How To Update Google Chrome In Ubuntu Using Terminal

How to Update Google Chrome in Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your browser up-to-date is essential for security, stability, and performance.

In Ubuntu, updating Google Chrome is quite straightforward, but it's important to know the steps to ensure you're running the latest version.

This guide will take you through the process of updating Google Chrome in Ubuntu, ensuring your browser stays optimized for performance and security.

Why It's Important to Update Google Chrome

Updating Google Chrome is vital for several reasons:

Security: New updates include patches for vulnerabilities, ensuring your data and browsing experience are secure.

Performance: Each update typically includes optimizations that make the browser faster and more efficient.

Compatibility: Web technologies evolve rapidly. An updated browser ensures you can access the latest websites and services without compatibility issues.

Now, let's dive into the steps to update Google Chrome in Ubuntu.

Step 1: Open Terminal

One of the easiest way to update Google Chrome in Ubuntu is through the Terminal. You may search for "Terminal" in the Ubuntu Dash or just press Ctrl + Alt + T at the same time to launch the Terminal.

Step 2: Check for System Updates

Before updating Google Chrome specifically, it's a good idea to update your entire system to ensure all other software is up to date. Run the following commands:

 

sudo apt update

sudo apt upgrade

 

This will update your package list and install any system updates. You might get a prompt saying to enter your password to confirm the process of update .

 

Step 3: Update Google Chrome

Google Chrome is not available in the default Ubuntu repositories but can be installed and updated via Google's repository. If you’ve already installed Chrome, you’ve likely added this repository. If you want to update the Google Chrome specifically, use the following command:

sudo apt --only-upgrade install google-chrome-stable

This command checks if there is a new version of Google Chrome available and installs it if necessary.

 

Step 4: Verify the Update

After updating Google Chrome, you may want to verify that the latest version is installed. Open Chrome and follow these steps:

 

Tap on the three vertical dotted lines (menu icon), which can be seen at the upper-right corner of the Chrome window.

Go to "Help" > "About Google Chrome."

Current version of the Google Chrome will be shown in the new tab. If an update is still available, Chrome will begin updating automatically.

Step 5: Relaunch Chrome (If Necessary)

Once the update is complete, you may need to relaunch Chrome for the changes to take effect. Simply close and reopen the browser to ensure you're using the latest version.

 

Troubleshooting

If, for some reason, the update doesn't go as planned, here are a few common solutions:

 

Missing Repository: If you haven’t installed Google Chrome through Google’s repository, you can add it manually by running the following commands:

 

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

sudo apt update

 

Dependency Issues: Sometimes, Chrome may fail to update due to dependency issues. You can resolve this by running:

 

sudo apt --fix-broken install

This command will make sure the update runs smoothly by automatically fixing any broken dependencies.

Keeping Google Chrome Up-to-Date Automatically

If you want to ensure that Google Chrome updates automatically along with your system updates, it’s essential to have the Google repository enabled. You can check this by running:

 

cat /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-chrome.list

 

If the repository is missing, follow the steps in the Troubleshooting section to add it manually.

 

Conclusion

For the best browsing experience in Ubuntu, Google Chrome must be kept up to date.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly check for and install updates, ensuring your browser remains secure, fast, and compatible with the latest web technologies.

Make sure to regularly check for updates or configure Ubuntu to update Chrome automatically, so you never miss out on new features or important security patches.

Read More on: How To Install Google Chrome in Laptop and Mobile