Google Is Bringing Chrome Desktop and Extensions to Android Phones!

Hey Android fans! Get ready for some exciting news that could change how we browse on our phones. It looks like Google is quietly working on a version of Chrome for Android that supports desktop web browser extensions!

What's Going On?

There's a special website (an index of Chromium browser snapshots) that has a build called "Android desktop ARM 64." This isn't your regular Chrome; it's a test version that hints at a future where you can use your favorite Chrome extensions right on your Android device.

How Can You See It?

If you're curious and want to check it out, you can download this test build. It's a bit of a process:

1. Visit the link: Head over to https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/chromium-browser-snapshots/index.html?prefix=AndroidDesktop_arm64%2F.

2. Scroll and Download: On your phone, scroll all the way down to find the latest version. Click on the bottom folder.

3. Find the Chrome Android Desktop.Zip file: Download it.

4. Unzip and Install: Unzip the downloaded file, navigate to the Chrome Android Desktop folder, then APKS, and finally, install the Chrome public APK file.

Once installed, you'll see a "Chromium" app. It looks a lot like regular Chrome, but here's the magic: if you tap the three-dot menu, you'll find a new "Extensions" option!

The Catch (For Now)

While the "Extensions" option is there and looks just like the desktop version, it's still in the early testing phase. You can't currently access the Chrome Web Store from this build on your phone, and trying to load custom extensions might give you an error. It seems Google is still working on making it fully functional.

A Bigger Picture: Android Desktop OS?

One interesting theory is that this "Chrome Desktop for Android" might not be for our current phones at all. There have been whispers about Android evolving into a full-fledged desktop OS, possibly starting with Android 16 or later. This special Chrome version could be designed for that future desktop-focused Android experience, rather than our pocket-sized phones.

What About Now?

Don't worry, you're not entirely out of luck if you want extensions on your phone today! Popular browsers like Firefox and Microsoft Edge already offer native support for extensions on Android. You can find their extension options right within their respective menus.

I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.

Check out my other posts, I post useful tutorials and tech tips, maybe you will find something useful 😉.