remove chrome from ubuntu

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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How to Remove Chrome from Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Guide

Chrome, while a popular web browser, might not be the best fit for everyone. If you're an Ubuntu user looking to switch to a different browser or simply remove Chrome from your system, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling Chrome from your Ubuntu system.

Before we begin:

• Identify the Installation Method: The removal process depends on how you originally installed Chrome. Did you use the official .deb package, install it from the Ubuntu Software Center, or use a different method?
• Backup Important Data: Before you start uninstalling, back up any essential bookmarks, passwords, or other data stored in your Chrome profile.

Method 1: Using the Ubuntu Software Center

If you installed Chrome from the Ubuntu Software Center, this is the easiest way to remove it.

1. Open the Ubuntu Software Center: Search for "Software Center" in the Ubuntu dash and launch the application.
2. Find Chrome: In the search bar, type "Chrome."
3. Remove Chrome: Click on Chrome, then click the "Remove" button.
4. Confirm Removal: Confirm the removal by clicking "Remove" in the pop-up window.

Method 2: Using the Command Line

For more control, you can use the command line to remove Chrome.

1. Open Terminal: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal.
2. Identify the Package Name: Use the following command to identify the exact package name for Chrome:

   dpkg -l | grep chrome
   

   This will display the package name, which might be something like google-chrome-stable.
3. Remove the Package: Use the following command to remove Chrome:

   sudo apt remove <package_name>
   

   Replace <package_name> with the actual name you found in the previous step.
4. Clean up Leftovers: You can use the following command to remove any remaining configuration files:

   sudo apt autoremove
   

Method 3: Removing a Manually Installed .deb Package

If you installed Chrome by downloading a .deb package, you can use the following steps:

1. Locate the .deb Package: Find the .deb file you downloaded.
2. Open the Terminal: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal.
3. Navigate to the Package Directory: Use the cd command to navigate to the directory where the .deb file is located. For example:

   cd Downloads
   

4. Remove the Package: Use the following command to remove the package:

   sudo dpkg -r <package_name>
   

   Replace <package_name> with the name of the .deb file without the ".deb" extension.
5. Clean up Leftovers: Use the following command to remove any remaining configuration files:

   sudo apt autoremove
   

Important Notes:

• Removing Chrome's Data: While the commands above remove the Chrome application, they don't remove your browsing data, bookmarks, passwords, or other personal information. To remove these, you can manually delete the Chrome profile folder located in your home directory, usually at ~/.config/google-chrome.
• Alternative Browsers: If you're looking for a different browser, consider exploring options like Firefox, Opera, or Chromium (an open-source browser based on Chrome).

By following these instructions, you can successfully remove Chrome from your Ubuntu system. Remember to choose the method that suits your installation method and carefully consider whether you need to back up any important data.

Attribution:

The information in this article is based on community contributions found on GitHub, particularly within the Ubuntu documentation and Chrome installation repositories. Thank you to the developers and users who make these resources available.