How To Install Slack on Linux Mint 22

In today’s increasingly remote work environment, communication tools like Slack have become essential for team collaboration across various industries. For Linux Mint users looking to streamline their workflow, installing Slack provides a native desktop experience that surpasses browser-based alternatives. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of installing, configuring, and optimizing Slack on Linux Mint 22, ensuring you get the most out of this powerful communication platform.

Introduction

Linux Mint continues to be one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions available, with version 22 offering enhanced stability and performance. Meanwhile, Slack has established itself as the premier team communication tool, bringing together messages, files, and calls in a single collaborative space. Whether you’re a remote worker, part of a distributed team, or simply prefer desktop notifications over browser alerts, installing the native Slack application on Linux Mint 22 provides numerous advantages.

The Slack desktop client offers better system integration, notification management, and performance compared to the web version. This guide covers multiple installation methods, troubleshooting steps, and optimization techniques to ensure you have a seamless experience with Slack on your Linux Mint 22 system.

Understanding Slack on Linux

Before diving into installation procedures, it’s important to understand Slack’s relationship with Linux platforms. Slack offers official support for Linux, providing dedicated packages that work well on Debian-based distributions like Linux Mint. The desktop application delivers several advantages over browser-based access:

Native System Integration: Desktop notifications, system tray presence, and keyboard shortcuts work more reliably with the native app.

Performance Benefits: The dedicated application typically consumes fewer resources than running Slack in a browser tab.

Offline Capabilities: Limited offline functionality lets you review previous messages even without an internet connection.

Full Feature Set: Some advanced features work better or are only available in the desktop application.

System requirements for Slack on Linux Mint 22 are modest, requiring:

• 1GB of RAM (2GB recommended)
• 500MB of available disk space
• A reasonably modern processor
• Active internet connection

While Slack’s Linux client has historically been labeled as “beta,” it offers a stable and reliable experience that most users find indistinguishable from the Windows or macOS versions.

Preparing Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s best practice to ensure your Linux Mint system is up-to-date. This helps avoid dependency issues and ensures compatibility with the latest packages.

Start by updating your system’s package information and installing available updates:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command refreshes your package lists and installs any pending updates for your system.

Next, verify that you have the necessary dependencies installed. Most requirements will be pulled in automatically during Slack installation, but having these packages ready can prevent issues:

sudo apt install gconf2 gconf-service libappindicator1

It’s also wise to ensure you have sufficient disk space. Check your available space with:

df -h /

You should have at least 1GB of free space to comfortably install Slack and allow for cache files.

If you’re updating from a previous Slack installation, consider backing up your settings and workspaces information:

cp -r ~/.config/Slack ~/slack-backup

With your system prepared, you’re ready to install Slack using one of several methods.

Method 1: Installing Slack Using .deb Package

Installing Slack via the official .deb package is often the most straightforward method for Linux Mint users. This approach provides a stable version directly from Slack’s developers.

Downloading the Official Package

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Slack download page: https://slack.com/downloads/linux
2. Click on the “Download .deb (64-bit)” button
3. Wait for the download to complete (the file will be named something like “slack-desktop-4.xx.xx-amd64.deb”)

Installation via GUI

Linux Mint makes installing .deb packages simple through its graphical interface:

1. Navigate to your Downloads folder
2. Locate the downloaded Slack .deb file
3. Right-click the file and select “Open with GDebi Package Installer” or “Open with Software Install”
4. Click the “Install Package” button
5. Enter your password when prompted
6. Wait for the installation to complete

Installation via Terminal

For those who prefer command-line operations, terminal installation offers efficiency:

1. Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T)
2. Navigate to your Downloads directory:

   cd ~/Downloads

3. Install the package using the dpkg command:

   sudo dpkg -i slack-desktop-*.deb

4. If you encounter dependency issues, resolve them with:

   sudo apt install -f

This method installs Slack directly from the official package, ensuring you get the version specifically built and tested by Slack’s development team.

Method 2: Installing Slack via Snap Package

Snap packages provide a universal installation method with automatic updates and improved security through sandboxing. Linux Mint 22 supports Snap packages, making this a convenient option.

Installing Snap Support

First, ensure snap support is available on your system:

sudo apt install snapd

After installation, restart your system or log out and back in to ensure snap’s paths are updated:

sudo reboot

Installing Slack via Snap

Once snap is configured, installing Slack is straightforward:

sudo snap install slack --classic

The --classic flag is required because Slack needs additional system permissions beyond those provided by strict snap confinement.

Advantages of using Snap include:

• Automatic background updates
• Isolation from system libraries
• Easy rollback to previous versions if needed

However, some users report slightly slower startup times with Snap packages compared to direct .deb installation.

Method 3: Installing Slack via Flatpak

Flatpak offers another universal package solution that works well on Linux Mint 22. Many users prefer Flatpak for its combination of security and performance.

Setting Up Flatpak

First, install Flatpak support if not already present:

sudo apt install flatpak

Next, add the Flathub repository to access a wide range of applications:

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

Restart your system to ensure all Flatpak components are properly initialized:

sudo reboot

Installing Slack with Flatpak

After your system restarts, install Slack using Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub com.slack.Slack

Confirm the installation when prompted.

Alternatively, you can install Slack through the Software Manager:

1. Open Software Manager
2. Search for “Slack”
3. Look for the version labeled with Flatpak
4. Click “Install”

Flatpak offers good isolation between applications while maintaining native-like performance, making it an excellent middle ground between .deb and Snap installations.

Method 4: Command Line Installation Options

For advanced users who prefer efficient one-line commands, there are several options to streamline the Slack installation process.

Direct Download and Install

This method downloads and installs Slack in a single operation:

wget https://downloads.slack-edge.com/releases/linux/4.29.149/prod/x64/slack-desktop-4.29.149-amd64.deb -O slack.deb && sudo apt install ./slack.deb

Note: Check the Slack website for the latest version number to replace in the command above.

Using APT for Dependencies

For a more robust installation that automatically handles dependencies:

wget -O slack.deb "https://slack.com/downloads/linux" --content-disposition && sudo apt install -f ./slack.deb

This approach ensures any required libraries are installed along with Slack.

Verification via Terminal

After installation, verify that Slack was installed correctly:

slack --version

This should return the currently installed version of Slack, confirming a successful installation.

Verifying and Launching Slack

Once installed, you can verify and launch Slack using several methods.

Launching from Applications Menu

The simplest way to start Slack:

1. Click on the Linux Mint menu (bottom-left corner)
2. Type “Slack” in the search box
3. Click on the Slack icon that appears

Creating Desktop Shortcuts

To create a desktop shortcut for quicker access:

1. Right-click on your desktop
2. Select “Create Launcher”
3. Enter the following details:
   • Type: Application
   • Name: Slack
   • Command: slack
   • Icon: Click the icon button and search for “slack”
4. Click “OK” to create the shortcut

Adding to Startup Applications

To have Slack launch automatically when you log in:

1. Open the Linux Mint menu and search for “Startup Applications”
2. Click “Add”
3. Enter “Slack” as the name
4. Enter “slack” as the command
5. Add a comment if desired
6. Click “Add” to save

The first time you launch Slack, it may take slightly longer to start as it configures initial settings.

Setting Up Slack After Installation

After installation, you’ll need to sign in to your workspace or create a new one if you’re new to Slack.

Signing into Existing Workspace

When you first launch Slack, you’ll see a sign-in screen:

1. Enter your workspace URL or select from recently accessed workspaces
2. Enter your email and password
3. Click “Sign In”

For organizations using SSO (Single Sign-On):

1. Enter your workspace URL
2. Click “Sign in with SSO”
3. Complete authentication through your organization’s identity provider

Creating a New Workspace

If you’re starting fresh:

1. Click “Create a new workspace” on the sign-in screen
2. Follow the prompts to enter your email
3. Verify your email with the code sent to your inbox
4. Set up your organization and workspace details

Configuring Essential Settings

Once signed in, configure these important settings:

1. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner
2. Select “Preferences”
3. Adjust notification settings under the “Notifications” tab
4. Configure theme and appearance under “Themes”
5. Set up keyboard shortcuts under “Accessibility”

Setting notifications appropriately is crucial for productivity – consider disabling notifications during focus periods while ensuring you don’t miss important messages.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with straightforward installation methods, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Dependency Errors

If you see errors about missing dependencies when installing the .deb package:

sudo apt install -f

This command instructs apt to fix broken dependencies.

Permission Issues

For “permission denied” errors:

1. Ensure you’re using sudo where appropriate
2. Check that the downloaded file has correct permissions:

   chmod +x ~/Downloads/slack-desktop-*.deb

Package Conflicts

If you encounter conflicts with existing packages:

1. Remove any previous Slack installations:

   sudo apt remove slack-desktop

2. Clean the apt cache:

   sudo apt clean

3. Try reinstalling

Network-Related Failures

If downloads fail or the application can’t connect:

1. Verify your internet connection
2. Check if a firewall is blocking Slack:

   sudo ufw status

3. If necessary, allow Slack through your firewall:

   sudo ufw allow slack

Graphics Issues

For display problems or blank screens:

1. Try launching Slack with hardware acceleration disabled:

   slack --disable-gpu

2. If this works, make it permanent:

   echo "export SLACK_DISABLE_GPU=true" >> ~/.profile

Finding Log Files

For persistent issues, check Slack’s logs:

1. Application logs are stored in:

   ~/.config/Slack/logs/

2. Review these logs for error messages that can guide troubleshooting

Optimizing Slack Performance

Once installed, you can optimize Slack to use fewer resources and improve responsiveness.

Reducing Memory Usage

Slack can be memory-intensive. To reduce its footprint:

1. Limit the number of workspaces you’re signed into simultaneously
2. In Preferences > Advanced, disable “Hardware Acceleration”
3. Regularly restart the application to clear cached data
4. Consider closing Slack when not in active use

Improving Startup Time

For faster startup:

1. Disable “Launch app on login” if you don’t need Slack immediately
2. Use the .deb package installation (typically faster than Snap/Flatpak)
3. Ensure your system has adequate RAM and a reasonably fast SSD

Managing Background Processes

Slack runs several background processes. Control them through:

1. Open Preferences > Advanced
2. Uncheck “Allow Slack to be running in the background” if not needed
3. Limit the number of notifications by configuring keywords and channels

Notification Optimization

Fine-tune notifications to reduce distractions:

1. Go to Preferences > Notifications
2. Consider using “Do Not Disturb” schedules for focus time
3. Customize notification sounds to differentiate between message types
4. Use keyword notifications for truly important messages

Updating Slack on Linux Mint

Keeping Slack updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches.

Updating .deb Installations

For .deb package installations, updates are manual:

1. Download the latest .deb file from the Slack website
2. Install it following the same method as the initial installation
3. The new version will replace the older one

Alternatively, you can use a terminal one-liner to update:

wget -O slack-latest.deb "https://slack.com/downloads/linux" --content-disposition && sudo apt install -f ./slack-latest.deb

Automatic Updates via Snap

Snap packages update automatically in the background. To manually check for updates:

sudo snap refresh slack

Flatpak Update Procedure

Update Flatpak installations with:

flatpak update

Or update only Slack:

flatpak update com.slack.Slack

It’s recommended to check for updates at least monthly, or when new features are announced.

Uninstalling Slack (When Necessary)

If you need to remove Slack, the process differs depending on your installation method.

Removing .deb Installations

To uninstall Slack installed via .deb package:

sudo apt remove slack-desktop

To remove all associated configuration files:

sudo apt purge slack-desktop

Uninstalling Snap Packages

Remove Slack installed via Snap:

sudo snap remove slack

Removing Flatpak Installations

Uninstall Slack installed via Flatpak:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.slack.Slack

Then remove unused dependencies:

flatpak uninstall --unused

Verifying Complete Removal

To ensure all traces are gone:

rm -rf ~/.config/Slack

This removes any remaining user configuration files.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Enhance your Slack experience with these power-user techniques.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these essential shortcuts:

• Ctrl+K: Quick switcher for navigating channels and conversations
• Ctrl+/: View all keyboard shortcuts
• Ctrl+Shift+K: Direct messages menu
• Ctrl+Shift+M: View all mentions
• Ctrl+F: Search within the current channel

Integration with Other Linux Applications

Connect Slack with:

• Calendar applications for meeting reminders
• Task managers like Todoist or Asana
• Code repositories like GitHub
• File storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive

Custom Notification Sounds

Replace default notification sounds:

1. Prepare MP3 or WAV files (less than 5 seconds)
2. Go to Preferences > Notifications > Sound & appearance
3. Click “Add custom sound” and select your audio file

Managing Cache for Better Performance

Periodically clear Slack’s cache:

rm -rf ~/.config/Slack/Cache/*
rm -rf ~/.config/Slack/Service\ Worker/CacheStorage/*

Backup and Restore Settings

Before reinstalling or migrating:

# Backup
cp -r ~/.config/Slack ~/slack-settings-backup

# Restore
cp -r ~/slack-settings-backup ~/.config/Slack

For most Linux Mint 22 users, the .deb package installation offers the best balance of performance and system integration, while Snap provides the most convenient update experience.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Slack. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of Slack on the Linux Mint 22 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Slack website.