Signal Desktop is a secure messaging application known for its strong encryption and privacy features. It supports text messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing, ensuring that your communications remain private and secure. Signal Desktop synchronizes with the Signal mobile app, allowing you to send and receive messages seamlessly across devices. Its advanced security features include end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and no-logs policy, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users.
To install Signal Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, you have three primary methods: using Signal’s APT repository for the latest build, Flatpak with Flathub, or Snapcraft. This guide will walk you through each installation method.
Method 1: Install Signal Desktop via APT
Update Ubuntu Before Signal Desktop Installation
Before we proceed with the installation process, ensuring your Ubuntu system is up-to-date with all the existing packages is crucial. Updating the system ensures you have the latest security patches and software improvements. To update your Ubuntu system, run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Initial Packages For Signal Desktop
The Signal Messenger installation requires some dependencies. Although your system probably already contains most of these packages, running the following command will ensure their installation:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -yThis command installs the software-properties-common, apt-transport-https, and curl packages, which facilitate the addition of new repositories and ensure secure communication with them.
Import Signal APT Repository
Import the GPG key and the repository to install Signal Messenger via APT. This process ensures that you always have the most up-to-date version of Signal available on your system.
First, import the GPG key using the following command:
curl -fSsL https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpgThis command downloads the GPG key from the Signal website, processes it with the gpg command, and saves it to the /usr/share/keyrings directory.
Next, import the repository with this command:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg] https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt xenial main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-messenger.listNote: The term “Xenial” might appear in the command, but there’s no need for concern. The application receives updates for all Ubuntu versions, including the latest releases.
Refresh APT Package Index After Signal Desktop PPA Import
After importing the Signal repository, update the APT packages index to reflect the newly added repository. Run the following command to do this:
sudo apt updateInstall Signal Desktop via APT Command
Finally, you can install Signal Messenger by running the following command:
sudo apt install signal-desktopThis command downloads and installs the signal-desktop package, making Signal Desktop available on your Ubuntu system.
Method 2: Install Signal Desktop via Flatpak with Flathub
This section will explore an alternative method to install Signal using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a universal package manager similar to Snap, providing an easy and secure way to install applications on Linux systems. It allows you to have the latest version of applications, independent of your distribution’s repositories and offers better sandboxing for enhanced security.
Note: If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.
Enable Flathub For Signal Desktop Installation
Before installing Signal through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including Signal.
Install Signal Desktop via Flatpak Command
With Flathub enabled, you can install Signal using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal -yThis command installs the Signal Desktop from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.
Method 3: Install Signal Desktop via Snapcraft
The third option is to install the Snapcraft package manager on all Ubuntu systems unless you remove it. Snap provides a hassle-free method for software installation and management on Ubuntu systems.
Ensure Snap is Installed on the Ubuntu System
If your system doesn’t have Snap installed, you can add it with the following command:
sudo apt install snapd -yInstall the Core Snap
It’s wise to install the ‘core’ snap before any application, as it helps maintain the stability of all Snap applications. To install it, use the following command:
sudo snap install coreInstall Signal Desktop via Snap Command
Now, you’re ready to install Signal Desktop. Run the command below to start the installation:
sudo snap install signal-desktopLaunch Signal Desktop via CLI Commands or GUI Path
Now that you have successfully installed Signal Messenger, it’s time to launch the application and enjoy its features. There are multiple ways to open Signal, and we will discuss each to accommodate your preferences.
CLI Methods to Launch Signal Desktop
To open Signal using the terminal, execute the following command based on your installation method:
APT Signal Desktop Installations:
signalFlatpak Signal Desktop Installations:
flatpak run org.signal.SignalSnap Signal Desktop Installations:
snap run signal-desktopGUI Method to Launch Signal Desktop
You can launch Signal directly from your desktop environment for a more user-friendly approach. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open Activities.
- Click on Show Applications.
- Locate the Signal icon and click on it to start the application.
Additional Signal Desktop Commands
In this section, we will explore some additional commands to manage Signal Messenger on Ubuntu Linux, including how to update, uninstall, and remove the repository and GPG key.
Update Signal Desktop
To check for updates and ensure that you’re using the latest version of Signal Desktop and other installed packages, run the following command in the terminal:
APT Update Command for Signal Desktop
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFlatpak Update Command for Signal Desktop
flatpak updateSnap Update Command for Signal Desktop
snap refreshRemove Signal Desktop
If you decide to uninstall Signal Desktop from Ubuntu, follow these commands below that match your Signal Desktop installation:
APT Remove Command for Signal Desktop
First, remove Signal Messenger using the following command:
sudo apt remove signal-desktopSecond, remove the Signal repository by executing the following command:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-messenger.listLastly, for better security and system maintenance, remove the GPG key with this command:
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpgFlatpak Remove Command for Signal Desktop
For Flatpak installations, you will need to use a different command to remove Signal from your desktop:
flatpak uninstall org.signal.SignalSnap Remove Command for Signal Desktop
If you installed your installation using Snap, run the following command to remove it:
sudo snap remove signal-desktopClosing Thoughts
With Signal Desktop installed on your Ubuntu system, you can enjoy secure and private communications across your devices. Choose the installation method that best fits your preferences, whether it’s Signal’s APT repository, Flatpak, or Snapcraft. Regularly update Signal Desktop to benefit from the latest security features and improvements. Enjoy peace of mind using one of the most secure messaging applications available.