How to Install Telegram on Linux in 2025 (with Step-by-Step Instructions)
Telegram is a fast, secure, and feature-packed messaging platform trusted by millions around the globe. Installing Telegram on Linux is simple, and this guide will take you step-by-step through the latest installation methods for popular Linux distributions.
With support for instant messaging, voice and video calls, file sharing, group chats, and broadcast channels, Telegram offers a comprehensive communication experience. It prioritizes privacy and works seamlessly across platforms including Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Let’s dive in and get you set up!
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:
2. Install Telegram:
Installing Telegram on Fedora, CentOS, and other DNF-based Systems
For Fedora, RHEL 8+, CentOS Stream, etc., use these steps:
1. Update package metadata:
2. Install Telegram:
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:
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:
# 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 fast to install, user-friendly, and offers a full-featured messaging experience within your open-source environment. Whether you're connecting with community groups, coordinating team projects, or simply keeping in touch, Telegram provides a simple and secure platform.
By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you'll have Telegram installed and ready to use in just minutes - regardless of your Linux distribution.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is Telegram available as a Snap or Flatpak package?
A: Yes, Telegram Desktop can be installed via Snap or Flatpak for users who prefer containerized applications. Use sudo snap install telegram-desktop on Snap-enabled systems like Ubuntu, or flatpak install flathub org.telegram.desktop for Flatpak-supported distros such as Fedora and Arch. - Q: How do I keep Telegram updated on Linux?
A: For installations via APT or DNF, update Telegram by running your system’s usual package update commands (sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade or sudo dnf update). For Snap or Flatpak installations, use sudo snap refresh telegram-desktop or flatpak update org.telegram.desktop respectively. - Q: Can I use a command-line version of Telegram instead of the desktop app?
A: Yes, there is a community-maintained Telegram CLI tool called tg, which is ideal for server environments or minimal setups without a graphical interface. - Q: Is Telegram fully open source?
A: The Telegram client applications are open source, but the server-side code remains proprietary. - Q: What should I do if telegram-desktop is not found in my package manager?
A: Make sure your software repositories are enabled and updated. If the package is still unavailable, you can download the official Telegram binary directly from the Telegram website and run it manually.