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How to Install Snap Store on Ubuntu

How to Install Snap Store on Ubuntu

Snap Store is a graphical application for discovering, installing, and managing snap packages on Linux. This guide covers installing Snap Store on Ubuntu.

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 16.04+
  • Root or sudo access
  • Internet connection
  • GNOME Desktop (recommended)
Note: On Ubuntu 16.04+, snap is pre-installed. On Ubuntu 24.04+, it’s called “App Center” but uses the same backend.

Method 1: Install Snapd (Prerequisite)

Step 1: Check if Snap is Installed

snap version

If installed, you’ll see version information. If not found, install snapd.

Step 2: Install Snapd

sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd -y

Step 3: Log Out and Back In

logout

Or restart your system to ensure snap paths are updated.

Success! Snapd is now installed!

Method 2: Install Snap Store

Install via Command Line

sudo snap install snap-store

Launch Snap Store

snap-store
Success! Snap Store is installed and ready to use!

Method 3: Install Specific Channel

For Ubuntu 24.04 specific version:

sudo snap refresh snap-store --channel=latest/stable/ubuntu-24.04

Check Available Channels

snap info snap-store

Using Snap Store

Find Apps

  • Open Snap Store from applications menu
  • Search for the app you want to install
  • Click on the app to view details

Install an App

  • Click “Install” button
  • Enter your password when prompted
  • Wait for download to complete

Update Apps

  • Open Snap Store
  • Updates are shown in the “Updates” tab
  • Click “Update All” or individual apps

Common Snap Commands

List Installed Snaps

snap list

Find a Snap

snap find [search-term]

Install a Snap

sudo snap install [package-name]

Remove a Snap

sudo snap remove [package-name]

Update All Snaps

sudo snap refresh

Check Snap Info

snap info [package-name]

Snap Channels

  • stable – Tested release (recommended)
  • candidate – Pre-release for testing
  • beta – Beta versions
  • edge – Development builds

Switch Channel

sudo snap switch [package-name] --channel=stable

Snap Store vs App Center

Ubuntu 24.04 uses “App Center” which is the new name for Snap Store:

  • Ubuntu 16.04-22.04: Uses “Snap Store”
  • Ubuntu 24.04+: Uses “App Center”
  • Both use the same snap backend
  • Both can manage snap packages

Troubleshooting

Snap Store Not Opening

Try reinstalling:

sudo snap reinstall snap-store

Classic Confinement

For snaps that need full system access:

sudo snap install [package-name] --classic

Disable Snap

To disable snapd:

sudo systemctl disable snapd.seeded.service

Remove Snap Store

sudo snap remove snap-store

Install hello-world Test

sudo snap install hello-world
hello-world
Note: If hello-world works, snap is functioning correctly.

Uninstalling Snap Store

sudo snap remove snap-store

To remove snapd entirely:

sudo apt remove --purge snapd -y

Conclusion

Snap Store is now installed! You can now:

  • Browse and install snap packages
  • Manage installed applications
  • Receive automatic updates
  • Install from terminal or GUI
Pro Tip: On Ubuntu 24.04+, use “App Center” from the applications menu – it’s the new name for Snap Store with a modern interface.