Install and Use Flatpak Packages on Linux

Flatpak packages deliver a streamlined way to install and run applications on any Linux distribution, solving compatibility challenges and dependency issues that often limit software availability. By isolating applications from the underlying system, Flatpak minimizes conflicts and improves security, while giving users access to the latest app versions regardless of their distro.

Install Flatpak on Your Linux Distribution

Confirm whether Flatpak is already installed by running flatpak --version in your terminal. If you see a version number, you can skip installation; otherwise, proceed to install Flatpak according to your Linux distribution.

Use the package manager specific to your distribution to install Flatpak:

On Ubuntu or Debian-based systems, run sudo apt install flatpak.
On Fedora or Red Hat-based systems, use sudo dnf install flatpak or sudo yum install flatpak.
On Arch Linux, enter sudo pacman -S flatpak.
On openSUSE, type sudo zypper install flatpak.
For Gentoo, enable the ~amd64 keyword for required packages, then run emerge sys-apps/flatpak.
On Void Linux, use sudo xbps-install -S flatpak.
For NixOS, add services.flatpak.enable = true; to your /etc/nixos/configuration.nix and apply changes with sudo nixos-rebuild switch.

After installing Flatpak, add the Flathub repository, which is the main source for Flatpak applications. Execute flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo. This command enables access to a wide range of up-to-date applications.

For the changes to take effect, log out and log back in, or restart your system. This ensures Flatpak integrates properly with your desktop environment.

Install Flatpak Applications

Search for applications using Flathub’s website (https://flathub.org/) or the terminal. To search via terminal, use flatpak search <application_name>. This command returns a list of matching apps with their Application ID and repository source.

Install your chosen application with flatpak install flathub <ApplicationID>. For example, to install Spotify, use flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client. Flatpak will download the application and any required runtimes.

To install from a downloaded .flatpakref file, navigate to its directory and run flatpak install <filename>.flatpakref. This method is useful for apps distributed outside Flathub.

If you prefer graphical installation, integrate Flatpak with your software center. On Ubuntu and similar systems, run sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak. Afterward, double-clicking a .flatpakref file or clicking the “Install” button on Flathub’s website will open the software center and allow you to install the app with a few clicks.

Run, Update, and Remove Flatpak Applications

Launch installed Flatpak apps from your application menu, or use the terminal with flatpak run <ApplicationID>. For example, flatpak run com.spotify.Client starts Spotify.

Update all Flatpak applications and runtimes with flatpak update. To update a specific app, append its Application ID: flatpak update com.spotify.Client. Keeping Flatpak apps updated gives you the newest features and security fixes without waiting for your distro’s repositories to catch up.

List all installed Flatpak applications using flatpak list. This helps you track what’s installed and manage your system’s storage.

Remove applications you no longer need with flatpak uninstall <ApplicationID>. For example, flatpak uninstall com.spotify.Client deletes Spotify and its associated data. To also remove user data, add --delete-data to the uninstall command.

Free up disk space by removing unused Flatpak runtimes with flatpak uninstall --unused. This command deletes runtimes no longer required by any installed app, keeping your system lean.

Understanding Flatpak Sandboxing and Permissions

Flatpak isolates each application from the rest of the system using sandboxing. By default, Flatpak apps have restricted access to files, network, and hardware, which reduces the risk of security breaches or accidental system changes. If an application requires extra permissions (such as access to specific folders or hardware devices), Flatpak prompts you to approve them during installation or first launch.

To review or modify permissions, use the flatpak info --show-permissions <ApplicationID> command, or manage them graphically with tools like Flatseal, available as a Flatpak package itself.

Flatpak Integration with Software Centers

On GNOME-based desktops, installing the gnome-software-plugin-flatpak package integrates Flatpak apps into the GNOME Software Center. KDE users can add Flatpak support to Discover by installing plasma-discover-flatpak-backend. Once integrated, you can browse, install, and remove Flatpak apps alongside native packages using a familiar graphical interface.

Flatpak packages simplify software management on Linux by providing up-to-date, cross-distro applications with strong security isolation. With Flatpak and Flathub, you can quickly access a vast catalog of modern apps regardless of your distribution’s default repositories.