Master Key: Your Ultimate Password Management Solution on Chrome OS

Master Key is a powerful password manager application designed to facilitate password generation and management within a secure local database. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to effectively utilize the Master Key password management tool on your Chrome OS device.

Activating Linux on Chrome OS

While Master Key is an outstanding application for keeping your passwords safe, it is essential to note that it operates as a Linux application rather than a native Chrome OS app. Therefore, you will need to enable the Linux developer environment on your Chromebook before proceeding with the installation of the Master Key app.

  1. Open Settings: Click on the clock icon on the Chrome OS taskbar, then select the gear icon to open the settings panel.
  2. Access Advanced Options: In the settings window, navigate to the “Advanced” section and click on the drop-down arrow.

  3. Enable Developer Mode: Within the “Advanced” settings, locate “Developers” and click on it. Find the option labeled "Linux development environment" and click to open it.

  4. Activate Linux: Click the “Turn on” button, prompting Chrome OS to download a Debian Linux container along with a terminal app for interaction. This process should not take long.

  5. Initiate Terminal: Once the setup completes, the terminal app should launch automatically. If not, search for “Terminal” in your app menu to open it.

  6. Update Linux Container: Select “Penguin” in the terminal to access the Linux container. Execute the command:

    sudo apt update
  7. Upgrade Installed Packages: Follow up by updating all software in the Linux environment with:
    sudo apt upgrade

Once the system is updated, you are ready to install Linux applications, including Master Key.

Installing Master Key on Chrome OS

The best method to install the Master Key application on Chrome OS is through the Flatpak format via the Flathub app repository. To initiate the installation:

  1. Open the Terminal: Find "Penguin" under your Linux apps and open it in the terminal.

  2. Install Flatpak: Enter the following command to install the Flatpak package:

    sudo apt install flatpak
  3. Add Flathub Repository: Next, you will need to enable the Flathub app store by executing:

    flatpak --user remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
  4. Install Master Key: With Flathub set up, you can now install Master Key using the command:

    flatpak install flathub com.gitlab.guillermop.MasterKey
  5. Launch Master Key: After installation, you can find and open Master Key in the “Linux apps” folder from the Chrome OS menu.

Setting Up Master Key on Chrome OS

To configure Master Key, follow these steps once you launch the application:

  1. Create a Master Password: When prompted, enter a strong, memorable master password. Click the “Create database” button to proceed.
  1. Add New Entries: After creating your database, click the “+” button to add a new entry. Enter the domain and username, then click “Save”.
  1. Generate Passwords: The Master Key application will automatically generate secure passwords for your logins. Repeat the process as needed for additional accounts.

Now, you are equipped to manage your passwords securely with Master Key on your Chromebook. Enjoy peace of mind as you navigate the digital landscape, knowing your passwords are safeguarded in a trusted environment. For more tips and guides, subscribe to our newsletter!


By simplifying the complex setup processes and providing clear, actionable steps, this guide makes it easy for anyone to leverage the security of Master Key on their Chromebook. Use this unique password management tool to streamline your digital life efficiently!

By Alex Reynolds

Tech journalist and digital trends analyst, Alex Reynolds has a passion for emerging technologies, AI, and cybersecurity. With years of experience in the industry, he delivers in-depth insights and engaging articles for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.