The main focus of this article will be how to install Chrome on FireStick. If you like Google Chrome as a browser, then you might want to use it on your FireStick as well. It’s a great alternative to Firefox and Amazon Silk which are both in-house browsers from Amazon.
The good news is that its possible thanks to our guide. Many people have come to find out that the popular FireStick browsers such as Amazon silk and Firefox lack features that we love with Google Chrome feature pack like:
- Setting up tab groups
- Easy Dark mode configuration
- Search inside websites with Omnibox
- On-the-fly captioning for audio and video
- Enabling extensions in private search mode (Incognito mode)
- Account syncing across different devices with chrome installed
Table of Contents
Why Install the Chrome browser on FireStick?
Before we can proceed, you might want to know why it’s worth it to go through all the trouble. Remember, Chrome isn’t among the web browser available on the Amazon App Store. As such, it won’t be that easy to download and install on your FireStick device.
Unlike Amazon Silk and Firefox, Chrome is compatible with a variety of operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows and more. It also comes with advanced privacy settings with the ability to block ads, delete browsing history, erase cookies and cache files and browse in incognito mode.
One aspect that makes Chrome so popular is its speed. It has been designed specifically to be fast and it also comes with a handy feature known as tab stacking. This allows you to open multiple tabs at the same time without having to switch between them.
You can even have multiple windows open at the same time for work, watching movies or playing games.
As opposed to the other browsers, Chrome has a clean and sleek interface that’s quite easy to use. With this browser installed on FireStick, you’ll be able to download files directly from the links. You can even open, pause and restart downloads thanks to its built-in download manager.
How to Install Chrome on FireStick
While Google Chrome isn’t among the web browsers available on the App Store, there are workarounds that can be used to install it. Since the process is rather long and complicated, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you out.
Enable Sideloading
Sideloading involves downloading and installing an app on a device from a non-official or unsupported source. It is a method that many have used to get Chrome on their Fire TV Stick devices. Use these steps to enable it:
- Switch on your Fire TV Stick.
- From the main menu, select Settings and then Device & Software. In older versions, it’s labeled just Device or My Fire TV.
- From the settings menu, go to Developer options. The next thing is to enable the option for Apps from Unknown Sources. A pop-up warning will appear notifying you of the risks.
- Your FireStick can download apps from just about any source because you’ve turned on sideloading.
Install Downloader App from Amazon App Store
None of the in-store Amazon browsers support downloading and installing files from third-party sources. Fortunately, the Downloader app is one of the applications you’ll find on the Amazon App Store.
Once you have it on FireStick, you can download and install Google Chrome.
- Find the search option on the FireStick home screen. It’s the little magnifying glass at the corner.
- Type in Downloader or if you want, use the audio command.
- A couple of similar apps will appear on the screen. Make sure you’ve chosen Downloader. It’s basically the orange app found in Apps & Games section.
- Once you’ve found it, select and click on Download or Get. It will take a few minutes for the app to install on FireStick.
Sideload Chrome APK on FireStick
- Find the Downloader app and click on it to open. The app will ask to be granted permission to access storage. Select Allow followed by Ok.
- While still on the home page, highlight the URL bar and type in this link: https://bit.ly/2tVph6S.
- Now hit Go so that the Chrome APK file downloads.
- Navigate down the page and pick the version you want. Once it’s downloaded successfully, click on Done.
- Go to Apps & Channels on FireStick and proceed to launch Google Chrome.
How to use Google Chrome with Mouse Toggle on FireStick
Chrome’s interface is designed for the touch display. As such, it will be quite difficult or just impossible to do some things on Chrome with the FireStick remote.
For example, you can’t use the back button to go back and forth from the address bar.
But, there is an easy way to get around this. Get a mouse toggle app and enable a virtual mouse cursor which will allow you to control the mouse pointer using the FireStick remote.
To get a mouse toggle app on FireStick, go to the App Store and search for Mouse Toggle. Another alternative is a wireless Bluetooth keyboard complete with a touchpad for easy and smooth browsing with Chrome on FireStick.
Conclusion
Chrome on FireStick is a great way to access the web on the go. The browser supports all of your favorite features like bookmarks, tabs, and tons of other stuff.
You can also use it for streaming/downloading videos and music from the FireStick device. If you are a staunch Chrome user, we recommend you try out the device on your FireStick.
FAQs
How do I get Google Chrome on FireStick?
The best method involves downloading an APK file, sideloading it on the FireStick, and then launching the app.
What are the benefits of using Google Chrome on FireStick?
It’s easy to use, and it works well with remote control. If you’re a regular Chrome user, you’ll love it.
Does Google Chrome on FireStick support offline browsing?
Yes, it does. You can navigate to any website and read/watch your favorite news or videos without an internet connection.
