How to Install Zoom on Ubuntu Linux

Zoom runs natively on Ubuntu as a desktop client for video meetings, webinars, and team collaboration without requiring special dependencies or workarounds. Whether joining team calls, hosting presentations, or connecting with colleagues across time zones, the app syncs seamlessly with your Ubuntu desktop and integrates with system audio and video devices automatically.

On Ubuntu, three installation methods are available: manual .deb packages through APT (Ubuntu’s package manager), Snap packages from the Snap Store, and Flatpak packages from Flathub. Additionally, each has distinct trade-offs in update speed, system integration, and isolation. This guide walks through all three so you can install Zoom using the method that matches your preferences, then shows you how to launch, update, and remove the client regardless of which installation path you choose.

Choose Your Zoom Installation Method

Zoom offers three installation paths on Ubuntu, each with different trade-offs for update frequency, system integration, and resource usage. Review the comparison below so you choose the right method before proceeding with installation, and then follow the matching steps in the sections that follow.

Method	Update Mechanism	Stability	Best For
.deb Package (Manual)	Manual downloads from Zoom’s website	Direct control, tested releases	Users who prefer manual updates and minimal disk usage
Snap (Automatic)	Automatic background updates via Snap Store	Unofficial repack; may lag behind Zoom releases	Users who want zero-maintenance automatic updates
Flatpak (Isolated)	Automatic updates via Flathub	Sandboxed environment, strong isolation	Users prioritizing application isolation and security sandboxing

The .deb method gives you manual control and works system-wide with smaller disk usage. Snap provides hands-off automatic updates but uses an unofficial repack that can lag behind Zoom’s own releases. Flatpak runs Zoom in a secure sandbox, isolating it from system files, but uses more disk space. Choose based on whether you prefer automation, control, or security isolation.

Method 1: Install Zoom via .deb Package

Update Ubuntu Before Installation

Update your system first to prevent package conflicts and ensure all dependencies are current. Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The system updates your package list and installs any pending updates. You may be prompted for your password. After completion, proceed to download Zoom.

Download the Zoom .deb Package

Zoom is not available in Ubuntu’s default repositories, so you download the .deb package directly from Zoom’s servers. This gives you the latest version with manual control over updates. When you are ready, run:

Zoom only publishes a 64-bit .deb package. On ARM or 32-bit systems, use the Snap or Flatpak builds or the web client instead.

wget -O zoom_amd64.deb https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.deb

The download completes to your home directory as zoom_amd64.deb.

Install Zoom via APT

With the .deb file downloaded, install it using APT so dependencies resolve automatically:

sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.deb

After installation completes, Zoom is ready to launch. Verify the installation with:

zoom --version

If you see dependency errors, fix them and reinstall the package:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.deb

Method 2: Install Zoom via Snap

Snap delivers automatic background updates without user intervention, making it ideal for hands-off management. Snap is pre-installed on most Ubuntu systems; however, if it is missing, install it with:

Additionally, the Snap is a community repack (publisher: ogra) rather than an official Zoom build. If you prefer vendor-provided packages, choose the .deb or Flatpak methods instead.

sudo apt install snapd

Now install Zoom from the Snap Store (this is an unofficial repack of Zoom’s .deb):

sudo snap install zoom-client

Method 3: Install Zoom via Flatpak

Flatpak runs Zoom in a sandboxed environment, isolating it from your system files for enhanced security. Because of that isolation, this method is ideal for security-focused users or those running multiple containerized applications.

Prerequisite: If Flatpak isn’t installed, refer to our installing Flatpak guide first.

Install Flatpak on Ubuntu with:

sudo apt install flatpak gnome-software-plugin-flatpak

Add the Flathub Repository

Flathub is the repository hosting Flatpak applications. Add it to your system (only needed once per machine) with:

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

This adds Flathub to your Flatpak system. Afterward, install Zoom system-wide:

sudo flatpak install --system flathub us.zoom.Zoom -y

The installation completes, and Zoom is now running in a sandboxed Flatpak environment.

Launch Zoom

Launch Zoom from the terminal using the command that matches your installation method:

.deb package:

zoom

Snap:

snap run zoom-client

Flatpak:

flatpak run us.zoom.Zoom

Alternatively, click Activities (top-left), search for “Zoom,” and click the result to launch from the desktop. The first launch prompts you to sign in or join a meeting; enter your account details or meeting ID to continue.

Update and Remove Zoom

Update Zoom

For ongoing maintenance, update Zoom using the method that matches your installation:

.deb package (manual): Download the latest version and reinstall:

wget -O zoom_amd64.deb https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.deb

sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.deb

Snap (automatic): Snap updates Zoom automatically in the background, but you can manually refresh:

sudo snap refresh zoom-client

Flatpak (automatic): Flatpak updates Zoom automatically, but you can manually check for updates:

flatpak update

Remove Zoom

When you need to remove Zoom, use the command that matches your installation method:

.deb package:

sudo apt remove zoom

Snap:

sudo snap remove zoom-client

Flatpak:

flatpak uninstall us.zoom.Zoom

Conclusion

Overall, Zoom is now installed and ready to use on your Ubuntu system. Whether you chose the .deb package for manual control, Snap for automatic updates, or Flatpak for security sandboxing, each method provides access to the latest Zoom features. You can switch installation methods anytime by removing one approach and installing another, giving you flexibility as your preferences change. Keep Zoom updated regularly through your chosen method to maintain security and access to the newest features.