Android Apps on Chromebooks

Join us to learn how to access and use Android apps on Chromebooks...as well as get some ideas of great Android apps to get you started!

can my chrome device run android apps?

Chromebooks, Chromeboxes, and Chromebases will be able to run Android apps if they are produced later than January 1, 2017 and have compatible hardware. Even if you have an older model, it may not be picked up in an OS update to access the Google Play store but it will still receive additional functions and features through the OS itself.

To keep track of which devices currently run Android apps, refer to the Chromium Projects site. You can also follow Google Chrome on Twitter and Google+.

NOTE: You are not able to run Android apps from your PC or Mac laptop.

Enabling Android apps

By default, the ability to access Android app on GSuite for EDU managed Chromebooks is disabled. The animation to the right shows where to find the setting in the Google Admin Dashboard.

Prior to enabling, you may need to update your district profile.

You can find detailed instructions for enabling Android apps by going to the Chromebook Help Center.

Unmanaged Chromebooks that support Android apps have access by default.

Comparing Google Play Stores

The image on the left is what the Google Play Store looks like when access through a compatible Chromebook. The image to the right is the 'normal' Google Play Store for everyone else.

Android Apps to Try

Unlike accessing Android apps in the Google Play Store, accessing apps in the Google Play Store does not allow you to grab a URL of the app. You will need to search for the apps. Installed Android apps will show up with your other Chrome apps.

NOTE: apps in the Early Access category are still in development and may be unstable.

Google Translate

Offline translation, including instant camera translation from English, for more languages

Adobe Photoshop Express

Based on the well-known Photoshop but made lite for easy working on mobile devices.

Timetable

This app helps you keep track of your schedule including tasks for homework and exams

ReadCube

Great app when working on research papers!

Programming Hub, Learn to Code

Access different coding languages to learn.

Barcode to Sheet

Interesting possibilities if you have to keep inventory of stuff (books, computers, etc.).

PDF Scanner

Scan documents to PDF. Use OCR and annotate over documents with various tools.

KineMaster

Supports multiple layers of video, images, and text, as well as precise cutting and trimming, more.

Muscle & Skeleton 3D Anatomy

Great 3D content. In-app purchase allows access to the whole body.

If you find great Android apps, whether they are to be used on Chromebooks or Android devices, let me know the name so we can pass it on to other Android-using educators. Email the info to me at bellis@tcea.org.

Report abuse