File Manager for Chromebook
Chromebooks run ChromeOS — a Linux-based OS with full support for Android apps via the Play Store. AnExplorer installs on any Chromebook with Android app support and gives you access to everything the native Files app misses: network shares, FTP servers, cloud storage beyond Google Drive, and full Android file system operations.
Feature Overview for Chromebook
| Feature | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Android Files | ✅ | Full internal storage |
| Linux (Crostini) Files | ✅ | /home and downloads |
| External USB Drives | ✅ | USB-A and USB-C |
| SD Card | ✅ | Read/write via SAF |
| SMB / NAS | ✅ | Windows shares, Synology |
| FTP Client | ✅ | Any FTP server |
| Dropbox | ✅ | Read/write |
| OneDrive | ✅ | Read/write |
| Box | ✅ | Read/write |
| Google Drive | 🔜 | Coming soon |
| Archive Manager | ✅ | ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR |
| APK Installer | ✅ | Sideload Android APKs |
| WiFi Transfer | ✅ | Chromebook ↔ Phone |
| Text Editor | ✅ | Edit config and code files |
| Split-Pane Layout | ✅ | Desktop-style file manager |
Supported Chromebook Models
AnExplorer works on all Chromebooks with Android app support (available since ChromeOS 53):
- Google Pixelbook — Pixelbook, Pixelbook Go, Pixel Slate
- Acer Chromebook — Chromebook Spin, Chromebook Enterprise, Chromebook Plus
Virtually all Chromebooks released after 2019 support Android apps via the Play Store. Check your model at chromeos.dev.
Why Use AnExplorer Over ChromeOS Files?
The built-in ChromeOS Files app is limited to Google Drive, local Downloads, and connected USB drives. AnExplorer extends this significantly:
| Capability | ChromeOS Files | AnExplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | ✅ | 🔜 Coming soon |
| Dropbox / OneDrive | ❌ | ✅ |
| SMB Network Shares | ❌ | ✅ |
| FTP Servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Archive (ZIP/RAR) | Limited | ✅ Full |
| Linux files (Crostini) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bulk rename / move | ❌ | ✅ |
Access Windows Network Shares from Chromebook
Connect to a Windows PC or NAS on your home network using SMB:
- Open AnExplorer → Network → Add Storage → SMB
- Enter your server IP (e.g.
192.168.1.10), share name, username, and password - Browse the share — files load directly without downloading
Works with Windows shared folders, Synology, QNAP, and any SMB 2.x/3.x server.
See: SMB File Manager | Network Storage on SMB
Transfer Files from Chromebook to Android Phone
Use AnExplorer's WiFi Transfer for instant, cable-free file sharing:
- On your Chromebook, open AnExplorer and tap WiFi Share
- Select files to share — an HTTP server starts locally
- On your Android phone, open the URL in Chrome to download, or open AnExplorer → WiFi Receive
Alternatively, use FTP Server mode for a persistent connection from any FTP client.
See: Android to PC Transfer | Android to Android Transfer
How to Install AnExplorer on Chromebook
- Open the Play Store on your Chromebook
- Search for AnExplorer
- Click Install — AnExplorer installs as an Android app
AnExplorer runs in a resizable window and supports Chromebook keyboard shortcuts. The split-pane layout activates automatically on large screens.
If the Play Store is not available, enable Android apps: Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Turn On.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AnExplorer access Linux (Crostini) files on Chromebook?
Yes. AnExplorer can read and write to the Linux container's home directory, appearing at /storage/emulated/0/Linux files/ in the Android file system.
Does AnExplorer work with a mouse and keyboard on Chromebook?
Yes. AnExplorer supports right-click context menus, keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Delete), and mouse selection of multiple files on ChromeOS.
Can I unzip files on ChromeOS with AnExplorer?
Yes. AnExplorer's Archive Manager opens and extracts ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, and GZ files — the built-in ChromeOS archive support is limited to ZIP only.
How do I access a Windows share from my Chromebook?
Use AnExplorer's SMB client. See the SMB guide for step-by-step setup.
Is AnExplorer free on Chromebook?
The core file manager is free. Pro unlocks cloud, network, and FTP features with a one-time purchase. See pricing.