Snap is Canonical’s universal package format for Linux. It lets developers build their software once for users on multiple Linux distributions to use.
At least, that’s the theory.
In reality, few Linux distributions outside of the Ubuntu ecosphere support Snap out of the box. Most carry the underlying Snap daemon package (snapd) in the repositories, so it’s possible for users who want to use snaps, to do so.
Linux Mint takes a different approach to that, however.
Ubuntu-based it may be, riding the Ubuntu repos and benefitting from the ongoing bug, security, and other patches Canonical’s engineers push out, but Mint is not a fan of snaps.
The default install of Linux Mint 20 and later contains a config file to prevent snap packages from being installed at all, whether accidental (by a transition package in the Ubuntu repos) or intentional (a user wanting to).
But this can be overcome.
The Mint team has its own reasons about why it doesn’t support snaps (it lets you use DEB and Flatpak OOTB). But they do not stop you from using Snaps if you really want to. The ‘roadblock’ they put in place? More of a warning sign than a brick wall.
So if you to use Snap apps on Linux Mint, you can – this guide shows you how.
How to Enable Snap support in Linux Mint
You can enable Snap support in Linux Mint using either the command line or a graphical interface. I show you how to do it from the command line, as it’s faster and there’s less chance for things to go wrong.
Linux Mint does not support snaps officially. If you choose to enable snap support but encounter bugs or issues with apps not working properly, you shouldn’t complain/file bugs asking Mint to fix it.
In a new Terminal window navigate to the apt preferences folder using the change directory (cd) command like so:
cd /etc/apt/preferences.d
In side this folder is the nosnap.pref file.
You can delete this file, but I suggest you move it and rename it as a backup. That way, if you decide you want to disable snap app support in Linux Mint, it can be restored.
Run this command to move/backup the Snap blocking file:
sudo mv nosnap.pref ~/Documents/nosnap.backup
That’s the hard stuff done!
All you need to do now is refresh your list of software sources (so Linux Mint can ‘see’ the snapd package), and then to enable Snap package support by installing Snapd, the background service that manages and maintains snaps:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd
I recommend that you reboot at this point. Nothing bad happens if you don’t but you may find that shortcuts for Snap apps you install don’t appear in the Mint Menu until your next reboot.
You can now install snap applications from the command line using sudo snap install and a package name, e.g., sudo snap install spotify.
To check for Snap updates (and install them, as aren’t prompt to confirm) run sudo snap refresh from the terminal at any time.
To uninstall a Snap package run sudo snap remove followed by the package name, e.g., sudo snap remove spotify.
You can find more commands available to manage, control, pin, or rollback Snap updates by sifting through Snapcraft docs site.
Install App Center for a GUI
You won’t be able to search for, install, or manage snap apps in the Linux Mint Software Manager, but you can install Ubuntu’s App Center (as a snap package).
App Center lets you search and install from thousands of snaps on the Snap Store, update and manage those you have already installed (e.g., switch to a beta or edge build), and more – without needing to return to the command line.
It’s more than a utility too. App Center lets you discover new software with distinct categories, banners, and a regularly updated set of featured highlights. User ratings visible within the App Center help you know if an app is worth trying too.
To install App Center run:
sudo snap install snap-store
Once install is complete you can open App Center via the Mint Menu – search it by name, or go to the Administration category and click on its entry.
Disable Snap Support in Linux Mint
If you follow the steps in this tutorial, try snaps out, but later change your mind you can disable Snap package support in Linux Mint be restoring the file you backed up earlier.
First things first, uninstall the underlying Snap daemon by running this command. It will uninstall all snap apps you’ve installed too, along with their data, so backup anything important first:
sudo apt remove --autoremove snapd
Then, restore the config file like so:
cd /etc/apt/preferences.d
sudo mv ~/Documents/nosnap.backup nosnap.pref
Finally, run an update check to make sure everything clicks back in to place.
After that, no more snaps unless you repeat this guide to remove the ‘no snap’ preference file.
Snappy Knowledge
Linux Mint takes an assertive stance against Snap packages by default, but it has its reasons. Despite this, it’s happy for users to install what they want, but with the understanding they are not officially supported.
I hope this (long-requested but well-overdue) tutorial helps those of you looking to install snap apps on Linux Mint – and there’s some great apps available, so get exploring!