Following two years, Google has finally rolled out an Android update for Chromebooks. Prompting directly from Android 9 to Android 11, Google has implemented a different approach to run Android apps on Chrome OS this time around.
Unlike ARC++, which had a native container, the Android 11 update brings a VM approach called ARCVM, similar to Linux on Chrome OS. The ARCVM will be independent and will have its own Linux kernel.
While that sounds exciting on paper, we will have to wait and see how much of a performance difference it brings. But if you want to try it out, go ahead and install the Android 11 update on your Chromebook right away.
Install Android 11 Update on Your Chromebook (2021)
If your Chromebook is present on the list above, follow our guide and update your device to Android 11. Specifically, if your Chromebook is built on the Hatch baseboard, you are first in line to get the Android 11 update.
1. Android 11 is currently rolling out in the Beta channel of Chrome OS. So all you have to do is switch to the Beta channel, and you will receive the update. To do so, click on ‘Settings’ under the Quick Settings panel on the bottom right corner.
2. Next, move to ‘About Chrome OS’ and click on ‘Additional Details’.
3. Here, change the channel to “Beta” by clicking on the ‘Change channel’ button.
4. Now, go back to the “About Chrome OS” page and ‘Check for updates’. Your Chromebook will start downloading the latest Chrome OS beta build. After the update is installed, restart your Chromebook.
5. Once you are updated to the latest Chrome OS build, open the Settings page and go to the ‘Apps’ section. Here, click on Manage Android preferences.
6. Now, move to System -> About Device. Here, you will find the Android version. If your Chromebook is built on the ‘Hatch’ board, you will receive the Android 11 update after moving to the Beta build.
7. If your Chromebook is based on Hatch and you have not received the Android 11 update in the latest Beta build, you should remove the existing Android setup and re-install it. Open Settings -> Apps -> Remove Play Store -> Remove. After that, turn on the Play Store under the Apps page. Note that re-installation will remove all your Android apps.
So that is how you can install Android 11 on Chrome OS right now and enjoy an optimized Android experience. Based on some reports, the Android 11 update has fixed the app scaling issue and brought dark mode to Android apps, as these are one of the main changes made in the latest update.
