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Enabling Chromium to sync with Google Account

Securely sync your bookmarks, passwords, and history on Raspberry Pi! While native Google Sync is blocked on Chromium by default, this guide details the latest solutions, including installing the official Google Chrome for ARM64 Linux (Q2 2026) and setting up powerful sync workarounds.

Introduction

Syncing your browser data across devices is essential for a seamless workflow. However, if you are using the default Chromium browser on Raspberry Pi OS, you might have noticed that the Google Sync feature is unavailable.

This guide explains why this limitation exists and provides step-by-step instructions to get your Google account syncing on Raspberry Pi, either by installing the official Google Chrome browser or by utilizing browser extensions and alternatives.

Why Google Sync is Disabled on Chromium

In March 2021, Google restricted access to its private developer APIs for all third-party Chromium builds. This includes the default Chromium package shipped with Raspberry Pi OS.

As a result, the legacy workaround of manually configuring OAuth2 Client IDs and Client Secrets in /etc/chromium.d/oauth2-client no longer works. If you attempt to use these flags, Google will block the authentication requests, returning login errors.

Google has officially released Google Chrome for ARM64 Linux in Q2 2026. This official build includes native support for Google Account Sync, Google Password Manager, and Google Pay on ARM64-based Linux systems.

If you are running the 64-bit version of Raspberry Pi OS (on Raspberry Pi 4, 400, 5, Zero 2 W, etc.), you can easily install official Google Chrome.

Step-by-Step Installation:

  1. Open the Terminal on your Raspberry Pi.
  2. Download the Official DEB Package: Run the following command to download the installer: 
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    wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_arm64.deb
  3. Install the Package: Use apt to install the downloaded file (this will automatically resolve and install any required dependencies): 
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    sudo apt install ./google-chrome-stable_current_arm64.deb -y
  4. Launch Google Chrome: You can now launch Google Chrome from your application menu (under Internet > Google Chrome) or by running: 
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    google-chrome
  5. Enable Sync: Click on the profile icon in the top-right corner, sign in with your Google Account, and toggle on "Turn on sync...".

Method 2: Use Firefox ESR (For Native Cross-Device Sync)

If you are open to using another web browser, Firefox ESR (Extended Support Release) is pre-installed on Raspberry Pi OS. Firefox ESR is highly optimized for the Raspberry Pi hardware and supports Firefox Sync out of the box.

How to set up Firefox Sync:

  1. Open Firefox Web Browser from the application menu.
  2. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
  3. Click Sign in next to "Sync and save data".
  4. Follow the prompts to create or sign into your Firefox Account.
  5. Firefox will instantly sync your bookmarks, history, passwords, and open tabs across your phone, computer, and Raspberry Pi.

Method 3: Use Extensions for Sync on Chromium

If you want to keep using the default Chromium browser but need your data synced, you can achieve this by using third-party browser extensions.

1. Syncing Bookmarks with Floccus

Floccus is a free, open-source browser extension that syncs your bookmarks across browsers using your own private cloud storage (like Google Drive, Nextcloud, or WebDAV).

  1. Install the Floccus Bookmarks Sync extension from the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Open the Floccus options and choose your sync method (e.g., Google Drive).
  3. Connect your account and select a folder to store the bookmark file.
  4. Install Floccus on your other devices' browsers to keep them completely in sync.

2. Syncing Passwords with Bitwarden

Instead of relying on Google's built-in password manager, using a dedicated password manager is more secure and cross-platform.

  1. Install the Bitwarden extension from the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Create a free account or log in.
  3. Bitwarden will securely store and auto-fill your credentials on Raspberry Pi Chromium, as well as on your phone and other computers.

Summary: Which Method Should You Choose?

OS Architecture Best Solution Alternative
Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) Method 1: Install Official Google Chrome Method 2 (Firefox) or Method 3 (Extensions)
Raspberry Pi OS (32-bit) Method 2: Use Firefox ESR Method 3 (Extensions on Chromium)

Note: You can check if your OS is 64-bit by running getconf LONG_BIT in the terminal.