How To Install Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Flatpak is a next-generation software package management system designed to streamline the installation and distribution of applications across various Linux distributions. It provides a unified framework for developers to package their applications, ensuring compatibility and ease of use for end-users. One of the key advantages of Flatpak is its ability to run applications in a sandboxed environment, isolating them from the host system and enhancing security.

 Compared to traditional package managers, Flatpak offers several benefits. It allows users to install and run multiple versions of the same application simultaneously, eliminating potential conflicts. Flatpak also ensures that applications are bundled with their required dependencies, making the installation process more straightforward and reducing compatibility issues.

This article assumes you have at least basic knowledge of Linux, know how to use the shell, and most importantly, you host your site on your own VPS. The installation is quite simple and assumes you are running in the root account, if not you may need to add ‘sudo‘ to the commands to get root privileges. I will show you the step-by-step installation of the Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble Numbat). You can follow the same instructions for Ubuntu 22.04 and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint, Elementary OS, Pop!_OS, and more as well.

Prerequisites

• A server running one of the following operating systems: Ubuntu and any other Debian-based distribution like Linux Mint.
• It’s recommended that you use a fresh OS install to prevent any potential issues.
• SSH access to the server (or just open Terminal if you’re on a desktop).
• An active internet connection. You’ll need an internet connection to download the necessary packages and dependencies.
• An Ubuntu 24.04 system with root access or a user with sudo privileges.

Install Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat

Step 1. Updating the Package Repository.

To begin, open your terminal and update the system packages to their latest versions. This step ensures that you have access to the most recent security patches and bug fixes. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update

This command will fetch the latest package information from the Ubuntu repositories, allowing you to install the most recent version of Flatpak and its dependencies. Updating the package repository is crucial to maintaining the security and stability of your system.

Step 2. Installing Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04.

To install Flatpak, input the following command into the terminal:

sudo apt install flatpak

This command will download and install the Flatpak package manager on your system. Enter your password when prompted and wait for the installation to complete.

Step 3. Adding the Flathub Repository.

Flathub is the primary repository for Flatpak applications. To enable access to a wide range of applications, you’ll need to add the Flathub repository to your system. Run the following command in the terminal:

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

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, allowing you to easily install applications from the Flathub store.

To seamlessly integrate Flatpak with the Ubuntu Software Center, you’ll need to install the GNOME Software plugin for Flatpak. Run the following command:

sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

Step 4. Installing Applications with Flatpak.

One of the primary benefits of using Flatpak is the ease of installing applications from the Flathub repository. Flathub hosts a wide variety of applications across different categories, including productivity tools, multimedia software, and gaming titles.

• • Searching for Applications on Flathub

To find applications, visit the Flathub website or use the terminal command:

flatpak search [application name]

Replace [application name] with the software you’re looking for.

• • Installing a Sample Application

For instance, to install GIMP, use:

flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP

This command fetches GIMP from Flathub and installs it on your system.

• • Launching and Managing Installed Applications

Once installed, applications can be launched from the application menu or via the terminal using:

flatpak run org.gimp.GIMP

Replace org.gimp.GIMP with the application’s unique identifier.

Alternatively, you can find and launch installed Flatpak applications through the Ubuntu Software Center or your desktop environment’s application launcher.

Step 5. Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues.

While the installation process of Flatpak on Ubuntu 24.04 is generally straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:

1. Dependency Conflicts: If you encounter dependency conflicts during the installation of a Flatpak application, try running flatpak repair to automatically resolve the issues. If the problem persists, you may need to manually resolve the conflicts by removing the conflicting packages.
2. Flathub Repository Issues: If you experience problems with the Flathub repository, such as slow downloads or connectivity issues, you can try switching to a different Flatpak repository or manually downloading the application bundle from the Flathub website.
3. Permission Errors: If you encounter permission-related errors when running Flatpak applications, ensure that you have the necessary permissions configured correctly. Use the flatpak permissions command to review and modify the application’s permissions as needed.

If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from the Flatpak community forums or the Ubuntu support channels.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Flatpak. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Flatpak on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Flatpak website.