Install Discord on Ubuntu: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide walks you through installing Discord on Ubuntu Linux using the official .deb package, which works on both AMD64 (Intel/AMD) and ARM64 (Raspberry Pi) systems. You’ll end up with a fully functional Discord client that auto-updates, just like on Windows or macOS. No terminal expertise is needed, but you’ll use a few basic commands.

What You’ll Need

An Ubuntu system (22.04 LTS or newer recommended) with an internet connection.
A user account with sudo privileges (to install packages).
Access to a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T opens one).
If you’re on a 32-bit system, Discord no longer supports it – you’ll need a 64-bit OS.

Step-by-Step

Download the Discord .deb package. Open your web browser and go to the official Discord download page at discord.com/download. Click the Download for Linux button. You’ll get a file named something like discord-0.0.XX.deb in your ~/Downloads folder.
Open a terminal. Press Ctrl+Alt+T or search for “Terminal” in your applications menu.
Navigate to your Downloads folder. Type cd ~/Downloads and press Enter.
Install the package using dpkg. Run sudo dpkg -i discord-*.deb. You’ll be prompted for your password. This installs Discord. If you get a dependency error, don’t worry – the next step fixes it.
Fix any missing dependencies. Run sudo apt-get install -f. This will download and install any required libraries that were missing. It’s a safety net and often necessary on fresh Ubuntu installs.
Launch Discord. After installation, you can start Discord by typing discord in the terminal, or by searching for “Discord” in your applications menu (it should appear under “Internet” or “Sound & Video”).
Log in or create an account. The first time you run Discord, it will ask you to log in or register. After that, you’re ready to use it.
Optional: Add Discord to your system tray. Discord usually appears in the top-right tray icon area. If it doesn’t, you can install an extension like gnome-shell-extension-appindicator (for GNOME) to ensure it stays there.

Common Mistakes

Downloading the wrong architecture. Most Ubuntu systems are 64-bit (AMD64). If you have an older 32-bit system, Discord won’t install. Check with uname -m – it should say x86_64.
Skipping the dependency fix. If you get an error about missing packages and ignore it, Discord won’t run. Always run sudo apt-get install -f after using dpkg.
Using the Snap version accidentally. Some guides suggest Snap, but the official .deb is more reliable and auto-updates. Stick with the .deb unless you have a specific reason.
Not closing the terminal after install. If you launch Discord from the terminal, closing the terminal won’t close Discord, but it’s cleaner to launch from the menu.

Tips

Keep it updated. The .deb package includes a built-in updater that will notify you when a new version is available. You can also manually check by running discord --version.
Use a desktop launcher. After installation, you’ll find a Discord icon in your applications menu. You can drag it to your dock or desktop for quick access.
Enable hardware acceleration. In Discord’s settings (User Settings > Advanced), make sure “Hardware Acceleration” is on for smoother video calls and screen sharing, especially on laptops.
If you’re on a headless server, you can still install Discord but you’ll need a desktop environment to use it. It’s not meant for CLI-only use.

Troubleshooting

“Package discord is not installed” error after dpkg. This usually means the download didn’t complete or you’re in the wrong directory. Check the file exists with ls in your Downloads folder, and re-download if needed.
Dependency errors like “libappindicator1” missing. Run sudo apt-get install -f to fix. If that doesn’t work, try sudo apt-get update first, then repeat.
Discord opens but shows a blank screen. Try disabling hardware acceleration in settings, or update your graphics drivers. Also try running discord --disable-gpu to see if that helps.
Audio doesn’t work in calls. Check your system sound settings (PulseAudio or PipeWire). Sometimes Discord needs a restart after you change your default microphone.
Discord won’t start at all. Run discord from the terminal to see error messages. Common fixes include reinstalling, or installing missing libraries like libgtk-3-0 or libnotify4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Discord free on Ubuntu?

Yes, Discord is free to download and use, just like on other platforms. There are optional paid subscriptions (Nitro) for extra features, but the core functionality is free.

Can I install Discord via Snap or Flatpak?

Yes, both are available: sudo snap install discord or via Flathub. However, the official .deb is recommended because it auto-updates and integrates better with the system. Snap versions sometimes have permission issues with screen sharing.

How do I uninstall Discord?

Open a terminal and run sudo dpkg -r discord. This removes the application but leaves your user data (messages, settings) intact in ~/.config/discord. To remove that too, delete the folder manually.

Why does Discord not appear in my application menu?

Sometimes the menu cache doesn’t refresh. Log out and back in, or run sudo update-desktop-database. You can also launch it by typing discord in the terminal.

Does Discord work on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?

Yes, it does. The .deb package is compatible with current LTS releases. If you encounter issues, make sure your system is fully updated with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.

Can I run Discord on a Raspberry Pi with Ubuntu?

Yes, Discord provides an ARM64 build. Download the .deb labeled for ARM64 and follow the same steps. Performance may be limited on older Pi models, but it works.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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