How To Install Telegram on Rocky Linux 10

Telegram has become one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide, offering robust security features, cloud-based messaging, and cross-platform compatibility. Rocky Linux 10, the latest release of this enterprise-grade Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) derivative, provides a stable and reliable foundation for running modern applications like Telegram Desktop. This comprehensive guide walks through four proven methods to install Telegram on Rocky Linux 10, ensuring you can choose the approach that best fits your system requirements and preferences.

Whether you’re a system administrator managing multiple servers, a developer working in a Linux environment, or simply a desktop user seeking secure communication, this tutorial covers everything needed for a successful installation. You’ll learn to install Telegram using native DNF package management, containerized solutions like Snap and Flatpak, or the manual binary method for maximum control. Each method includes detailed commands, troubleshooting guidance, and security best practices.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Before beginning the installation process, verify your system meets the necessary requirements. Rocky Linux 10 should be installed and functioning with either a desktop environment or server configuration with GUI capabilities. The system needs at least 2GB of RAM, though 4GB is recommended for optimal performance. Allocate approximately 500MB to 1GB of available disk space for the application and its dependencies.

Administrative privileges are essential for installing system packages. Ensure you have root access or sudo permissions configured for your user account. An active internet connection is required to download packages from repositories. Basic familiarity with Linux command-line operations will help navigate the installation process smoothly.

Verify your Rocky Linux version by running:

cat /etc/rocky-release

Check available disk space:

df -h

Confirm RAM availability:

free -h

Test sudo access:

sudo whoami

If the command returns “root,” your sudo permissions are properly configured.

Updating Rocky Linux 10 Before Installation

Maintaining an updated system prevents compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. Before installing Telegram Desktop, perform a complete system update to ensure all packages and dependencies are current. This practice is fundamental to Linux system administration and reduces potential conflicts during software installation.

Start by cleaning the DNF cache to remove outdated package metadata:

sudo dnf clean all

Check for available updates across all enabled repositories:

sudo dnf check-update

Install all available system updates:

sudo dnf update -y

Perform a comprehensive system upgrade:

sudo dnf upgrade -y

The update process may take several minutes depending on your internet connection speed and the number of packages requiring updates. If kernel updates are installed, a system reboot is recommended to ensure all changes take effect properly. Monitor the output for any errors or warnings that might require attention.

Verify the update history:

sudo dnf history

This command displays recent DNF transactions, confirming your system updates completed successfully.

Method 1: Installing Telegram via DNF and RPM Fusion Repositories

The DNF package manager method offers the most native integration with Rocky Linux 10. This approach provides automatic security updates, proper dependency resolution, and seamless system integration. While repository versions may lag slightly behind the latest releases, the stability and maintenance benefits make this the preferred method for enterprise environments.

Step 1: Enabling EPEL Repository

Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) is a repository maintained by the Fedora community, providing additional packages not included in standard RHEL-based distributions. EPEL is essential for accessing a broader range of software on Rocky Linux.

Install the EPEL repository:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

Verify the repository was added successfully:

sudo dnf repolist | grep epel

The output should display enabled EPEL repositories for your system architecture.

Step 2: Adding RPM Fusion Repositories

RPM Fusion extends EPEL by providing software that Fedora and RHEL cannot ship due to various restrictions. Telegram Desktop is available through RPM Fusion repositories, making this step crucial for DNF-based installation.

Install RPM Fusion free repository:

sudo dnf install --nogpgcheck https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/el/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %rhel).noarch.rpm -y

Install RPM Fusion nonfree repository:

sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/el/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %rhel).noarch.rpm -y

Some packages also require the CodeReady Builder (CRB) repository. Enable it with:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled crb

Refresh repository metadata:

sudo dnf makecache

Step 3: Installing Telegram Desktop

With repositories configured, installing Telegram Desktop becomes straightforward. Search for the package first to confirm availability:

sudo dnf search telegram

Install Telegram Desktop with all required dependencies:

sudo dnf install telegram-desktop -y

DNF automatically resolves and installs all necessary dependencies. The installation typically completes within a few minutes, depending on internet speed and system performance.

Step 4: Verification and First Launch

Confirm successful installation by querying package information:

rpm -qi telegram-desktop

This command displays detailed information about the installed package, including version number, architecture, and installation date.

Locate the executable path:

which telegram-desktop

Launch Telegram from the command line:

telegram-desktop &

Alternatively, access Telegram through the applications menu by clicking Activities and searching for “Telegram.” The ampersand (&) in the command runs the application in the background, allowing continued terminal use.

The DNF method integrates Telegram into your system’s update cycle. Future system updates automatically check for and install Telegram updates, maintaining security without manual intervention.

Method 2: Installing Telegram via Snap Package Manager

Snap packages offer containerized application delivery with automatic updates and enhanced security through sandboxing. Developed by Canonical, Snap provides the latest software versions directly from developers. This method suits users prioritizing cutting-edge features and simplified update management.

Understanding Snap on Rocky Linux

Snap technology packages applications with all dependencies in a single container, eliminating compatibility issues across different Linux distributions. Applications run in isolated environments, improving security by limiting system access. Automatic updates ensure your software remains current without manual intervention.

Step 1: Installing Snapd on Rocky Linux 10

Snapd, the service managing Snap packages, requires EPEL repository access. If you haven’t enabled EPEL yet, install it first:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

Install the Snapd package:

sudo dnf install snapd -y

Enable and start the Snapd service:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket

Create a symbolic link for classic Snap support:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

This link ensures system-wide PATH recognition of Snap applications.

Verify Snapd is running properly:

systemctl status snapd.socket

The output should show the service as active and enabled.

Step 2: System Restart or Re-login

For proper Snap integration, restart your system or log out and back in. This step updates environment variables, particularly the PATH, ensuring Snap applications launch correctly from the command line and applications menu.

Quick system restart:

sudo reboot

After rebooting, verify Snap environment activation:

echo $PATH | grep snap

Step 3: Installing Telegram via Snap

With Snapd configured and active, install Telegram Desktop directly from the Snap Store:

sudo snap install telegram-desktop

The installation downloads the latest stable version with all dependencies packaged together. Monitor the download progress displayed in your terminal.

List installed Snaps to confirm:

snap list | grep telegram

Step 4: Launching Telegram from Snap

Execute Telegram using either command:

telegram-desktop

Or explicitly:

snap run telegram-desktop

Find Telegram in your applications menu under Internet or Messaging categories. The Snap version integrates fully with your desktop environment, appearing alongside native applications.

Managing Snap Permissions and Connections

Snap’s security model restricts application access to system resources. Grant necessary permissions for optimal functionality:

snap connect telegram-desktop:home

List current connections and permissions:

snap connections telegram-desktop

If you need access to removable media like USB drives:

snap connect telegram-desktop:removable-media

Updating and Managing Snap Installation

Snaps automatically update in the background every six hours. For manual updates:

sudo snap refresh telegram-desktop

Check for available updates:

sudo snap refresh --list

View update history:

snap changes

Revert to a previous version if needed:

sudo snap revert telegram-desktop

Method 3: Installing Telegram via Flatpak

Flatpak represents another containerized application distribution method, focusing on desktop application deployment. Maintained by an independent community with strong freedesktop.org integration, Flatpak excels in desktop environment compatibility and offers robust sandboxing security features.

What is Flatpak and When to Use It

Flatpak packages applications with runtimes containing shared libraries and dependencies. This approach reduces redundancy while maintaining application isolation. Flatpak suits desktop users seeking modern application versions with strong security boundaries and excellent theme integration.

Step 1: Installing Flatpak on Rocky Linux 10

Install the Flatpak package manager:

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

Verify installation:

flatpak --version

Add the Flathub repository, the primary source for Flatpak applications:

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

Confirm the repository was added:

flatpak remotes

Install desktop integration packages for GNOME or KDE if not already present:

sudo dnf install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak -y

Step 2: Restarting Desktop Session

Desktop environment restart ensures proper Flatpak integration. Log out and log back in, or restart the system entirely:

sudo reboot

After restarting, Flatpak applications appear in your software center and applications menu.

Step 3: Searching and Installing Telegram

Search for Telegram in Flathub:

flatpak search telegram

Install Telegram Desktop from Flathub:

flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop -y

Accept the download size and confirm installation when prompted. Flatpak downloads necessary runtimes if they’re not already present on your system.

Verify the installation:

flatpak list --app

Step 4: Launching Telegram via Flatpak

Run Telegram using Flatpak:

flatpak run org.telegram.desktop

Access Telegram through your applications menu, where it integrates seamlessly with other installed applications. Complete the initial phone verification process to activate your account.

Flatpak Permission Management

Review application permissions:

flatpak info --show-permissions org.telegram.desktop

Grant broader file system access:

flatpak override org.telegram.desktop --filesystem=home

For specific directory access:

flatpak override org.telegram.desktop --filesystem=/path/to/directory

Reset permissions to defaults:

flatpak override --reset org.telegram.desktop

Updating Flatpak Applications

Update Telegram specifically:

flatpak update org.telegram.desktop

Update all installed Flatpak applications:

flatpak update

Remove unused runtimes to free disk space:

flatpak uninstall --unused

Method 4: Manual Installation from Official Telegram Binary

The manual binary installation method provides maximum control and access to the absolute latest versions directly from Telegram developers. This approach suits advanced users comfortable with Linux system administration who want immediate access to new features or require specific version management.

When to Use Manual Binary Installation

Choose manual installation when requiring the newest features before they reach distribution repositories. This method benefits developers testing Telegram’s latest APIs or users needing specific versions for compatibility reasons. The trade-off is manual update responsibility and lack of automatic security updates.

Step 1: Downloading Official Telegram Binary

Navigate to a temporary directory:

cd /tmp

Download the latest Telegram binary using wget:

wget -O telegram.tar.xz "https://telegram.org/dl/desktop/linux"

Alternatively, use curl:

curl -L -o telegram.tar.xz "https://telegram.org/dl/desktop/linux"

Verify the download completed successfully:

ls -lh telegram.tar.xz

Check file type:

file telegram.tar.xz

The output confirms you downloaded a valid XZ compressed archive.

Step 2: Extracting the Archive

Extract the compressed archive:

tar -xf telegram.tar.xz

The tar command options extract (-x) the file (-f). Verify extraction:

ls -la Telegram/

You’ll see the Telegram binary, resources folder, and other required files.

Step 3: Moving to System Directory

Create a dedicated installation directory:

sudo mkdir -p /opt/telegram

Move extracted files to the installation location:

sudo mv Telegram/* /opt/telegram/

Set appropriate ownership:

sudo chown -R root:root /opt/telegram

Make the binary executable:

sudo chmod +x /opt/telegram/Telegram

The /opt directory is conventionally used for manually installed software that isn’t managed by package managers, maintaining clear separation from distribution-managed packages.

Step 4: Creating System-Wide Access Links

Create symbolic links for convenient command-line access:

sudo ln -sf /opt/telegram/Telegram /usr/local/bin/telegram-desktop

Create an additional shorter link:

sudo ln -sf /opt/telegram/Telegram /usr/local/bin/telegram

Verify links were created:

ls -la /usr/local/bin/telegram*

Test command availability:

which telegram-desktop

Step 5: Creating Desktop Entry

Create a desktop entry file for menu integration:

sudo nano /usr/share/applications/telegram-desktop.desktop

Add the following content:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Telegram Desktop
Comment=Official desktop application for Telegram messaging service
Exec=/opt/telegram/Telegram -- %u
Icon=/opt/telegram/Telegram
Type=Application
Categories=Network;InstantMessaging;
MimeType=x-scheme-handler/tg;
Keywords=tg;chat;im;messaging;messenger;sms;telegram;
X-GNOME-UsesNotifications=true

Save the file and set correct permissions:

sudo chmod 644 /usr/share/applications/telegram-desktop.desktop

Update the desktop database:

sudo update-desktop-database

Step 6: First Launch and Testing

Launch Telegram from command line:

telegram-desktop

Or find it in your applications menu under Internet applications. Complete the phone verification process and test basic functionality by sending a message to verify everything works correctly.

Launching and Initial Setup of Telegram on Rocky Linux 10

Regardless of installation method, Telegram’s initial setup process remains consistent. Understanding launch options and proper configuration ensures optimal user experience.

Application Launch Methods

Launch Telegram using method-specific commands:

DNF installation:

telegram-desktop

Snap installation:

snap run telegram-desktop

Flatpak installation:

flatpak run org.telegram.desktop

Manual installation:

/opt/telegram/Telegram

Access Telegram through the graphical applications menu by opening Activities and searching for “Telegram.” Right-click the icon and select “Add to Favorites” for quick access from your dock or panel.

Phone Number Verification Process

Upon first launch, Telegram displays a welcome screen requesting your phone number. Enter your number with the country code (e.g., +1 for United States, +62 for Indonesia). Telegram sends a verification code via SMS or automated call.

Enter the received code in the verification field. If you have an existing Telegram account, your chat history and contacts sync automatically from the cloud. New users proceed through basic profile setup, including optional profile photo upload.

Initial Configuration Settings

Configure privacy settings immediately after account activation. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security to adjust:

• Phone number visibility: Control who can see your phone number (Everyone, My Contacts, Nobody)
• Last seen and online status: Choose visibility options for your activity status
• Profile photo: Determine who can view your profile picture
• Call settings: Configure who can call you through Telegram
• Forwarded messages: Control whether your name appears when messages are forwarded

Adjust notification preferences in Settings > Notifications and Sounds. Configure desktop notifications, sound alerts, and message previews according to your preference. Enable or disable system tray integration for background operation.

Select your preferred theme under Settings > Chat Settings. Telegram offers light and dark themes with customizable accent colors and background images. Enable night mode for automatic theme switching based on time of day.

Configuring Telegram for Optimal Performance on Rocky Linux 10

Fine-tuning Telegram settings enhances performance and user experience, particularly on systems with limited resources or specific network requirements.

Desktop Integration and Autostart

Enable Telegram to start automatically when you log in. Within Telegram settings, navigate to Settings > Advanced and enable “Launch Telegram on startup.” Alternatively, create an autostart entry manually:

mkdir -p ~/.config/autostart
cp /usr/share/applications/telegram-desktop.desktop ~/.config/autostart/

Configure system tray behavior to keep Telegram running in the background when closing the window. This allows receiving notifications without keeping the main window visible.

Performance Optimization Tips

Manage cache and storage settings to prevent excessive disk usage. Access Settings > Advanced > Data and Storage to configure automatic media download limits. Disable automatic downloads for mobile data or roaming if using a cellular connection.

For systems with limited RAM, adjust Settings > Advanced > Hardware acceleration. Disabling hardware acceleration may improve stability on systems with problematic graphics drivers, though it may reduce performance on systems with capable GPUs.

Configure proxy settings for corporate environments or restricted networks. Settings > Advanced > Connection type allows configuring SOCKS5 or MTProxy connections for accessing Telegram through firewalls or censorship systems.

Optimize font rendering if text appears unclear. Install additional fonts and adjust system font settings through GNOME Tweaks or your desktop environment’s customization tools.

Updating Telegram on Rocky Linux 10

Regular updates maintain security, fix bugs, and deliver new features. Update procedures vary by installation method, but all approaches ensure your Telegram client remains current.

DNF/RPM Fusion Method

Updates integrate with system-wide package management. Check for Telegram updates:

sudo dnf check-update telegram-desktop

Update Telegram individually:

sudo dnf update telegram-desktop

Or update all system packages, including Telegram:

sudo dnf update

Snap Method

Snaps automatically update every six hours by default. Manual refresh:

sudo snap refresh telegram-desktop

View recent update history:

snap changes

Revert to previous version if an update causes issues:

sudo snap revert telegram-desktop

Hold updates at current version:

sudo snap refresh --hold telegram-desktop

Flatpak Method

Check for Flatpak updates:

flatpak update

Update only Telegram:

flatpak update org.telegram.desktop

Manual Binary Method

Manual installations require downloading and reinstalling the latest version. Before updating, backup your data directory:

tar -czf telegram-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d).tar.gz ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop

Remove the old installation:

sudo rm -rf /opt/telegram/*

Download and extract the new version following the installation steps previously outlined. Your user data persists separately and remains unaffected by binary updates.

Uninstalling Telegram from Rocky Linux 10

Complete removal procedures vary by installation method. Proper uninstallation includes both application and optional user data removal.

DNF Method

Remove the Telegram package:

sudo dnf remove telegram-desktop

Clean orphaned dependencies:

sudo dnf autoremove

Snap Method

Remove Telegram Snap:

sudo snap remove telegram-desktop

Verify removal:

snap list

Flatpak Method

Uninstall Telegram:

flatpak uninstall org.telegram.desktop

Remove unused runtimes:

flatpak uninstall --unused

Manual Binary Method

Remove installation directory:

sudo rm -rf /opt/telegram

Delete symbolic links:

sudo rm /usr/local/bin/telegram-desktop /usr/local/bin/telegram

Remove desktop entry:

sudo rm /usr/share/applications/telegram-desktop.desktop

Update desktop database:

sudo update-desktop-database

Managing User Data

User data resides separately from application files at ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop. Before removing user data, create a backup:

tar -czf telegram-user-backup.tar.gz ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop

Completely remove user data and cache:

rm -rf ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop ~/.cache/TelegramDesktop

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing installation and runtime problems requires systematic diagnosis. These solutions resolve the most frequently encountered issues.

Installation Failures

Repository connection errors often stem from network issues or misconfigured repositories. Verify internet connectivity and refresh repository metadata:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf makecache

Check enabled repositories:

sudo dnf repolist

Package dependency conflicts may arise from third-party repositories. Review error messages carefully and resolve conflicts by updating conflicting packages or temporarily disabling problematic repositories.

Insufficient disk space prevents installation. Verify available space and clean unnecessary files:

df -h /
sudo dnf clean packages

Permission errors indicate missing sudo privileges. Ensure your user account belongs to the wheel group:

groups $USER

Application Launch Problems

If Telegram fails to start, check for error messages by launching from terminal:

telegram-desktop

Error output provides diagnostic information. Missing library dependencies appear as “cannot open shared object file” errors. Install missing libraries through DNF or contact your distribution’s support channels.

Graphics driver issues may prevent Telegram from rendering properly. Update graphics drivers or try disabling hardware acceleration as mentioned in configuration sections.

Check for stuck processes preventing new instances:

ps aux | grep telegram

Kill hung processes:

killall telegram-desktop

Reset configuration files if corruption is suspected:

mv ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop ~/.local/share/TelegramDesktop.backup

Audio/Video Call Issues

Multimedia functionality requires additional codecs. Install GStreamer plugins:

sudo dnf install gstreamer1-plugins-good gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free gstreamer1-plugins-ugly-free

Verify microphone permissions in system settings. GNOME users access Settings > Privacy > Microphone and ensure Telegram has permission.

Test audio system configuration:

pactl list short sources
pactl list short sinks

Firewall restrictions may block voice and video calls. Add exception rules:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=443/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=80/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Connectivity and Sync Problems

Network connectivity issues prevent message synchronization. Test DNS resolution:

nslookup telegram.org

Configure alternative DNS servers if resolution fails. Edit /etc/resolv.conf or configure through NetworkManager.

Time synchronization affects secure connections. Verify system time accuracy:

sudo timedatectl status

Synchronize time if incorrect:

sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

Corporate firewalls may require proxy configuration. Configure SOCKS5 proxy within Telegram settings or set system-wide proxy environment variables.

Security Best Practices for Telegram on Rocky Linux

Implementing security measures protects your communications and personal information. These practices establish a secure Telegram environment.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) immediately. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Two-Step Verification. This adds an extra password layer protecting your account from unauthorized access even if someone obtains your phone verification code.

Use Secret Chats for sensitive conversations. Secret Chats enable end-to-end encryption with no cloud storage, ensuring only you and your conversation partner can read messages. Access Secret Chats by selecting “New Secret Chat” from contact profiles.

Configure self-destruct timers for ephemeral messaging. Messages automatically delete after specified periods, leaving no trace on either device. This feature benefits sensitive business discussions or confidential information sharing.

Review active sessions regularly. Settings > Devices shows all logged-in sessions. Terminate unknown or outdated sessions immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Set a passcode lock within Telegram. Settings > Privacy and Security > Passcode Lock requires authentication when opening Telegram, protecting your messages if someone gains physical device access.

Rocky Linux systems typically run SELinux in enforcing mode. Verify SELinux status:

getenforce

Containerized installations (Snap, Flatpak) benefit from additional SELinux protections. Avoid disabling SELinux unless absolutely necessary for troubleshooting.

Configure firewall rules appropriately. While Telegram functions with default firewall settings, explicit rules provide better control:

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Download files cautiously. Scan downloads with antivirus tools before opening:

sudo dnf install clamav clamav-update
sudo freshclam
clamscan /path/to/downloaded/file

Review privacy settings comprehensively. Control who sees your phone number, profile photo, last seen status, and forwarded message attribution. Restrict these to contacts only for maximum privacy.

Manage data and storage settings to control automatic downloads. Disable automatic media downloads on untrusted networks to prevent malicious content from reaching your system.

Enable local message encryption on devices with sensitive information. While Telegram encrypts cloud storage, local encryption adds another security layer.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Telegram. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Telegram popular cloud-based messaging app on your Rocky Linux 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Telegram website.