How to Install Signal Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04

Install Signal Desktop via APT

You can install Signal Desktop on Ubuntu using the APT package manager, which is a common way to add software to your system. This method involves updating your software lists and then adding the Signal app through its own software source. It’s a good option if you prefer managing your applications using the terminal.

To do that, first, install some prerequisites by running the command below.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl

Next, run the command below to import the Signal Desktop GPG key for its repository.

curl -fSsL https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg

Once the GPG key is imported, run the command below to add the Signal Desktop repository to Ubuntu.

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.list

After that, update the Ubuntu packages index and install Signal.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install signal-desktop

Once installed, you can launch the app using the command below.

signal-desktop

You can also launch Signal directly from your desktop environment by using the steps below:

• Open Activities.
• Click on Show Applications.
• Search for Signal and launch the app.

Install Signal Desktop via Snap

Installing Signal Desktop on Ubuntu using Snap is a very simple process if you’re familiar with Snap packages. You’ll first make sure the Snap package manager is installed on your system, and then you can install Signal directly from the Snap store with just one command. This is a quick way to get the app running.

To do that, install the Snap package manager if it’s not already installed.

sudo apt install snapd

Next, install core Snap by running the command below.

sudo snap install core

After that, run the command below to install the Snap Desktop app.

sudo snap install signal-desktop

To run the app after installing, run the command below.

snap run signal-desktop

To uninstall, run the command below.

sudo snap remove signal-desktop

Install Signal Desktop via Flatpak

You can install Signal Desktop on Ubuntu using Flatpak, which is a modern way to package and install apps. Flatpak keeps applications separate from your main system for better security and easier updates. To use it, you first need to install the Flatpak tool itself before you can add Signal.

You must install the Flatpak package manager and then install the Signal app.

First, update and install Flatpak.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt install flatpak

Next, add the Flatpak repository to Ubuntu.

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

Finally, install Signal Desktop.

flatpak install flathub org.signal.Signal

Once installed, you can launch it using the command below or open the app in the desktop apps center.

flatpak run org.signal.Signal

Uninstall the app using the command below.

flatpak uninstall org.signal.Signal

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, installing Signal Desktop on Ubuntu 24.04 is straightforward, with multiple methods available to suit your preferences. Here are the key takeaways:

• Multiple Installation Methods: You can install Signal Desktop using APT, Snap, or Flatpak, depending on your comfort level and system configuration.
• Secure Communication: Signal Desktop ensures your messages remain private with strong encryption and privacy-focused features.
• Easy to Launch: After installation, launching Signal is simple, whether from the command line or your desktop environment.
• Uninstallation Simplicity: If you need to remove Signal Desktop, each installation method provides a straightforward command for uninstallation.
• Up-to-date Features: Using these package managers lets you easily keep Signal Desktop updated to the latest version for enhanced security and features.

Now, you can enjoy secure messaging on your Ubuntu system!