Install Discord on Ubuntu: Easy Setup Guide

To install Discord on Ubuntu, download the official .deb package from Discord’s website and install it with the apt command, or install the Snap version from the Snap Store. Both methods are straightforward and take less than five minutes. This guide covers the two main installation routes, how to launch Discord, and how to fix common issues like missing dependencies or audio problems.

Why Use Discord on Ubuntu?

Discord is a popular communication platform for gaming, study groups, and professional communities. While it is not open-source, Discord officially supports Linux, and Ubuntu is one of the most common distributions. Using the native Linux client gives you better performance and integration than running the web version in a browser. The client supports voice calls, screen sharing, and all the standard chat features.

Method 1: Install via the Official .deb Package

The most reliable way to install Discord on Ubuntu is to download the Debian package from the official Discord website. This package is updated frequently and works on all current Ubuntu LTS versions.

Open a browser and go to discord.com/download.
Click Download for Linux – you will get a file named something like discord-0.0.XX.deb.
Open a terminal in the folder where the file was downloaded (usually ~/Downloads).
Run the following command to install it:
sudo apt install ./discord-0.0.XX.deb
Enter your password when prompted and wait for the installation to finish.

If you prefer a graphical method, double-click the .deb file in the file manager, and Ubuntu Software will open with an Install button. This works on Ubuntu 20.04 and later.

Method 2: Install via Snap

Snap is Ubuntu’s built-in package manager, and Discord is available in the Snap Store. This method is simpler because it handles updates automatically in the background.

Open a terminal.
Run: sudo snap install discord
Wait for the download and installation to complete (it may take a few minutes).

The Snap version runs in a sandbox, which can occasionally cause minor permission issues, but it is the most maintenance-free option for most users.

How to Launch Discord

After installation, you can start Discord in several ways:

Click the Activities icon (top-left corner) and type “Discord” in the search bar.
Look for the Discord icon in the application grid (the nine-dot menu at the bottom of the dock).
Run discord from the terminal (works for both .deb and Snap installations).

On the first launch, Discord will ask you to log in or create an account. After that, it behaves exactly like the Windows or macOS version.

Common Installation Issues and Fixes

Here are the most frequent problems users encounter and how to solve them:

Missing dependencies – If apt reports missing packages, run sudo apt --fix-broken install and then try again.
Discord won’t start – Try launching from the terminal with discord to see error messages. Often restarting the computer fixes it.
Screen sharing shows a black screen – This is common on Wayland. Switch to Xorg by logging out and choosing the gear icon before signing in.
No sound in voice calls – Check your input/output device in Discord’s settings. Sometimes you need to select the correct microphone manually.
Update issues with .deb – If Discord doesn’t update itself, download the latest .deb and reinstall it over the old one.

Deb vs. Snap: Which One Should You Choose?

The .deb package is the traditional method and gives you a more native experience. It starts faster and integrates better with your desktop environment. The Snap version is easier to update and is more secure due to sandboxing, but it can take longer to launch and may have minor file access restrictions.

For most users, the .deb package is recommended because it’s the official release and gets priority for new features. However, if you prefer automatic updates and don’t mind a slightly slower startup, Snap is perfectly fine.

Uninstalling Discord

If you need to remove Discord, the command depends on how you installed it:

For the .deb package: sudo apt remove discord
For the Snap version: sudo snap remove discord

This will delete the program but keep your user data (messages and settings) in ~/.config/discord. To fully remove everything, delete that folder manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Discord free on Ubuntu?

Yes, Discord is completely free to download and use on Ubuntu. There are no paid tiers for the basic client.

Does Discord work on Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04?

Yes, Discord works on all recent Ubuntu versions, including 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS. The .deb package is built for Debian-based systems, so it works out of the box.

Can I use Discord in the browser instead?

Yes, you can use the web version at discord.com/app, but the desktop client offers better performance, push-to-talk hotkeys, and screen sharing with audio.

Why is Discord not opening after installation?

This is usually due to missing system libraries. Run sudo apt --fix-broken install to resolve dependencies, or try reinstalling the package.

How do I update Discord on Ubuntu?

If you installed the .deb version, Discord will prompt you to update when a new version is available. You can also download the latest .deb and reinstall it. For Snap, updates happen automatically.

Does Discord support Wayland?

Discord has partial Wayland support, but screen sharing may not work correctly. If you encounter issues, switch to Xorg at the login screen.

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

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