Discord on Linux updates best when you use the official .deb package from their website. If you are wondering how to update discord linux, you have come to the right place. Many Linux users find updating Discord confusing because it does not always update through the system package manager. This guide will show you the simplest and most reliable methods to keep Discord up to date on your Linux machine.
Updating Discord on Linux is not as automatic as on Windows or macOS. The official client does not always include a built-in updater that works smoothly on every distribution. That is why you need to know the right steps. Whether you use Ubuntu, Fedora, or Arch Linux, there is a method that works for you.
In this article, we will cover multiple ways to update Discord. You will learn how to use the official .deb package, the Snap package, Flatpak, and even the terminal. Each method has its own pros and cons. By the end, you will know exactly what to do when a new Discord version drops.
Why Discord Updates Matter On Linux
Discord releases updates frequently. These updates fix bugs, add new features, and patch security vulnerabilities. Running an outdated version can lead to crashes or missing features. On Linux, the update process can be tricky because Discord is not always in your default repositories.
Some users ignore updates for months. Then they wonder why voice chat stops working or why the app looks broken. Regular updates keep your experience smooth. They also ensure compatibility with the latest Linux kernel and libraries.
Another reason to update is performance. Newer versions often run faster and use less memory. If you use Discord for gaming or community management, staying updated is essential.
How To Update Discord Linux Using The Official .Deb Package
This is the most reliable method for Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS. The official .deb package from the Discord website includes a built-in update mechanism. But it does not always work perfectly. Here is how to do it manually.
Step 1: Download The Latest .Deb Package
Go to the official Discord website. Look for the Linux download section. Click on the .deb package link. Your browser will download a file named something like discord-0.0.xx.deb. The version number changes with each release.
Do not use third-party sites. Always download from the official source. This ensures you get a clean, untampered package.
Step 2: Install The Package Using Gdebi Or Dpkg
Open your file manager. Navigate to the Downloads folder. Right-click the .deb file and choose “Open with Gdebi Package Installer.” If you do not have Gdebi, install it first with sudo apt install gdebi. Gdebi handles dependencies automatically.
Alternatively, you can use the terminal. Open a terminal and run:
sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/discord-*.debIf you get dependency errors, run sudo apt install -f to fix them. This method overwrites the old version with the new one.
Step 3: Launch Discord To Verify The Update
After installation, launch Discord from your application menu. Click on the gear icon (User Settings) at the bottom left. Scroll down to “About.” You should see the new version number. If it matches the latest release, you are done.
Some users notice that Discord still shows an older version. This can happen if the package did not install correctly. In that case, repeat the steps or try a different method.
Updating Discord On Linux Using Snap Package
Snap packages update automatically by default. If you installed Discord via Snap, you usually do not need to do anything. But sometimes the automatic update fails. Here is how to force an update.
Check If Discord Is Installed As A Snap
Open a terminal and run snap list | grep discord. If you see an entry, you have the Snap version. If not, you installed Discord another way.
Force Update The Snap Package
Run the following command:
sudo snap refresh discordThis command checks for updates and installs them. Snap updates are usually smaller than full package downloads. They also do not require you to close Discord, though a restart is needed to apply changes.
If you want to enable automatic updates, Snap does this by default. You can check the update schedule with snap refresh --time. Adjust it if needed.
Using Flatpak To Update Discord On Linux
Flatpak is another popular packaging system. It works on most Linux distributions. If you installed Discord from Flathub, updating is straightforward.
Update Discord Via Flatpak Command
Open a terminal and run:
flatpak update com.discordapp.DiscordThis command updates only Discord. If you want to update all Flatpak applications, use flatpak update without any arguments. Flatpak updates are also automatic if you have the Flathub repository configured.
Check The Installed Version
To verify the version, run:
flatpak info com.discordapp.DiscordCompare the version number with the latest release on the Discord website. If they match, you are up to date.
Updating Discord On Arch Linux And Manjaro
Arch Linux users have a different experience. Discord is available in the Arch User Repository (AUR). If you use an AUR helper like yay or paru, updating is simple.
Update Discord Using Yay
Run the following command:
yay -Syu discordThis updates your entire system and Discord together. If you only want to update Discord, use yay -S discord. The AUR version is usually up to date within hours of a new release.
Manual Update For Manjaro Users
Manjaro uses its own repositories. Discord is often in the community repository. Run sudo pacman -Syu to update everything. If Discord is not in the official repo, use the AUR method above.
Using The Terminal To Update Discord On Any Linux Distro
If you prefer the command line, you can update Discord using a simple script. This works for Debian-based systems. Create a script that downloads and installs the latest .deb package automatically.
Create An Update Script
Open a text editor and paste the following:
#!/bin/bash
wget -O /tmp/discord.deb "https://discord.com/api/download?platform=linux&format=deb"
sudo dpkg -i /tmp/discord.deb
sudo apt install -f
rm /tmp/discord.debSave the file as update-discord.sh. Make it executable with chmod +x update-discord.sh. Run it with ./update-discord.sh whenever you need to update.
This script downloads the latest version, installs it, and cleans up. It is fast and reliable. You can even schedule it with cron for automatic updates.
Common Issues When Updating Discord On Linux
Sometimes things go wrong. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Discord Won’t Launch After Update
This usually happens if the update did not install correctly. Try reinstalling Discord. Remove the old version first with sudo apt remove discord (for .deb) or sudo snap remove discord (for Snap). Then install the latest version.
Dependency Errors
If you see missing dependency errors, run sudo apt install -f to fix them. For Snap or Flatpak, dependency issues are rare because they bundle everything.
Old Version Still Showing
Clear Discord’s cache. Close Discord completely. Then run rm -rf ~/.config/discord/Cache. Restart Discord and check the version again.
How To Automate Discord Updates On Linux
If you do not want to update manually, automation is your friend. Here are a few ways to set it up.
Using A Cron Job
Create a cron job that runs the update script weekly. Open your crontab with crontab -e. Add the following line:
0 0 * * 0 /home/yourusername/update-discord.shThis runs the script every Sunday at midnight. Adjust the path to match your script location.
Using Systemd Timers
Systemd timers are more modern. Create a service file and a timer file. This is more complex but offers better logging and control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Updating Discord On Linux
Why Does Discord Not Update Automatically On Linux?
Discord’s official .deb package includes an updater, but it often fails on Linux due to permission issues or missing dependencies. Snap and Flatpak versions update automatically more reliably.
Can I Update Discord Without Using The Terminal?
Yes. If you use the .deb package, you can download and install it via the GUI file manager. Snap and Flatpak also have graphical update options in their respective stores.
Is It Safe To Use The AUR Version Of Discord?
Generally yes, but be cautious. The AUR package is maintained by the community. Check the PKGBUILD file for any suspicious changes before installing.
How Often Does Discord Release Updates For Linux?
Discord updates come out every few weeks. Major updates happen monthly. You should check for updates at least once a month to stay current.
What Is The Best Method To Update Discord On Linux?
For most users, the Snap or Flatpak version is easiest because updates are automatic. If you prefer the official package, use the .deb method with a script for automation.
Final Thoughts On Keeping Discord Updated
Knowing how to update discord linux saves you time and frustration. The method you choose depends on your distribution and personal preference. For Debian-based systems, the official .deb package works well with a little manual effort. Snap and Flatpak offer more automation. Arch users have the AUR.
Do not let Discord fall behind. Set a reminder to check for updates every month. Or better yet, automate the process. Your future self will thank you when voice chat works flawlessly and no bugs annoy you.
If you run into any issues, the Discord community forums are a great resource. Many Linux users share their solutions there. You can also check the official Discord support page for known issues.
Keeping your apps updated is a good habit. It improves security and performance. Discord is no exception. With the steps in this guide, you can update Discord on Linux quickly and easily. No more guessing or searching for the right command.
Now go ahead and update your Discord. You will notice the difference immediately. And if you ever forget, just come back to this article for a quick refresher.