To update Discord on Debian or Ubuntu without manually downloading a
.deb file, you must use the native package managers that host the official Linux client. The two supported methods are using Snap (
snap update discord) or Flatpak (
flatpak update com.discordapp.Discord). These commands automatically fetch and install the latest version from their respective repositories, ensuring your application is current while avoiding manual file management.
Understanding Discord’s Linux Distribution Strategy
Discord does not provide an official APT repository for Debian-based systems. This is a common point of confusion for users accustomed to traditional
.deb package management. The official Linux client is distributed exclusively as a Snap package and a Flatpak application. Attempting to add a third-party GPG key or PPA for Discord will likely result in broken dependencies or security risks, as these sources are not maintained by Discord Inc.
Therefore, the only safe and supported ways to receive automatic updates are through the Snap daemon or the Flatpak runtime. If you previously installed Discord via a downloaded
.deb file from the website, it will not receive updates through
apt. You would need to uninstall that version and reinstall it via Snap or Flatpak to enable the command-line update workflow described below.
The Snap Method
Snap is pre-installed on most modern Ubuntu releases and available for Debian via the
snapd package. It provides a sandboxed environment for applications, which enhances security but requires specific commands for management.
First, ensure that the Snap service is running. You can verify this by checking the status of the daemon:
systemctl status snapd
If the service is active, you can check the currently installed version of Discord by running:
snap list discord
To update Discord to the latest version available in the Snap store, execute the following command:
snap update discord
This command checks the remote Snap store for any newer revisions of the
discord package and installs them if found. If no update is available, the system will return a message indicating that the package is already up to date. This method is ideal for Ubuntu users who want a seamless, background update experience similar to mobile app stores.
The Flatpak Method
Flatpak is another popular standard for distributing Linux applications, often preferred for its compatibility across different distributions. If you installed Discord using Flatpak, you manage updates through the Flatpak toolchain.
Verify the installation by listing installed apps:
flatpak list | grep Discord
To update all installed Flatpak applications, including Discord, run:
flatpak update
If you wish to update only Discord specifically, you can target it directly:
flatpak update com.discordapp.Discord
Flatpak updates typically pull the latest runtime and application files from Flathub. This process ensures that you have the most recent features and security patches provided by the maintainers. For users on Debian who do not have Flatpak pre-installed, you may need to enable the Flathub repository first, but once configured, the update command remains straightforward.
Handling Common Update Issues
When using either Snap or Flatpak, you might encounter issues related to permissions or unmet dependencies. For instance, if Snap fails to update, it could be due to disk space constraints or network restrictions. In such cases, cleaning up old revisions can help free up space.
snap refresh --list
This command shows all installed snaps and their current versions. If you suspect corruption, you can try removing and reinstalling the package, though this is rarely necessary. For more complex dependency errors, refer to our guide on
solving Ubuntu unmet dependencies error, which covers broader system health checks that might affect package managers.
Another common issue is the "Discord thinks living future" error, where the client displays incorrect dates or times. This is often a synchronization issue with the system clock or a bug in the client itself. Updating to the latest version via Snap or Flatpak often resolves this, as newer builds include fixes for time-related display bugs. See
Discord update issue for more details on resolving display anomalies.
Why Not Use APT?
Some users attempt to find
.deb files online and install them manually. While this is possible, it bypasses the automatic update mechanism. When you install a
.deb file manually, you become responsible for checking for new versions and re-downloading the file whenever Discord releases an update. This approach consumes more bandwidth and time, and it leaves your system vulnerable if you forget to update regularly.
Using Snap or Flatpak centralizes the update process. These tools handle dependencies, sandboxing, and version tracking automatically. They also ensure that you are always running the official, signed binary provided by Discord, reducing the risk of malware or modified clients.
For users interested in understanding how package downloads work under the hood, our article on
download .deb packages with apt explains the mechanics of package retrieval, though it does not apply to Discord’s distribution model.
Conclusion
Updating Discord on Debian or Ubuntu is simple once you understand that it is not managed via APT. By switching to Snap or Flatpak, you gain access to reliable, automated updates that keep your client secure and feature-rich. Always prefer these official channels over third-party repositories or manual downloads to ensure stability and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update Discord using apt-get?
No, Discord does not provide an official APT repository. Using
apt-get will not find or update the Discord package unless you have manually added a third-party source, which is not recommended.
What should I do if Snap update fails?
Check your internet connection and ensure you have sufficient disk space. You can also try restarting the snapd service with
sudo systemctl restart snapd before attempting the update again.
Does Flatpak update automatically?
Flatpak can be configured to update automatically via systemd timers, but by default, you must run the
flatpak update command manually to get the latest version.
How do I switch from a .deb install to Snap?
Uninstall the existing
.deb version using
sudo apt remove discord, then install the Snap version using
sudo snap install discord. This ensures a clean transition to the supported update method.
Will updating Discord delete my settings?
No, updating via Snap or Flatpak preserves your local configuration files, chat history, and settings. The update process replaces only the application binaries, leaving user data intact.