How to Install Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Vivaldi, a distinctive web browser, offers a tailored browsing experience for those aiming to install it on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa. Crafted by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, co-founder of Opera Software, Vivaldi is renowned for its extensive customization options and innovative features. This browser is designed to cater to the nuanced preferences of its users, setting it apart from conventional alternatives. Let’s delve into the attributes that make Vivaldi a compelling choice for Ubuntu enthusiasts.

Features of Vivaldi:

• Adaptive Interface: Experience a dynamic color scheme that adjusts according to your browsing website, ensuring a cohesive and immersive user experience.
• Enhanced Tab Management: Navigate easily using advanced features like tab stacking, tab tiling, and visual previews.
• Speed Dial: Access your frequently visited websites effortlessly with the visual and customizable bookmark system.
• Integrated Notes: Jot down insights directly within Vivaldi, with the added ability to attach relevant screenshots or URLs.
• Web Panels: Seamlessly integrate your preferred websites into Vivaldi’s sidebar, optimizing multitasking capabilities.

Why Vivaldi Stands Out for Ubuntu Users:

• Privacy-Centric: Vivaldi prioritizes user privacy, ensuring no tracking of browsing habits or collection of personal data.
• Highly Customizable: Modify themes, adjust shortcuts, and even design mouse gestures to make Vivaldi your own.
• Efficient Performance: Built on the Chromium engine, Vivaldi supports most Chrome extensions but is optimized for better performance, ensuring smooth browsing even on older hardware.
• Consistent Updates: Benefit from Vivaldi’s commitment to staying current, with regular updates ensuring security and compatibility with the latest web standards.

Vivaldi offers a blend of innovation and user-centric design, making it a top choice for those seeking a refined browsing experience on Ubuntu. Our subsequent guide will detail the steps to install Vivaldi using its official APT repository.

Install Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Ubuntu System Before Vivaldi Installation

Before installing the Vivaldi Browser, ensuring your Ubuntu system is up to date is crucial. This ensures compatibility and helps prevent issues during the installation process. Run the following commands to update your package list and upgrade any outdated packages:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install Initial Packages on Ubuntu

To facilitate the installation of the Vivaldi Browser, you will need to install some essential software packages. These packages are commonly found on most Linux distributions and enable various functionalities required for the browser. Install the necessary packages using this command:

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

Step 3: Import Vivaldi APT Repository on Ubuntu

Next, you must import the Vivaldi APT repository, which allows your system to fetch and install the Vivaldi Browser. First, download and import the GPG key used to verify the authenticity of the packages you are downloading and installing:

curl -fSsL https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg > /dev/null

Vivaldi works optimally on AMD64 systems commonly used by desktop users. However, they have recently improved support for ARM64 and ARMHF architectures for systems like Raspberry Pi OS. Choose the appropriate command for your system’s architecture:

AMD64 architecture import command:

echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg] https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list

ARM64 architecture import command:

echo deb [arch=arm64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg] https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list

ARMHF architecture import command:

echo deb [arch=armhf signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vivaldi.gpg] https://repo.vivaldi.com/archive/deb/ stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vivaldi.list

Step 4: Update Packages Index After Vivaldi PPA Import

After importing the Vivaldi repository, update your repository list to reflect the new changes:

sudo apt update

Step 5: Install Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now, you can proceed with the installation of the Vivaldi Browser. You can install either the stable version or the snapshot (nightly) version. Note that you can install both versions simultaneously.

Install Vivaldi Browser Stable:

sudo apt install vivaldi-stable

Verify the version and build of the installed Vivaldi Browser using this command:

vivaldi --version

Optional – Install Vivaldi Snapshot (Nightly):

For users or developers who want to test Vivaldi’s development version, run the following command:

sudo apt install vivaldi-snapshot

Confirm the version and build of the installed Vivaldi Browser using this command:

vivaldi-snapshot --version

We recommend using the stable version for daily browsing and avoiding the development version for critical browsing or transactions.

Launch Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

CLI Method to Launch Vivaldi on Ubuntu

After successfully installing the Vivaldi Browser, there are multiple ways to launch it. One way is to run it directly from your terminal. Depending on which version of Vivaldi you have installed (stable or snapshot), use the appropriate command:

For the Vivaldi Stable version, run the following:

vivaldi

The Vivaldi Snapshot (nightly) version run:

vivaldi-snapshot

GUI Method to Launch Vivaldi on Ubuntu

For a more user-friendly experience, you can also launch Vivaldi from the Applications Menu. Most users prefer this approach as it involves graphical interaction. To launch Vivaldi using the application icon, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Activities Menu at the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Show Applications to view the list of installed applications.
3. Locate and click the Vivaldi {version} icon to launch the browser.

Tips on Getting Started with Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Now that you have installed and launched the Vivaldi Browser on your Ubuntu Linux system, it’s time to explore some tips to help you make the most of your browsing experience. In this section, we will discuss various tips, customizations, and other helpful information to enhance your Vivaldi experience.

Customization and General Tips with Vivaldi on Ubuntu

• Enable Dark Mode: Vivaldi allows you to choose between light and dark themes. To switch to dark mode, navigate to Vivaldi menu > Settings > Themes and select the dark theme from the list.
• Customize Keyboard Shortcuts: Vivaldi makes creating custom keyboard shortcuts for various actions easy. Go to Vivaldi menu > Settings > Keyboard to view and customize shortcuts.
• Add and Manage Extensions: Like other popular browsers, Vivaldi supports extensions that add extra functionality. To manage extensions, click on the Extensions icon (puzzle piece) in the top-right corner, or go to Vivaldi menu > Tools > Extensions.
• Enable Ad Blocking: Vivaldi has a built-in ad blocker to enhance your browsing experience. To enable it, click on the shield icon in the address bar and toggle the Block ads switch.
• Customize the Start Page: Vivaldi’s start page can be customized with bookmarks, speed dials, and more. Right-click on the start page and select Customize to modify its appearance and content.

Tab Management and Navigation with Vivaldi on Ubuntu

• Create Tab Stacks: Organize your open tabs by creating tab stacks. Drag one tab onto another to create a stack, and click on the stacked tabs to switch between them.
• Use Tab Tiling: View multiple tabs side by side with tab tiling. Right-click on a tab stack and select Tile Tab Stack to display the stacked tabs in a grid.
• Quick Commands: Access various browser features and actions quickly using the Quick Commands feature. Press F2 to open the Quick Commands window, and type your desired action or command.
• Navigate Using Mouse Gestures: Perform common browsing actions using mouse gestures. To enable mouse gestures, go to Vivaldi menu > Settings > Mouse, and toggle the Enable Gestures switch.

Privacy and Security with Vivaldi on Ubuntu

• Manage Cookies: Control how Vivaldi handles cookies by navigating to Vivaldi menu > Settings > Privacy > Cookies. You can choose between allowing all cookies, blocking third-party cookies, or blocking all cookies.
• Enable Tracking Protection: Enhance your privacy by enabling tracking protection. Click on the shield icon in the address bar and toggle the Block trackers switch.
• Use Private Windows: Keep your browsing private by using private windows, which do not save your browsing history or cookies. Open a private window by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N or selecting Vivaldi menu > File > New Private Window.

Additional Vivaldi Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Update Vivaldi Browser on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

While many desktop users rely on automatic updates or auto-update notifications, it’s essential to know how to update the Vivaldi browser manually using the terminal. To check for updates for your entire system, including Vivaldi, run the APT update command:

sudo apt update

If an update is available, you can upgrade Vivaldi and any other packages using the upgrade option:

sudo apt upgrade

Remove Vivaldi Browser From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you decide that you no longer want the Vivaldi browser installed on your system, you can easily uninstall it using the following commands.

To remove the standard Vivaldi browser, use this command:

sudo apt remove vivaldi-stable

If you installed the Vivaldi snapshot build and want to keep only the stable version, use this command:

sudo apt remove vivaldi-snapshot

If you’re sure you won’t install or use the Vivaldi browser again on your system, you can delete the Vivaldi Repository with the following command:

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

If you removed the snapshot build but plan to continue using the stable version, do not remove the repository. Otherwise, you’ll need to import it again.

Lastly, delete the GPG key by running:

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

Closing Thoughts

Throughout this guide, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of installing the Vivaldi browser on Ubuntu Linux. We’ve covered the installation process, launching the browser, getting started with helpful tips, managing the browser with additional commands, and uninstalling Vivaldi when needed. By following these instructions, you can easily install, manage, and enjoy the benefits of the Vivaldi browser on your Ubuntu Linux system.