Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu: Install Guide

You can use Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu, but the best method is now the browser web app route, not a random desktop wrapper. There is still no official native Messenger app for Linux, and Meta has also moved its desktop Messenger experience back toward the web.

For most Ubuntu users, open Facebook messages in your browser, then install that page as a desktop-style web app if you want a launcher icon and separate window. Caprine is still an option if you specifically want an unofficial desktop app, but it should be treated with more caution because it is not made by Meta.

Best Way to Use Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu

The best way to use Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu is to open Facebook messages in a modern browser and install it as a web app if your browser supports that feature.

This is the safest default because you are signing in through Facebook’s own website. You also get normal browser security updates, browser password manager support, and fewer problems when Meta changes how Messenger works.

How to install Methods for Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu

Method 1: Install Facebook Messenger as a Chrome Web App

If you use Google Chrome on Ubuntu, you can make Facebook messages behave more like a desktop app. It will open in its own window and can appear in your app launcher.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Go to https://www.facebook.com/messages/.
3. Sign in to your Facebook account.
4. Open the Chrome menu in the top-right corner.
5. Choose Cast, save, and share, then choose Install page as app.
6. Name it Facebook Messenger or Facebook Messages.
7. Open it from your Ubuntu app launcher.

Method 2: Install Facebook Messenger as an Edge Web App

Microsoft Edge also supports installing websites as apps on Linux. This is useful if you prefer Edge or if Chrome does not show the install option for your Facebook messages page.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Go to https://www.facebook.com/messages/.
3. Sign in to Facebook.
4. Open the Edge menu in the top-right corner.
5. Choose Apps, then choose Install this site as an app.
6. Confirm the app name.
7. Launch it from Edge’s app page or from your Ubuntu app launcher.

Edge also lets you manage installed web apps from edge://apps. From there, you can open the app, create shortcuts, manage permissions, or uninstall it.

Method 3: Use Messenger in Firefox

Firefox works well for using Facebook messages in a normal tab. The main difference is that Firefox does not provide the same built-in install-as-app workflow as Chrome or Edge.

If Firefox is your main browser, the simple setup is to bookmark Facebook messages, allow notifications when prompted, and pin the tab if you keep Messenger open during the day.

Method 4: Install Caprine on Ubuntu

Caprine is an open-source, unofficial desktop app for Facebook Messenger. It can give you a separate app window, dark mode, notification support, and some privacy controls such as blocking typing indicators or seen receipts.

The important detail is trust. Caprine is not made by Meta, and the Flathub listing is marked unverified. That does not automatically mean it is bad, but it does mean ordinary users should not treat it like an official Facebook app.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub com.sindresorhus.Caprine
flatpak run com.sindresorhus.Caprine

Optional: Install Caprine with Snap

The Snap package is easy to install, but it appears older than the current Flatpak route. Use it only if you prefer Snap and accept that difference.

sudo snap install caprine

To remove it later, run:

sudo snap remove caprine

Optional: Use the Caprine AppImage

Caprine also offers AppImage builds through its GitHub releases. This can work, but you need to update it manually, so it is not the easiest path for most Ubuntu users.

1. Download the current Linux AppImage from Caprine’s GitHub releases.
2. Open Terminal in your Downloads folder.
3. Make the file executable and run it:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x Caprine-*.AppImage
./Caprine-*.AppImage

Methods I Would Avoid

Messenger is tied to your Facebook account, so be careful with desktop apps that ask you to sign in. A small convenience gain is not worth risking a personal account.

Turn On Messenger Notifications

Messenger notifications on Ubuntu depend on both your browser settings and Ubuntu’s notification settings. If one of them blocks notifications, you may not see message alerts.

1. Open Facebook messages in your browser or installed web app.
2. When your browser asks for notification permission, choose Allow.
3. Open Ubuntu Settings.
4. Go to Notifications.
5. Make sure notifications are enabled for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Caprine.
6. If you use Do Not Disturb, turn it off while testing.

Troubleshooting Facebook Messenger on Ubuntu

Privacy and Trust Note

Facebook Messenger is not a private-by-default Linux messaging tool. It is a Meta service, and your privacy depends on your Facebook settings, browser settings, account security, and how Messenger handles encrypted chats.

The browser web app method is not perfect, but it is the most reasonable default because you are using Facebook directly. With any third-party wrapper, you are adding another layer between your account and the service.

Uninstall Facebook Messenger Apps from Ubuntu

If you installed Facebook messages as a web app, remove it from the browser that created it. In Chrome, you can manage installed web apps from chrome://apps. In Edge, use edge://apps.

If you installed Caprine with Flatpak, remove it with:

flatpak uninstall com.sindresorhus.Caprine

If you installed Caprine with Snap, remove it with:

sudo snap remove caprine

FAQ

More Ubuntu app guides: Install WhatsApp on Ubuntu  |  Install Discord on Ubuntu  |  Install Telegram on Ubuntu  |  Install Twitter on Ubuntu