To browse Flatpak apps from Flathub on Ubuntu, you need a desktop app connected to that catalog. GNOME Software is a graphical application manager, and Flathub provides a catalog of apps distributed through Flatpak.
I’ll show how to install GNOME Software with its Flatpak plugin and connect it to Flathub.
TL;DR: Install GNOME Software on Ubuntu
Install the GNOME Software app and its Flatpak plugin with APT, then add Flathub as a remote if you want its app catalog.
sudo apt install gnome-software gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
GNOME Software installs alongside Ubuntu App Center. The app, Flatpak plugin and Flathub remote are separate pieces, so check each one when a catalog is missing.
What is GNOME Software on Ubuntu?
GNOME Software is a graphical application manager, while APT remains the command-line package manager used here to install it.
Flathub supplies a catalog of Flatpak applications through a configured remote.
Ubuntu App Center is a separate application, so the steps below leave its existing setup alone. The explicit package names make the Flatpak dependency visible instead of relying on APT’s suggested-package selection.
These steps target Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble). Check the package index for another release before using the same package set.
- Use an administrator account that can approve APT package installation.
- Have a working network connection for Ubuntu’s repositories and the Flathub remote.
- To use Flatpak apps, install Flatpak support and configure at least one remote.
How to install GNOME Software on Ubuntu step by step
Use these setup commands to install GNOME Software, add Flathub, and check the configured source. APT requires administrator approval on your computer.
Step 1: Install GNOME Software and its Flatpak plugin
Install both packages from the repositories configured for your Ubuntu release.
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gnome-software gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
This package installation needs administrator approval on your Ubuntu computer. See the GNOME Software and Flatpak plugin records for package details.
The Ubuntu package index places these packages in the Universe component for Noble. If APT cannot locate them, check whether that repository component is enabled.
Step 2: Add Flathub as a Flatpak remote
After installing the plugin, configure Flathub as a Flatpak source for the desktop.
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
The command avoids a duplicate remote. Restart the desktop session if Flathub does not appear in the software list.
Adding Flathub makes its catalog available but does not install its apps.
Step 3: Open GNOME Software and check its sources
Open the Activities overview and search for “Software.” Choose GNOME Software if Ubuntu App Center appears as a second result.
Search for a known Flatpak application and inspect its source label in the app details. A Flathub listing should identify Flathub as its source.
Run the following command to check whether Flathub is configured as a user-level remote.
flathub user
flatpak remotes
What to check if Flatpak apps do not appear
When a Flatpak listing is missing, use the table to identify which part needs attention before reinstalling packages.
| What you see | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| GNOME Software is absent from search | Whether gnome-software is installed | Install it from the Ubuntu repositories |
| App opens but has no Flatpak source | Whether gnome-software-plugin-flatpak is installed | Install the plugin package, then reopen the app |
| Flatpak source exists but Flathub apps are missing | Whether the flathub remote is listed | Add the Flathub remote and refresh the session |
| One particular app is missing | Whether its publisher provides a Flatpak build | Check the publisher’s listing or choose another supported source |
APT manages the application and plugin packages, while Flatpak manages remotes. For command-line package installation details, see how to install DEB files on Ubuntu.
A listing depends on its package metadata and installed backend. A search result does not guarantee that every format is available for that title. If the application is distributed as a Snap instead, Ubuntu’s Snap package guide explains that format separately.
Use the application ID from the publisher’s Flatpak instructions. That keeps the search tied to the app’s own listing.
The guides to installing OpenToonz from Linux package formats and installing Element on Linux cover cases where a reader chooses among distribution channels.
Ubuntu App Center remains available alongside GNOME Software. Check current Ubuntu release documentation for App Center features, which can change between releases.
Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS, Ubuntu 26.10, and VirtualBox
Ubuntu publishes both LTS and interim desktop releases, and the package set available to APT can differ by release. Ubuntu’s current download page lists Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS and Ubuntu 26.10, so check the package index for the release you actually installed rather than treating the Noble package records above as universal.
For Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS or 26.10, confirm your release in Settings under About, then search the configured repositories for each package:
apt-cache policy gnome-software gnome-software-plugin-flatpak flatpak
APT’s policy output shows whether a package has a candidate version from the configured repositories. If the candidate is missing, check that release’s package index and repository settings. Do not force package files built for another Ubuntu release.
You can try this workflow in an Ubuntu Desktop virtual machine before changing your main installation. Canonical’s VirtualBox tutorial explains how to create and boot an Ubuntu VM.
Install GNOME Software inside the guest, where its packages and settings are separate from the host. The VM needs network access to reach Ubuntu repositories and Flathub.
Check Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop downloads for the current release images and support details. The Ubuntu package index remains the place to verify package availability for a specific release, while Flathub’s Ubuntu setup instructions cover the Flatpak remote. These resources answer different questions, so use the release page for version selection and the package index for package candidates.
Conclusion: Keep both software stores available
Install the GNOME Software packages and configure Flathub only if you want its Flatpak catalog.
For the next task, see the Ubuntu package guide for installing a downloaded DEB file, or the site guide to understanding Snap packages. For official setup details, use Flathub’s Ubuntu instructions and the Ubuntu Noble package record.
FAQ
These answers cover the setup choices that commonly remain after installation.
Does installing GNOME Software remove Ubuntu App Center?
No. Installing GNOME Software adds another application manager. The steps here do not remove Ubuntu App Center.
Do I need to add Flathub after installing the Flatpak plugin?
Yes. The plugin connects GNOME Software to Flatpak, while the Flathub remote supplies that catalog. Configure the remote separately if you want Flathub listings.
Why are Flatpak apps missing from GNOME Software?
Check that the Flatpak plugin is installed and that a remote such as Flathub is configured. A specific app may also lack a Flatpak build.