How to Install Thunderbird on Fedora 39, 38 Linux

This guide will demonstrate how to install Thunderbird on Fedora Linux using the command-line terminal, utilizing either the DNF Package Manager with Fedora’s RPM or the Flatpak package manager with Flathub’s third-party repository.

Thunderbird stands out as a powerful and versatile email client developed to cater to the intricate demands of email management and communication. This open-source application, maintained by the Mozilla Foundation, offers an array of features designed to streamline your email experience, enhance productivity, and ensure robust security. With Thunderbird, users can manage multiple email accounts seamlessly, customize the interface to their liking, and take advantage of its extensive plugin ecosystem for added functionality.

Key features of Thunderbird include:

  • Multiple Account Management: Effortlessly handle several email accounts within a single interface.
  • Comprehensive Security: Robust protection mechanisms, including phishing detection, spam filters, and encryption.
  • Customization: Tailor Thunderbird’s look and functionality with themes and add-ons.
  • Advanced Search Capabilities: Quickly find emails with powerful search options and filters.
  • Integrated Calendar: Manage your schedule and tasks with the built-in calendar feature.
  • Chat Support: Communicate in real-time using the integrated chat feature supporting various networks.
  • Large File Management: Send large attachments through linked file services instead of attaching them directly.
  • Open Source: Benefit from a transparent, community-driven development process.

These features underscore Thunderbird’s commitment to delivering a user-centric, adaptable, and secure email solution.

Now, let’s dive into the technical how-to, guiding you through the installation process of Thunderbird on Fedora Linux.

Install Thunderbird on Fedora Linux via DNF

Update Fedora Before Thunderbird Installation

The first step is ensuring your system is up-to-date to avoid issues during the installation and for good practice. This is done by opening your terminal and using the following command.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Install Thunderbird via DNF Command

sudo dnf install thunderbird

Alternatively, the following method may be preferred for users using Flatpak applications.

Install Thunderbird on Fedora Linux via Flatpak via Flathub

The second option is to use the Flatpak package manager, which is most often natively installed on your Fedora workstation. The benefit of Flatpaks is that they can often be ahead of a version or two from Fedora, depending on the release cycle/updates of the software and the Flatpak package maintainer. However, in most cases in Fedora, you would want to install the DNF version above, depending on your preferences.

Enable Flathub for Thunderbird Installation

First, you need to enable Flathub using the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Thunderbird via Flatpak Command

Now install the Thunderbird software using the following flatpak command.

flatpak install flathub org.mozilla.Thunderbird

Troubleshoot Thunderbird Flatpak Installation

First, the most common error when installing a Flatpak from Flathub is the following error output.

"error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can't fetch summary from disabled remote 'flathub,"

The fix is simple: run the following command to enable Flathub.

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

This will fix the above issue.

Launch Thunderbird on Fedora

Now that you have the application installed, launching can be done in a few ways.

CLI Commands to Launch Thunderbird

You can launch the application immediately using the following command in a terminal.

thunderbird

Alternatively, Flatpak users must launch using the command below from a terminal instance.

flatpak run org.mozilla.Thunderbird

GUI Method to Launch Thunderbird

However, this is impractical, and you would use the following path on your desktop.

Activities > Show Applications > Thunderbird
Screenshot showing how to launch Thunderbird from the Applications menu on Fedora Linux.
A screenshot demonstrating how to open Thunderbird from the Applications menu on a Fedora Linux desktop.

First-time Login on Thunderbird

The first time you open Thunderbird, you will notice that you are automatically taken to sign in to your e-mail account. Optionally, you can click the configure manually for specific settings if the automatic option does not work.

Screenshot depicting the steps to add a user account in Thunderbird on Fedora Linux.
A screenshot illustrates adding a new user account to Thunderbird on a Fedora Linux system.

Once open, you will arrive at the default client screen. You can configure Thunderbird by adding your e-mail accounts, syncing calendars, etc.

Overview screenshot of the Thunderbird email client interface on Fedora Linux.
A screenshot providing an overview of the Thunderbird e-mail client’s user interface on Fedora Linux.

Additional Commands & Tips for Thunderbird on Fedora

Update Thunderbird

Depending on the method of installation used, the following commands can be used to update.

Thunderbird DNF Update Method

sudo dnf update --refresh

Thunderbird Flatpak Update Method

flatpak update

Remove (Uninstall) Thunderbird

Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.

Thunderbird DNF Remove Method

sudo dnf remove thunderbird

Thunderbird Flatpak Remove Method

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.mozilla.Thunderbird

Conclusion

We’ve walked you through the steps to install Thunderbird on Fedora Linux, showing you how to get this powerful email client up and running on your system. Remember, Thunderbird isn’t just about sending and receiving emails; it’s a comprehensive tool that helps you manage your communications efficiently. So, dive in, explore its features, and tailor it to fit your workflow. If you ever get stuck or want to learn more, the Thunderbird community is vast and always ready to help. Happy emailing!

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