Telegram Desktop is easy to set up on Ubuntu, and most users only need one of two methods:
- install the verified Snap package
- download the official Linux tarball from Telegram
Official references:
If you searched for install Telegram on Ubuntu, Telegram Desktop Linux, or Telegram Ubuntu setup, this guide covers the clean current options.
Method 1: Install Telegram with Snap
For most Ubuntu users, this is the simplest route:
sudo snap install telegram-desktopOnce installed, open Telegram from the app launcher or run:
telegram-desktopVerify the installation
If Telegram opens and shows the QR login screen or phone number login flow, the install worked.
You can also confirm the Snap package is present:
snap list telegram-desktopMethod 2: Use the official Telegram tarball
Telegram also provides a standalone Linux build.
Download it from:
After downloading:
- Extract the
tar.xzarchive. - Open the extracted folder.
- Run the Telegram binary inside it.
This method does not install Telegram through Ubuntu’s package manager, but it is useful if you want a portable-style setup.
Update Telegram
If you installed with Snap:
sudo snap refresh telegram-desktopIf you use the tarball, download the latest archive from Telegram and replace the older extracted version.
Remove Telegram
sudo snap remove telegram-desktopIf you are using the tarball method, just delete the extracted Telegram folder you downloaded earlier.
Final note
Older Ubuntu tutorials often recommended third-party PPAs for Telegram. I would avoid those now unless you have a very specific reason. The cleanest current choices are the verified Snap package or Telegram’s own Linux download.
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