TeamViewer on Linux can be installed using the official DEB or RPM package, depending on your distribution’s package format. This guide covers exactly how to install teamviewer on linux step by step, whether you use Ubuntu, Fedora, or another distro. You will find clear instructions for both GUI and terminal methods, plus troubleshooting tips for common issues.
Many users think installing remote desktop software on Linux is complicated. It is not. TeamViewer provides native packages that work seamlessly with most distributions. This article walks you through every method, so you can start remote sessions in minutes.
How To Install Teamviewer On Linux
Prerequisites Before Installation
Before you begin, ensure your system meets these requirements:
- A supported Linux distribution (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, openSUSE, or similar)
- Internet connection for downloading the package
- Root or sudo access to install software
- At least 100 MB of free disk space
Check your system architecture. Most modern systems are 64-bit (x86_64). You can verify with the command uname -m. TeamViewer supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, but 64-bit is recommended.
Method 1: Install TeamViewer On Ubuntu And Debian (DEB Package)
Ubuntu and Debian use the DEB package format. This is the simplest method for most users.
Step 1: Download The Official DEB Package
Visit the official TeamViewer download page. Look for the Linux section. Choose the DEB package for 64-bit systems. The file name will be something like teamviewer_15.xx.xx_amd64.deb.
Alternatively, use wget in the terminal:
- Open a terminal window
- Run:
wget https://download.teamviewer.com/download/linux/teamviewer_amd64.deb - Wait for the download to complete
Step 2: Install The Package Using APT
Navigate to the download directory. Usually it is your Downloads folder. Run this command:
sudo apt install ./teamviewer_amd64.deb
APT will automatically resolve dependencies. It might ask for confirmation. Press Y and Enter. The installation takes about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Launch TeamViewer
After installation, find TeamViewer in your application menu. Search for “TeamViewer” in the activities overview. You can also launch it from the terminal:
teamviewer
The first launch might take a moment. Accept the license agreement. You are now ready to use remote desktop.
Method 2: Install TeamViewer On Fedora And CentOS (RPM Package)
Fedora, CentOS, and RHEL use the RPM package format. The process is similar but uses different commands.
Step 1: Download The RPM Package
Go to the TeamViewer download page. Select the RPM package for your architecture. For 64-bit systems, download teamviewer_15.xx.xx.x86_64.rpm.
Using wget in terminal:
wget https://download.teamviewer.com/download/linux/teamviewer.x86_64.rpm
Step 2: Install Using DNF Or YUM
For Fedora 22 and later, use DNF:
sudo dnf install ./teamviewer.x86_64.rpm
For CentOS 7 or older Fedora versions, use YUM:
sudo yum install ./teamviewer.x86_64.rpm
DNF or YUM will handle dependencies automatically. If you see missing dependency errors, install the EPEL repository first:
sudo dnf install epel-release
Step 3: Start TeamViewer
Launch from the applications menu or run teamviewer in the terminal. The first run may require accepting the EULA. Use the command sudo teamviewer --daemon start if the service does not start automatically.
Method 3: Install TeamViewer On OpenSUSE (RPM Package)
openSUSE also uses RPM packages. The process is straightforward.
Step 1: Download The RPM Package
Same as above. Download the RPM file from the official site or use wget.
Step 2: Install Using Zypper
Run this command:
sudo zypper install ./teamviewer.x86_64.rpm
Zypper will resolve dependencies. If it reports missing libraries, install them using sudo zypper install libQt5WebKit5 or similar.
Step 3: Launch The Application
Open TeamViewer from the menu. You may need to enable the TeamViewer daemon: sudo systemctl enable teamviewerd and sudo systemctl start teamviewerd.
Method 4: Install TeamViewer Using The Universal TAR Package
Some distributions do not support DEB or RPM directly. The TAR package works on almost any Linux system.
Step 1: Download The TAR Archive
Visit the download page. Choose the TAR package for Linux. The file is named teamviewer_linux.tar.xz.
Step 2: Extract The Archive
Open a terminal. Navigate to the download location. Run:
tar -xf teamviewer_linux.tar.xz
Step 3: Run TeamViewer From The Extracted Folder
Enter the extracted directory:
cd teamviewer
Run the executable:
./teamviewer
This method does not require root access. However, you must manually create a desktop shortcut if you want it in your menu.
Method 5: Install TeamViewer Using Snap Package
Snap packages work on many distributions. TeamViewer is available as a snap.
Step 1: Ensure Snap Is Installed
Most Ubuntu systems have snap pre-installed. For other distributions, install snapd first:
sudo apt install snapd (Debian/Ubuntu)
sudo dnf install snapd (Fedora)
Step 2: Install TeamViewer Snap
Run this command:
sudo snap install teamviewer
The snap package is larger but includes all dependencies. Installation may take a few minutes.
Step 3: Launch The Snap Version
Find TeamViewer in your application menu. The snap version updates automatically.
Post-Installation Configuration
After installation, you should configure TeamViewer for optimal use.
Enable The TeamViewer Daemon
The daemon allows background connections. Run:
sudo teamviewer --daemon enable
Check the status:
sudo teamviewer --daemon status
Set Up Unattended Access
Open TeamViewer. Go to Extras > Options. Under Security, set a personal password for unattended access. This lets you connect without someone accepting the request.
Assign Your Device To An Account
Sign in with your TeamViewer account. This syncs your devices and allows easy access from anywhere.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Even with clear steps, problems can arise. Here are solutions for frequent issues.
Dependency Errors On Debian/Ubuntu
If APT reports missing dependencies, run:
sudo apt --fix-broken install
This resolves most dependency issues. If problems persist, install the libqt5webkit5 package manually:
sudo apt install libqt5webkit5
Missing Libraries On Fedora
Fedora users sometimes see errors about libQt5WebKit.so.5. Install it with:
sudo dnf install qt5-qtwebkit
For other missing libraries, use sudo dnf provides */libname.so to find the correct package.
TeamViewer Does Not Start
Try launching from the terminal to see error messages. Common fixes include:
- Restart the daemon:
sudo teamviewer --daemon restart - Reinstall the package
- Check if your system has Wayland issues (switch to Xorg if needed)
Permission Denied Errors
Ensure you have execute permissions on the binary. For TAR installations, run:
chmod +x teamviewer
For DEB/RPM installations, verify you used sudo.
Uninstalling TeamViewer
If you need to remove TeamViewer, use these commands:
For DEB packages:
sudo apt remove teamviewer
For RPM packages:
sudo dnf remove teamviewer or sudo yum remove teamviewer
For Snap packages:
sudo snap remove teamviewer
For TAR installations, simply delete the extracted folder.
Security Considerations
Remote desktop software requires careful security practices.
- Always use strong passwords for unattended access
- Enable two-factor authentication on your TeamViewer account
- Keep TeamViewer updated to the latest version
- Do not share your TeamViewer ID publicly
- Use a firewall to restrict incoming connections if possible
TeamViewer uses end-to-end encryption by default. Your sessions are secure as long as you follow basic security hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install TeamViewer on Linux without root access?
Yes, using the TAR package. Extract it and run the binary directly. However, you will not have daemon support or system integration.
Does TeamViewer work on all Linux distributions?
TeamViewer supports most major distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, openSUSE, and Arch Linux. For unsupported distros, use the TAR package.
Why does TeamViewer show a black screen on Linux?
This often happens with Wayland display servers. Switch to Xorg at the login screen. Alternatively, use the --force-wayland option if available.
Is there a command-line version of TeamViewer for Linux?
TeamViewer provides a CLI tool. Use teamviewer --help to see available commands. You can start sessions, manage the daemon, and check status from the terminal.
How do I update TeamViewer on Linux?
For DEB/RPM packages, download the latest version and install it over the existing one. For Snap packages, updates happen automatically. The TAR version requires manual re-download.
Conclusion
Now you know how to install teamviewer on linux using multiple methods. Choose the one that fits your distribution and comfort level. The DEB and RPM methods are easiest for most users. The TAR method works universally. The Snap method offers automatic updates.
Remote desktop access on Linux does not have to be difficult. TeamViewer provides a reliable solution with cross-platform support. Follow the steps in this guide, and you will be connecting to remote systems in no time.
Remember to configure security settings after installation. Set a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for peace of mind. If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or consult the official TeamViewer documentation.
Linux users often face unique challenges with proprietary software. TeamViewer has invested in making their Linux client robust. The installation process is straightforward once you understand your package manager. With this guide, you have all the information needed for a successful setup.
Go ahead and try it. Download the package, run the commands, and experience seamless remote desktop on your Linux machine. Your productivity will thank you.