Individual Chromebook

The PhET Simulations Android app is compatible with select Chromebooks and allows native offline use of all the HTML5 sims and can be downloaded on Google Play. The app is $0.99 and proceeds fund more HTML5 sim development.

PhET for Schools

For schools or other organizations looking to purchase our app in volume, please see information about PhET for Schools and submit a license request.

PhET for Schools is identical to our paid app, but allows bulk deployment to school or organization Chromebooks. Licenses for the PhET for Schools app are free for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Your Chromebooks must support Android apps. List of supported Chromebooks

Both versions of our Chromebook app will match the language setting of the device. The app is supported in the following languages:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Chinese
  • German
  • French
  • Dutch
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Basque
  • Korean
  • Serbian
Setting the device to an unsupported language will display translated simulations in that language, but the app will fallback to the most similar language available.

Chromebooks do not support Java. However, Chromebooks are compatible with the HTML5 and Flash simulations. You can see the compatible sims here.

The PhET Simulations Android app relies on an up-to-date Android System WebView to display simulation content. If sims are not loading properly in the app, take the following steps:

  1. Open the Play Store
  2. Click the profile icon in the upper right corner
  3. Click "Manage apps & device"
  4. On the Manage tab, click the Updates available button.
  5. You may need to click "Check for updates".
  6. Search for Android System WebView and update it.