How to Install and Use Flatpak on Ubuntu (Step-by-Step)

What Is Flatpak and Why Should You Use It?

Flatpak is a universal package format for Linux that bundles apps with their dependencies, so they run consistently across different distributions and versions. On Ubuntu, it gives you access to Flathub — the largest repository of Linux desktop apps — often providing newer versions than the default APT repositories.

Key benefits of Flatpak:

• Access to a much wider range of applications via Flathub
• Apps run in sandboxed environments for better security
• Often provides more up-to-date app versions than APT
• Apps don't interfere with your system libraries

Step 1: Install Flatpak

Ubuntu doesn't include Flatpak by default. Install it from the official Ubuntu repositories:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

Once installed, verify the installation:

flatpak --version

Step 2: Add the Flathub Repository

Flathub is the main app store for Flatpak. Add it as a remote source:

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

This command is safe to run multiple times — the --if-not-exists flag prevents duplicate entries.

Step 3: Install the GNOME Software Plugin (Optional but Recommended)

If you prefer a graphical app store experience, install the GNOME Software Flatpak plugin. This allows Flatpak apps to appear inside the Software Center:

sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

After installing, restart your system for the changes to take full effect.

Step 4: Install Your First Flatpak App

Let's install VLC media player from Flathub as a test:

flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC

The installer will prompt you to confirm. Once done, launch the app with:

flatpak run org.videolan.VLC

Or simply search for it in your Applications menu — Flatpak apps integrate with the GNOME launcher automatically.

Step 5: Manage Your Flatpak Apps

Here are the essential commands for managing Flatpak applications:

Task	Command
List installed apps	flatpak list
Update all apps	flatpak update
Uninstall an app	flatpak uninstall org.videolan.VLC
Search for an app	flatpak search vlc
Remove unused runtimes	flatpak uninstall --unused

Flatpak vs. Snap: Which Should You Use?

Both are valid universal package formats, but they have different strengths:

• Snap — Backed by Canonical, deeply integrated into Ubuntu, better for system-level and server apps.
• Flatpak — Community-driven, broader desktop app selection via Flathub, generally better desktop integration.

Many Ubuntu users install and use both depending on which source offers the best version of a given app. There's no conflict in having both systems active.

Troubleshooting Tips

• App not appearing in launcher? Log out and back in, or run flatpak update.
• Permission issues? Use Flatseal (a Flatpak app itself) to manage per-app permissions visually.
• Slow downloads? Flathub CDN is global — speeds vary by region. Be patient on first install.