In my opinion, Linux apps are far more helpful on Chromebooks than Android apps. You get a full-fledged desktop experience and the performance remains top-notch. I love the fact that you can run the Linux version of Skype, Libre Office, Steam. etc. on a Chromebook without a hitch. Clearly, things are improving so users want all the features in Linux apps on Chromebook. For example, users want to print directly from Linux apps such as Libre Office on a Chromebook, but there is no native support. So in this article, we bring you a handy guide on how to use a printer in Linux apps on Chromebook. On that note, let’s go through the guide.
Use a Printer in Linux Apps on Chromebook (2021)
1. First of all, open the Linux Terminal and execute the below command. It will install CUPS which is an open-source printing standard for local and network printers.
sudo apt install cups -y
2. Next, run the below command and it will allow you to access the printer settings in a Linux GUI window on your Chromebook.
sudo apt install system-config-printer -y
3. Having done that, now run the next command for allowing the server. It should output “access control disabled…”.
xhost +
4. Finally, run this command and it will open the Printer Config window. From now on, you just need to run this command to access the printer settings in Linux apps on Chromebook.
sudo system-config-printer
5. Once the Printer window is opened, click on “Add” to find all the printers in your network. Make sure your printer is discoverable in network mode.
6. Now, move to “Network Printer” and click on “Find Network Printer“. Finally, click on “Find”. It will start searching for all printers and will display them here.
7. You can now open a free word processor on your Chromebook such as Libre Office and can print right from the app.
Print Documents in Linux Apps on Your Chromebook
So that is one easy way to install a printing utility on Linux and access it through the Linux Terminal. Yes, the setup requires you to be familiar with commands, but don’t worry you can just copy and paste and it will be done. Anyway, that is all from us. In case you want to run Windows 10 apps on your Chromebook then head over to our dedicated article. And if you have any questions then do let us know in the comment section below.
Thank you for providing this information. While I have used Linux a bit over the years, I never became familiar enough with the arcane command line syntax. The instructions here have the added benefit of actually working. There have been a few simple guides I have worked from that did not work.
After I went to Chrome OS flex, my wifi printer of Xerox Phaser 3020 cant print even by USB too, what can I do, I am not linux/IT base.. hope get a easy way to print wireless or by cable..
I realize this is old but if a printer is recognized by chromebook, does that mean it’s on my network. Indeed, what does printer on my network mean? If a printer is not on my network, how do I put it on?
Hi, I have an older printer, is there any way to print form Linux on my Chromebook with a cable connected printer? Thansk.
Brilliant – thank you, so helpful.
Ok, i restarted my chormebook and did everything again. I was successful. Thanks for the tutorial.
I’m having some problems. Please help…
lsp@penguin:~/Downloads$ sudo system-config-printer
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “/usr/share/system-config-printer/system-config-printer.py”, line 29, in
import dbus
File “/usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/dbus/__init__.py”, line 73, in
File “/usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/dbus/types.py”, line 8, in
from _dbus_bindings import (
ImportError: /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/_dbus_bindings.cpython-39-x86_64-linux-gnu.so: cannot read file data: Input/output error
lsp@penguin:~/Downloads$
To add scanner just type:
sudo apt install simple-scan