Setting Up FTP on Chromebook

Linux Environment & FileZilla — think of this as unlocking a "pro mode" on your Chromebook that lets you run software that usually only works on Mac or Windows.

01_enable_linux

Step 1: Enable the Linux Environment

Before you can install an FTP client, your Chromebook needs to set up a small "home" for Linux to live in.

  1. Click on the Time in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select the Settings gear icon.
  2. On the left-hand sidebar, click Advanced, then click Developers.
  3. Next to Linux development environment, click Turn On.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts:
    • Username: Pick something simple (like your first name).
    • Disk Size: The recommended size (usually around 10GB) is perfect for an FTP client.
  5. Click Install. A window with a black background (the Terminal) will pop up. It might take a few minutes to finish loading.
02_update_linux

Step 2: Update Your Linux System

To make sure everything runs smoothly, you need to tell Linux to update itself. Type this into the Terminal window and press Enter:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

You'll see a bunch of text scrolling by. When it stops and shows your username again, you're ready for the next step.

03_install_filezilla

Step 3: Install FileZilla

FileZilla is the most popular, user-friendly FTP client and looks a lot like a standard file folder window.

  1. In the Terminal, type the following command and press Enter: 
    sudo apt install filezilla -y
  2. Wait for the progress to hit 100%.
04_open_and_use

Step 4: Open and Use FileZilla

Now that it's installed, you don't need the Terminal anymore!

  1. Click the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom-left of your screen).
  2. Look for a folder labeled Linux Apps.
  3. Click on FileZilla.
  4. At the very top, you'll see boxes for Host, Username, and Password. Enter the credentials provided by your professor and click Quickconnect.
05_share_files

Quick Tip: Sharing Files with Linux

If you need to upload files from your Chromebook, you first have to "share" those files with Linux:

  1. Open your Files app on the Chromebook.
  2. Right-click your Downloads folder (or any folder you choose).
  3. Select Share with Linux.
  4. Inside FileZilla, those files will now appear under the path: /mnt/chromeos/MyFiles/Downloads.