How to Use Facebook Messenger on Your Chromebook with Caprine

If you’re a proud owner of a Chromebook and looking to access Facebook Messenger on your device, look no further than Caprine. This Linux-based application delivers a smooth desktop experience specifically designed for Facebook Messenger. Here’s how you can set it up effortlessly on your Chromebook.

Prerequisites: Create a Facebook Account

Before diving into the installation process, be aware that Caprine requires a Facebook account. If you haven’t set one up yet, visit Facebook.com to create an account prior to using this application.

Step 1: Enable Linux on Your Chromebook

To begin using Caprine, the first task is to enable the Linux runtime on your Chromebook. Activating the Linux development environment on Chrome OS is a simple process. Start by clicking the clock icon on your dashboard, followed by the gear icon to access Settings.

In the Settings menu, locate the “Advanced” section and click on it. Here, head down to the “Developers” tab within the Advanced settings.

Once you click on “Developers,” find the “Linux developer environment” option and click on it. You should see a “Turn on” button; click it to launch the Linux setup wizard, which will guide you through configuring your Linux environment.

Upon completion, Chrome OS will download and open a terminal application. Click on the “Penguin” icon to access the Linux command line. To ensure your Linux environment is up to date, enter the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

With these updates executed, your Chromebook is now set up for Linux applications, including Caprine.

Step 2: Install Caprine on Chrome OS Using a DEB Package

Installing Caprine can be straightforward by using the latest DEB package. Begin by opening your Linux terminal and selecting the “Penguin” icon to access the command interface.

In the terminal, use the wget command to download the Caprine package directly into your Linux container’s home folder:

wget https://github.com/sindresorhus/caprine/releases/download/v2.58.3/caprine_2.58.3_amd64.deb

Once the download is complete, initiate the installation with the following command:

sudo apt install ./caprine_2.58.3_amd64.deb

Note: Installing Caprine via a DEB package may necessitate manual updates. For a more streamlined experience, consider using Flatpak for automatic updates.

Once the installation is complete, find Caprine in the “Linux apps” folder of your Chrome OS app menu.

Step 3: Install Caprine Using Flatpak

Alternatively, you can install Caprine via Flatpak from the Flathub app store, which allows for easier management and updates. Start by opening your Linux terminal again.

In the terminal, install Flatpak by running:

sudo apt install flatpak

After the installation completes, enable the Flathub app store by entering the following command:

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

With Flathub set up, install Caprine using this command:

flatpak install flathub com.sindresorhus.Caprine

Upon successful installation, you will also find Caprine in the “Linux apps” folder in your Chromebook’s application menu.

Step 4: Using Caprine on Your Chromebook

To access Caprine, you will need your Facebook account. If you’re all set, launch the Caprine application. On the initial login screen, you’ll see a prompt that reads, “Connect with your favorite people.” Enter your Facebook credentials here to gain access to Messenger.

Once logged in, you can view your Facebook Messenger conversations and chat with friends just as you would in a web browser.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate Facebook Messenger into your Chromebook experience using Caprine. Whether you prefer installing via a DEB package or Flatpak, enjoying chat functionality has never been easier on Chrome OS. Happy messaging!

Make sure to stay updated with tips and tricks for optimizing your Chromebook experience!