How to install Discord on Ubuntu: Three Methods

Discord is a free voice, video, and text communication platform that has gained immense popularity since its launch. Originally designed for gamers, it has grown into a versatile tool used by various communities and organizations. The app is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS and Linux. And since there are no issues with installation on Windows, in this guide we will focus on how to install Discord on Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions today.

 

 

Why you should use Discord on Linux

Although Discord was originally developed for Windows and macOS, its Linux version is just as functional. What's more, using Discord on Linux has several tangible advantages that make it particularly convenient for users of this distribution.

Advantages of Discord on Linux:

• Less strain on the system. Discord on Linux consumes less RAM and system resources compared to the Windows versions, which is especially noticeable on weak or virtual machines.
• Better integration with system notifications. The application interacts correctly with GNOME, KDE, and other environments - notifications appear in the system tray and do not interfere with work.
• Flexible installation. Discord can be installed in any convenient way - via a .deb package, Snap, or Flatpak - and can be removed or updated with a single command.
• Compatibility with most Windows features. Voice channels, video calls, broadcasts, screens - everything works stably and without restrictions.
• Transparency and control. In Linux Discord packages, you can manage access rights yourself, which is important for security and privacy.

These features make Discord on Linux not just an alternative, but a full-fledged cross-platform communication solution suitable for both everyday use and professional tasks.

 

 

 

How Discord works on Linux

Before diving into the installation process, it's important to understand how Discord works on Linux. Discord's core features - voice, video, and text - are fully supported on Linux. However, differences in functionality or performance may sometimes occur due to differences in drivers supported by operating systems.

Does Discord work on Linux? Yes, Discord works on Linux. Discord developers have long ago created a special client for Linux users, guaranteeing smooth operation of the application on various distributions, including Ubuntu. So whether you are using the latest version of Ubuntu or an older one, you can install and use Discord without much hassle.

 

 

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that your system meets the following prerequisites:

• Ubuntu Operating System: This guide is tailored for Ubuntu users. While the steps might be similar for other distributions, it's recommended to follow a guide specific to your Linux distribution;
• Internet Connection: You need a stable internet connection to download the Discord package and its dependencies;
• Administrative Privileges: Installing software on Linux often requires administrative privileges. Ensure you have access to a user account with sudo privileges.

 

 

 

Checking your Ubuntu version and system components

Before installing Discord, it is recommended that you ensure your system is up to date and meets all requirements. This will help avoid installation errors and dependency issues.

Run a few simple commands in the terminal to check your system version and status. The first command shows the current Ubuntu version, its code name, and release number:

lsb_release -a

Example output:

Description: Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS

Codename: jammy

The second command determines the system architecture - for example, x86_64 for 64-bit versions. Discord does not support 32-bit builds, so make sure you are using 64-bit:

uname -m

 

And the last command updates the list of available packages and their versions. It is important to do this before installing any new software, including Discord:

sudo apt update

 

After executing these commands, the system will be ready to install Discord using the selected method.

 

 

 

Methods for installing Discord on Linux

 

Method 1: Installing Discord via the Deb Package

One of the most straightforward methods to install Discord on Ubuntu is using the Deb package provided by Discord. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Download the Discord Deb Package

First, download the Discord Deb package from the official Discord website. You can do this using a web browser or via the terminal:

    wget -O ~/discord.deb "https://discord.com/api/download?platform=linux&format=deb"

 

Step 2: Install the Discord Deb Package

Once the download is complete, you can install the package using the dpkg command:

    sudo dpkg -i ~/discord.deb

 

Step 3: Fix Dependencies

During the installation, you might encounter dependency issues. To resolve them, run the following command:

    sudo apt-get install -f

This command will fix any dependency problems and complete the installation of Discord.

Step 4: Launch Discord

After the installation is complete, you can launch Discord from the application menu or by typing discord in the terminal.

 

 

5. Method 2: Installing Discord via Snap

Snap is a package management system that makes it easy to install and manage software on Linux. Discord is available as a Snap package, making the installation process straightforward.

Step 1: Install Snap

If you don't already have Snap installed, you can install it using the following command:

    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install snapd

 

Step 2: Install Discord Snap Package

Once Snap is installed, you can install Discord using the following command:

    sudo snap install discord

 

Step 3: Launch Discord

After the installation is complete, you can launch Discord from the application menu or by typing discord in the terminal.

 

 

Method 3: Installing Discord via Flatpak

Flatpak is another package management system similar to Snap, providing a way to install and manage software on Linux. Discord is available as a Flatpak package.

Step 1: Install Flatpak

If you don't have Flatpak installed, you can install it using the following commands:

    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install flatpak

 

Step 2: Add Flathub Repository

Flathub is the primary source of Flatpak applications. Add the Flathub repository using the following command:

    sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

 

Step 3: Install Discord Flatpak Package

Once Flatpak and the Flathub repository are set up, you can install Discord using the following command:

    sudo flatpak install flathub com.discordapp.Discord

 

Step 4: Launch Discord

After the installation is complete, you can launch Discord from the application menu or by typing flatpak run com.discordapp.Discord in the terminal.

 

 

 

 

Post-installation configuration

After successfully installing Discord on Ubuntu, it is worth spending some time on additional configuration to ensure that the application works as conveniently and stably as possible. Below are the main settings that we recommend checking and adapting to your needs.

 

Audio and video settings

Ensure that your audio input and output devices are configured correctly.

Go to User Settings → Voice & Video, where you can:

• select the microphone and speakers you are using;
• test the volume and sensitivity;
• enable noise cancellation and microphone auto-tuning;
• select a video device if you are using a webcam.

If the audio is not working, make sure Discord has access to your microphone and camera in the Ubuntu system settings (Applications → Permissions section).

 

Notification settings

Properly configuring notifications will help you avoid missing important messages without being distracted by trivial ones.

In the User Settings → Notifications section, you can:

• enable or disable sound notifications;
• choose whether to receive notifications for mentions or all messages;
• enable Ubuntu system notifications so that Discord integrates with the native notification panel.

If you use work chats, you can disable pop-up notifications and leave only activity icons in the tray.

 

Integrations and bots

Discord supports integration with many services, including Twitch, GitHub, Spotify, YouTube, and others.

You can add the connections you need via the User Settings → Connections menu.

This is especially useful for streamers, server administrators, or development teams.

If you are creating your own Discord server, try installing popular bots like MEE6 or Dyno - they automate greetings, moderation, and notifications.

Or maybe you want to create your own bot?

 

Additional useful settings

• Autostart on system startup: Open “Startup Applications” (gnome-session-properties) and add the command discord. This is useful if you use the application daily.
• Theme selection: In the Settings → Appearance section, you can enable a dark theme, which reduces eye strain.
• User data storage: All Discord cache files and settings are stored in: ~/.config/discord/. Here you can delete temporary files or make a backup copy of your settings when reinstalling the system.

By customizing the application to your liking, you will have a more comfortable and stable experience using Discord on Ubuntu - both for personal communication and for working in teams and professional communities.

 

 

 

Troubleshooting common issues

Although Discord on Ubuntu usually works stably, sometimes problems may arise during installation or launch. Below are the most common problems and proven ways to solve them.

 

Problem 1: Discord won't start

If the application does not open after installation, start it manually via the terminal to see any error messages:

discord

 

If the terminal reports missing dependencies, run the command:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

 

If Discord is installed via Snap or Flatpak, try restarting it with the appropriate command:

snap restart discord 

or

flatpak run com.discordapp.Discord 

 

If the error is related to a corrupted cache, you can delete the application's temporary files:

rm -rf ~/.config/discord/Cache ~/.config/discord/Code\ Cache

After that, try running Discord again.

 

 

Problem 2: No sound or video

Sound or video problems are most often related to a lack of access to devices or a driver conflict.

Possible solutions to this problem:

1. Check the settings in User Settings → Voice & Video.
2. Make sure Ubuntu can see your devices: pactl list short sources pactl list short sinks
3. Check the permissions for access to the microphone and camera:
   • Open Settings → Privacy → Microphone / Camera.
   • Make sure Discord is allowed.
4. If the problem persists, restart PulseAudio: pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start

 

 

 

Problem 3: Discord is not updating

Sometimes Snap or Flatpak updates are not installed automatically, especially if the package was installed manually.

Solutions:

For Snap:

sudo snap refresh discord

For Flatpak:

sudo flatpak update com.discordapp.Discord

For .deb version:

Remove the current installation:

sudo apt remove discord

Download the latest package from the official website and reinstall:

wget -O ~/discord.deb “https://discord.com/api/download?platform=linux&format=deb” sudo dpkg -i ~/discord.deb sudo apt -f install

 

To avoid similar situations in the future, check for system updates regularly:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

 

Additional tips for crashes

• If Discord freezes on startup, try deleting the user settings: rm -rf ~/.config/discordAfter that, the program will create a new configuration.
• For diagnostics, you can run the application with logs: discord --verbose
• In case of system errors, it is worth checking the log: journalctl -xe | grep discord

 

By following these simple steps, most problems with Discord on Ubuntu can be solved without reinstalling the system. If the problems persist, try one of the alternative installation methods described in this article (Snap or Flatpak), as they provide more stable dependency updates.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Installing Discord on Ubuntu is a very simple process, whether you prefer to use a Deb, Snap or Flatpak package. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily set up Discord on your Ubuntu system and start chatting with your friends, colleagues, or community members.

Discord for Linux offers a robust and feature-rich platform for a variety of communication needs. Whether you're a gamer, developer, or community member, Discord has you covered. Be sure to update your app and customize it according to your preferences to get the most out of this powerful toolkit and be as efficient as possible yourself!

Well, if you need an Ubuntu VPS to create your own Discord server, you can always order it from us at 3v-Hosting and the prices will pleasantly surprise you.