Telegram is a widely used messaging application known for its speed, security, and rich feature set. It supports text messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, and group chats, making it a versatile communication tool for personal and professional use. Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats, ensuring your conversations remain private and secure.
Installing Telegram on Linux Mint 22 or 21 can be done using multiple methods, including the command-line terminal. For a straightforward setup, you can install from Linux Mint’s default repository, utilize the Launchpad PPA maintained by the “atareao-team” for the latest build, or opt for the Flatpak method through Flathub for a flexible alternative.
Method 1: Install Telegram via APT
Update Linux Mint Before Installing Telegram
Before you begin, update your system to ensure all packages are up-to-date, avoiding any conflicts during the installation. First, update the package lists for upgrades and new package installations:
sudo apt updateProceed to upgrade any outdated packages using the following command:
sudo apt upgradeChoose Your Installation Method with APT on Linux Mint
Option 1: Install Telegram with APT Default Repository on Linux Mint
The first option is to use the default APT repository. This stable and secure version is most recommended for installation over any other package manager. Still, it can be outdated compared to Flatpak’s alternative, which is usually up-to-date.
First, execute the following apt install command:
sudo apt install telegram-desktopNote: This version is very out-of-date at the time of this writing.
For users who would prefer a much more updated version package, use the APT PPA that is next.
Option 2: Install Telegram with PPA via APT
The following method to install Telegram, but this time an updated version, while still using the APT package manager, is to install Telegram from the PPA maintained by the “atareao-team” team.
To add this PPA to your system, execute the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/telegram -yNote: The Atareao Team’s official LaunchPAD is located at: https://launchpad.net/~atareao.
Before running the installation command, run an “apt update” to reflect the newly imported PPA and rebuild the cache:
sudo apt updateInstall the software using the following command:
sudo apt install telegramMethod 2: Install Telegram via Flatpak and Flathub
The next option is to use the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak comes pre-installed on Linux Mint unless you remove it. It’s another popular option, similar to Snap, and is featured across many distributions as an alternative third-party installation package manager for the latest packages.
Enable Flathub for Telegram
Flathub should be enabled by default, but it’s always handy to run this command quickly to ensure it is:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis command checks if Flathub has already been added as a remote repository. If not, it adds Flathub as a source for Flatpak applications.
Install Telegram with Flatpak on Linux Mint
Now run the installation using the following flatpak command:
flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop -yThis command fetches the Telegram package from Flathub and installs it on your system.
Launching Telegram Desktop Client
Launching Telegram can be done in a few ways now that you have the software installed.
CLI Commands to Launch Telegram
First, you can launch the application immediately by typing the following command in your terminal:
telegram-desktopFor Flatpak users, you can run the application from the terminal using the following command:
flatpak run org.telegram.desktopGUI Method to Launch Telegram
Most desktop users will not always have a terminal open, so use the following path using your taskbar to open the Telegram client:
Taskbar > Internet > Telegram
Additional Commands for Telegram
Update Telegram
Updates should appear in notifications, but it is recommended that you check for updates manually using the terminal if they sometimes fail to show up. Follow the appropriate commands to check for updates depending on your installation method.
APT Update Method for Telegram
For users who installed Telegram with APT, use the standard update and upgrade commands as you did at the start of the tutorial. This will check all installed packages on your system, including Telegram.
sudo apt updateIf updates are available, use the upgrade command:
sudo apt upgradeFlatpak Update Method for Telegram
For Flatpak users, use the following command to check for new updates on installed Flatpak packages:
flatpak updateRemove Telegram
To uninstall Telegram, use the appropriate command depending on your original installation method.
APT Remove Command for Telegram
For APT installations, use the following command:
sudo apt remove telegram-desktopPPA Remove Commands for Telegram
First, remove the Telegram PPA client version using the following command:
sudo apt remove telegramFor users who installed Telegram using the PPA and are not going to utilize this any further, remove the PPA with the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:atareao/telegram -yFlatpak Remove Command for Telegram
If you installed the Flatpak version, use the following command:
flatpak remove --delete-data org.telegram.desktop -yConclusion
Installing Telegram on your Linux Mint system gives you access to a robust messaging platform with advanced security features. Ensure you keep the application updated by regularly checking your chosen installation method. Enjoy the comprehensive communication capabilities Telegram offers, providing a secure messaging experience.