Helium Browser is a modern Chromium-based web browser focused on privacy, speed, simplicity, and a clean user experience. Unlike many modern browsers that include telemetry, AI integrations, sponsored content, and various extra features, Helium aims to provide a lightweight browsing experience without unnecessary distractions.

Because FunOS is based on Ubuntu, installing Helium Browser is straightforward using the official Helium repository. In this guide, you will learn how to install Helium Browser on FunOS, launch it from the menu, and completely remove it if you no longer need it.

What is Helium Browser?

Helium Browser is an open-source web browser built on top of Chromium and designed with privacy and minimalism in mind. It removes many Google-related tracking components and unnecessary background services commonly found in mainstream Chromium browsers.

Some notable features of Helium Browser include:

• Privacy-focused design
• Minimal and lightweight interface
• Built-in ad and tracker blocking
• No telemetry or analytics
• Chromium compatibility
• Support for Chrome extensions
• Fast browsing performance
• No built-in AI assistants or sponsored features

Helium Browser is especially attractive to Linux users who prefer clean and lightweight software with strong privacy defaults.

How to Install Helium Browser on FunOS

Work on: 22.04.5 ✅ | 24.04.4 ✅ | 25.10 ✅ | 26.04 ✅

Step 1: Open a Terminal

You can open Terminal in FunOS using one of the following methods:

• Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
• Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
• Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard

Step 2: Update the Package List

Before installing new software, it is recommended to refresh the package list.

Run the following command:

sudo apt update

This ensures your system has the latest package information from all configured repositories.

Step 3: Install the Necessary Dependencies

Helium Browser requires several packages to manage HTTPS repositories and download files securely.

Run:

sudo apt install apt-transport-https curl

Explanation:

• apt-transport-https allows APT to access repositories over HTTPS
• curl is used to download the repository signing key

When prompted, press Y and then press Enter to continue.

Step 4: Add the GPG Key

Next, add the official Helium Browser repository signing key.

Run:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/imputnet/helium-linux/main/pubkey.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/helium.gpg

This command:

• Downloads the official GPG key
• Converts it into a format usable by APT
• Stores it securely in /usr/share/keyrings/

The signing key helps verify that packages from the Helium repository are authentic and have not been tampered with.

Step 5: Add the Repository

Now add the official Helium Browser repository to your system.

Run:

echo "deb [arch=amd64,arm64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/helium.gpg] https://pkg.helium.computer/deb stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/helium.list

This command creates a new repository configuration file named /etc/apt/sources.list.d/helium.list

Step 6: Update the Package List Again

After adding the repository, refresh the package list again so APT can detect the Helium Browser packages.

Run:

sudo apt update

If everything was added correctly, you should see the Helium repository listed in the update output.

Step 7: Install Helium Browser

Now install Helium Browser.

Run:

sudo apt install helium-bin

APT will download and install Helium Browser along with any required dependencies.

When prompted, press Y and then press Enter to continue.

Step 8: Reload the Menu

After the installation is complete, reload the FunOS menu so the Helium Browser launcher appears correctly.

To reload the menu:

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner of the screen
2. Click Reload menu

This step is important in FunOS because newly installed applications may not immediately appear in the menu until it is refreshed.

Launching Helium Browser

To launch Helium Browser:

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner
2. Open the Internet category
3. Click Helium

On the first launch, Helium Browser may take a few seconds to initialize its user profile and configuration files.

How to Uninstall Helium Browser on FunOS

If you no longer want to use Helium Browser, you can completely remove it from your system.

Step 1: Open a Terminal

Open Terminal using any of the methods mentioned earlier.

Step 2: Remove Helium Browser

Run:

sudo apt remove --purge helium-bin

Explanation:

• remove uninstalls the package
• --purge also removes system-wide configuration files

Step 3: Remove Any Unused Dependencies

After uninstalling the browser, remove packages that are no longer needed.

Run:

sudo apt autoremove --purge

This helps keep your system clean and reduces unnecessary disk usage.

Step 4: Remove the Repository and Key (Optional)

If you no longer plan to install Helium Browser again, you can remove its repository configuration and signing key.

Run:

sudo rm -f /etc/apt/sources.list.d/helium.list
sudo rm -f /usr/share/keyrings/helium.gpg

This prevents APT from checking the Helium repository during future updates.

Step 5: Update the Package List

Refresh the package list after removing the repository.

Run:

sudo apt update

Step 6: Remove User Data (Optional)

To completely erase Helium Browser user data, cache, and settings, run:

rm -rf $HOME/.cache/net.imput.helium
rm -rf $HOME/.config/net.imput.helium

This step is optional but useful if you want a completely clean removal.

Warning:
These commands permanently delete your Helium Browser settings, browsing data, and cached files for the current user account.

Step 7: Reload the Menu

Finally, reload the FunOS menu again.

1. Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner of the screen
2. Click Reload menu

This removes the Helium Browser launcher from the application menu.

Conclusion

Helium Browser is a lightweight and privacy-focused Chromium-based browser that fits very well with the philosophy of FunOS. It offers a clean browsing experience without telemetry, AI integrations, or unnecessary background services, making it an excellent choice for users who value simplicity and privacy.

By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install Helium Browser on FunOS using the official repository, keep it updated through APT, and fully remove it whenever needed.