Table of Contents

How to Update Discord on Ubuntu: A Definitive Guide

Keeping Discord updated on your Ubuntu system is crucial for accessing the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. The method you use depends heavily on how you initially installed Discord. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to update Discord on Ubuntu, covering all common installation methods and offering troubleshooting tips along the way.

Updating Discord: The Core Methods

The primary way to update Discord on Ubuntu is determined by the installation method. Here’s a breakdown of each, explained in clear, actionable steps:

1. Updating the Snap Package

If you installed Discord using Snap, updating is usually automatic. However, you can manually trigger an update with the following command in your terminal:

sudo snap refresh discord

This command instructs Snap to check for and install any available updates for the Discord package. After running this, Discord should be running on the latest version. You can confirm this by restarting Discord and checking the version number in the Discord settings menu (User Settings > Appearance > Scroll to bottom).

2. Updating from the .deb Package (using apt)

If you installed Discord using a .deb package (downloaded directly from Discord’s website) and then installed it using apt, the update process is integrated into your system’s regular update cycle.

Step 1: Update your package lists. Open your terminal and execute the following command:
```
sudo apt update 
```
This command refreshes your system’s package lists, ensuring that it knows about the latest available versions of all installed software, including Discord.
Step 2: Upgrade your system. Now, run the following command to upgrade all upgradable packages, including Discord:
```
sudo apt upgrade 
```
apt will then list the packages that can be upgraded and ask for confirmation. Type y and press Enter to proceed with the update.

3. Updating via Flatpak

If you installed Discord using Flatpak, you can update it through the following command:

flatpak update com.discordapp.Discord

This command specifically targets the Discord Flatpak package and updates it to the latest available version. If it’s the first time using Flatpak since a reboot, it may take a few extra moments to initialize.

4. Updating Manually (For .tar.gz Installations – Not Recommended)

This method is rarely used and strongly discouraged due to the complexity and potential for issues. If you’ve somehow installed Discord by extracting a .tar.gz archive directly (which is highly unusual), there isn’t an automatic update mechanism. You would essentially need to:

Download the latest .tar.gz archive.
Extract it.
Carefully replace the existing files, ensuring you don’t break anything.

Recommendation: If you’ve installed Discord this way, the best course of action is to remove it completely and reinstall using either Snap, apt, or Flatpak. These methods provide automatic updates and are far more manageable.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Even with the correct method, updates can sometimes fail. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Dependency Issues: If apt update or apt upgrade reports dependency problems, you can try the following command:
```
sudo apt --fix-broken install 
```
This attempts to resolve any broken dependencies that might be preventing the update.
Snap Errors: Snap updates can sometimes fail due to conflicts or other issues. Try closing Discord completely before running the sudo snap refresh discord command. If that doesn’t work, you might try removing and reinstalling the Discord Snap package (although this will remove your settings):
```
sudo snap remove discord sudo snap install discord 
```
Flatpak Errors: Similar to Snap, Flatpak updates can occasionally fail. Ensure you have the Flathub repository enabled (it’s usually enabled by default). You can also try reinstalling Discord via Flatpak:
```
flatpak uninstall com.discordapp.Discord flatpak install com.discordapp.Discord 
```
Permissions Issues: Rarely, permissions issues can prevent updates. Ensure you are using sudo when required.

Verifying the Update

After updating, always verify that Discord is running the latest version. To do this, open Discord, go to User Settings > Appearance, and scroll to the bottom. The version number will be displayed there. Compare this version number to the latest version available on the Discord website or in the release notes.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding updating Discord on Ubuntu:

1. Why is it important to update Discord?

Updating Discord ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Outdated versions may be vulnerable to security exploits and may not function correctly with the latest Discord servers and features.

2. How often should I update Discord?

Ideally, you should update Discord whenever a new version is released. Snap and Flatpak installations are typically updated automatically in the background. For .deb packages, check for updates regularly using sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade.

3. How do I know if Discord is outdated?

Discord usually displays a notification when a new version is available. You can also manually check the version number in the Discord settings and compare it to the latest version available on the Discord website.

4. What happens if I don’t update Discord?

If you don’t update Discord, you may miss out on new features, experience bugs, and be vulnerable to security risks. In some cases, Discord may eventually stop working altogether if your version is too old.

5. Can I prevent Discord from automatically updating?

While it’s generally not recommended, you can prevent automatic updates for Snap packages. However, this requires specific Snap commands and carries the risk of running an insecure version. It’s better to allow automatic updates for security reasons. There’s no easy or recommended way to disable automatic updates for Flatpak or .deb package installations.

6. What is the difference between Snap, Flatpak, and .deb packages?

.deb packages are the traditional Debian/Ubuntu package format and are managed by apt. They integrate closely with the system but can sometimes have dependency conflicts.
Snap packages are containerized packages that include all their dependencies. They are easier to install and update but can sometimes be larger in size and have slightly slower startup times.
Flatpak packages are another form of containerized packages, similar to Snap. They offer a balance between ease of installation and performance.

7. Which installation method is best for Discord on Ubuntu?

Snap or Flatpak are generally recommended because they provide automatic updates and handle dependencies well. The .deb package from Discord’s website is also a viable option, but it requires manual dependency management and relies on regular system updates.

8. What should I do if the update process gets stuck?

If the update process gets stuck, try the following:

Check your internet connection.
Close Discord completely.
Restart your computer.
Try the update command again.
If using Snap, try sudo snap refresh discord –amend`.
If using apt, try sudo apt --fix-broken install.

9. Will updating Discord delete my settings or saved data?

No, updating Discord will not delete your settings or saved data. Your settings are stored separately from the application files. However, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before making any significant system changes, just in case.

10. Can I revert to a previous version of Discord?

Reverting to a previous version of Discord is generally not recommended and may not be possible, especially with Snap and Flatpak installations. Running an older version exposes you to security risks and may cause compatibility issues.

11. How do I completely uninstall Discord from Ubuntu?

The uninstallation method depends on how you installed Discord:

Snap: sudo snap remove discord
.deb (apt): sudo apt remove discord
Flatpak: flatpak uninstall com.discordapp.Discord

After uninstalling, you can also run sudo apt autoremove to remove any orphaned dependencies.

12. Why is Discord sometimes slow on Ubuntu?

Discord’s performance can sometimes be affected by factors like:

Hardware limitations: Older or less powerful computers may struggle to run Discord smoothly.
Network connectivity: A slow or unstable internet connection can cause lag.
Resource usage: Other applications running simultaneously can compete for system resources.
Graphics drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can impact performance. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card.
Discord’s Electron Framework: Discord is built on Electron, which, while convenient for developers, can be resource-intensive.

By following this comprehensive guide and addressing potential issues, you can ensure that your Discord application on Ubuntu is always up-to-date, secure, and functioning optimally. Keep chatting!