Chromebooks are usually known for their simplicity and web-based workflow. However, thanks to the Linux development environment, you can install powerful networking tools directly on your device.
One of the most popular tools for analyzing network traffic is Wireshark. This application allows users to capture and inspect network packets in real time, making it extremely useful for learning networking, troubleshooting connections, or studying cybersecurity.
In this guide, you will learn how to install Wireshark on a Chromebook using Linux (Crostini) and fix the common permission issue so the application can capture packets properly.
What is Wireshark?
Wireshark is a professional network protocol analyzer used by:
- Network engineers
- IT administrators
- Cybersecurity researchers
- Students learning networking
With Wireshark you can monitor many types of network activity, such as:
- DNS requests
- TCP connections
- ICMP packets (ping)
- HTTP or HTTPS traffic
Because of its powerful analysis tools, Wireshark is widely used in both professional and educational environments.
Enable Linux on Chromebook
Before installing Wireshark, make sure the Linux development environment is enabled.
Steps:
- Open Settings on your Chromebook.
- Scroll down to About Chrome OS.
- Under the Developer section, select Enable.
- Allocate at least 10GB of storage for Linux.
- Wait until the setup is complete and the Linux terminal appears.
For best compatibility, use the latest version of Chrome OS.
Once Linux is ready, open the Terminal app.
Update the Linux System
First update the package list to make sure your system installs the latest available software.
sudo apt update
Install Wireshark on Chromebook
Now install Wireshark using the following command:
sudo apt install wireshark -y
This will download and install Wireshark and all required dependencies.
Fix Wireshark Permission Error
After installation, Wireshark may show an error such as:
“Couldn't run /usr/bin/dumpcap: Permission denied”
This happens because the user does not yet have permission to capture network packets.
To fix this issue, run the following commands in the terminal.
sudo usermod -aG wireshark $USER
sudo chgrp wireshark /usr/bin/dumpcap
sudo chmod 750 /usr/bin/dumpcap
sudo setcap cap_net_raw,cap_net_admin=eip /usr/bin/dumpcap
exit
After running the commands, close the terminal and reopen it so the new permissions take effect.
Launch Wireshark
Now you can start Wireshark by typing:
wireshark
Or open it from the Linux Apps menu on your Chromebook.
How to Start Capturing Packets
When Wireshark opens, you will see several network interfaces.
For most Chromebook Linux users, the main interface is:
Steps:
- Select eth0
- Click Start Capture
- Wireshark will begin capturing packets
You will start seeing packets like:
- TCP
- DNS
- ICMP
- UDP
appearing in the capture window.
Simple Experiment: Capture Ping Traffic
To generate network traffic for testing, open the Linux terminal and run:
ping google.com
Return to Wireshark and apply the filter:
icmp
Now you will see ping request and reply packets being captured in real time.
This is a great way to start learning how network communication works.
Chromebook Limitations
Because Linux on Chromebook runs inside a container, there are some limitations.
For example:
- Wireshark may only capture traffic from the Linux environment
- Some ChromeOS network traffic might not be visible
- Wireless monitoring features may not be available
Despite these limitations, Wireshark is still an excellent tool for learning network packet analysis and networking fundamentals.
Conclusion
Installing Wireshark on a Chromebook is a great way to turn your device into a powerful networking lab. With Linux support, Chromebooks are now capable of running professional tools used by engineers and cybersecurity researchers.
By following this guide, you can install Wireshark, fix the permission error, and start analyzing network packets directly on your Chromebook.
Stay tuned to WilgufTech for more tutorials about Chromebook, Linux apps, and networking tools.
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