08.04.2025

How to Install Telegram Desktop on Linux in 2025 (with Step-by-Step Instructions)

How to Install Telegram on Linux in 2025 (with Step-by-Step Instructions)

Telegram is a fast, secure, and feature-rich messaging platform used by millions worldwide. Installing Telegram on Linux is straightforward, and this guide walks you through the updated process for various distributions.

Telegram supports messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, group chats, and broadcasting channels. It’s a privacy-focused app with cross-platform support, available on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Let's get started!

Before We Begin

Make sure:

You’re connected to the internet
You have administrator (sudo) privileges
Your system is up to date

Installing Telegram on Ubuntu and Debian-based Systems

Open your terminal and run the following commands:

1. Update your package list:

sudo apt update

This ensures you get the latest available version of the Telegram package and its dependencies.

2. Install Telegram:

sudo apt install telegram-desktop

This installs the desktop client. Once complete, you can launch Telegram from the app menu or by typing telegram in the terminal.

Installing Telegram on Fedora, CentOS, and other DNF-based Systems

For Fedora, RHEL 8+, CentOS Stream, etc., use these steps:

1. Update package metadata:

sudo dnf update

2. Install Telegram:

sudo dnf install telegram-desktop

After installation, Telegram will appear in your application launcher. You can also start it with the command:

telegram-desktop

What You Can Do With Telegram on Linux

Send and receive messages, images, videos, and documents
Make voice and video calls
Join and create groups (interactive chatrooms)
Subscribe to channels (broadcast-style feeds)
Sync messages across devices
Use secret chats with end-to-end encryption
Set self-destructing messages for added privacy

Telegram’s design is lightweight and works well even on older Linux machines.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Telegram available as a Snap or Flatpak?
A: Yes. You can install Telegram via Snap or Flatpak if you prefer containerized apps:

# Snap (Ubuntu, Debian)
sudo snap install telegram-desktop

# Flatpak (Fedora, Arch, etc.)
flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop

Q: How do I update Telegram on Linux?
A: If installed via APT or DNF, just run your system's regular update commands. For Snap or Flatpak, use:

sudo snap refresh telegram-desktop
# or
flatpak update org.telegram.desktop

Q: Can I use Telegram CLI instead of the desktop app?
A: Yes, there’s a lightweight CLI tool called tg. It’s maintained by the community and useful for servers or minimal environments.
Q: Is Telegram open source?
A: Telegram’s client is open source, but the server-side code is proprietary.
Q: What if telegram-desktop isn't found in my package manager?
A: Ensure your repositories are enabled and up to date. Alternatively, download the binary from the official Telegram website.

Conclusion

Telegram on Linux is quick to install, easy to use, and brings full-feature messaging to your open-source environment. Whether you're part of a community group, coordinating team tasks, or just staying in touch, Telegram makes it simple and secure.

By following the steps in this guide, you'll have Telegram installed and running in minutes — no matter your Linux distribution.