Note that if you are using the keyboard to paste in the terminal window, the keys are “Ctrl+Shift+V”, not “Ctrl+V”. Be sure to include the final hyphen “-” character.
Debian uses the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) to install the software, and this is what we will use to install Signal. When the installation is complete, you will see the Linux terminal window and a command prompt with a blinking cursor.Ĭhrome OS Linux Subsystem is a version of Debian Linux. Click on the “Install” button button to start the installation process.
Subscribe to TechRepublic’s How To Make Tech Work on YouTube for all the latest tech advice for business pros from Jack Wallen.See also How to forward an email as Attachment in Gmail If you’re like me, it’ll make your mobile life considerably more proficient and efficient–enjoy. You can now type all of those SMS messages using a regular laptop keyboard and not the tiny device.
As soon as the reader recognizes the code, Messages is connected and you can start using the app on your Chromebook.
Once the QR code reader app opens, align it with the QR code presented by the Messages app.
In the resulting window, tap QR code scanner ( Figure C).įigure C The Messages for web setup window in the Android app. Open Messages on your phone, tap the menu button in the upper-right corner (three vertical dots), and tap Messages for web. You should see the Messages app appear in the results ( Figure A).įigure A The Messages app listed in the Chrome OS search results.Īs soon as the Messages app opens, you’ll be greeted with a QR code ( Figure B).įigure B The QR code (blurred out) allows you to connect the mobile Messages to your chromebook. Click the desktop menu button, or click the Search keyboard button, and type messages. Log in to your Chromebook and make sure you’ve unlocked your Android device. How to connect your Chromebook to Messages You’ll also need a working Android device. I’m demonstrating on my all-time favorite Chromebook, the 2015 Pixel (soon to RIP), running Chrome OS. In order to make this work, you’ll need a Chromebook, running an updated version of Chrome OS. SEE: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020: Galaxy Z Fold2, Samsung Galaxy S20, and more (free PDF) (TechRepublic) What you’ll need Truth be told, it’s really just a web app, but it works perfectly. However, on my Chromebook, I can take advantage of an actual pre-installed app for the purpose. I use Messages For Web all the time on my desktop, via a web browser. Thanks to Messages For Web, that’s no longer the case. Once upon a time, you had to install the Android Messages app on Chromebooks to make that happen. One task that I frequently make use of is the SMS app, Android Messages.
Typos abound and I don’t really have the time to type out everything I need or want to say.īecause of that, I’ll do anything I can to shift that job away from the mobile device in my pocket, to the one on my desk–I’m talking, of course, about my Chromebook.įortunately, there are plenty of ways to migrate tasks from one mobile device to another. After typing at a keyboard for over 30 years, my fingers really hate the idea of relegating that task to mostly thumbs. I’m going to be honest here–I really don’t like typing on my phone. Hiring kit: Android developer (TechRepublic Premium) How lower smartphone shipments may be a buying opportunity for customers The conundrum of Android 13 and Pixel 6 facial recognitionĪpple Far Out Recap: Apple’s satellite of love and AR/VR move If you're all thumbs on your Android device, and would rather be able to use your Chromebook keyboard for SMS messages, Jack Wallen will show you the way. How to use Android messenger on your Chromebook