Snap is another popular Linux packaging system, similar to Flatpak, that allows you to install apps in a self-contained and sandboxed format. Many well-known Linux apps—including Spotify, Slack, VS Code, Postman, and Chromium—are available as Snap packages.
On a Chromebook, Snap is not supported natively by ChromeOS. However, once you enable the Linux Development Environment, you can install Snap (Snapd) and use the Snap Store inside the Linux container.
Now, if you are here reading about how to install Snap Store on a Chromebook, we assume you want access to Snap-based Linux apps or need Snap specifically for certain tools. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.
What Is Snap Store and Why Use It on Chromebook?
Snap is a universal Linux package format developed by Canonical. Snap apps are called snaps, and they:
- Bundle all dependencies with the app
- Run in an isolated sandbox
- Update automatically (in most cases)
- Work across different Linux distributions
Using Snap on a Chromebook allows you to install apps that may not be available through default Linux repositories.
Important Things to Know Before Installing Snap
Before proceeding, keep these points in mind:
- Snap is not officially optimized for ChromeOS
- Snap apps may take slightly longer to launch
- Some snaps may not integrate perfectly with ChromeOS
- Linux must be enabled on your Chromebook
That said, Snap works well for many popular apps.
1. Enable Linux on Your Chromebook
If Linux is already enabled, you can skip this step.
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Under the Developers section, find Linux development environment.
- Click Turn on and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once setup is complete, the Terminal app will appear in your Launcher.
2. Open the Linux Terminal
- Click the Launcher.
- Search for Terminal.
- Open the Terminal app.
All Snap-related commands will be run from here.
3. Update Linux Packages (Recommended)
Before installing Snap, update your Linux system.
- In the Terminal, update the package list.
- Wait for the update process to finish completely.
This helps avoid dependency-related issues.
4. Install Snapd on Chromebook
Snap Store runs on a background service called Snapd.
- In the Terminal, install snapd using the Linux package manager.
- Confirm the installation when prompted.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
Snapd is now installed, but it is not fully active yet.
5. Enable and Start the Snap Service
Snap requires its service to be running.
- In the Terminal, enable the snapd service.
- Start the snapd service.
- Restart Linux or your Chromebook after enabling the service.
This step is important—Snap may not work properly without a restart.
6. Create Required Snap Symlink (Important)
On some Chromebook Linux containers, Snap requires a symbolic link to function correctly.
- In the Terminal, create the required symlink for Snap.
- Confirm the command completes without errors.
This ensures Snap commands work as expected.
7. Verify Snap Installation
To confirm Snap is installed correctly:
- Open the Terminal.
- Check the Snap version.
If you see version information, Snap is installed and running.
8. Install Snap Store (Optional GUI)
Snap Store itself is optional. You can install apps entirely from the Terminal.
If you want the graphical Snap Store:
- In the Terminal, install snap-store.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
- Restart Linux.
After installation, Snap Store may appear under Linux apps.
Note: On some Chromebooks, Snap Store may not show a GUI. This is normal.
9. Install Apps from Snap Store (Example)
You can now install Snap apps.
- Open the Terminal.
- Install a Snap app by name.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
Once installed, the app will appear under Linux apps in the Launcher.
10. Launch Snap Apps on Chromebook
- Open the Launcher.
- Scroll to Linux apps.
- Click the Snap app you installed.
You can right-click and pin the app to the shelf for quick access.
11. Update Snap Apps
Snap apps usually update automatically, but you can force an update manually.
- Open the Terminal.
- Run the Snap refresh command.
This ensures all installed snaps are up to date.
12. Uninstall Snap Apps (If Needed)
To remove a Snap app:
- Open the Terminal.
- Remove the Snap app by name.
- Confirm the removal.
The app will be completely removed from Linux.
Where Are Snap Apps Stored?
Snap apps are stored inside the Linux container and use their own storage space. They do not affect ChromeOS system files, but they do consume Linux disk space.
You can manage Linux storage from:
Settings → Advanced → Developers → Linux development environment
Common Snap Issues on Chromebook and Fixes
If Snap commands don’t work:
- Restart Linux or reboot the Chromebook
- Make sure snapd service is running
- Recreate the required symlink
If apps don’t appear in the Launcher:
- Restart Linux
- Sign out and sign back in
- Launch the app once from Terminal
Snap can be slightly finicky on ChromeOS, but most issues are fixable.
Snap vs Flatpak on Chromebook
Snap:
- Automatic updates
- Popular for developer tools
- Slower startup times
Flatpak:
- Better ChromeOS integration
- Faster app launches
- Large app selection via Flathub
Many Chromebook users prefer Flatpak, but Snap is still useful for specific apps.
Who Should Install Snap Store on Chromebook?
Snap is useful if you:
- Need a specific Snap-only app
- Use Canonical-supported tools
- Want automatic background updates
- Are comfortable using Terminal
If you’re new to Linux on Chromebook, Flatpak may feel easier.
Wrapping Up
With that, we wrap up our detailed guide on how to install Snap Store on a Chromebook. While Snap is not as tightly integrated into ChromeOS as Flatpak, it still works well for many apps once set up correctly.
If you rely on Snap-only applications or prefer Canonical’s ecosystem, installing Snap on your Chromebook is absolutely possible with Linux enabled. We hope this guide helped you set it up smoothly and understand what to expect when using Snap on ChromeOS.
