Zoom runs natively on Ubuntu as a desktop client for video meetings, webinars, and team collaboration. Whether joining team calls, hosting presentations, or connecting with colleagues across time zones, the app integrates with system audio and video devices automatically. By the end of this guide, you will have Zoom installed and ready to use, with clear steps for updates and removal.
On Ubuntu, three installation methods are available: manual .deb packages from Zoom directly, Snap packages from the Snap Store, and Flatpak packages from Flathub. Each has distinct trade-offs in update speed, system integration, and isolation. This guide walks through all three so you can install Zoom using the method that matches your preferences, then shows you how to launch, update, and remove the client. The commands work identically across Ubuntu 26.04, 24.04, and 22.04 LTS releases.
Choose Your Zoom Installation Method on Ubuntu
Zoom offers three installation paths on Ubuntu, each with different trade-offs for update frequency, system integration, and resource usage. Review the comparison below to choose the right method before proceeding.
| Method | Channel | Version | Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .deb Package | Zoom Downloads | Latest stable | Manual re-download and reinstall | Users who prefer manual control and minimal disk usage |
| Snap | Snapcraft | Community repack | Automatic via Snap daemon | Users who want hands-off automatic updates |
| Flatpak | Flathub | Latest stable | Automatic via Flatpak | Users prioritizing application sandboxing and isolation |
For most users, the .deb method is recommended because it provides official vendor packages directly from Zoom with full control over when updates happen. Snap offers automatic updates but uses an unofficial community repack (maintained by Oliver Grawert) that may lag behind official releases. Flatpak runs Zoom in a secure sandbox, isolating it from system files, which is ideal for security-conscious users but uses more disk space.
Method 1: Install Zoom on Ubuntu via .deb Package
Update Ubuntu Before Installation
Update your system first to prevent package conflicts and ensure all dependencies are current. Open the terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThe system updates your package list and installs any pending updates. You may be prompted for your password. After completion, proceed to download Zoom.
Download the Zoom .deb Package
Zoom is not available in Ubuntu’s default repositories, so you download the .deb package directly from Zoom’s servers. This gives you the latest version with manual control over updates.
Zoom only publishes a 64-bit .deb package. On ARM or 32-bit systems, use the Snap or Flatpak builds or the web client instead.
Download the package using wget. The -O flag (capital letter O, not zero) specifies the output filename:
wget -O zoom_amd64.deb https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.debThe download saves to your current directory as zoom_amd64.deb.
Install Zoom via APT
With the .deb file downloaded, install it using APT so dependencies resolve automatically:
sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.debAfter installation completes, Zoom is ready to launch. Verify the installation by checking the installed package version:
dpkg -s zoom | grep VersionVersion: 6.7.2.6498
If you see dependency errors during installation, fix them and reinstall the package:
sudo apt --fix-broken installsudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.debMethod 2: Install Zoom on Ubuntu via Snap
Snap delivers automatic background updates without user intervention, making it ideal for hands-off management. Ubuntu includes Snap by default on standard desktop and server installations.
The Snap version is a community repack maintained by Oliver Grawert, not an official Zoom build. It may lag behind official releases. If you prefer vendor-provided packages, use the .deb method instead.
If Snap is missing (minimal installations, WSL, or containers), install it first:
sudo apt install snapdInstall Zoom from the Snap Store:
sudo snap install zoom-clientVerify the installation:
snap info zoom-client | grep installedinstalled: 6.6.11.6052 (331) 545MB -
Method 3: Install Zoom on Ubuntu via Flatpak
Flatpak runs Zoom in a sandboxed environment, isolating it from your system files for enhanced security. This method is ideal for security-focused users or those who prefer application isolation.
Flatpak is not pre-installed on Ubuntu. If you have not set it up yet, follow our install Flatpak on Ubuntu guide for detailed setup including Flathub configuration, then return here.
For a quick setup, install Flatpak and the GNOME Software plugin:
sudo apt install flatpak gnome-software-plugin-flatpakAdd the Flathub Repository
Flathub is the repository hosting Flatpak applications. Add it to your system (only needed once per machine) with:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists --system flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoThis adds Flathub to your Flatpak system. Afterward, install Zoom system-wide:
sudo flatpak install --system flathub us.zoom.Zoom -yVerify the installation:
flatpak list | grep -i zoomZoom us.zoom.Zoom stable system
Launch Zoom on Ubuntu
After installation, launch Zoom from the terminal using the command that matches your installation method:
.deb package:
zoomSnap:
snap run zoom-clientFlatpak:
flatpak run us.zoom.ZoomAlternatively, open the Activities overview (top-left corner), search for “Zoom,” and click the result to launch from the desktop. The first launch prompts you to sign in or join a meeting; enter your account details or meeting ID to continue.
Update Zoom on Ubuntu
For ongoing maintenance, update Zoom using the method that matches your installation:
.deb package (manual): Download the latest version and reinstall. APT handles the upgrade automatically when you install a newer package over an existing one:
wget -O zoom_amd64.deb https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.debSnap (automatic): Snap updates Zoom automatically in the background. To manually refresh immediately:
sudo snap refresh zoom-clientFlatpak (automatic): Flatpak updates Zoom automatically. To manually check for and apply updates:
flatpak update --system us.zoom.ZoomRemove Zoom from Ubuntu
When you need to remove Zoom, use the commands that match your installation method.
Remove .deb Package Installation
sudo apt remove zoom
sudo apt autoremoveThe autoremove step cleans up any orphaned dependencies that were installed alongside Zoom.
Remove Snap Installation
sudo snap remove zoom-clientRemove Flatpak Installation
sudo flatpak uninstall --system us.zoom.ZoomRemove User Data (Optional)
Uninstalling Zoom leaves behind your user configuration and cached data. To fully clean up after removal:
The following commands permanently delete your Zoom settings, meeting history, and any local recordings. Back up any important recordings before proceeding.
.deb and Snap user data:
rm -rf ~/.zoom ~/.config/zoomus.conf ~/.config/zoom* ~/.cache/zoom*Flatpak user data:
rm -rf ~/.var/app/us.zoom.ZoomConclusion
Zoom is now installed and configured on your Ubuntu system. The .deb method gives you direct vendor packages with manual update control, Snap provides automatic hands-off updates, and Flatpak offers sandboxed security isolation. You can switch between installation methods at any time by removing one and installing another. For related communication tools, see our guides for Discord on Ubuntu, Slack on Ubuntu, or Microsoft Teams on Ubuntu.
I installed zoom from the Debian package, and it crashed.
I then installed the Snap package, and it said there was an update.
The link took me to the Zoom site, where I could download the Debian package.
I re-installed from the Debian package, and Zoom worked.
Yes, but the .deb file has basically permission to do anything on your system
I’ll try with the Flatpak instead
Thanks for sharing this, a. A vendor .deb runs with the same broad permissions as any package you install, so only use it when you trust the source. Flatpak keeps Zoom in a sandbox and lets you decide mic and camera access.
If you stick with Flatpak and run into audio or video issues, check its permissions for your webcam and microphone. Appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for reporting this, Patrick. A crash with the .deb followed by a stable Snap install usually means the Snap pulled a dependency or fix the .deb missed. The Snap linking to Zoom’s download page is expected because the maintainer repackages Zoom’s official .deb.
Reinstalling the latest .deb from Zoom put you on the stable build. If the .deb crashes again, clean up APT errors before retrying, and fall back to the Flatpak if needed.