# How to Install Etcher on Ubuntu In 2 Easy Methods > Learn how to install and flash OS Images to the USB drive on Linux with balenaEtcher on ubuntu. Click this blog to explore everything you need to know. **URL:** https://www.redswitches.com/blog/install-balenaetcher-on-ubuntu/ **Published:** April 19, 2024 · 4 min read · Operating Systems · By Sonika --- **balenaEtcher**, a free and open-source utility, simplifies preparing bootable USB drives and SD cards. This tool stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust performance, making it a popular choice for users seeking to install or try out different operating systems. Installing **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu provides a streamlined and efficient way to flash operating system images onto USB drives. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, creating bootable media on Ubuntu systems via **balenaEtcher** is straightforward. In this comprehensive tutorial, we will learn how to install **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu to flash the OS image to the USB drive. ## Two Methods of Installing balenaEtcher on Ubuntu There are two primary methods you can use to install **balenaEtcher**on Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu. ### The Prerequisites Before you continue with this tutorial, we recommend you have the following: - A system running Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or a later version. - A user account with root or sudo privileges ## Method #1: Install balenaEtcher on Ubuntu via AppImage **balenaEtcher** can be downloaded as an **AppImage** file. This format eliminates the need for a complex installation process based on multiple files. As a result, you can avoid installation problems caused by missing or corrupted dependencies. We recommend the following steps to install**balenaEtcher**Flash image on Ubuntu using the **AppImage**file: ### Step #1: Obtain the AppImage from balena’s Official Site Go to the [Downloads](https://etcher.balena.io/#download-etcher) section of the official website of**balenaEtcher** and download the appropriate AppImage file for Linux. Given that Ubuntu 18.04 and later versions support only 64-bit architecture, ensure you select the x64 variant of the **AppImage**file. ![Obtain the AppImage from balena's Official Site](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/f89aa2db6f0bda985de7a43d51d9a5fdd534e0f7-999x661.png?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) ### Step #2: Unzip the Downloaded File Right-click on the downloaded file and choose the **Extract Here** option to unpack the contents. ![Unzip the Downloaded File](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/928ffaa3dfd5850362a1a856880401e27e767bab-916x545.png?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) ### Step #3: Set Execution Rights for the AppImage File Right-click on the **AppImage**file and choose **Properties** from the context menu. ![Set Execution Rights for the AppImage File](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/b56696212698f119092cda53da227f8c495ce11e-916x545.png?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) Within the **Properties** window, navigate to the **Permissions** tab. ![Permissions tab](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/5329ffe9d0fb04859fb41a90ef61628b417bd237-938x679.png?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) Under the **Execute** section within the **Permissions** tab, tick the box labeled **Allow executing file as a program**. Close the **Properties** dialog box. ### Step #4: Launch Etcher Once the **AppImage**has been granted execution permissions, double-click the application icon to start**balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu. Alternatively, you can choose Run from the context menu. ![Launch Etcher](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/8c489e0701dda14224bef92905b886b0b3f4a0b8-916x545.png?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) ## Method #2: Install balenaEtcher on Ubuntu via Apt If you wish to install **balenaEtcher**like a standard Linux package and benefit from automatic updates, we recommend the **apt**package manager for the installation process. ### Step #1: Include Etcher’s Debian Repository Start by adding the Etcher Debian repository to your system’s software sources. For this, open the terminal and enter the following command: `# echo "deb https://deb.etcher.io stable etcher" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/balena-etche*r.list*` ![Include Etcher's Debian Repository](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/f931752121b6ec4a579cde2cac5a6a40bb5dc818-1642x130.jpg?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) Once completed, you will see the confirmation of the repository addition in the terminal. ### Step #2: Authenticate the Package Source with the Repository Key Before you can install **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu, it’s essential to authenticate the package source by adding the repository key. Execute the following command to add the key to your system’s trusted list: `# sudo apt-key adv --keyserver hkps://keyserver.ubuntu.com:443 --recv-keys 379CE192D401AB61` ![Authenticate the Package Source with the Repository Key](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ksh2rme6/production/70ed797dccfeebdfe2ba74e60ff348c866ce9f61-1640x346.jpg?w=1200&q=75&fit=max&auto=format) A confirmation message appears in the terminal once the key has been successfully added. ### Step #3: Install balenaEtcher At this point, you are ready to complete the installation of**balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu using **apt**. Start by updating the package list to ensure you have the latest version: `# sudo apt update` Install**balenaEtcher** by executing the following command: `# sudo apt install balena-etcher-electron` Type **y** and press **Enter** to proceed with the installation. Allow the installation process to complete. Once finished, you can launch **balenaEtcher** by locating it in your Ubuntu applications menu. Alternatively, initiate it from the command line by entering: `**#**balena-etcher-electron` ## **Conclusion** Installing **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that significantly simplifies the task of flashing operating system images to USB drives. Whether using the AppImage for a quick setup or opting for a more permanent installation via the apt package manager, **balenaEtcher**offers a reliable and user-friendly solution. With its intuitive interface and robust functionality, **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu ensures that users can efficiently prepare bootable USB drives for various operating systems, making it an indispensable tool for system administrators, developers, and computer enthusiasts. At [RedSwitches](https://redswitches.com/), we take pleasure in assisting our valued customers with their unique server needs. We are your global dedicated hosting partner, offering bare metal hosting solutions tailored to enhance your Ruby development experience. We offer the best dedicated server pricing and deliver [instant dedicated servers](https://www.redswitches.com/dedicated-servers/), usually on the same day the order gets approved. Whether you need a dedicated server, a traffic-friendly [10Gbps dedicated server](https://www.redswitches.com/dedicated-servers/10gbps/), or a [powerful bare metal server](https://www.redswitches.com/dedicated-servers/bare-metal-servers/), we are your trusted hosting partner. ## **FAQs** **Q. What is balenaEtcher, and why should I use it on Ubuntu?** **balenaEtcher** is a free and open-source application for flashing operating system images to USB drives and SD cards. It is known for its simplicity and reliability on Ubuntu systems. **Q. How do I install balenaEtcher on Ubuntu?** You can install **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu by downloading the **AppImage**from the official website or using the **apt package manager** after adding its repository. **Q. Is balenaEtcher compatible with all versions of Ubuntu?** **balenaEtcher**is compatible with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and newer versions, focusing on 64-bit architecture systems. **Q. Do I need special permissions to install balenaEtcher on Ubuntu?** Yes, you need sudo privileges to install **balenaEtcher** on Ubuntu, as it involves administrative tasks during installation. **Q. Can I use balenaEtcher on Ubuntu to flash all operating system images?** **balenaEtcher** supports various image file formats, including ISO, IMG, and ZIP files, allowing you to flash various operating systems. **Q. What are the steps to install balenaEtcher on Ubuntu using the AppImage?** To install using the **AppImage**, download the file from Balena’s website, make it executable, and then run it directly. **Q. How do I update balenaEtcher on Ubuntu?** If installed via apt, you can update **balenaEtcher** through the standard system update process with sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade. If using an **AppImage**, download the latest version from the official website. **Q. Is there a graphical interface for balenaEtcher on Ubuntu, or is it command line only?** **balenaEtcher** provides a user-friendly graphical interface, making it accessible to users who prefer a graphical approach over command-line operations. **Q. Can I use balenaEtcher on Ubuntu to flash operating systems to SD cards and USB drives?** Yes, **balenaEtcher** can flash operating systems to both USB drives and SD cards, providing flexibility for various media types. **Q. Where can I find support if I encounter issues installing or using balenaEtcher on Ubuntu?** Support for **balenaEtcher**on Ubuntu can be found through the official Balena forums, Etcher GitHub repository issue tracker, or various Ubuntu community forums and help sites.f