How to Install TeamViewer on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

TeamViewer is a popular software application that allows users to access and control computers and mobile devices remotely. It is a cross-platform solution that can be used on various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Thanks to its ease of use and advanced features, the software has become a go-to remote support and collaboration solution.

With TeamViewer, users can easily access a remote device and perform tasks as if sitting in front of it. They can share files, folders, and screens, conduct online meetings, and even communicate through video and voice calls. The software uses a secure connection and provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy and security of the remote connection.

If you’re using Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal and want to install TeamViewer, you can do so easily using the official TeamViewer APT repository. The following guide will demonstrate installing TeamViewer on Ubuntu using the APT repository.

Step 1: Update Ubuntu

First, ensuring that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date with all existing packages is recommended. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update the package list and upgrade all installed packages to their latest version.

Step 2: Install the Required Packages

Next, you’ll need to install some dependencies required for TeamViewer to work correctly. Most of these packages would already be present on your system, but running the command below can help ensure they’re installed:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl ca-certificates -y

These packages are essential for adding external repositories and performing secure transfers over HTTPS. If you skip this step and encounter any issues during the installation, return to this step and run the command to ensure all required packages are installed.

Step 3: Install TeamViewer

Once you have updated your system and installed the required packages, you can install TeamViewer on your Ubuntu system.

To verify the authenticity of the packages, you’ll need to import the GPG key to your keychain. You can do this by executing the following command in your terminal:

curl -fSsL https://download.teamviewer.com/download/linux/signature/TeamViewer2017.asc | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/teamview.gpg > /dev/null

Next, you’ll need to import the TeamViewer repository by running the following command:

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/teamview.gpg] http://linux.teamviewer.com/deb stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/teamviewer.list

After importing the repository, update your APT package list to reflect the changes by running the following:

sudo apt update

Finally, install TeamViewer by running the following command:

sudo apt install teamviewer

Note that you may be prompted to keep the source or import the maintainer during the installation. It is recommended to choose the option to compare changes and keep the original if they are still the same. Type “N” to proceed.

Example of selecting No to replace the TeamViewer.list source you imported earlier!:

Step 4: Launch TeamViewer

Now that you have successfully installed TeamViewer on your Ubuntu system, the software can be launched in a few ways.

One way to launch TeamViewer is by using the command line terminal. You can quickly open it by executing the following command:

teamviewer

For desktop users who prefer not to use the command line, the best way to use TeamViewer is to open the GUI of the application by following the path:

Activities > Show Applications > TeamViewer

Example of launching TeamViewer on Ubuntu application icon:

However, if you’re a Wayland user, you may encounter an error message stating that TeamViewer does not support Wayland. This is because the planned support for Wayland will not come soon, and it has already been discussed for a few years, so it’s expected to come in the next decade. In the meantime, you must log out and log back in using Ubuntu on Xorg.

Example of Wayland detected error message on TeamViewer directly under password:

To log in using Ubuntu on Xorg, click on the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the login screen and select “Ubuntu on Xorg” before logging in.

Example of selecting Ubuntu on Xorg for TeamViewer:

Once TeamViewer is open, you can start using it to connect to a remote PC by getting its address or giving another user your own.

Example of TeamViewer on Xorg and error message gone on Ubuntu:

Using TeamViewer for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to remote access software. Here are some tips to help you get started and use TeamViewer securely:

• When launching TeamViewer, you’ll be prompted to either “Create a TeamViewer account” or “Continue without an account.” Creating an account allows you to use the software’s advanced features, such as accessing your devices remotely, managing your contacts, and customizing your settings. However, if you only need to use TeamViewer for a one-time session, you can continue without creating an account.
• To start a remote session, you’ll need to enter the remote device’s ID and password. The person who wants to control your device must share this information with you. Ensure that you only enter the details of someone you trust.
• Always double-check the details of the person or device you’re connecting to. It’s easy to make a mistake, and you could connect to the wrong device.
• Use the “File transfer” feature only when necessary, and ensure you only transfer safe and trustworthy files. Avoid transferring sensitive information or files that may contain malware.
• For added security, you can set up two-factor authentication. This will require the person connecting to your device to enter a second code after entering the password.
• Once the remote session is complete, log out of TeamViewer and close the application. You can also revoke access to the device by changing the password.
• To keep your device secure, keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Additionally, you can use antivirus software and firewalls to help protect against malware and hacking attempts.

Following these tips, you can use TeamViewer safely and securely to access and control other devices remotely. Always exercise caution and only share your information with trusted individuals.

Additional Tips

TeamViewer Terminal Commands

Using TeamViewer in a Ubuntu terminal is a convenient way to access and control other devices remotely. Here are some quick tips on how to use TeamViewer in a terminal on Ubuntu:

Connect to a Remote Device:

Connect to a remote device by entering its ID and password. You can do this by executing the following command in the terminal:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password]

Replace [remote ID] with the ID of the remote device you want to connect to and [remote password] with the password shared by the device owner.

Start a Remote Session:

To start a remote session, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] -l

This command will start a remote session with the device and open it in a new window.

Enable Fullscreen Mode:

To enable fullscreen mode in the remote session window, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --Fullscreen

This command will maximize the remote session window to fullscreen mode.

Enable Remote Control:

To enable remote control in the remote session window, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --RemoteControl

This command will enable remote control, allowing you to control the remote device as if sitting in front of it.

Change the Quality of the Remote Session:

To change the quality of the remote session, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --quality [quality level]

Replace [quality level] with the desired quality level, ranging from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest quality.

Transfer Files:

To transfer files between your local machine and the remote device, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --FileTransfer

This command will open the File Transfer window, allowing you to browse and transfer files between the two devices.

Record the Remote Session:

To record the remote session, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --record

This command will start recording the remote session and save it to your local machine.

End the Remote Session:

To end the remote session, use the following command:

teamviewer -i [remote ID] -p [remote password] --kill

This command will terminate the remote session and close the TeamViewer window.

How to Update TeamViewer

The software should update automatically with your system packages for desktop users using the APT package manager. However, if you would like to check manually, you can use the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update all the packages on your system, including TeamViewer, if a newer version is available.

How to Remove (Uninstall) TeamViewer

If you no longer want TeamViewer installed on your system, you can remove it using the following command:

sudo apt remove teamviewer

This command will remove TeamViewer, including all its configuration files, from your system.

If you plan not to re-install the software again, you can remove the repository list file by executing the following command:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/teamviewer.list

This command will delete the repository list file, preventing your system from downloading updates for TeamViewer in the future.

After removing the repository list file, you can remove the GPG key by executing the following command:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/teamviewer.gpg

Conclusion

In conclusion, TeamViewer is an essential tool for remote access and control that can be used on Ubuntu systems. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install, launch, and use TeamViewer to access and control other devices securely and remotely. Remember to follow the best practices for security when using remote access software, such as using strong passwords and only connecting to trusted devices. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, TeamViewer can help streamline your remote access needs on Ubuntu.

FAQs on TeamViewer with Ubuntu