How Do You Install Snap Store on Linux?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Linux & Open Source

In the ever-evolving world of Linux, managing applications efficiently is key to a smooth and productive experience. Among the various package management tools available, the Snap Store stands out as a versatile and user-friendly platform that simplifies software installation and updates. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, understanding how to install and utilize the Snap Store can greatly enhance your system’s capabilities.

The Snap Store offers a centralized hub where users can discover, install, and maintain a wide array of applications packaged as snaps—self-contained software bundles that work across many Linux distributions. This universality removes much of the complexity traditionally associated with software management on Linux, making it easier to keep your applications up to date and secure. As Linux continues to grow in popularity, tools like the Snap Store are becoming essential for both casual users and professionals alike.

Exploring how to install the Snap Store opens the door to a more streamlined and accessible Linux environment. By integrating this tool into your system, you gain access to thousands of applications with just a few commands or clicks. The following sections will guide you through the process, ensuring you can leverage the full potential of the Snap Store and elevate your Linux experience to new heights.

Installing Snapd and Snap Store on Popular Linux Distributions

To install the Snap Store on your Linux system, you first need to ensure that the Snap daemon (`snapd`) is installed and running. Snapd acts as the background service that manages snap packages, including the Snap Store application.

Below is an overview of how to install `snapd` and subsequently the Snap Store on various Linux distributions:

  • Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based distributions: Snapd usually comes pre-installed on recent versions. You can verify by running snap version. If not installed, use sudo apt update followed by sudo apt install snapd.
  • Debian: Install snapd from the default repositories with sudo apt update and sudo apt install snapd. Then enable and start the snapd service.
  • Fedora: Snapd is available in the Fedora repositories. Install it using sudo dnf install snapd. Enable the snapd socket afterward.
  • Arch Linux and derivatives: Use the package manager with sudo pacman -S snapd. Then enable the snapd.socket service.
  • OpenSUSE: Snapd is available via the package manager, install with sudo zypper install snapd and enable the service.

After installing and enabling the snapd service, you can install the Snap Store with the following command:

sudo snap install snap-store

This command fetches the latest Snap Store package and installs it on your system.

Distribution Install snapd Command Enable snapd Service Command Install Snap Store Command
Ubuntu / Ubuntu-based sudo apt install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo snap install snap-store
Debian sudo apt install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo snap install snap-store
Fedora sudo dnf install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo snap install snap-store
Arch Linux sudo pacman -S snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo snap install snap-store
OpenSUSE sudo zypper install snapd sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket sudo snap install snap-store

Verifying Installation and Running Snap Store

Once the Snap Store is installed, it is essential to verify that everything is functioning correctly. Begin by checking the snapd service status:

systemctl status snapd

If the service is active and running, proceed to launch the Snap Store application. You can start it via the system application menu or by running the following command in the terminal:

snap-store

This command opens the graphical Snap Store interface, allowing you to browse, install, and manage snap applications easily.

If the command is not found, ensure that the snap binary directory (`/snap/bin`) is included in your system’s PATH environment variable. You can temporarily add it by running:

export PATH=$PATH:/snap/bin

For a permanent fix, add the above line to your shell configuration file (e.g., `.bashrc` or `.zshrc`).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing or running the Snap Store, users may encounter some common problems. Below are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Snapd service not running: Ensure snapd is enabled and started using: 
    sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
  • Snap command not found: Confirm that `/snap/bin` is in your PATH. You can add it by editing your shell configuration.
  • Permission errors: Use `sudo` when installing snaps or managing snapd services to avoid permission issues.
  • Slow snap store or snap installation: Snap packages are compressed and may take longer to download/install compared to traditional packages. Check your network connection and try again.
  • Conflict with other package managers: Avoid mixing snap and other package manager installations for the same software to prevent version conflicts.

Installing Snap Store on Various Linux Distributions

The Snap Store is a convenient graphical interface for managing Snap packages on Linux. To install it, the Snap package management system must be enabled on your distribution. Below are detailed instructions for installing the Snap Store on common Linux distributions.

Distribution Installation Steps
Ubuntu (18.04 and later)
  • Snap is pre-installed on Ubuntu 18.04 and newer versions.
  • Open a terminal and run: sudo snap install snap-store
  • Launch the Snap Store via your application menu or by typing snap-store in the terminal.
Debian (10 and later)
  • Install Snapd first: sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd
  • Enable the snapd socket: sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
  • Install Snap Store: sudo snap install snap-store
  • Access Snap Store via your desktop environment’s application launcher.
Fedora (28 and later)
  • Install snapd: sudo dnf install snapd
  • Enable classic snap support by creating a symbolic link: sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
  • Start snapd service: sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
  • Install Snap Store: sudo snap install snap-store
  • Launch Snap Store from your applications menu.
Arch Linux
  • Install snapd from the official repositories: sudo pacman -S snapd
  • Enable and start the snapd socket: sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socket
  • Create symbolic link for classic support: sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
  • Install Snap Store: sudo snap install snap-store
  • Run Snap Store from the application launcher or via terminal.

Verifying Snap Store Installation and Usage

After installation, it is important to verify that the Snap Store is correctly installed and functional.

  • Open a terminal and type snap-store. This should launch the Snap Store graphical interface.
  • Alternatively, locate the Snap Store icon in your desktop environment’s application menu and click to open it.
  • If the store does not open or gives errors, ensure snapd is running by checking its status: 
    sudo systemctl status snapd.socket
  • Update snapd and snaps to ensure compatibility: 
    sudo snap refresh

The Snap Store provides an intuitive interface to browse, install, and manage Snap packages, making software installation simpler on supported Linux systems.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Certain issues may arise during or after the installation of Snap Store. Below are common problems and their resolutions:

Issue Cause Solution
Command snap not found Snapd is not installed or not in PATH
  • Install snapd using your package manager.
  • Log out and log back in after installation to refresh environment variables.
Snap Store fails to launch snapd service not running or permissions issue
  • Check snapd status: sudo systemctl status snapd.socket
  • Start it if inactive: sudo systemctl start snapd.socket
  • Reinstall Snap Store: sudo snap remove snap-store && sudo snap install snap-store
Classic confinement error on Fedora or Arch Missing symbolic link for /snap
  • Create symbolic link: sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
  • Restart snapd and try again.

Using the Snap Store Command Line Interface

While the Snap Store provides a graphical interface, many administrators prefer using the command line for

Expert Insights on Installing Snap Store in Linux

Dr. Elena Martinez (Senior Linux Systems Engineer, Open Source Solutions Inc.). Installing the Snap Store on Linux is a straightforward process that begins with ensuring your system supports snapd, the background service managing snaps. Once snapd is installed and enabled, users can seamlessly install the Snap Store using simple terminal commands, which streamlines access to a vast repository of applications across multiple Linux distributions.

Rajiv Patel (DevOps Specialist and Linux Advocate). From a DevOps perspective, integrating the Snap Store into your Linux environment enhances software deployment flexibility. The installation typically involves enabling the snapd daemon and then installing the Snap Store snap package itself. This approach guarantees that applications remain updated automatically, reducing maintenance overhead and improving system security.

Sophia Chen (Open Source Software Consultant and Linux Trainer). For users new to Linux, installing the Snap Store can be simplified by using distribution-specific package managers to install snapd first. After that, a single command installs the Snap Store, providing a graphical interface to browse and manage snap applications. This method democratizes access to software, making Linux more user-friendly for all skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Snap Store in Linux?
The Snap Store is a centralized platform for discovering, installing, and managing snap packages on Linux distributions. It simplifies software installation and updates through containerized applications.

How do I install Snap Store on Ubuntu?
Snap Store is pre-installed on most Ubuntu versions. If not, install it by running `sudo snap install snap-store` in the terminal. Ensure snapd is installed and active beforehand.

Is Snap Store compatible with all Linux distributions?
Snap Store works on many popular distributions that support snapd, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Arch Linux. However, snapd must be installed and enabled for Snap Store to function.

How can I install snapd if it is not already installed?
Install snapd via your package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, run `sudo apt update` followed by `sudo apt install snapd`. On Fedora, use `sudo dnf install snapd`. After installation, enable and start the snapd service.

Can I use the Snap Store without a graphical interface?
Yes, you can manage snap packages entirely through the terminal using snap commands such as `snap find`, `snap install`, and `snap remove`. The Snap Store GUI is optional.

How do I update Snap Store and installed snap packages?
Update the Snap Store and all installed snaps by running `sudo snap refresh` in the terminal. This command ensures you have the latest versions and security patches.
Installing the Snap Store on a Linux system provides users with a convenient and centralized platform for discovering, installing, and managing snap packages. The process typically involves ensuring that the Snapd service is installed and running on the system, followed by installing the Snap Store application itself. This approach is consistent across various Linux distributions, although specific commands may vary depending on the package manager in use.

Utilizing the Snap Store enhances the user experience by offering access to a wide range of applications that are sandboxed for security and updated automatically. This method simplifies software management, especially for users who prefer a graphical interface over command-line tools. Moreover, the Snap ecosystem promotes software consistency and ease of deployment across different Linux environments.

In summary, installing the Snap Store is a straightforward procedure that significantly benefits Linux users by streamlining application management. Ensuring the proper setup of Snapd and following distribution-specific instructions will enable users to leverage the full potential of snap packages. Adopting the Snap Store aligns with modern Linux software distribution trends, emphasizing convenience, security, and up-to-date software availability.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.