Installing Google Chrome on Mobile Devices
Tags: android, ios, mobile
Published: 2023-04-02 16:46:12


## Introduction to Google Chrome 

[Google Chrome] (https://www.google.com/chrome) is one of the most popular free web browsers available. It is available on different platforms, including mobile devices. It provides a fast, secure, and convenient browsing experience on your mobile devices. Google Chrome has a friendly user interface. It also offers other features which are multi-tab management, voice search, and personalized content suggestions.
This user guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to use Chrome on your mobile devices with ease. Let’s get started!

## What is Google Chrome?


Google Chrome is a free web browser designed to surf the web and run web-based programs. Google developed the browser from its Open Source project, Chromium. Chrome released its first version for Microsoft Windows in 2008 and issued updates for Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. It comes as a default browser on Android-powered devices. Google Chrome is developed to be fast, secure, and simple to use.

## Why Google Chrome?

Google Chrome is free to download and offers a wide range of features that make it a top choice for users. It has a clean and user-friendly interface, fast browsing speeds, and strong security features. Google Chrome is a reliable and efficient browser that can enhance your online experience. Let's delve into the reasons  Google Chrome has become so popular and why you might want to consider using it as your default web browser.

### • Speed

Chrome is a fast browser, and it makes the search easier by providing suggestions as you type your search text. You can open multiple tabs and make downloads at the same time. With a strong mobile network, you get search results in Chrome in a split second.

### • Privacy 

Google Chrome prioritizes the security of its users. The incognito tab feature blocks out tracking to all your browsing history. You can also adjust your privacy in the settings section. To enable Privacy, follow these steps:  

1. Tap the **Menu** icon. 
2. Tap **Setting**. 
3. Scroll down to the **Basics*" section. 
4. Tap **Privacy and Security**. 
5. Tap **"Do Not Track"**.
6. Enable it. 

### • Ease of Use

The Chrome interface is very simple to use. The icons are relatable, and it is easy to navigate the app. You can keep your bookmarks and settings even when you change devices.

### • Customization

You can customize the theme for your Chrome browser on your mobile devices to your system's default theme. To customize the theme, follow these steps: 
1. Tap the **Menu** icon. 
2. Tap **Setting**. 
3. Scroll to **Basics** section. 
4. Tap *Theme*. 
5. Choose either **System default**, **Light**, or **Dark mode**. 


### • Sign in

You can sync your bookmarks, secure payment information, and save passwords and settings across all devices you have. With your Google account, you can use all the apps on Google Workspace through the Chrome browser.


## **How to Install Google Chrome on your Mobile Device** 



### **For Android-powered Devices**


### **System requirements** 

* Android 7.0 (Nougat) and higher.
* Minimum of 4GB RAM 


### **Steps** 

1. Open **Play Store** on your Android phone. 



    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/gjcedxa9yf7xeeqtp7b4.png)



    <img src="https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9vzcnu4m40hjg1xw5gkx.png" alt="Image of Playstore" width =500 height=900>



2. Type [**Google Chrome**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android) in the address bar.

    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zil5mvjf3s00hjw565p2.png)


3. Open the Google Chrome app **detail page**.

    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m10it1iecvletx05d98w.png)


4. Tap  **Install**. Follow the prompts to install. 

5. Tap  **Open**. 

    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/pd3gzc7em3baazsjgjn4.png)


6. Sign in to your **Google Account** to sync your data. 

7. If you have Google Chrome pre-installed on your Android phone, you see **Update** instead of **Install**.


    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/z8qdkfsp3etvsng5l87w.png)


### **For iOS devices** 


### System Requirements 

* iOS 14.0 and higher. 


### **Steps** 

1. Open **App Store** on your iOS device (iPhone or iPod). 

    ![App Store](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8yl8pw2ohf1jo6kdoug3.png)
_Photo Credit: Android Authourity_

2. Type **Google Chrome** in the address bar.
3. Open the Google Chrome app **detail page**. 
4. Tap **Get**. 


    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y2r8l7mi8qgwuytzmg8k.png)



5. Tap the **download** icon. 




    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8vx0n3xc7dmkgw4k5upj.png)
_Photo Credit: Android Authourity_ 

6. Validate with **Touch ID** or **Passcode** to install Google Chrome.
7. Tap Open to run the app. 


    ![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/x2nskf1efhoirzie4wf2.png)
_Photo Credit: Google_ 


## **Google Chrome's Features** 


Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers used today. It quickly gained popularity due to its speed, simplicity, security features, and ability to support various extensions. Let's explore the reasons why Google Chrome has become so popular and why you might want to consider using it as your default web browser. 


### **Address bar** 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5tc1pbgpenaifuhg37lp.png)



With the address bar, you can input search texts, and URLs directly. You can access your bookmarks and browsing history through the address bar. The microphone icon converts text into speech. The camera icon is a shortcut for Google Lens. Google Lens searches the web for information based on the image uploaded. 

### **Top Site icons** 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/edga9e11exgt8tgxvz6y.png)



Chrome detects sites you frequently visit. It creates a shortcut with the icons of the sites in this section. It is usually a simplified version of a website's logo and serves as a visual cue to help you quickly identify the website you are currently viewing or have bookmarked.



### **Discover** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fooxk1zvczc8qk85gdkq.png)



This [feature] (https://www.google.com/chrome/browser-features/) helps you stay up-to-date with the latest news and content that matches your interests. It suggests articles for you based on what you search, read and click on Chrome. You can customize your interests by selecting topics like sports, entertainment, or technology, and Chrome will show you more content related to those topics. 



### **Home** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xqe7zb5sbsj12dfzpp5b.png)


The Home icon helps to navigate back to the homepage of Chrome. A homepage is a website that you set as your default landing page when you open your browser. You can customize your homepage to show your favorite bookmarks, news feeds, or any website of your choice. 



### **Profile** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nonwkz0yfg9newvok7aw.png)



The profile icon displays the photo associated with your Google account. It allows you to sign in to your Google account and access personalized settings, bookmarks, and saved passwords across multiple devices. You can also create and switch between multiple profiles, each with its own set of browsing data and preferences.



### **Tab** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0ozzuhkmpiqfgdms0o7r.png)



The tab icon helps to keep track of the number of tabs opened. You can open, close, and rearrange tabs with this feature. By clicking on the tab icon, you can easily switch back and forth between different websites you have opened in your browser. This can be useful for multitasking, researching, or simply keeping multiple tabs open for later reference.


### **Menu** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8c3e4alnekn37wt01ufz.png)



The menu icon is a symbol made up of three dots stacked on top of each other. It is used to access various settings and features of the browser. Clicking on the menu icon will open a drop-down menu where you can find options such as bookmarks, history, settings, and Translate.


### **Settings** 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/81s6tlyxhz8h1bi5oal5.png)



The menu icon contains all the settings options for the Chrome browser on your mobile device. The Settings section is divided into the You and Google section, Basics section, and Advanced sections. In the settings menu, you can change your homepage, manage your bookmarks, adjust your privacy settings, clear your browsing history, and more. You can also change the appearance of Chrome, including the theme and font size.



### **About Chrome** 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hw6iv9nh1o293oavr40e.png)



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/jw8xd1leio3rqpcgfktj.png)


This section gives information about your device and the [Chrome] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android) version your mobile device is running on. This page shows if there are any available updates. You can also find information about the technical details and Google policies. Keeping your browser up-to-date is important for security and performance reasons, so it is important to check this from time to time.



## **How to Use Google Chrome**


After Chrome is successfully installed on your mobile device, follow these steps to navigate the browser.



### • Sign in with your Google account



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/qvih7m9muxp72venhpv1.png)



To get the most out of Google Chrome, it is better to sign in with your Google Account. The Google Account helps to keep passwords, histories, bookmarks, and preferences all in one place. To sync your data, follow these steps:


### **Steps**


1. Tap the **Profile** icon at the top right corner of your browser. Because you are not signed in, you see a grey circle with a grey outline of a face inside. 
2. Sign in to your **Google Account**. 
3. Tap **Turn on** when prompted to sync your data. 
4. Verify your device when prompted.



### • Search the web


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/a8jxtugel11xgdon6c5t.png)



Use the address bar at the top of the Chrome browser to input a search text, paste URLs directly and search the web. 



### **Steps** 

1. Tap the **Address bar**. 
2. Input your **Search word** or **URL**. 
3. Press the **Enter** key on your phone keypad. You can also use the **Magnifying lens** icon next to the address bar. 


### • Use the Microphone 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/m9fmx3pybt41bj55kxcc.png)



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/632ig8vmxaxfnyjrjqux.png)


Chrome has made it easier to type and get search results faster. Use the microphone instead of typing. 


### **Steps**

1. Tap the **Microphone** icon next to the address bar. 
2. Say what you want to search for. It automatically types it in the address bar. 
3. Tap **Enter** on your keypad.



### • Use Google lens



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b9k2kw8b8cfu1ni4ldz0.png)


Google Lens makes visual searches. It scans images/pictures to search for results. 

### **Steps**

1. Tap the Camera icon. 
2. Snap or Upload an image for scanning. 



### • Manage Tabs 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3i0lippaiha2jcf6pbf7.png)




![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/tyaz72je0t4yyuom69gz.png)



Chrome lets you open multiple tabs at a time. This feature boosts productivity and makes it easier to browse multiple sites at the same time. It lets you rearrange, add, and close tabs. 

### **Steps**
1. To create new tab, follow these steps. 
2. Tap the menu icon next to the microphone. 
3. Tap **New Tab**. 

### **To reorder opened tabs, follow these steps.** 

• Tap the menu icon next to the microphone. 
• **Touch & hold** any tab, and drag to any position. 

### **To close a tab, follow these steps.** 

• Tap  **X** on the opened tab. 



### • Bookmark a site 



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zx5bugw4k6dtiikgocng.png)



Bookmarks are used to save pages for Later. 

### **Steps** 

1. Tap the **Menu** icon. 
2. Tap the **Star** icon. 
3. The page is automatically saved. 
4. Tap **Bookmarks** to see all pages you saved 




## Google Chrome Alternatives 

* [**Mozilla Firefox**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mozilla.firefox) 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mx80zom7wsrec316me8l.png)




Firefox is a popular web browser app available also for mobile devices, and it offers several features that set it apart from Google Chrome. Firstly, Firefox prioritizes user privacy and security by offering several built-in tools like Enhanced Tracking Protection and a password manager. The Enhanced Tracking Protection blocks third-party trackers from following you around the web. Secondly, Firefox has a customizable home screen, allowing users to add shortcuts to their favorite websites and search engines. Additionally, Firefox is an open-source browser, which means that the app's source code is available for anyone to examine, modify and improve. Overall, Firefox's emphasis on privacy, security, and customization makes it a great alternative to Google Chrome for mobile browsing.



* [**Brave**] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brave.browser) 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/5t8vxdkd9iwykgnkyrna.png)



The Brave app is a popular mobile browser that stands out for its focus on privacy and security. It offers several features, such as built-in ad-blocking, tracker blocking, and the ability to browse the web using the Tor network for added anonymity. Brave has a faster browsing speed, thanks to its unique ad-blocking technology. Brave rewards users with its cryptocurrency, Basic Attention Token (BAT), for opting to view ads and supporting their favorite websites. This unique approach to advertising aims to create a more ethical and sustainable advertising model. Generally, Brave provides a secure, fast, and privacy-focused browsing experience, making it a considerable alternative to Google Chrome. 




* [**Microsoft Edge**] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.emmx) 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/itncbnhlpygh1tnq7w1s.png)



Microsoft Edge is a popular web browser app available for mobile devices that offers users a seamless browsing experience with several unique features. One of its key features is its integration with Microsoft's AI chatbot Bing. Microsoft Edge offers users the ability to easily sync their browsing history, passwords, and bookmarks across all their devices. Microsoft Edge also comes with a built-in ad blocker and tracking prevention features that help protect users' privacy while browsing. Microsoft Edge offers a built-in Cortana voice search, a reading mode that removes ads and distractions from articles, and the ability to save web pages to read offline. Additionally, Edge offers a feature called "Collections" that allows users to organize and share their favorite web pages, images, and notes in a single place. Microsoft Edge offers a unique combination of speed, security, and productivity features that make it a worthy alternative to Google Chrome.


* [**Safari**](https://support.apple.com/downloads/safari)

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/13w3p1mqlll5unf9e91g.png)



Safari is a web browser designed specifically for iOS devices. Safari is optimized for Apple's mobile operating system and provides a seamless experience for iOS users. Safari also boasts a range of unique features, such as Reader mode, which simplifies web pages for easy reading, and the ability to share content directly from the browser. Additionally, Safari places a strong emphasis on privacy and security, with features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and built-in support for HTTPS encryption. Safari tends to have better energy efficiency on iOS devices, which can help preserve battery life. These features set Safari apart from other mobile browsers and make it an excellent choice for iOS users.



* [**Opera Mini**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opera.browser) 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cm90hbk5jq3tvs3yljal.png)



Opera Mini is a mobile web browser designed to be fast and data-efficient, making it ideal for users with limited mobile data plans. Opera Mini uses compression technology to compress web pages before they are sent to your phone, reducing the amount of data used and speeding up page loading times. Opera Mini aims to improve mobile browsing with features to save pages for offline viewing and customizable speed dials for quick access to favorite sites. It also includes features such as ad-blocking and a built-in VPN for added privacy and security. Another feature of Opera Mini is its ability to function well on slower networks and older devices, making it a popular choice in emerging markets where connectivity is limited. These features, along with its speed and data-saving capabilities, make Opera Mini a popular choice for mobile users around the world




## Conclusion 


Google Chrome is a powerful, efficient web browser. Its features are customized to enhance your browsing experience. Some of the key features of Google Chrome are speed, security, and customization. The browser offers features to navigate the browser, manage tabs, and access settings. You can install and use Google Chrome on both Android-powered devices and iOS devices with the simple steps listed above. You can try out the alternative browsers based on your preference.