Are you an Ubuntu user looking to join the millions of gamers and communities on Discord? You’re in the right place! Installing Discord on Ubuntu might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you know the right methods. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways to get Discord up and running on your Ubuntu system.
Introduction to Discord on Ubuntu
Discord has become the go-to communication platform for gamers, developers, and communities worldwide. With over 150 million monthly active users, it’s no surprise that Linux users want to join the conversation. While Discord was initially designed with Windows in mind, the platform has evolved to support Linux distributions like Ubuntu seamlessly.
Whether you’re coordinating with your gaming squad, participating in open-source projects, or just chatting with friends, Discord offers a robust communication experience on Ubuntu. The best part? You have multiple installation methods to choose from, each with its own advantages.
What is Discord and Why Use It on Ubuntu?
Discord is a free voice, video, and text communication service designed for communities. Think of it as a combination of Skype, Slack, and IRC, but with a modern interface and gaming-focused features. Originally created for gamers, Discord has expanded to serve various communities, from study groups to professional teams.
Key Features of Discord
Discord offers several compelling features that make it attractive to Ubuntu users:
- Voice and video calling with crystal-clear quality
- Text messaging with rich formatting options
- Screen sharing for presentations and troubleshooting
- File sharing up to 8MB (or 100MB with Nitro)
- Bot integration for automation and fun
- Server organization with channels and roles
- Cross-platform compatibility across devices
Benefits for Ubuntu Users
Using Discord on Ubuntu provides several advantages:
- Native Linux support means better performance than web-based alternatives
- Low resource usage compared to running Discord in a browser
- System integration with notifications and keyboard shortcuts
- Offline capabilities for viewing message history
- Enhanced security with local application sandboxing
System Requirements for Discord on Ubuntu
Before diving into installation, let’s ensure your Ubuntu system meets Discord’s requirements.
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS or newer
- RAM: 2GB minimum
- Storage: 200MB free space
- Network: Stable internet connection
- Audio: Working audio system for voice chat
Recommended Specifications
For optimal performance, consider these specifications:
- Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer
- RAM: 4GB or more
- Storage: 500MB free space
- Processor: Dual-core 2.0GHz or faster
- Graphics: Hardware acceleration support
- Network: Broadband connection for video calls
Pre-Installation Preparations
Before installing Discord, let’s prepare your Ubuntu system properly.
Updating Your Ubuntu System
First, update your system to ensure you have the latest packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yThis command updates your package lists and upgrades installed packages to their latest versions.
Installing Essential Dependencies
Discord requires certain libraries to function properly. Install them with:
sudo apt install wget curl gdebi-core -yThese tools will help with downloading and installing Discord packages.
Method 1: Installing Discord Using Snap Package
The Snap package manager offers the easiest installation method for Discord on Ubuntu.
What is Snap Package Manager?
Snap is a universal package manager developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. It allows developers to package applications with all their dependencies, ensuring consistent behavior across different Linux distributions. Snap packages are containerized, providing better security and easier updates.
Step-by-Step Snap Installation
Installing Discord via Snap is incredibly simple:
- Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T)
- Install Discord with this command:
sudo snap install discord- Wait for installation to complete (usually takes 1-2 minutes)
- Launch Discord from the application menu or by typing
discordin the terminal
Verifying Snap Installation
To verify Discord installed correctly:
snap list | grep discordThis should display Discord in your installed snap packages.
Method 2: Installing Discord Using .deb Package
The .deb package method gives you more control over the installation process and typically offers better system integration.
Downloading the Official .deb Package
- Visit Discord’s official website at discord.com
- Navigate to the download page
- Select “Linux” from the platform options
- Choose “.deb” package for Ubuntu
- Download the file (typically named
discord-x.x.x.deb)
Installing via Command Line
Once downloaded, install Discord using the command line:
cd ~/Downloads
sudo dpkg -i discord-*.debIf you encounter dependency issues, fix them with:
sudo apt-get install -fAlternative GUI Installation
For those preferring a graphical approach:
- Navigate to Downloads folder in your file manager
- Right-click the Discord .deb file
- Select “Open with Software Install”
- Click “Install” and enter your password
- Wait for installation to complete
Method 3: Installing Discord Using Flatpak
Flatpak is another universal package manager that provides sandboxed applications.
Setting Up Flatpak on Ubuntu
If Flatpak isn’t already installed:
sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstalling Discord via Flatpak
Install Discord from Flathub:
flatpak install flathub com.discordapp.DiscordLaunch Discord with:
flatpak run com.discordapp.DiscordMethod 4: Installing Discord Using AppImage
AppImage offers a portable solution that doesn’t require installation.
What is AppImage?
AppImage is a format for distributing portable software on Linux. It bundles an application and its dependencies into a single file that can run on most Linux distributions without installation.
Running Discord as AppImage
- Download Discord AppImage from the official website
- Make it executable:
chmod +x Discord-*.AppImage- Run Discord:
./Discord-*.AppImagePost-Installation Setup and Configuration
After installing Discord, you’ll need to set it up properly.
First Launch and Account Setup
- Launch Discord from your application menu
- Create an account or log in with existing credentials
- Verify your email if creating a new account
- Complete the initial setup wizard
Optimizing Discord Settings for Ubuntu
To enhance your Discord experience on Ubuntu:
- Navigate to User Settings (gear icon)
- Go to Voice & Video settings
- Select your microphone and speakers
- Enable “Echo Cancellation” and “Noise Suppression”
- Test your microphone to ensure proper levels
- Configure push-to-talk if desired
- Enable hardware acceleration in Advanced settings
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems.
Permission Errors
If you encounter permission errors:
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/discordFor snap installations:
sudo snap connect discord:system-observeAudio and Video Problems
Audio issues are common with Discord on Linux. Here are solutions:
Microphone Issues
- Check audio settings:
pavucontrol- Ensure microphone permissions are granted
- Restart PulseAudio:
pulseaudio --kill
pulseaudio --startScreen Sharing Problems
For screen sharing issues:
- Install XDG Desktop Portal:
sudo apt install xdg-desktop-portal-gtk- Restart Discord after installation
- Grant screen sharing permissions when prompted
Updating Discord on Ubuntu
Keeping Discord updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches.
Automatic Updates
- Snap packages update automatically
- Flatpak packages can be updated with:
flatpak updateManual Update Process
For .deb installations:
- Download the latest .deb package
- Install over the existing installation:
sudo dpkg -i discord-*.debUninstalling Discord from Ubuntu
If you need to remove Discord, here’s how:
Removing Snap Installation
sudo snap remove discordRemoving .deb Package Installation
sudo apt remove discordTo remove configuration files:
sudo apt purge discordTips and Tricks for Discord on Ubuntu
Performance Optimization
- Disable hardware acceleration if you experience crashes
- Close unnecessary applications while using Discord
- Use push-to-talk to reduce CPU usage
- Limit Discord’s startup programs
Keyboard Shortcuts
Master these Discord shortcuts on Ubuntu:
- Ctrl + / – Show all shortcuts
- Ctrl + K – Quick switcher
- Ctrl + Shift + M – Toggle mute
- Ctrl + Shift + D – Toggle deafen
- Alt + Up/Down – Navigate channels
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which installation method is best for Ubuntu beginners?
A1: Snap is the best choice for beginners because it’s the simplest to install and updates automatically. Just run sudo snap install discord and you’re done.
Q2: Can I use Discord on older Ubuntu versions?
A2: Yes, Discord supports Ubuntu 14.04 and newer. However, for the best experience, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or newer is recommended.
Q3: Why is my Discord audio not working on Ubuntu?
A3: Audio issues usually stem from PulseAudio configuration. Try restarting PulseAudio with pulseaudio --kill && pulseaudio --start and check your audio settings in Discord.
Q4: How do I enable screen sharing on Ubuntu?
A4: Install the XDG Desktop Portal with sudo apt install xdg-desktop-portal-gtk, restart Discord, and grant screen sharing permissions when prompted.
Q5: Is Discord safe to use on Ubuntu?
A5: Yes, Discord is safe on Ubuntu. For maximum security, consider using the Snap or Flatpak versions, which run in sandboxed environments with limited system access.
