What Flatpak is and why you might want it

Flatpak is a way to install programs on Linux that works the same way across different Linux versions. Instead of each Linux distribution maintaining its own version of a program, Flatpak packages the program once with everything it needs to run. This means you can install the same program on Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, or any other distribution without hunting for the right version.

You might want Flatpak if you use a Linux distribution that doesn't have a program you need in its official repositories, or if you want a newer version than your distribution offers. Flatpak also isolates programs from the rest of your system by default, which can be a security advantage — a Flatpak program has limited access to your files and settings unless you explicitly grant permission.

The trade-off is that Flatpak programs take up more disk space than traditionally installed programs, because each one carries its own copy of shared libraries. For most people with modern computers, this is not a practical problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Flatpak itself must be installed first through your distribution's package manager or by downloading it directly from flathub.org.
  • Once Flatpak is installed, you can browse and install programs through Flathub (the official app store) or the graphical software center that came with your Linux distribution.
  • Programs installed as Flatpaks appear in your process menu just like any other program and launch the same way.
  • You can remove Flatpak programs through the same software center where you installed them, and uninstalling Flatpak itself removes all Flatpak programs you have installed.

Installing Flatpak on Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Debian-based systems

Open the terminal on your computer. The fastest way is to press Ctrl+Alt+T, which opens a terminal window on most Ubuntu and Mint systems. If that does not work, click the Activities button in the top left, type "terminal", and click the Terminal icon.

Type this command and press Enter:

sudo apt install flatpak

The system will ask for your password. Type it (the characters will not appear on screen) and press Enter. The installation takes a few minutes. When it finishes, you have Flatpak installed.

Next, add Flathub, which is the main app store for Flatpak programs. Type this command:

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

Press Enter. This command adds Flathub as a source for programs but does not install anything yet. You only need to run this once.

Installing Flatpak on Fedora

Fedora includes Flatpak by default, so you do not need to install it. Open the terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T or search for "terminal" in Activities) and verify it is there by typing:

flatpak --version

Press Enter. If you see a version number, Flatpak is ready. If you see "command not found", type this to install it:

sudo dnf install flatpak

Fedora also includes Flathub by default in recent versions. If you need to add it manually, type:

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

Installing Flatpak on other distributions

If you use a distribution not listed above — such as Arch, openSUSE, or Manjaro — the installation method varies. The most reliable way is to visit flathub.org, click "Setup" in the top navigation, and find your distribution listed. The page shows the exact command to type for your system.

Alternatively, open your distribution's package manager and search for "flatpak". Most distributions have it available. Once installed, add Flathub using the command shown in the Fedora section above.

Installing programs through Flathub or your software center

You now have two ways to install Flatpak programs. The first is through your distribution's graphical software center — the same place you normally install programs. Open it (called "Software" on Ubuntu and Mint, "Discover" on Fedora, or search for "software" in Activities). Search for any program name. If it is available as a Flatpak, the software center will show it and let you install it with a single click.

The second way is to visit flathub.org directly in your web browser. Search for a program name in the Flathub search box. Click the program you want. On its page, click the blue "Install" button. Your system will open the software center and begin the installation automatically.

Either way, the program downloads and installs in the background. When it finishes, the program appears in your process menu alongside all your other programs. Launch it the same way you launch any other program — by clicking its icon in the menu or searching for its name in Activities.

Updating and removing Flatpak programs

Flatpak programs update automatically in the background, usually once a day. You do not need to do anything. If you want to update when ready, open the terminal and type:

flatpak update

To remove a Flatpak program, open your software center, find the program in your installed list, and click the "Remove" or "Uninstall" button. The program and all its files disappear when ready.

If you want to remove Flatpak itself and all Flatpak programs at once, open the terminal and type:

sudo apt remove flatpak

(or sudo dnf remove flatpak on Fedora, depending on your distribution). This removes Flatpak and every program installed through it, but does not affect programs you installed through your distribution's normal package manager.

Troubleshooting common Flatpak problems

If a Flatpak program will not launch, the most common cause is that Flathub was not added correctly. Open the terminal and type:

flatpak remotes

Press Enter. You should see "flathub" listed. If it is not there, add it using the command from the Fedora section above.

If a program launches but looks wrong — text is too small, fonts look strange, or it cannot find your files — this is usually a permission issue. Right-click the program in your software center and look for "Permissions" or "Details". You can grant it access to your home folder, Downloads folder, or other locations. Some programs need these permissions to work properly.

If you run out of disk space, Flatpak can accumulate unused files over time. Type this to clean up:

flatpak uninstall --unused

This removes old versions and dependencies that are no longer needed, freeing up space without affecting any programs you have installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Flatpak programs on any Linux distribution?

Yes, once Flatpak is installed on your distribution, you can install any Flatpak program from Flathub. The program will work the same way regardless of whether you are on Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, or another distribution. This is the main advantage of Flatpak.

Do Flatpak programs run slower than normally installed programs?

Not noticeably. Flatpak programs launch slightly slower on first run because the system has to set up the sandbox, but once running they perform the same as any other program. The isolation is handled by the operating system and does not consume significant resources.

What if a program I want is not on Flathub?

You can still install it through your distribution's normal package manager, or read it directly from the program's website. Flatpak is one option, not the only way to install programs on Linux. Many programs are available both ways.

Can I use Flatpak and my distribution's package manager at the same time?

Yes. You can have some programs installed through your distribution's package manager and others as Flatpaks. They do not interfere with each other. Most people use whichever method has the version they want.

Does uninstalling Flatpak delete my files?

Uninstalling Flatpak removes the programs installed through it, but not your personal files. Your documents, downloads, and other data stay on your computer. If you reinstall Flatpak later, you can reinstall the programs without losing anything.