Install Viber on Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

Yes, you can install Viber on Linux. The official Viber desktop app is available as a native package for Debian/Ubuntu (.deb) and Fedora/Red Hat (.rpm), and there is also a generic tar.gz archive. This guide covers all three methods, plus how to install the app via Snap if you prefer that route, and what to do if you run into common issues.

Background: Viber’s Linux Support

Viber is a messaging and VoIP app owned by Rakuten. Unlike some competitors that only offer mobile versions, Viber has maintained a desktop client for Linux for years. The Linux version is not a web wrapper; it is a native application built with Qt, so it integrates with your system tray, supports desktop notifications, and can make and receive calls directly from your computer.

Viber officially supports 64-bit x86 Linux distributions. If you are running a 32-bit system or an ARM-based device like a Raspberry Pi, the official packages will not work. In those cases, you may be able to use the Android version via an emulator, but that is not an official solution.

Before You Start: Check Your Distribution

The right installation method depends on your Linux distribution and its package manager. Here is a quick breakdown:

• Debian/Ubuntu/Mint – use the .deb package or the Snap version.
• Fedora/RHEL/CentOS – use the .rpm package or the Snap version.
• Arch/Manjaro – there is no official package, but you can use the tar.gz archive or the AUR (Arch User Repository) community build.
• openSUSE – the .rpm package usually works, but you may need to force installation with --nodeps if there are minor dependency mismatches.

If you are unsure which package to download, check your distribution’s package format. Most modern desktop distros are either Debian-based or Fedora-based.

Method 1: Install via the Official .deb Package (Debian/Ubuntu)

The most straightforward way for Debian-based users is to download the .deb file from the official Viber website and install it with apt or dpkg.

1. Go to viber.com/en/download/ and select the .deb package for Linux. The file is named something like viber.deb.
2. Open a terminal in the directory where the file was downloaded (usually ~/Downloads).
3. Run: sudo apt install ./viber.deb (on older systems, you may need sudo dpkg -i viber.deb followed by sudo apt install -f to fix dependencies).
4. Once installed, you can launch Viber from your application menu or by typing viber in the terminal.

Using apt install ./viber.deb is recommended because it automatically resolves and installs any missing dependencies from your configured repositories. If you use dpkg -i alone, you might see errors about missing libraries like libssl or libxcb; running sudo apt install -f will fix those.

Method 2: Install via the .rpm Package (Fedora/RHEL)

For Fedora, CentOS, and other RPM-based distributions, the process is similar but uses the .rpm package.

1. Download the .rpm file from the same official download page.
2. Open a terminal in the download directory.
3. Run: sudo dnf install ./viber.rpm (on older systems, use sudo yum install viber.rpm).
4. Launch Viber from your applications menu.

If you get a dependency error, try sudo dnf install viber.rpm --skip-broken? Actually, that is not a real flag. Instead, you can try sudo dnf install viber.rpm --allowerasing? That is also not recommended. The safest approach is to install the missing dependencies manually. The error message will list them, and you can install them with sudo dnf install package-name.

Method 3: Install via the Generic tar.gz Archive

If your distribution is not Debian- or RPM-based, or if you prefer a portable installation, use the tar.gz archive.

1. Download the tar.gz file from the official website.
2. Extract it: tar -xzf viber.tar.gz
3. Move the extracted folder to a suitable location, e.g., sudo mv Viber /opt/
4. Run Viber by executing /opt/Viber/viber or create a desktop shortcut.

This method does not integrate with your system package manager, so you will have to manually update Viber when new versions are released. You may also need to install some shared libraries manually, such as libssl, libxcb, and libgtk.

Method 4: Install via Snap (Alternative)

Viber is also available as a Snap package, which works on any distribution that supports Snap (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, etc.).

1. Ensure Snap is installed. On Ubuntu, it is preinstalled. On other distros, you may need to install snapd first.
2. Run: sudo snap install viber-unofficial? Actually, the official Snap package is named viber? Let me check: the official Snap package is published by Viber Media S.a.r.l. and is named viber. So run: sudo snap install viber
3. Launch Viber from your applications menu.

Snap packages are sandboxed, which means Viber may have limited access to some system features like file system outside your home directory. If you need to share files from other locations, you may need to connect the appropriate Snap interface: sudo snap connect viber:removable-media.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even after a successful installation, you might run into issues. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• Viber does not start – Try launching from the terminal with viber to see error messages. Often, missing libraries are the cause. On Debian/Ubuntu, run sudo apt install libssl1.1 libxcb-xinerama0 (or the equivalent for your distro).
• No sound during calls – Check your audio settings in Viber and in your system. Sometimes the app uses the wrong output device. Make sure PulseAudio or PipeWire is running.
• Notifications not showing – Viber uses its own notification system. If you are on a Wayland session, you may need to enable notifications in the system settings. Also, check that Viber is not muted in your notification center.
• Camera not working – Viber needs access to the video device. On modern systems, you may need to grant permission via a portal. If it fails, try using the tar.gz version, which is not sandboxed.
• Viber crashes after update – Sometimes updates introduce bugs. If you installed via .deb or .rpm, try reinstalling the previous version or wait for a fix. If you use Snap, you can revert to a previous version with sudo snap revert viber.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Viber uses end-to-end encryption for messages and calls by default. However, the desktop app stores chat history locally in your home directory (~/.Viber). If you share your computer, consider setting up a separate user account for Viber. Also, be aware that Viber collects some metadata (like your phone number and contacts) as described in its privacy policy. For sensitive conversations, you can enable the “Secret Chats” feature, which adds an extra layer of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Viber on Linux without a phone number?
No, Viber requires a valid phone number to create an account. The desktop app is linked to your mobile number, so you must have Viber installed on your phone first to activate the desktop version.

Why is Viber not available in my distribution’s official repositories?
Viber is proprietary software, and most Linux distributions only include open-source applications in their official repos. That is why you need to download it from the official website or use Snap/Flatpak.

Is there a Flatpak version of Viber?
As of now, Viber does not officially publish a Flatpak. There is a community-maintained Flatpak on Flathub, but it is not endorsed by Viber and may lag behind the official releases.

How do I update Viber on Linux?
If you installed via .deb or .rpm, you will need to download the new package and install it over the old one. Snap users get automatic updates. For tar.gz, you must manually replace the folder.

Can I use Viber on a 32-bit Linux system?
No, the official Viber client is only available for 64-bit systems. There is no 32-bit version.

Does Viber work on Linux with Wayland?
Yes, but you may encounter issues with screen sharing and some keyboard shortcuts. If you have problems, switch to Xorg for the session, or use the Snap version which is more likely to be updated for Wayland compatibility.

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