HandBrake converts video files between formats, letting you transcode nearly any input to modern codecs like H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1. Furthermore, on Ubuntu, you can install HandBrake via Flatpak for the latest official release or through Ubuntu’s default repositories for distribution-packaged builds. Moreover, this guide covers both installation methods, verification steps, and how to keep HandBrake updated. Finally, for users seeking alternative video transcoding tools with different interfaces or feature sets, Videomass provides a graphical front-end for FFmpeg with preset-based workflows.
This guide supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and 24.04 LTS installations. The Flatpak method provides the official HandBrake release and works across all Ubuntu versions, while the APT method installs the distribution-packaged version from Ubuntu Universe repositories. Commands shown work identically on both supported LTS releases.
Choose Your HandBrake Installation Method
Currently, HandBrake offers two installation paths on Ubuntu: the official Flatpak release from Flathub and Ubuntu’s distribution-packaged version. In general, Flatpak is the most direct way to get the latest upstream release on Ubuntu. Additionally, the HandBrake Team’s official documentation notes that third-party distribution builds may be modified or missing features.
| Method | Channel | Version | Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flatpak | Flathub | Latest stable (upstream) | Via flatpak update | Most users who want official upstream releases |
| APT (Universe) | Ubuntu Repos | Distribution default (varies by release) | Via apt upgrade | Users who prefer distribution-vetted packages |
Consequently, for most users, the Flatpak method is recommended because it installs the official HandBrake release and lets you update independently of Ubuntu’s repository version. However, only use the APT method if you specifically need distribution-packaged software or have organizational policies requiring it.
Method 1: Install HandBrake via Flatpak (Recommended)
Primarily, the Flatpak method installs the official HandBrake release from Flathub, providing the latest stable version with updates directly from the HandBrake Team. However, if Flatpak is not installed on your system, follow our Flatpak installation guide to set up the Flatpak framework and add the Flathub repository.
Enable Flathub for HandBrake
First, before installing HandBrake via Flatpak, add the Flathub repository if you haven’t already. Essentially, Flathub is the primary distribution platform for Flatpak applications and hosts the official HandBrake release.
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoSpecifically, the --if-not-exists flag prevents errors if Flathub is already configured on your system.
Install HandBrake via Flatpak Command
Subsequently, with Flathub enabled, install HandBrake using the system-wide Flatpak install command:
sudo flatpak install --system flathub fr.handbrake.ghb -yIn this case, the --system flag installs HandBrake for all users on the machine. Furthermore, the -y flag automatically confirms the installation prompt.
Verify HandBrake Flatpak Installation
Next, confirm that HandBrake installed successfully by checking the installed version and origin:
flatpak info fr.handbrake.ghbHandBrake - Video Transcoder
ID: fr.handbrake.ghb
Ref: app/fr.handbrake.ghb/x86_64/stable
Arch: x86_64
Branch: stable
Version: 1.10.2
Origin: flathub
Installation: system
As shown above, the output confirms the version, origin (flathub), and installation scope (system). However, your installed version may differ as new releases are published.
Method 2: Install HandBrake via APT Package Manager
Alternatively, Ubuntu’s default repositories provide HandBrake packages in the Universe component. Typically, this method installs a distribution-packaged version that may lag behind official releases. Furthermore, the HandBrake Team’s official documentation notes that third-party distribution builds may be modified or have features removed.
Crucially, only use this method if you specifically need distribution-packaged software or have organizational requirements. Otherwise, for the official HandBrake release, use Method 1 (Flatpak).
Update Package Index
First, before installing HandBrake, refresh your package index to ensure you install the latest available version from the repositories:
sudo apt updateInstall HandBrake via APT Command
sudo apt install handbrakeEffectively, this installs the HandBrake GUI package. However, if you need the command-line interface, install the separate handbrake-cli package.
Optional: Install the HandBrake CLI package (provides the HandBrakeCLI command):
sudo apt install handbrake-cliVerify HandBrake APT Installation
Next, confirm the installation by checking the package status and repository origin:
apt-cache policy handbrakeUbuntu 22.04 LTS example output:
handbrake:
Installed: 1.5.1+ds1-1build1
Candidate: 1.5.1+ds1-1build1
Version table:
*** 1.5.1+ds1-1build1 500
500 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy/universe amd64 Packages
100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS example output:
handbrake:
Installed: 1.7.2+ds1-1build2
Candidate: 1.7.2+ds1-1build2
Version table:
*** 1.7.2+ds1-1build2 500
500 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu noble/universe amd64 Packages
100 /var/lib/dpkg/status
Finally, the output confirms the installed version and shows it originates from Ubuntu’s Universe repository. Note that version numbers vary between Ubuntu releases, so do not be surprised if your output differs.
Launch HandBrake via CLI or GUI
Once you have finished installing HandBrake using either the Flatpak or APT method, you can launch the application from the terminal or your desktop environment’s application menu.
Launching HandBrake from the Terminal
Notably, the terminal launch command varies depending on your installation method.
For Flatpak installations:
flatpak run fr.handbrake.ghbFor APT installations:
handbrakeSpecifically, the APT package provides a handbrake command that is a symbolic link to the ghb (GTK HandBrake) binary.
Launching HandBrake from the Desktop Environment
Typically, HandBrake appears in your application menu after installation. To launch it, follow these steps:
- Activities: First, locate and click on the Activities button, usually located at the top left corner of your desktop. This will display all running applications and provide access to the application launcher.
- Show Applications: Next, find and click on the ‘Show Applications’ button, often symbolized by a grid of dots. This will reveal a list of all the installed applications on your Ubuntu system.
- HandBrake: Finally, scroll through your applications or use the search bar to locate HandBrake. Click on the HandBrake icon to launch the application.
Managing HandBrake
Update HandBrake
Frequently, HandBrake receives regular updates that provide new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. However, the update method depends on your installation type.
Flatpak Update Method for HandBrake Installations
To start, update HandBrake and all other Flatpak applications with a single command:
sudo flatpak update --systemAlternatively, to update only HandBrake:
sudo flatpak update --system fr.handbrake.ghbAPT Update Method for HandBrake Installations
Conversely, to update only HandBrake without upgrading other system packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade handbrakeAlternatively, you can run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to update all system packages, which includes HandBrake alongside other updates.
Uninstall HandBrake
Eventually, if you no longer need HandBrake, you can completely remove it from your system. As with the installation, the removal procedure depends on your installation method.
Flatpak Removal Method for HandBrake Installations
To begin, remove the HandBrake Flatpak application:
sudo flatpak uninstall --system --delete-data fr.handbrake.ghb -ySpecifically, the --delete-data flag removes application data stored in the system-wide Flatpak data directory. Also, to remove unused Flatpak runtimes and dependencies:
sudo flatpak uninstall --system --unused -yRemove user-specific HandBrake data:
Importantly, HandBrake stores user-specific settings, presets, and queue data in
~/.var/app/fr.handbrake.ghb/. Unfortunately, the commands above do not remove this directory. Therefore, if you want to completely remove all HandBrake data including your custom presets and settings, manually delete this directory. This action is permanent and cannot be undone.
rm -rf ~/.var/app/fr.handbrake.ghb/APT Removal Method for HandBrake Installations
First, remove the HandBrake package and its configuration files:
sudo apt remove --purge handbrake handbrake-cliIn this instance, the --purge flag removes configuration files in addition to the package. Next, remove orphaned dependencies that were installed with HandBrake:
sudo apt autoremoveEssentially, this removes packages that were automatically installed as dependencies and are no longer needed by any installed application.
Remove user-specific HandBrake data:
Similarly, HandBrake stores user-specific settings and presets in
~/.config/ghb/. However, the commands above do not remove this directory. Thus, if you want to completely remove all HandBrake settings and custom presets, manually delete this directory. This action is permanent and cannot be undone.
rm -rf ~/.config/ghb/Troubleshooting Common Issues
HandBrake Does Not Appear in Application Menu After Flatpak Installation
Occasionally, if HandBrake does not appear in your desktop environment’s application menu after installing via Flatpak, log out and log back in (or restart your system). Normally, Flatpak applications register desktop entries during installation, but some desktop environments require a session restart to refresh the application menu.
APT Cannot Find the HandBrake Package
For example, if you see an error like Unable to locate package handbrake, your system may not have the Ubuntu Universe repository enabled (this is more common on minimal installs). To fix this, enable Universe, refresh the package index, and try the install again.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install software-properties-common -y
sudo add-apt-repository universe -y
sudo apt updateMissing Codecs or Features in APT-Installed Version
Similarly, if you encounter missing codec support, limited format options, or disabled features when using the APT-installed version, this is expected behavior. As mentioned previously, the HandBrake Team’s official documentation warns that Ubuntu Universe packages may have features removed for licensing or other reasons. Therefore, to access the upstream release, uninstall the APT version and switch to the Flatpak installation method.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you now have HandBrake installed on Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 LTS, ready for video transcoding tasks. Remember, the Flatpak method provides the official release and updates directly from the HandBrake Team, while the APT method offers distribution-packaged builds integrated with Ubuntu’s package management. Ultimately, choose the installation method that best fits your workflow, verify the installation with the provided commands, and keep HandBrake updated using the appropriate update method for your installation type. Finally, for playback of your transcoded videos, consider installing VLC Media Player on Ubuntu to test output compatibility across formats.
