How to Install Discord on Fedora Linux

Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat app used by millions of people ages 13+ to talk and hang out with their communities and friends. Users communicate with voice calls, video calls, text messaging, media, and files in private chats or as part of communities called “servers.” Discord is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux Distros. Fedora is one of the many Linux Distros that Discord is compatible with; the only downside is that a natural RPM download is unavailable, leaving most to install the client using third-party repositories.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install Discord on Fedora 37/36/35 desktop using two different methods with RPM Fusion or the natively installed flatpak manager and using the Flathub repo, which, given Discord’s popularity, will always have the most up-to-date binary.

Update Fedora

Before you continue, your system must ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid system conflicts.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Method 1: Install Discord with RPM Fusion

One possible method to install the Discord communication application on Fedora is to import the RPM Fusion repository. This third-party repository uses the dnf package manager, which Fedora users widely use.

RPM Fusion offers two repositories: “free” and “non-free.” The free repository includes packages licensed under free and open-source licenses. On the other hand, the non-free repository contains software that includes proprietary components, such as codecs and drivers, that are not available under free licenses. Importing the RPM Fusion repository can provide access to many multimedia packages, including the Discord application.

To import the RPM Fusion repository, enter the following command in the terminal:

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

To install the Discord application, use the following dnf install command:

sudo dnf install discord

Method 2: Install Discord with Flatpak and Flathub

If you prefer to use the Flatpak package manager, which is pre-installed on Fedora and provides access to the latest version of Discord, you can follow these steps. One of the benefits of using Flatpak is that the application runs in a container, which provides a more secure and isolated environment.

Flathub is a third-party repository that hosts many Flatpak applications, including Discord. Flathub allows you to easily access and install the latest version of Discord without worrying about dependencies or conflicts.

Another advantage of using Flatpak with Flathub is that the applications are typically maintained and updated more frequently than those available in the standard Fedora repositories. This means you can take advantage of the latest features and improvements available in the most recent versions of Discord.

If you have previously removed the Flatpak package manager, you can reinstall it using the following command:

sudo dnf install flatpak

To install Discord using Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository first. This can be done by executing the following command in your terminal:

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

Now install Discord using Flatpak, and run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub com.discordapp.Discord

If you encounter an error message such as “error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can’t fetch summary from disabled remote ‘flathub,'” you can try using the following command instead:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

Launch Discord on Fedora Linux

After completing the installation process using either method described above, there are several ways to launch Discord. If you’re in the terminal, you can use the command:

Discord

Flatpak users should use the following command in a terminal instance:

flatpak run com.discordapp.Discord

Not every user will have a terminal open; most may not even use the command line terminal, so to launch the client using the application icon, use the following path.

Not every user is comfortable using the command line terminal. If you prefer to launch the client using the application icon, you can follow these steps:

  1. Click on “Activities” in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Select “Show Applications.”
  3. Look for the Discord icon and click on it to launch the application.

Example:

After logging into Discord for the first time, there are several things you can do to enhance your experience and make the most of its features.

Here are some tips and handy ideas to get started:

  • Customize your profile: You can add a profile picture, set a status message, and update your username to make it more personalized.
  • Join a server or create your own: Discord is all about communities. You can join a server or create your own to chat about interesting topics with friends or like-minded people.
  • Explore the channels: Once you join a server, you’ll see various channels that discuss different topics. Explore them to see what people are talking about and to join in on the conversation.
  • Check out the bots: Discord has a variety of bots that can perform various tasks, such as playing music, setting reminders, and providing information. Look for bots that might be useful to you or your server.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts: Discord has several shortcuts that make navigating the application easier and faster. Check out the full list of shortcuts in the settings.
  • Manage your notifications: You can adjust your notification settings to control how and when you receive notifications from Discord.

Discord is also highly customizable, and there are many settings you can adjust to make it more tailored to your preferences.

Here are some things you can customize on Discord:

  • Appearance: You can adjust the theme, font size, and other visual aspects of Discord in the settings.
  • Keybindings: Besides the default keyboard shortcuts, you can create your own keybindings for various actions in Discord.
  • Audio and Video: You can adjust your input and output devices for voice and video calls and volume levels.
  • Privacy and Security: You can adjust your privacy settings, such as whether or not you want to receive friend requests or display your online status.

Example:

Additional Commands & Tips

Discord Keyboard Shortcuts

Discord has several keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate the app more efficiently. Here are some of the most useful shortcuts:

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen the last closed chat tab
Ctrl + KOpen the server/channel search box
Alt + Up/DownMove between voice channels
Ctrl + Alt + Up/DownIncrease/decrease voice chat volume
Ctrl + FSearch within the currently selected channel or DM
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new server
Ctrl + Shift + MToggle mute for the currently selected voice channel

If you want to modify or create your own shortcuts in Discord, you can access the Keybinds menu. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click on the gear icon in the app’s lower-left corner to open the User Settings menu.
  2. Select “Keybinds” from the left-hand sidebar.
  3. Scroll through the list of available key binds and click on the one you want to modify.
  4. Click the “Edit Keybind” button and enter your new key combination.
  5. Click “Save Changes” to apply your new shortcut.

If you want to create a completely new shortcut, you can do so by clicking the “Add a Keybind” button and following the prompts to set up your custom shortcut.

Update Discord

Discord updates are usually notified through notifications. However, checking for updates using the terminal is recommended if you don’t receive them. Use one of the following commands, depending on the installation method you used:

DNF Update Method (RPM Fusion):

To update Discord using the DNF package manager, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo dnf update --refresh

Flatpak Update Method:

To update Discord using Flatpak, run the following command in the terminal:

flatpak update

Remove Discord

If you no longer require Discord, you can remove it using one of the following commands, depending on the installation method you used:

DNF Remove Method:

To remove Discord using the DNF package manager, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo dnf remove discord

Flatpak Remove Method:

To remove Discord using Flatpak, run the following command in the terminal:

flatpak remove  --delete-data com.discordapp.Discord

Conclusion

In conclusion, Discord is a widely used communication application that provides a platform for communities and individuals to connect and communicate. Its various features and customization options make it ideal for those who want to interact with others through text, voice, or video chat. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install, update, and remove Discord on your Fedora Linux system using the RPM Fusion or Flatpak/Flathub repositories. This information lets you easily manage and maintain Discord and enjoy its benefits.

FAQs on Discord with Fedora

Q: What is Discord?

A: Discord is a communication application that provides a platform for communities and individuals to connect and communicate through text, voice, or video chat.

Q: Can Discord be installed on Fedora Linux?

A: Yes, Discord can be installed on Fedora Linux using either the RPM Fusion or Flatpak/Flathub repositories.

Q: How do I install Discord on Fedora Linux?

A: To install Discord on Fedora Linux, you can use the RPM Fusion or Flatpak/Flathub repositories. Please refer to the installation section of this guide for detailed steps.

Q: How do I update Discord on Fedora Linux?

A: To update Discord on Fedora Linux, you can either use the DNF update method for RPM Fusion or the Flatpak update method for Flatpak/Flathub. Please refer to the updating section of this guide for detailed steps.

Q: How do I remove Discord from Fedora Linux?

A: To remove Discord from Fedora Linux, you can use the DNF remove method for RPM Fusion or the Flatpak remove method for Flatpak/Flathub. Please refer to the removing section of this guide for detailed steps.

Q: Can I customize Discord on Fedora Linux?

A: Yes, Discord is highly customizable, and there are many settings you can adjust to make it more tailored to your preferences. Please refer to the customizing section of this guide for more information.

Q: What are some tips and handy ideas for using Discord on Fedora Linux?

A: To maximize Discord on Fedora Linux, you can customize your profile, join or create a server, explore channels, check out bots, use keyboard shortcuts, and manage notifications. Please refer to the first-time tips section of this guide for more information.

Q: Is Discord free to use?

A: Yes, Discord is free to use. However, some optional paid features, such as server boosts and Nitro subscriptions, provide additional perks and benefits.

Q: Can I use Discord for purposes other than gaming?

A: Yes, Discord can be used for various purposes beyond gaming, and it can be a useful tool for remote work, online communities, and socializing with friends and family.

Q: How do I add friends on Discord?

A: To add friends on Discord, search for their username or Discord tag in the search bar or find and click on their profile in a server or direct message. You can then click on the “Add Friend” button on their profile to send them a friend request.

Q: How do I create a server on Discord?

A: To create a server on Discord, click the “+” icon in the left-hand sidebar and select “Create a Server.” Follow the prompts to set up your server and invite others to join.

Q: Can I use Discord for voice and video calls?

A: Yes, Discord supports voice and video calls, screen sharing, and streaming. You can start a call by clicking on the phone or camera icon in a direct message or voice channel.

Q: Can I use Discord on a web browser?

A: Yes, you can use Discord on a web browser by visiting the Discord website and logging in to your account. However, it is recommended to use the desktop or mobile app for the best experience.

Q: Is Discord secure?

A: Discord has security features like two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls. However, like any online communication platform, it is important to be cautious and mindful of potential security risks.

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