Select Activities on the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Click on Show Applications to open the applications drawer.
  3. Look for the Chromium Web Browser icon and click on it to open the browser.

This method suits users who are more comfortable with interacting with Fedora through its graphical interface rather than the command line.

Chromium app icon displayed in the applications menu on Fedora Linux.
Spot the Chromium browser icon in Fedora’s application grid, ready to launch.

First-Time Tips with Chromium Browser on Fedora

Now that you have successfully installed Chromium on Fedora Linux, here are some first-time tips on optimizing your experience with the software:

General Tips for Chromium on Fedora

  • Data Synchronization: To keep your bookmarks, extensions, and browser preferences in sync, sign in to Chromium with your Google account. It will synchronize your settings across all devices where you use the browser.
  • Navigation Efficiency: Master keyboard shortcuts to navigate quickly. For instance, Ctrl+T opens a new tab, Ctrl+W closes the current tab, and Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the last tab you closed.
  • Performance Monitoring: Use the built-in Task Manager by pressing Shift+Esc. It allows you to monitor the resources used by different tabs and extensions, helping you identify what may be slowing down your browser.

Chromium Customizations for Enhanced Workflow on Fedora

Appearance Customization

  • Themes: Customize the look of Chromium by applying themes. Go to the settings menu, select ‘Appearance,’ and then ‘Themes.’ The Chromium Web Store offers a variety of themes to suit your preferences.
  • Font and Zoom: Adjust default font sizes and page zoom to ensure comfortable reading. Access these settings under Settings > Appearance.

Functional Customizations

  • Search Engine: Set your preferred search engine under Settings > Search engine. You can choose from a list or add a custom search engine to streamline your search process.
  • Startup Pages: Configure specific pages to open on startup. Navigate to Settings > On startup and set your desired homepage or set of pages.

Other Chromium Helpful Tips with Fedora

Privacy Settings

  • Incognito Mode: For privacy, use Incognito Mode by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N. This mode does not save your browsing history or cookies.
  • Content Settings: Control what information websites can use and what content they can show you. Find these options under Settings > Privacy and security > Site Settings.

Extensions and Plugins

  • Extension Management: Add functionality by installing extensions from the Chromium Web Store. Be selective and install only the necessary extensions to keep the browser running smoothly.
  • Plugin Access: Some websites require plugins to display content or provide services. Manage plugin access by going to Settings > Privacy and security and adjusting the site settings.

Bookmark Management

  • Bookmark Organization: Organize your bookmarks effectively by creating folders and sorting them. Right-click on the bookmarks bar and select ‘Add folder’ to start organizing.
  • Bookmark Bar: Enable or disable the bookmarks bar for a cleaner interface by pressing Ctrl+Shift+B.
Chromium browser interface open on a Fedora Linux desktop.
Experience the web with Chromium, here shown open on a Fedora Linux system.

Additional Commands For Chromium on Fedora

Update Chromium Browser

DNF Update Method for Chromium

To ensure Chromium remains up-to-date with the latest security patches and features, periodically check for updates. Although Fedora often notifies you of available updates, it is advisable to check for updates using the terminal manually. To update Chromium via DNF, run the following command:

sudo dnf update --refresh

This command will refresh the repository metadata and search for updates for all installed packages, including Chromium.

Flatpak Update Method for Chromium

For installations done via Flatpak, update Chromium by executing the following command:

flatpak update

This command checks for updates across all Flatpak-managed applications, providing you with the latest versions available on Flathub or other configured repositories.

Remove Chromium Browser

DNF Remove Method for Chromium

Should you decide to uninstall Chromium Browser installed through DNF, the following command will remove the browser and any unused dependencies:

sudo dnf remove chromium

Flatpak Remove Method for Chromium

To remove Chromium installed via Flatpak, use this command:

flatpak removeflathub org.chromium.Chromium

This command is streamlined to remove the specified application. Note that remove is synonymous with uninstall in Flatpak, and the provided identifier org.chromium.Chromium is unique to the Chromium application within the Flatpak ecosystem.

Conclusion

In this guide, we navigated the process of installing the versatile Chromium browser on Fedora Linux through two predominant methods: leveraging the robustness of Flatpak coupled with the Flathub repository and the native reliability of Fedora’s default DNF package manager, each facilitated by straightforward command-line interface (CLI) commands. These approaches provide Fedora users with flexible options for integrating this widely-used browser into their system, ensuring they benefit from a browsing experience tailored to their preferences and system architecture.

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