You can install LibreWolf on Linux from a distribution repository, Flathub, or the project’s AppImage. The right method depends on your distribution and CPU architecture, because Arch now carries LibreWolf in its official extra repository while the current AppImage download targets x86_64 systems.
Choose the LibreWolf Package That Fits Your System
A native package gives your system package manager control of updates. Flatpak covers both x86_64 and aarch64 through Flathub, while the AppImage provides a portable x86_64 build without adding a software repository.
| System | Recommended method | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint | APT through Extrepo | LibreWolf’s repository stays connected to normal APT updates |
| Arch Linux | Official extra repository | Pacman installs and updates the native package |
| Fedora 41 or newer, RHEL family | LibreWolf RPM repository | DNF manages the repository and package |
| Other distributions or aarch64 | Flatpak | One verified Flathub application works across supported desktops |
| Portable x86_64 use | AppImage | Runs from one downloaded file without a repository |
If the package names and repository roles are unfamiliar, the Linux package management guide explains how APT, DNF, and Pacman track installed software and dependencies.
Install LibreWolf on Debian, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint
LibreWolf’s current Debian-family instructions use Extrepo instead of asking you to create an APT source file and import a repository key by hand. Extrepo supplies the repository definition, then APT installs the browser and receives later package updates through the same source.
Install Extrepo from your distribution and enable the LibreWolf repository.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install extrepo -y
sudo extrepo enable librewolf && sudo extrepo update librewolf
sudo apt update && sudo apt install librewolf -y
APT must read the newly enabled source before it can resolve LibreWolf, so remove or disable an older hand-written LibreWolf source if the update reports conflicting definitions.
Ubuntu users comparing repository packages with confined browser packages can also inspect the Firefox Snap and Debian package workflow. The package formats differ, but the same rule applies to updates: use the manager that installed the browser.
Install LibreWolf on Arch Linux
You no longer need an Arch User Repository (AUR) helper for the standard LibreWolf package. LibreWolf’s current Arch instructions use the official extra repository, so Pacman can install it directly.
sudo pacman -S librewolf
If librewolf-bin from the AUR is already installed, Pacman reports a package conflict during this switch. Approve the replacement only after confirming that the incoming package is librewolf from extra, then let Pacman remove the conflicting AUR package.
The Archinstall walkthrough helps if your Arch desktop is not yet configured, while the package command above is all an existing Arch installation needs.
Install LibreWolf on Fedora or a RHEL-Compatible Distribution
LibreWolf publishes an RPM repository for Fedora, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and compatible systems. Fedora 41 and newer use the DNF5 repository syntax.
sudo dnf config-manager addrepo --from-repofile=https://repo.librewolf.net/librewolf.repo
sudo dnf install librewolf
Older systems that still use DNF4 need its add-repo form instead.
sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://repo.librewolf.net/librewolf.repo
sudo dnf install librewolf
On an rpm-ostree desktop such as Fedora Silverblue, layer the package and reboot into the new deployment.
rpm-ostree install librewolf
When DNF asks to import the LibreWolf signing key, compare the displayed fingerprint with the fingerprint on LibreWolf’s current RHEL installation page. If you want to inspect or remove third-party sources later, the Fedora repository management guide covers that task.
Install LibreWolf with Flatpak
Flatpak is the strongest cross-distribution choice when no native package fits your system. Flathub lists the verified LibreWolf application for x86_64 and aarch64, and the Flatpak keeps a separate LibreWolf profile beside Firefox.
Install Flatpak through your distribution first if the command is missing. The GNOME Software setup on Ubuntu is useful when you prefer a graphical Flatpak installer.
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub io.gitlab.librewolf-community
Launch it from your application menu or run the application ID directly.
flatpak run io.gitlab.librewolf-community
Set LibreWolf as your default browser from the desktop’s system settings because the Flatpak sandbox cannot change that system-level choice itself. Confirm the setting by opening a link from another application.
Use the LibreWolf AppImage on x86_64
The AppImage is useful when you want one portable file and do not want to add a repository. Download the current x86_64 AppImage from LibreWolf’s Other Linux installation page, then integrate it with AppImageLauncher as the project recommends.
LibreWolf’s current AppImage is not an aarch64 download, so ARM desktop users should choose Flatpak instead. The curl download guide explains how to save and inspect a remote file from the terminal, but use the filename published on LibreWolf’s download page rather than copying a versioned name from an old command.
Verify the Installation and Update LibreWolf
Open LibreWolf from your desktop menu and load a page. A native package also exposes the following version check.
librewolf --version
For Flatpak, ask the application itself for its version through the Flatpak launcher.
flatpak run io.gitlab.librewolf-community --version
Update LibreWolf with the same manager you used for installation, whether that is APT, Pacman, DNF, or Flatpak.
Fix Common LibreWolf Installation Problems
Repository and architecture mismatches cause most failures. Check the exact message before replacing keys, deleting source files, or switching package formats.
- APT cannot find librewolf. Confirm that Extrepo enabled the LibreWolf source, then run apt update again before installing.
- Pacman reports a conflict with librewolf-bin. Inspect the incoming repository name and approve the official extra package as the replacement.
- DNF rejects the signing key. Follow LibreWolf’s release-specific key replacement steps instead of importing another key over the installed one.
- The AppImage cannot run on ARM. Use the verified Flathub build, which Flathub publishes for aarch64.
- LibreWolf does not become the default browser. Open your desktop’s default-application settings, especially when using Flatpak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install LibreWolf from the Arch User Repository?
You can, but the standard librewolf package is now available from Arch’s official extra repository. Install it with Pacman unless you have a specific reason to keep an AUR build.
Should I use LibreWolf Flatpak or a native package?
Use a native package when LibreWolf supports your distribution repository and you want updates through APT, Pacman, or DNF. Choose Flatpak for broader distribution and aarch64 support.
Can LibreWolf run beside Firefox?
Yes. LibreWolf uses its own application package and profile location, so you can keep Firefox installed while you test LibreWolf.
Does installing LibreWolf make it the default browser?
Not always. Set LibreWolf as the default in your desktop’s system settings, particularly when you install the Flatpak build.
Once LibreWolf opens and your desktop routes links to it, the installation is complete.
Keep One Installation Method
Choose one package source, verify that LibreWolf opens, and keep future updates on that same path. Mixing an old AUR build, a hand-written repository, and a Flatpak makes package conflicts harder to diagnose without improving the browser.