How do I enable Java in a web browser on Ubuntu Linux?

This article applies to:
  • Platform(s): Ubuntu Linux
  • Browser(s) Chrome, Firefox
  • Java version(s): 7.0, 8.0

Follow these instructions to enable Java in your web browser on Ubuntu Linux.

Google Chrome
  • Become the root user by running the su command and then enter the super-user password. Type:
    sudo -s
  • Create a directory called plugins if you do not have it. Type:
    mkdir -p /opt/google/chrome/plugins
  • Go to Google chrome plugins directory before you make the symbolic link. Type:
    cd /opt/google/chrome/plugins
  • Create a symbolic link. Type:
    ln -s /usr/local/java/jre1.7.0/lib/amd64/libnpjp2.so
  • Restart your browser and test Java
Mozilla Firefox
  • Become the root user by running the su command and then enter the super-user password. Type:
    sudo -s
  • Create a directory called plugins if you do not have it. Type:
    mkdir -p /usr/lib/firefox-addons/plugins
  • Go to Mozilla plugins directory before you make the symbolic link. Type:
    cd /usr/lib/firefox-addons/plugins
  • Create a symbolic link. Type:
    ln -s /usr/local/java/jre1.7.0/lib/amd64/libnpjp2.so
  • Restart your browser and test Java