How to Install and Use Session Messenger on Your Chromebook: A Comprehensive Guide

Session is an innovative, privacy-oriented messaging application designed for various platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, and mobile devices. With its decentralized architecture based on user-hosted servers, it stands out in the realm of messaging tools. Notably, users can also run Session on Chromebooks, providing excellent flexibility for Chrome OS users. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up Session on your Chromebook efficiently.

Enabling Linux on Your Chromebook

Step 1: Access Chrome OS Settings

To start using Session Messenger, you first need to enable Linux compatibility on your Chromebook. Begin by clicking on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your Chrome OS dashboard. From there, select the gear icon to open the settings menu.

Step 2: Activate Linux Development Environment

In the settings window, scroll down and expand the "Advanced" section. Here, locate and click on "Developers." Inside this section, you’ll find the option for "Linux development environment." Click on the "Turn on" button.

Step 3: Download and Configure Debian Linux

Activating the Linux development environment will initiate the download of Debian Linux into a container on your Chromebook. This download process is typically swift. Once finished, the Chrome OS terminal app will launch automatically. Within the terminal, search for "Penguin" to access the command line, and run the following commands to update your Debian container:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

After running these commands, you will be set to install Linux applications like Session Messenger.

Installing Session Messenger via Flatpak

Installing Session through Flatpak is the recommended approach, as it ensures you receive continuous updates.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Launch the Chrome OS terminal from the app menu and select "Penguin" to access the command line.

Step 2: Install Flatpak

Use the following command to install the Flatpak package, which will manage Flatpak applications on your device:

sudo apt install flatpak

Step 3: Enable the Flathub Repository

Activating the Flathub app store enables you to install a variety of Flatpak applications. Use the command below to add the Flathub repository:

flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 4: Install Session Messenger

With Flathub enabled, you can now install Session Messenger by running the following command:

flatpak install flathub network.loki.Session

After executing the command, Session Messenger will be installed and ready for use, accessible from the “Linux apps” folder in your app menu.

Installing Session Messenger via DEB Package

For those who prefer an alternative installation method, you can also install Session using a DEB package.

Step 1: Download the DEB Package

Open the terminal and execute the following command to download the Session DEB package to your home directory:

wget https://github.com/oxen-io/session-desktop/releases/download/v1.11.5/session-desktop-linux-amd64-1.11.5.deb

Step 2: Install the DEB Package

Once the download is complete, run the command below to install the package:

sudo apt install ./session-desktop-linux-amd64-1.11.5.deb

After installation, you will find Session in the “Linux apps” folder in the Chrome OS app menu.

Getting Started with Session on Chrome OS

Using Session on your Chromebook is straightforward. After installation, launch the application and follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Session ID

Upon opening the app, click on the "Create Session ID" button to generate your account details. The app will provide you with a secure, anonymous identifier—make sure to save this information securely.

Step 2: Choose a Display Name

On the subsequent page, you will be prompted to enter a display name. This name will be visible to your contacts within the Session app, so select one you are comfortable with. Once you’ve made your choice, click "Get Started."

Step 3: Complete the Setup

After clicking "Get Started," you’ll be logged into Session. You will then see a prompt to reveal your recovery phrase, which is crucial for account recovery; save it in a secure location. Now you are ready to start messaging!

To initiate a chat, click the green “+” icon, where you can select options such as "New Message," "Create Group," or "Join Community."

Additional Resources

As you navigate through using Session Messenger, you may have questions about its features and functionalities. Session provides comprehensive documentation that can assist you with common inquiries. Visit the official website for more information.

Conclusion

Session Messenger is an excellent choice for users seeking privacy and security in their messaging applications. By following this guide, you can easily set up Session on your Chromebook, allowing you to connect with friends and family while keeping your communications private and secure.