> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/uazo/cromite/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Android Installation

> Complete guide to installing and configuring Cromite on Android devices

Cromite is available for Android devices running Android 10 and above, with support for ARM64, ARM32, and x86\_64 architectures.

## System Requirements

* **Android Version**: Android 10 or higher
* **Architecture**: ARM64-v8a (recommended), ARM32-v7a, or x86\_64
* **Storage**: \~150MB free space
* **Root Access**: Not required

<Note>
  Cromite does not require root access and works on all standard Android devices.
</Note>

## Installation Methods

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Direct APK Installation">
    ### Download and Install APK

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Choose Your Architecture">
        Determine your device architecture:

        * **ARM64**: Most modern Android devices (2016+)
        * **ARM32**: Older devices or budget phones
        * **x86\_64**: Intel/AMD-based devices (rare)

        If unsure, try ARM64 first - it's the most common.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Download the APK">
        Download the appropriate APK file:

        * [arm64\_ChromePublic.apk](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/arm64_ChromePublic.apk) (recommended)
        * [arm\_ChromePublic.apk](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/arm_ChromePublic.apk)
        * [x64\_ChromePublic.apk](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/x64_ChromePublic.apk)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enable Unknown Sources">
        If this is your first APK installation:

        1. Go to **Settings → Security**
        2. Enable **Install from Unknown Sources** (or allow your file manager/browser to install apps)
        3. On Android 8+, you'll grant permission per-app when prompted
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install the APK">
        1. Open your Downloads folder or notification
        2. Tap the Cromite APK file
        3. Review permissions and tap **Install**
        4. Wait for installation to complete
        5. Tap **Open** to launch Cromite
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Warning>
      Always download APKs from the official GitHub releases page: [https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases)
    </Warning>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="F-Droid Repository">
    ### Install via F-Droid

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install F-Droid">
        If you don't have F-Droid installed:

        1. Download F-Droid from [https://f-droid.org](https://f-droid.org)
        2. Install the F-Droid APK
        3. Open the F-Droid app
      </Step>

      <Step title="Add Cromite Repository">
        1. In F-Droid, tap the **Settings** icon (bottom right)
        2. Tap **Repositories**
        3. Tap the **+** icon to add a repository
        4. Paste this URL:

        ```
        https://www.cromite.org/fdroid/repo/?fingerprint=49F37E74DEE483DCA2B991334FB5A0200787430D0B5F9A783DD5F13695E9517B
        ```

        5. Tap **Add**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Update Repository">
        1. Return to the main F-Droid screen
        2. Pull down to refresh repositories
        3. Wait for the update to complete
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install Cromite">
        1. Search for "Cromite" in F-Droid
        2. Tap the Cromite entry
        3. Tap **Install**
        4. Accept permissions and wait for installation
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Tip>
      F-Droid will automatically notify you of future Cromite updates.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## First Launch Setup

When you first launch Cromite, you'll be prompted to configure:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Auto-Update Configuration">
    Choose whether to enable automatic update notifications:

    * **Recommended**: Enable to receive notifications about new versions
    * Updates check GitHub releases every 3 days
    * No cookies are used (subject to GitHub's privacy policy)
    * Can be changed later in **Settings → About Cromite**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Search Engine Selection">
    Select your default search engine:

    * Cromite doesn't force any default search engine
    * You can change this later in **Settings → Search engine**
    * Custom search engines can be added manually
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Permissions">
    Grant necessary permissions:

    * **Storage**: For downloads and file uploads
    * **Camera**: For QR codes and web features (optional)
    * **Microphone**: For voice input (optional)
    * **Location**: For location-based services (optional)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Automatic Updates

Cromite includes a built-in auto-updater enabled by default since version 94.0.4606.109.

### How It Works

* Checks for updates every **3 days**
* Downloads from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases)
* Notifications appear when updates are available
* One-tap installation from within the app
* No Google Play Services required

### Managing Auto-Updates

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Settings">
    Open Cromite and tap the menu icon (⋮) → **Settings**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to About">
    Scroll down and tap **About Cromite**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Toggle Auto-Updates">
    Find the update notification setting and toggle it on or off
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Auto-updates use minimal data and only check for updates, not download them automatically. You control when to install updates.
</Note>

## SystemWebView Installation

Advanced users can install Cromite as a system-wide WebView replacement to enhance privacy across all apps.

<Warning>
  SystemWebView installation is for advanced users. Incorrect installation can cause app compatibility issues.
</Warning>

### What is SystemWebView?

Android's SystemWebView is used by apps to display web content. Replacing it with Cromite provides:

* Ad blocking in all apps using WebView
* Enhanced privacy protections system-wide
* Consistent security updates

### Installation Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download SystemWebView APK">
    Download the appropriate SystemWebView package:

    * [arm64\_SystemWebView.apk](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/arm64_SystemWebView.apk)
    * [x64\_SystemWebView.apk](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/x64_SystemWebView.apk)

    <Note>
      SystemWebView files may not be immediately available after a new release as they're built separately.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Uninstall Default WebView (if possible)">
    On some devices, you can uninstall the default WebView:

    1. Go to **Settings → Apps**
    2. Find **Android System WebView**
    3. Tap **Uninstall** or **Uninstall updates**

    This may not be possible on all devices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install Cromite WebView">
    1. Install the downloaded SystemWebView APK
    2. Follow the same process as installing the main browser
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable as WebView Provider">
    1. Enable **Developer Options** on your device:
       * Go to **Settings → About Phone**
       * Tap **Build Number** 7 times
    2. Go to **Settings → Developer Options**
    3. Find **WebView Implementation**
    4. Select **Cromite SystemWebView**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Installation">
    Test SystemWebView:

    1. Download [WebView Shell](https://github.com/uazo/cromite/releases/latest/download/arm64_SystemWebViewShell.apk)
    2. Install and open it
    3. Try loading websites to verify functionality
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Permissions Explained

<Accordion title="Storage Access">
  Required for:

  * Downloading files
  * Uploading files to websites
  * Caching web content

  You can grant this permission selectively when needed.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Camera Access">
  Optional permission for:

  * Scanning QR codes
  * Video conferencing on websites
  * WebRTC features
  * AR/camera-based web applications

  Denied by default; grant only when needed.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Microphone Access">
  Optional permission for:

  * Voice input in search
  * Video conferencing on websites
  * Voice-based web applications

  Denied by default; grant only when needed.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Location Access">
  Optional permission for:

  * Location-based services
  * Maps and navigation websites
  * Local business searches

  <Warning>
    Cromite includes fingerprinting protections, but location access can still identify you. Grant sparingly.
  </Warning>
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notification Access">
  Optional permission for:

  * Update notifications
  * Website notification requests (disabled by default)

  Update notifications are recommended for security.
</Accordion>

## Troubleshooting

<Accordion title="Installation Failed">
  **Common causes:**

  * Wrong architecture (try ARM64 if unsure)
  * Insufficient storage space
  * Corrupted download

  **Solutions:**

  1. Verify you downloaded the complete APK
  2. Clear space and try again
  3. Re-download from the official source
  4. Try a different file manager
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="App Not Opening">
  **Possible issues:**

  * Incompatible Android version (need Android 10+)
  * Device architecture mismatch
  * Corrupted installation

  **Solutions:**

  1. Verify your Android version
  2. Uninstall and reinstall with correct architecture
  3. Clear app data: Settings → Apps → Cromite → Clear Data
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Updates Not Working">
  **Check these settings:**

  1. Auto-updates enabled: Settings → About Cromite
  2. Notifications allowed for Cromite
  3. Internet connection active
  4. GitHub not blocked on your network

  **Manual update:**
  Download the latest APK and install over existing version (data preserved).
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="SystemWebView Not Working">
  **Verify installation:**

  1. Check Developer Options → WebView Implementation
  2. Ensure Cromite SystemWebView is selected
  3. Restart device after installation
  4. Test with WebView Shell app

  **If apps crash:**
  Switch back to default WebView implementation temporarily.
</Accordion>

## Next Steps

After installation:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Privacy Features" icon="shield" href="/features/privacy">
    Explore built-in privacy protections and anti-fingerprinting
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ad Blocking" icon="ban" href="/features/ad-blocking">
    Configure ad blocking with custom filter lists
  </Card>

  <Card title="Settings Guide" icon="gear" href="/guides/settings">
    Customize Cromite for optimal privacy and performance
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" icon="question" href="/reference/faq">
    Find answers to common questions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>