How to Install Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21 or 20

This guide will demonstrate how to install Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21 or 20, providing a straightforward approach for both new and experienced users.

Ungoogled Chromium stands as a unique variant of the popular Chromium browser, tailored for those who seek privacy and minimalism in their web browsing experience. The process involves a series of steps, each crucial to ensure a seamless and efficient installation.

Ungoogled Chromium distinguishes itself through several key features:

• Enhanced Privacy: Removes features that share data with Google or other parties.
• Unfiltered Content: No integrated web services that might tamper with browsing.
• Minimalist Design: Strips away unnecessary elements for a clean user interface.
• Open-Source Nature: Ensures transparency and community-driven development.
• Customization: Offers options for advanced users to tailor their browsing experience.

Transitioning from these highlights, the subsequent sections will delve into the specifics of installing Ungoogled Chromium. This includes preparing your Linux Mint system, downloading the necessary files, and executing the installation commands. Each step is designed to be clear and concise, ensuring a hassle-free setup for an enhanced browsing experience.

Install Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21 via APT

The PPA method only supports Linux Mint 21. If you are still using the Linux Mint 20 release, you will need to utilize Flatpak to install Ungoogled Chromium.

Step 1: Update Linux Mint Before Installing Ungoogled Chromium

To begin the installation of Ungoogled Chromium, it’s vital to update the APT cache of your Linux Mint system. An up-to-date cache enables the system to recognize the most recent versions of packages, which is essential for maintaining system security and functionality.

Open the terminal and enter the following commands to update your APT cache and upgrade any packages that are outdated:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Should this upgrade process update key components like the Linux Kernel, it’s advisable to reboot your system for the changes to take full effect.

Step 2: Add XtraDeb PPA for Ungoogled Chromium Installation

For Linux Mint users, especially those using Linux Mint 21, adding the XtraDeb Applications PPA is necessary for installing Ungoogled Chromium. The XtraDeb PPA is known for its reliability in providing up-to-date applications not available in the standard repository.

Run this command to incorporate the XtraDeb Applications PPA into your system:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

Following the addition of the PPA, a refresh of the APT cache is required to recognize the new packages from this PPA:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Ungoogled Chromium via APT Command

With the XtraDeb PPA in place and your APT cache updated, you’re ready to install Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21.

Execute the installation with this command:

sudo apt install ungoogled-chromium

Step 4: Set Up APT Pinning for XtraDeb PPA and Ungoogled Chromium (Optional)

APT pinning is a technique used to prioritize certain packages during installation or updates. For Ungoogled Chromium sourced from the xtradeb/apps repository, APT pinning can be particularly useful.

To apply APT pinning for Ungoogled Chromium, use this command:

echo "Package: ungoogled-chromium\nPin: release o=LP-PPA-xtradeb-apps\nPin-Priority: 700" | sudo tee /etc/apt/preferences.d/ungoogled-chromium-pin

This command creates a pinning file named ungoogled-chromium-pin in the /etc/apt/preferences.d/ directory. This file instructs the system to prioritize Ungoogled Chromium from the XtraDeb PPA.

Install Ungoogled Chromium via Flatpak and Flathub on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Activate Flathub Repository for Ungoogled Chromium

To start the installation process for Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint, the first step involves enabling the Flathub repository. Flathub is a key source for accessing a wide range of applications through Flatpak, a versatile package management system. This repository needs to be added to your system to access Ungoogled Chromium.

Use this command in the terminal to enable the Flathub repository:

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

This command checks if Flathub is already added to your system and adds it if necessary, avoiding duplicate entries.

Step 2: Install Ungoogled Chromium Using Flatpak

With Flathub activated, you can proceed to install Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint. Flatpak simplifies the installation process and ensures you receive the latest stable version of Ungoogled Chromium.

To install, enter the following command:

flatpak install flathub com.github.Eloston.UngoogledChromium

This command locates and installs Ungoogled Chromium from the Flathub repository. The use of Flatpak guarantees an isolated and secure environment for the browser, enhancing your system’s overall stability and security.

Launch Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Starting Ungoogled Chromium from the Terminal

After successfully installing Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint, you can easily launch it using the terminal. This method is efficient, especially if you are already working within the terminal environment.

For a standard installation, use this command to start Ungoogled Chromium:

ungoogled-chromium

If you’ve installed Ungoogled Chromium via Flathub, you’ll need a different command. This alternative command ensures the browser, installed as a Flatpak package, runs correctly:

flatpak run com.github.Eloston.UngoogledChromium

Launching Ungoogled Chromium through the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

For users who prefer a graphical interface, Linux Mint provides an intuitive way to launch applications. To open Ungoogled Chromium using the GUI:

1. Click on the Taskbar button in your taskbar.
2. Select Internet tab.
3. Find and click on Ungoogled Chromium to launch it.

Managing Ungoogled Chromium on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Update Ungoogled Chromium in Linux Mint

APT Update Method for Ungoogled Chromium

If you’ve installed Ungoogled Chromium using a PPA, updating the browser is a simple process. Regular updates are essential for maintaining the browser’s security and performance. The Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) makes it easy to keep Ungoogled Chromium up-to-date alongside your other system packages.

To update Ungoogled Chromium, along with your system packages, execute these commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands refresh your package list and upgrade all installed packages, including Ungoogled Chromium.

Flatpak Update Method for Ungoogled Chromium

For installations done via Flatpak, updating all Flatpak applications, including Ungoogled Chromium, is managed through a single command. This ensures that all your Flatpak apps are up-to-date.

Run this command for Flatpak updates:

flatpak update

Remove Ungoogled Chromium from Linux Mint

APT Removal Method for Ungoogled Chromium

Should you choose to uninstall Ungoogled Chromium, the process is straightforward. Removing the browser from your system involves a single terminal command.

Here’s how you can do it:

sudo apt remove ungoogled-chromium

After uninstalling Ungoogled Chromium, consider removing its PPA from your system’s repository list. This step is important for keeping your system’s repositories organized and efficient. If you’re not using the PPA for other applications, removing it prevents unnecessary checks during system updates.

To remove the PPA, use this command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

Note: If you have other applications installed from this PPA, such as FileZilla, avoid removing the entire repository. This action could disrupt updates for those applications.

Flatpak Removal Method for Ungoogled Chromium

For those who have installed Ungoogled Chromium using Flatpak, uninstalling the browser is achieved with the following command. This command not only uninstalls the application but also deletes its associated data.

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.github.Eloston.UngoogledChromium

This approach ensures a clean removal of Ungoogled Chromium from your system.

Conclusion

That wraps up our guide on Ungoogled Chromium for Linux Mint. We’ve covered the essentials, from installation using both APT and Flatpak methods to keeping the browser updated and even uninstalling it if necessary. Remember, regular updates are key for optimal performance and security. If Ungoogled Chromium doesn’t quite fit your needs, don’t sweat it—removal is just a command away. Stay curious and keep exploring the vast world of open-source software, and you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your browsing needs.