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10 Tech How-To

How to Install MATLAB on a Chromebook

Guide 10-21419 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through the practical ways to run MATLAB on a Chromebook. Because ChromeOS doesn’t natively support the MATLAB desktop installer, you’ll use one of two reliable methods: the free MATLAB Online (no installation) or the Linux container for the full desktop experience. You’ll need a Chromebook with Linux support enabled and a valid MATLAB license.

What You’ll Need

  • A Chromebook with Linux (Crostini) support – most models from 2019 onward. Check your Settings > About ChromeOS > Developer options.
  • At least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended) and 5 GB of free storage for the Linux container.
  • A MATLAB license – either a paid license, a student license, or a free 30-day trial from MathWorks.
  • Stable internet connection for downloading and for MATLAB Online.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use MATLAB Online (Easiest, No Installation)

  1. Open Chrome browser on your Chromebook.
  2. Go to matlab.mathworks.com.
  3. Click Sign in and enter your MathWorks account credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one at mathworks.com – you’ll need your license number or university email.
  4. After signing in, click Open MATLAB Online – the interface loads in your browser tab. No files are installed on your device.
  5. To save files, use the built-in Drive integration or download your scripts to the Chromebook’s Downloads folder.

Method 2: Install MATLAB Desktop via Linux (Full Experience)

  1. Enable Linux on your Chromebook: go to Settings > Advanced > Developers > Linux development environment and click Turn on. Follow the prompts to set up the Linux terminal (this installs a Debian container).
  2. Open the Terminal app (Penguin icon) from your app launcher.
  3. Update the Linux environment by typing: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y. Press Enter and wait for completion.
  4. Download the MATLAB installer for Linux: go to mathworks.com/downloads on your Chromebook, select MATLAB, and choose Linux as the platform. Download the matlab_installer.zip file (about 2 GB).
  5. Move the downloaded file into the Linux files area: open the Files app, find the zip in your Downloads, right-click it, and select Share with Linux. This makes it accessible in the Linux container at /mnt/chromeos/MyFiles/Downloads.
  6. In the terminal, unzip the installer: cd /mnt/chromeos/MyFiles/Downloads && unzip matlab_installer.zip.
  7. Run the installer: sudo ./install. A graphical installer window will open inside the Linux environment.
  8. Follow the installer prompts: sign in with your MathWorks account, select the license, choose a destination folder (default is /usr/local/MATLAB/R2024a), and select the toolboxes you need. Click Install – this takes 20-40 minutes depending on your internet speed.
  9. After installation, launch MATLAB from the terminal: matlab. The first launch may take a few minutes.
  10. Optional: create a desktop shortcut – in the terminal, run sudo ln -s /usr/local/MATLAB/R2024a/bin/matlab /usr/local/bin/matlab and then add a launcher icon via the Files app or a custom .desktop file.

Common Mistakes

  • Choosing the wrong installer: always select the Linux version, not Windows or Mac, even if your Chromebook is ARM-based – MathWorks provides an ARM64 build for newer Chromebooks, but check the system requirements.
  • Not sharing the downloaded file with Linux – if you try to access it from the terminal without sharing, you’ll get a ‘file not found’ error.
  • Running the installer without sudo – the installer needs root permissions to write to system directories.
  • Ignoring storage space: MATLAB desktop takes about 4 GB plus toolboxes. If you’re low on space, use MATLAB Online instead.
  • Forgetting to enable Linux before starting – you can’t install the desktop version without it.

Tips

  • If your Chromebook has an ARM processor (like many MediaTek or Snapdragon models), use MATLAB Online – the Linux desktop version is optimized for x86_64 and may run slowly or not at all.
  • Use a wired Ethernet connection or a strong Wi-Fi signal for the large download – it will speed up the process significantly.
  • For students, check if your university provides a campus license – you can use MATLAB Online with that license without installing anything.
  • Keep the Linux container updated regularly: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure compatibility.
  • Use the -nodisplay flag when running scripts from the terminal for batch processing: matlab -nodisplay -r "myScript".

Troubleshooting

  • Installer won’t start or crashes: Ensure your Linux container has at least 2 GB of free RAM. Close other Linux apps and restart the terminal. If the graphical installer fails, try the silent install: sudo ./install -inputFile installer_input.txt after creating a script file.
  • MATLAB opens but is very slow: This is common on low-end Chromebooks. Reduce the graphics quality in MATLAB preferences (Home > Preferences > MATLAB > General), or switch to MATLAB Online.
  • Cannot find the downloaded file: Use the command ls /mnt/chromeos/MyFiles/Downloads to list files. If empty, re-share the folder from the Files app.
  • License activation errors: Sign out of your MathWorks account in the installer and sign back in. Make sure your license is active and not expired.
  • Linux terminal not working: Go to Settings > Advanced > Developers and disable/re-enable Linux. This will wipe the container, so back up any files first.
  • MATLAB Online says ‘browser not supported’: Update ChromeOS to the latest version – MATLAB Online requires a recent Chrome browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install MATLAB on a Chromebook without Linux?

Yes, use MATLAB Online – it runs entirely in the browser and requires no local installation. You just need a MathWorks account and a license.

Is MATLAB Online free?

MATLAB Online is free with a valid MATLAB license. If you don’t have a license, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial on the MathWorks website.

Will MATLAB desktop run on any Chromebook?

Only Chromebooks with Linux support and an x86_64 (Intel/AMD) processor can run the desktop version smoothly. ARM-based Chromebooks may work with the ARM64 installer but performance can be poor.

How much storage does MATLAB need on a Chromebook?

The base installation takes about 4 GB, and toolboxes can add several more GB. Ensure your Linux container has at least 6 GB free.

Can I use my existing MATLAB scripts from Windows or Mac?

Yes, .m files are cross-platform. You can upload them to MATLAB Online or copy them into the Linux container using the Files app.

Does MATLAB Online have all the toolboxes?

MATLAB Online includes most toolboxes, but some specialized ones may not be available. Check the MathWorks website for the full list. If you need a specific toolbox, the desktop version is safer.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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