Installing Opera Browser on Fedora gives you a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream browsers with a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and integrated social media sidebars. Whether you want a daily driver with fewer extensions to manage or a testing environment with beta and developer builds, Opera provides options for both workflows. By the end of this guide, you will have Opera installed on Fedora with automatic updates configured, ready for secure browsing.
This guide covers two installation methods: Opera’s official RPM repository (stable, beta, and developer builds with direct updates from Opera) and Flatpak from Flathub (sandboxed stable build only). The comparison table below helps you choose the right method for your needs.
Choose Your Opera Installation Method
Opera can be installed through two channels on Fedora, each with distinct trade-offs for updates, isolation, and available builds.
| Method | Channel | Builds Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opera RPM Repository | Official upstream | Stable, Beta, Developer | Users who want all build options and direct Opera updates |
| Flatpak (Flathub) | Flathub | Stable only | Users who prefer sandboxed apps with automatic updates |
The RPM repository method suits most users who want flexibility between stable and pre-release builds. Choose Flatpak if you prefer application sandboxing or already manage other apps through Flathub.
Method 1: Install Opera Browser via DNF Commands
Update Fedora Before Opera Installation
To start, update your Fedora system. This step ensures that all existing packages are current, reducing the risk of system conflicts. If package downloads feel slow, consider optimizing DNF speed on Fedora. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshImport Opera Browser RPM Repository
Opera Browser is not available in Fedora’s default repositories. To install it, you must first add Opera’s official repository to your system. Begin by importing the Opera Browser GPG key:
sudo rpm --import https://rpm.opera.com/rpmrepo.keyThen, execute this command to add the Opera RPM repository to your system:
sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/opera.repo <<RPMREPO
[opera]
name=Opera packages
type=rpm-md
baseurl=https://rpm.opera.com/rpm
gpgcheck=1
gpgkey=https://rpm.opera.com/rpmrepo.key
enabled=1
RPMREPOInstall Opera Browser via DNF Commands
Now, proceed with installing the Opera Browser. It is advisable to begin with the stable build for a reliable experience. Use this command:
sudo dnf install opera-stable -yAfter installation, verify the installed version of Opera Browser:
opera --versionOpera 116.0.5366.0
Install Opera Browser Beta or Developer Build
Opera offers beta and developer builds for users who prefer early access to new features. Note that you can install the beta or developer build alongside the stable version. Each of these builds has a unique installation ID.
To install the version of your choice, use one of the following commands:
For the beta build:
sudo dnf install opera-betaopera-beta --versionOpera beta 117.0.5408.0
For the developer build:
sudo dnf install opera-developeropera-developer --versionOpera developer 118.0.5461.0
Note: Installing beta and developer builds simultaneously is impossible due to their shared installation build ID, which differs from the stable build’s unique ID. Choose the build that best suits your needs for testing and exploring upcoming features.
Method 2: Install Opera Browser via Flatpak with Flathub
Before delving into the installation steps, it’s important to note that using Flatpak with Flathub only allows for installing the stable build of the Opera Browser. If you require the beta or developer builds, refer to the previously discussed method involving Opera’s RPM repository. For users who prefer Mozilla’s browser instead, see our guide on installing Firefox Nightly on Fedora.
Install Flatpak
First, check if Flatpak is installed on your Fedora system. Flatpak is a default package manager in Fedora, typically pre-installed. If you’ve removed it or need to confirm its presence, reinstall it with this command:
sudo dnf install flatpak -yThis command reinstalls Flatpak, ensuring it’s available for Opera Browser installation. The -y flag automatically approves the installation, streamlining the process.
Enable Flathub Repository
With Flatpak installed, the next step is to add Flathub, a key repository for Flatpak applications. Flathub provides access to various applications, including the Opera Browser. Use this command to integrate Flathub into your system:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall Opera Browser via Flatpak
Now, proceed to install Opera Browser. Utilizing Flatpak for the installation ensures you get the latest stable version of the browser. Run this command:
flatpak install flathub com.opera.OperaThis command retrieves and installs Opera Browser system-wide from Flathub. After installation, you may need to log out and back in for the Opera desktop entry to appear in your applications menu.
Fix Disabled Flathub Remote Error
If the Flatpak installation fails, a common cause is a disabled Flathub remote. This typically occurs on systems where Flathub was previously removed or disabled through GNOME Software settings. You may see this error:
error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can't fetch summary from disabled remote 'flathub'.
To diagnose, check whether Flathub is enabled:
flatpak remotesflathub system disabled
If Flathub shows as disabled, re-enable it:
flatpak remote-modify --enable flathubThen retry the installation command. Verify Opera installed correctly by listing Flatpak apps:
flatpak list | grep -i operaOpera com.opera.Opera 116.0.5366.0 stable flathub
Launching Opera Browser
Launch Opera from Terminal
After successfully installing Opera Browser, you can initiate it through the command line interface (CLI). Depending on the version installed, use one of the following commands:
opera
opera-beta
opera-developerThese commands allow you to quickly start the corresponding version of Opera Browser directly from the terminal.
If you installed Opera Browser using Flatpak, launch it with this command:
flatpak run com.opera.OperaThis command activates the Flatpak-installed Opera Browser, catering to users who prefer the Flatpak installation method.
Launch Opera from Applications Menu
For users who primarily interact with Fedora Linux through its graphical interface, Opera Browser can be accessed without using the terminal. Follow this path:
- Navigate to Activities
- Select Show Applications
- Click on Opera Browser {version}
Managing Opera Browser on Fedora
Update Opera Browser
Update Opera with DNF
To keep Opera Browser up-to-date on Fedora Linux, utilize the DNF package manager. This method refreshes your entire system, including Opera Browser, if installed via DNF. Execute the following command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshThis command checks for updates across all repositories, including Opera, ensuring your browser stays current with the latest features and security updates.
Update Opera with Flatpak
If you installed Opera Browser via Flatpak, use this command to check for updates:
flatpak updateThis command updates all packages managed by Flatpak, including Opera Browser, ensuring you have the latest version available.
Remove (Uninstall) Opera Browser
Remove Opera with DNF
To uninstall Opera Browser installed through DNF, use the appropriate command based on the version you have:
sudo dnf remove opera-stablesudo dnf remove opera-betasudo dnf remove opera-developerIf you’re not planning to reinstall Opera via its RPM repository, it’s recommended to remove the repository as well:
sudo dnf config-manager setopt opera.enabled=0This command disables the Opera repository without removing the configuration file, allowing you to re-enable it later if needed.
Remove Opera with Flatpak
The removal process is straightforward for users who installed Opera Browser using Flatpak. Run this command:
flatpak uninstall com.opera.OperaThis command uninstalls Opera Browser from Flatpak. To remove Flatpak-specific user data as well:
rm -rf ~/.var/app/com.opera.OperaRemove Opera User Data (Optional)
The following commands permanently delete Opera’s bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and settings. Export any data you want to keep before proceeding.
To completely remove Opera’s configuration and cache directories for a clean slate:
rm -rf ~/.config/opera
rm -rf ~/.cache/operaFor beta or developer builds, the directories use the corresponding suffix:
rm -rf ~/.config/opera-beta ~/.cache/opera-beta
rm -rf ~/.config/opera-developer ~/.cache/opera-developerFix Opera Language Switching Issues
You can skip this section if you’re using Opera Browser in English. It addresses issues encountered when using Opera with multiple languages on Linux, where default settings may not function correctly.
Setting the Language in Opera
Users who prefer a language other than English might encounter issues with language switching in Opera on Fedora Linux. To resolve this, set your preferred language in the browser and modify the application’s launch command. Note that merely changing the browser’s language settings may not be sufficient; modifying the launch file is often necessary.
Modifying the Launch Command for Language Support
To adjust Opera’s language settings, modify the browser’s launch command. This involves editing the application file located at /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop. Use the following command as a template, replacing {LANGUAGE CODE} with your desired language code (e.g., de for German, es for Spanish, ja for Japanese):
sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang={LANGUAGE CODE} %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktopThis command alters the Opera stable version’s launch command to include the specified language code. For users of Opera Beta or Developer versions, adjust the path in the command to /usr/share/applications/opera-beta.desktop or /usr/share/applications/opera-developer.desktop, respectively.
Installing Language Packs
If switching languages proves challenging, especially for users who installed the English version, installing the necessary language packs might be required. Install your desired language pack using the following command:
sudo dnf install langpacks-<locale_code>A comprehensive list of language packs is available on the Fedora Wiki page under “I18N/Language Support Using Dnf.”
Common Language Codes for Opera
The table below lists common language codes you can substitute into the command above. For beta or developer builds, change the desktop file path accordingly.
| Language | Code | Example Command |
|---|---|---|
| German | de | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=de %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| French | fr | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=fr %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Spanish | es | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=es %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Italian | it | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=it %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Portuguese | pt | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=pt %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Polish | pl | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=pl %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Japanese | ja | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=ja %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
| Korean | ko | sudo sed -i 's/Exec=opera %U/Exec=opera --lang=ko %U/g' /usr/share/applications/opera.desktop |
Conclusion
You now have Opera Browser installed on Fedora using either the official RPM repository (with access to stable, beta, and developer builds) or Flatpak for a sandboxed environment. The repository method keeps you current through standard DNF updates, while Flatpak handles updates independently. If you encounter language issues, the desktop file modification covered above provides a reliable fix. For users exploring other browsers on Fedora, consider installing Chromium for an open-source alternative or Google Chrome for full Google service integration.
Useful Links
Here are some valuable links related to using Opera:
- Opera Official Website: Visit the official Opera website for information about the browser, its features, and download options.
- Opera Browser Window Help: Explore detailed guides on navigating and using the browser window in Opera.
- Opera Customization Help: Learn how to customize Opera to suit your preferences with this comprehensive guide.
- Opera FAQ: Find answers to frequently asked questions about using Opera.