Slack is a popular communication platform designed for teams to collaborate efficiently, offering features like messaging, file sharing, and integrations with numerous third-party tools. It’s widely used in both professional and educational environments for streamlined communication and project management. Installing Slack on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 ensures that you can stay connected with your team using a reliable and feature-rich interface.
There are three main methods to install Slack on Ubuntu via the command-line: using the .deb package directly from Slack’s official website, installing via Flatpak with Flathub, or using Snap via Snapcraft. Each method has its advantages, depending on your preference for ease of use, sandboxing, or update management. This guide will walk you through all three methods, allowing you to choose the best option for your setup.
Method 1: Install Slack on Ubuntu via .deb
Update Ubuntu Before Slack Installation
Keeping your system up-to-date is crucial to ensure a smooth installation process and maintain good practice. This helps avoid potential issues during the installation process. Open your terminal and execute the following command to update your Ubuntu system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command updates the package list and upgrades installed packages to their latest versions.
Download the Slack .deb Package
After updating your system, proceed to download the Slack .deb package. First, visit the Slack downloads page and locate the most recent download link for the Debian package.
Once you’ve obtained the link, return to your terminal and use the wget command to download the package. Replace the example URL with the one you acquired from the Slack downloads page:
wget https://downloads.slack-edge.com/releases/linux/4.31.155/prod/x64/slack-desktop-4.31.155-amd64.debIn this example, we’re using Slack version 4.31.155. Ensure to replace the version number with the one corresponding to the package you’ve downloaded.
Install Slack via APT Command
With the Slack .deb package downloaded, you can now install it using the apt command. Execute the following command to install Slack on your system:
sudo apt install ./slack-desktop-4.31.155-amd64.deb Note: Remember to replace slack-desktop-4.31.155-amd64.deb with the filename of the package you’ve downloaded. This command installs Slack and any required dependencies automatically, making the process seamless and efficient.
Method 2: Install Slack via Flatpak and Flathub
This second method explores an alternative way to install Slack using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a universal package management system, similar to Snap, that allows you to install and manage applications in a secure and isolated environment. It offers benefits such as easy updates, sandboxing, and cross-distribution compatibility.
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 Slack
Before installing Slack 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 Slack.
Install Slack via Flatpak Command
With Flathub enabled, you can now install Slack using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub com.slack.Slack -yThis command installs Slack from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest application version.
Method 3: Install Slack via Snapcraft
We’ll install Slack through the Snapcraft package manager using this third method. Snapcraft, a universal package manager, emphasizes simplicity, security, and compatibility with various Linux distributions. Ubuntu systems already have Snapcraft, so installing applications like Slack is convenient.
Install Snap Core
The first step is to install the Snap Core on your system. Snap Core is a fundamental component that provides the runtime environment for snaps. To install Snap Core, execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo snap install coreThis command installs the Snap Core, ensuring your system is ready to manage Snap packages.
Install Slack via Snap Command
With Snap Core, you can install Slack using the Snapcraft package manager. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo snap install slack --classicLaunching Slack via CLI Commands or GUI Path
CLI Methods to Launch Slack
If you installed Slack using the .deb package, you can launch the application by typing slack in the terminal:
slackFor users who installed Slack via Flatpak, you will need to use the following command in a terminal window to launch the application:
flatpak run com.slack.SlackIf you installed Slack using Snapcraft, you can launch the application with the following command:
snap run slackGUI Method to Launch Slack
While the terminal commands are helpful, most users prefer a more practical approach to launching applications. To open Slack through your desktop environment, follow these steps:
- Click on Activities in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select Show Applications (usually represented by a grid of dots).
- Search for Slack in the application list or use the search bar.
- Click on the Slack icon to launch the application.
Additional Slack Commands
Update Slack
Keeping your Slack application up-to-date is essential for security and access to new features. The updating process varies depending on the installation method you used.
APT Installations: Method to Update Slack
For those who installed Slack using the APT method, you’ll need to re-download the latest Slack .deb file from the official website and reinstall it to update the binary. Follow the installation steps outlined in the APT method section to do this.
Flatpak Installations: Method to Update Slack
If you installed Slack using Flatpak, you can update it using the following command:
flatpak updateSnap Installations: Method to Update Slack
For users who installed Slack using Snap, you can update it with the following command:
sudo snap updateRemove Slack
If you no longer need Slack on your system, follow the steps below to uninstall it according to your installation method.
APT Installations: Method to Remove Slack
For users who installed Slack using the APT method, you can remove it with the following command:
sudo apt remove slackFlatpak Installations: Method to Remove Slack
To remove Slack installed via Flatpak, use the following command:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data flathub com.slack.SlackSnap Installations: Method to Remove Slack
For those who installed Slack using Snap, you can uninstall it with this command:
sudo snap remove slackClosing Thoughts
By installing Slack on your Ubuntu system using one of these methods, you can ensure seamless communication and collaboration with your team. Whether you prefer the straightforward installation of the .deb package, the sandboxed environment provided by Flatpak, or the convenience of Snap, each method allows you to access the full suite of Slack’s features. Keeping your Slack installation up-to-date is simple with these methods, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and improvements. Choose the method that best fits your needs and enjoy effective teamwork with Slack on Ubuntu.