How to Install Remmina Remote Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04

Remmina Remote Desktop Client is a powerful tool designed for system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs to access computers with ease remotely. Its lightweight framework and user-friendly interface make it ideal for managing remote connections.

Here are some of the key features that set Remmina apart:

• Multi-Protocol Support: Remmina supports RDP, VNC, NX, XDMCP, SPICE, and SSH, providing flexibility to connect to almost any server.
• Secure Connection: Integrates with SSH for secure remote access, ensuring your data and sessions are encrypted and protected.
• High-Quality Display: This product offers high-quality display support, including scaling and multiple monitor setups, for a seamless remote desktop experience.
• Easy Configuration: Features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to configure and save multiple connection profiles.
• Plugins: Remmina can be extended through plugins, which add new protocols and features and tailor the software to your needs.
• Portability: Available on multiple Linux distributions, it can be used on your system without complex setup procedures.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Enhances productivity with customizable keyboard shortcuts for quick access to frequently used functions.
• International Support: Offers multi-language support, making it accessible to a global user base.

As we dive into the technical aspects of installing Remmina on your Ubuntu system, remember that this guide aims to make the process straightforward and efficient. Now, let’s get started with the installation process.

Method 1: Install Remmina via APT

Update Ubuntu Before Remmina Installation

Ensuring your Ubuntu system is up-to-date before diving into the installation process is essential. This prevents potential conflicts during the installation and is a good practice. To update your system, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Select Installation Option

Option 1: Install Remmina with Ubuntu Repository

Install Remmina first through the default Ubuntu APT repository, which offers a stable and secure version. Although this repository might not always feature the most recent version, like its Flatpak alternative, it is recommended for most users due to its stability and security.

To install Remmina using the Ubuntu repository, execute the following command:

sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret

You can also install the Remmina development package. This package is not necessary for most users, but it is available if needed:

sudo apt install remmina-dev

Those who prefer a more up-to-date version of Remmina should consider using the Remmina PPA described in the next option.

Option 2: Install Remmina via Remmina PPA

Another popular choice for installing Remmina is using the LaunchPad PPAs provided by the “Remmina PPA Team.” This option allows Ubuntu users to install the latest version of Remmina. You must import one of the two options below. Ideally, most users should use the first option, Remmina Next PPA, while those who prefer bleeding-edge software can opt for the daily development build.

Note: You can only install one Remmina Remote Desktop PPA version at a time. If you import both PPAs, the daily build will be installed as the default version.

Import Remmina PPA Next (Recommended)

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next -y

Import Remmina PPA Daily Build

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next-daily -y

Next, update the APT package list to reflect the newly imported PPA:

sudo apt update

Now, install Remmina and its associated plugins with the following command:

sudo apt install remmina remmina-plugin-rdp remmina-plugin-secret

As with the Ubuntu repository method, you can also install the Remmina development package if desired:

sudo apt install remmina-dev

Method 2: Install Remmina via Flatpak and Flathub

Flatpak is an innovative package management system that provides a secure, sandboxed application environment. It enables you to install and operate applications in isolation from other apps and system libraries. In this section, we’ll walk you through installing Remmina with the help of Flatpak and the Flathub repository.

Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to the guide “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu using the Flatpak Team Official LaunchPAD PPA” for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Verify Flathub is Enabled to Install Remmina

Before installing Remmina via Flatpak, you must incorporate the Flathub repository containing the Remmina package. To do so, open the terminal and input the following command:

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

Install Remmina via Flatpak Command

After integrating the Flathub repository into your system, install Remmina by executing the following command in the terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.remmina.Remmina -y

Upon installation, your Ubuntu system will feature Remmina within the secure Flatpak sandboxed environment. This setup ensures Remmina operates safely and independently from other applications and system libraries, providing a reliable remote desktop experience.

Method 3: Install Remmina via Snapcraft

The last method to install Remmina on Ubuntu will be to use Snapcraft. For newer Ubuntu users who may not know, Snap is an effective solution for deploying and managing software on Ubuntu.

Ensure Snap is Installed on Your Ubuntu System

If you don’t already have Snap installed on your Ubuntu system, quickly add it using the command provided below:

sudo apt install snapd -y

Install the Core Snap

Before installing Remmina, it’s crucial to install the ‘core’ snap to ensure a smooth operation of all Snap applications. Achieve this with the command:

sudo snap install core

Install Remmina via Snap Command

You’re now ready to install Remmina on your system. Execute the command below to start the installation process:

sudo snap install remmina

Upon installation through Snap, Remmina becomes available on your Ubuntu system within a secure, isolated environment. This setup ensures that Remmina functions safely and independently from other applications and system libraries, delivering a reliable remote desktop experience.

Launch Remmina Remote Desktop Client

Once you have installed Remmina on your system, launch the application using either the Command Line Interface (CLI) or the Graphical User Interface (GUI), depending on your preference. This section covers both CLI and GUI methods to start Remmina.

CLI Methods to Launch Remmina

First, you can launch the application immediately by typing the following command in your terminal.

remmina

For those who installed Remmina using Flatpak, you can launch the application by running the following command in the terminal:

flatpak run org.remmina.Remmina

Lastly, to launch Remmina via Snap command, run the following command:

snap run remmina

GUI Method to Launch Remmina

While using the terminal to launch Remmina is an option, most users prefer to start the application using the desktop environment. To open Remmina through the GUI, follow the path below:

Activities > Show Applications > Remmina

Additional Commands for Remmina

Update Remmina

Remmina updates usually appear in notifications, but sometimes they might not. If this happens, manually check for updates through the terminal. Based on your installation method, use the appropriate command to check for updates.

APT Update Command for Remmina:

sudo apt update

Flatpak Update Command for Remmina:

flatpak update

Snap Update Command for Remmina:

snap refresh

Remove Remmina

If you no longer require Remmina, you can remove it from your system using the appropriate command based on your installation method:

APT Remove Command for Remmina:

sudo apt remove remmina

Additionally, if you imported the PPA of Remmina and plan not to install Remmina again or at least from the PPA you imported, remove the imported PPA with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next -y

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:remmina-ppa-team/remmina-next-daily -y

Flatpak Remove Command for Remmina:

flatpak remove  --delete-data org.remmina.Remmina -y

Snap Remove Command for Remmina:

sudo snap remove remmina

Conclusion

In wrapping up this guide, we’ve walked through the steps to install Remmina on Ubuntu versions 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS, showcasing this remote desktop client’s flexibility and robust features. We’ve also shared some essential first-time tips to kickstart your journey with Remmina, covering everything from optimizing connection settings to customizing the interface to fit your workflow. Remember, the key to making the most of Remmina lies in exploring its features, experimenting with settings, and integrating it into your daily routines.

Useful Links

Here are some valuable links related to using Remmina on an Ubuntu system:

• Remmina Official Website: Visit the official Remmina website for information about the remote desktop client, its features, and download options.
• Remmina Features: Explore the various features of Remmina to understand its capabilities and tools.
• Remmina GitLab Repository: Access the Remmina GitLab repository to view the source code, report issues, and contribute to the development.
• Remmina User’s Guide: Consult the Remmina User’s Guide for detailed instructions on how to install, configure, and use Remmina.