How To Update Discord On Linux : Using Dpkg And Snap Methods

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Keeping Discord updated on Linux means refreshing your package manager’s cache regularly. This guide covers how to update discord on linux using multiple methods, from official repositories to manual installations. You don’t need to be a terminal wizard to keep Discord running smoothly on your system.

Discord updates often include security patches, new features, and bug fixes. On Linux, the update process varies depending on how you installed Discord in the first place. Let’s break down each method step by step.

How To Update Discord On Linux

Before diving into specific methods, understand that Discord on Linux can be installed via package managers like APT, DNF, or Pacman, or as a standalone AppImage or Flatpak. Each has its own update procedure. We’ll cover all major approaches so you can pick the one that fits your setup.

Method 1: Updating Discord Via APT (Debian, Ubuntu, Mint)

If you installed Discord using the official .deb package or from the Ubuntu repository, APT handles updates. Open your terminal and run:

  1. Update your package list: sudo apt update
  2. Upgrade Discord specifically: sudo apt upgrade discord
  3. Or upgrade all packages: sudo apt upgrade

APT will automatically fetch the latest Discord version from the configured repositories. If Discord was installed from the official .deb file, the repository is usually added during installation. Check with apt policy discord to confirm.

What If APT Says Discord Is Already Latest?

Sometimes the repository lags behind the official release. In that case, you can manually download the latest .deb from Discord’s website and install it with sudo dpkg -i discord*.deb. This forces an update even if APT thinks you’re current.

Method 2: Updating Discord Via DNF (Fedora, RHEL)

Fedora users typically install Discord via RPM Fusion or the official .rpm package. To update:

  1. Refresh your DNF cache: sudo dnf check-update
  2. Update Discord: sudo dnf update discord
  3. Or update everything: sudo dnf update

If you installed from the official .rpm, the repository might not be added automatically. You’ll need to re-download the latest .rpm and run sudo dnf install discord*.rpm to upgrade.

Method 3: Updating Discord Via Pacman (Arch, Manjaro)

Arch Linux users enjoy bleeding-edge updates. Discord is available in the community repository or AUR. For the community version:

  1. Sync and update: sudo pacman -Syu
  2. This updates all packages, including Discord.

If you use the AUR version via yay or paru, run yay -Syu or paru -Syu to update. Note that AUR updates might be delayed by a day or two compared to the official release.

Method 4: Updating Discord Flatpak

Flatpak is a popular sandboxed installation method. To update Discord installed as a Flatpak:

  1. Update all Flatpaks: flatpak update
  2. Or update Discord specifically: flatpak update com.discordapp.Discord

Flatpak updates are handled by the Flathub repository. Make sure Flathub is added: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo. The Flatpak version might be slightly behind the native release, but it’s convenient for security.

Method 5: Updating Discord AppImage

If you use the Discord AppImage, updates aren’t automatic. You need to manually download the latest AppImage from Discord’s website. Replace the old file with the new one. Make it executable: chmod +x Discord*.AppImage. Then run it.

Some users automate this with a script that checks for updates weekly. But honestly, just downloading the new version every few months is fine for most people.

Method 6: Updating Discord Snap

Snap packages update automatically by default. But you can force an update:

  1. Check for updates: sudo snap refresh discord
  2. Or refresh all snaps: sudo snap refresh

Snaps are updated in the background, but if you want to ensure you have the latest, run the command manually. Note that the Snap version of Discord might have some limitations compared to the native install.

Why Keep Discord Updated On Linux?

Updating Discord isn’t just about getting new features. Security vulnerabilities are patched regularly. An outdated Discord client could expose your system to risks, especially if you use voice chat or share files.

Also, Discord sometimes changes its API. Older clients might break or lose functionality. For example, screen sharing features or custom emoji support might stop working if you’re too far behind.

Common Update Issues And Fixes

Even with the best methods, things can go wrong. Here are typical problems and how to solve them:

  • Discord won’t launch after update: Clear the cache by deleting ~/.config/discord and ~/.cache/discord. Then reinstall.
  • Package manager says “held broken packages”: Run sudo apt --fix-broken install or sudo dnf distro-sync.
  • Flatpak update fails: Try flatpak repair and then update again.
  • AppImage won’t run: Ensure it’s executable and that you have FUSE installed (sudo apt install fuse on Debian).
  • Snap update stuck: Run sudo snap changes to see pending operations, then sudo snap abort if needed.

If none of these work, consider reinstalling Discord from scratch. Backup your settings first (they’re in ~/.config/discord).

Automating Discord Updates On Linux

Manual updates are fine, but automation saves time. Here’s how to set up automatic updates for each method:

For APT Users

Enable unattended-upgrades to automatically install security updates. Edit /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/50unattended-upgrades and uncomment the Discord repository line. Then run sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades.

For DNF Users

Install dnf-automatic: sudo dnf install dnf-automatic. Enable and start the timer: sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer. This downloads updates daily but doesn’t install them automatically unless configured.

For Pacman Users

Use a cron job or systemd timer to run pacman -Syu weekly. Create a script in /etc/cron.weekly that runs the update command. Be cautious with Arch updates as they can sometimes break things.

For Flatpak Users

Flatpak updates are automatic by default if you have the flatpak-automatic service enabled. Check with systemctl status flatpak-automatic. If not running, enable it: systemctl --user enable --now flatpak-automatic.

For Snap Users

Snaps update automatically every 6 hours by default. You can change the refresh schedule with sudo snap set system refresh.timer=00:00~24:00 for daily updates at midnight.

Checking Your Discord Version

After updating, verify the version. Open Discord, go to User Settings (gear icon) > About. The version number is listed there. Compare it with the latest release on Discord’s website.

Alternatively, use the terminal:

  • For APT: apt show discord and look for Version.
  • For Flatpak: flatpak info com.discordapp.Discord
  • For Snap: snap info discord
  • For AppImage: Right-click the file and check Properties.

If the version matches the latest on Discord’s site, you’re good. If not, try the manual download method.

What To Do If Discord Still Shows Old Version

Sometimes the update process succeeds but Discord still reports an old version. This usually means the package manager didn’t actually update the binary. Try these steps:

  1. Fully remove Discord: sudo apt remove discord (or equivalent for your package manager).
  2. Delete leftover config: rm -rf ~/.config/discord (backup first if needed).
  3. Reinstall from the official website’s .deb or .rpm.

This clean install ensures you have the latest version. It’s a bit drastic but works every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update Discord on Linux without terminal?

If you installed Discord via Snap or Flatpak, updates happen automatically in the background. For AppImage, you need to download the new file manually. For package manager installs, you’ll need the terminal at least for the initial update command.

Can I update Discord on Linux using the GUI?

Some package managers have GUI frontends like Synaptic (APT), GNOME Software (Flatpak/Snap), or Discover (KDE). You can open these tools, search for Discord, and click “Update” if available. But the terminal is often faster and more reliable.

Why does Discord say “Update Failed” on Linux?

This usually happens when the package manager can’t fetch the new version due to network issues, repository problems, or permission errors. Check your internet connection, ensure the repository is correctly added, and run the update command with sudo.

Is it safe to use an older version of Discord on Linux?

Not really. Older versions may have security holes that could be exploited. Also, Discord’s servers might stop supporting old clients, leading to connection errors. Always update within a reasonable timeframe.

How often should I update Discord on Linux?

Check for updates every 2-4 weeks. Discord releases updates frequently, sometimes multiple times a month. If you use the Snap or Flatpak version, automatic updates handle this for you.

Final Tips For Discord Updates On Linux

Keeping Discord updated doesn’t have to be a chore. Pick one installation method and stick with it. If you’re a beginner, Flatpak or Snap are easiest because they update automatically. If you prefer control, the native package manager or AppImage gives you that.

Remember to restart Discord after updating. Sometimes the update applies only after a relaunch. Also, check your audio and video settings after an update, as they might reset to defaults.

If you encounter persistent issues, the Discord community forums and Linux subreddits are great resources. Most problems have been solved before, so a quick search often yields a fix.

By following this guide, you now know exactly how to update discord on linux using any method. No more outdated clients, no more missing features. Just smooth, secure communication with your friends and communities.