Chromebooks now support Linux apps with great flexibility. But limited storage means you must remove unused apps. Here, I will explain how to Uninstall a Linux App on a Chromebook. I will cover all working methods in simple steps. Follow this full guide to free up storage quickly.
also read: 14 Best Google Chrome Alternatives You Should Know in 2025
How to Uninstall a Linux App on a Chromebook
There are different ways to install Linux apps. You might have used apt, Flatpak, Snap, or .deb files. The method to remove the app depends on how it was installed. Try to remember the tool used during installation. If not, you can try several commands one by one.
Some apps are installed using .deb packages or apt commands. Others might be installed through Flatpak or Snap. If you used apt or dpkg, removal is very easy. Just run a simple command in the terminal. Flatpak and Snap require specific commands. You must use the same tool to uninstall them.
If you forget the app’s package name, don’t worry. Use Flathub or Snapcraft websites to search the package. Once you find the app there, note down its exact name. This helps you uninstall it correctly using commands.
Methods to Uninstall a Linux App on a Chromebook
1. Uninstall Linux Apps with apt or .deb Packages
If you used the apt tool or installed .deb files, follow these steps:
- Open the Linux Terminal on your Chromebook.
- To uninstall the app, type:
sudo apt remove app_name - This command removes the app only.
- To remove app and settings, type:
sudo apt purge app_name - If you want to clean leftover files, use:
sudo apt autoremove - This command removes unused dependencies safely.
These apt commands are reliable and easy to use. They help you uninstall without leaving junk files behind.
2. Uninstall Flatpak Apps on Chromebook
Flatpak is used to install apps from Flathub. To remove Flatpak apps, do this:
- First, open the Linux Terminal.
- Type the following command:
flatpak uninstall app_name - Or visit the app page on Flathub.
- Replace the word “install” with “uninstall” in the command.
- This removes the app and extra files too.
Flatpak is smart enough to keep important shared files. It only removes the app-specific files not used elsewhere.
3. Uninstall Snap Apps on Chromebook
Snap is another tool used to install Linux apps. Here’s how to remove apps installed through Snap:
- Open the Linux Terminal on Chromebook.
- Type the following command:
sudo snap remove app_name - This only removes the app itself.
- To remove all data and save space, use:
sudo snap remove –purge app_name
But sometimes, Snap doesn’t remove everything. Some users say apps remain even after using –purge. So, you should always double-check after uninstalling Snap apps.
Other Ways to Uninstall Apps on a Chromebook
1. Uninstall Linux Apps from Launcher
Some Linux apps installed via apt show in the launcher.
- Click the launcher icon at the bottom left.
- Open the Linux apps folder.
- Right-click the app you want to remove.
- Select Uninstall and wait for progress.
- Once done, the app disappears from the folder.
This method works only for apps installed with apt or .deb.
2. Uninstall Android Apps via Launcher
Chromebooks also run Android apps. Here’s how to delete them:
- Click the launcher button.
- Right-click the Android app icon.
- Click Uninstall, then confirm the removal.
- Select the checkbox to remove app data.
- The app is now fully removed from the device.
3. Uninstall Apps Using ChromeOS Settings
To remove many apps at once, use ChromeOS Settings.
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Go to Apps > Manage Apps section.
- Select the app you want to uninstall.
- Click Uninstall to remove it completely.
This method is best for managing many apps quickly.
4. Uninstall Apps via Google Play Store
The Play Store lets you uninstall Android apps easily.
- Open Play Store and click your profile.
- Tap Manage apps & device > Manage tab.
- Check the apps you want to delete.
- Click the Bin icon at the top right.
- All selected apps get uninstalled together.
This method helps when you want to delete in bulk.
5. Remove Android Apps Using Linux Terminal
Advanced users can use ADB commands in Linux Terminal.
- Enable Linux Development Environment in settings.
- Go to Develop Android Apps and turn it on.
- Launch the Linux Terminal.
- Type adb devices and allow USB debugging.
- Run adb shell ‘pm list packages’ | sed ‘s/.*://g’
- Copy the package name of the app.
- Now uninstall using:
pm uninstall package_name
This method gives full control over Android app removal.
6. Remove Chrome Extensions on Chromebook
Extensions also take memory on ChromeOS.
- Open Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
- Click the Extensions icon in the toolbar.
- Select Manage Extensions from the dropdown.
- Click Remove next to the extension name.
- Confirm to delete it permanently from your browser.
Removing unused extensions improves speed and saves memory.
The Bottom Corner
Uninstall a Linux App on a Chromebook boosts your Chromebook’s performance. The right method depends on how the app was installed.
Always clean leftover files to save more space. Keep your Chromebook light, fast, and ready for new apps anytime.
