Telegram is a fast, secure, and cloud-based messaging application that is widely used for personal and professional communication. In addition to mobile devices, Telegram is also available as a desktop application for Linux, allowing users to stay connected directly from their computer.
In this guide, you will learn what Telegram Desktop is and how to install it on FunOS using two different methods. Each method is explained step by step so that even new FunOS users can follow along easily.
What is Telegram Desktop?
Telegram Desktop is the official desktop client for the Telegram messaging service. It allows users to send messages, share files, and participate in groups and channels directly from their desktop or laptop.
Some key features of Telegram Desktop include:
- Fast and reliable cloud-based messaging
- Synchronization across multiple devices
- Support for groups, channels, and private chats
- File sharing with large file size limits
- A clean and lightweight interface suitable for FunOS
Telegram Desktop works well on lightweight desktop environments and integrates smoothly with the FunOS menu system.
How to Install Telegram Desktop on FunOS
On FunOS, Telegram Desktop can be installed using two different methods:
- Installing from the Telegram PPA (recommended for automatic updates)
- Installing using the official .tar.xz package from Telegram
Both methods are explained below.
Method 1: Installing Telegram Desktop from the Telegram PPA
Work on: 22.04.5 ✅ | 24.04.3 ✅ | 25.04 ✅ | 25.10 ✅ | 26.04 ❌
This method installs Telegram Desktop from a Personal Package Archive (PPA) maintained by the atareao team on Launchpad. Installing via PPA allows Telegram Desktop to receive updates through the system package manager.
Step 1: Open a Terminal
You can open a Terminal in one of the following ways:
- Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
- Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
- Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard
Step 2: Add the Telegram PPA
This PPA is maintained by atareao-team and hosted on Launchpad:
https://launchpad.net/~atareao
Add the PPA by running the following command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:atareao/telegramPress Enter when prompted to confirm.
Step 3: Update the Package List
After adding the PPA, update the package list to include the new repository:
sudo apt updateStep 4: Install Telegram Desktop
Install Telegram Desktop using the apt package manager:
sudo apt install telegramWait until the installation process is complete.
Step 5: Reload the Menu
After installation, reload the FunOS menu so that Telegram Desktop appears:
- Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner
- Click Reload menu
Method 2: Installing Telegram Desktop Using the .tar.xz Package
Work on: 22.04.5 ✅ | 24.04.3 ✅ | 25.04 ✅ | 25.10 ✅ | 26.04 ✅
This method installs Telegram Desktop using the official binary package provided by Telegram. It is useful for users who prefer a manual installation method.
Step 1: Download the Telegram Desktop .tar.xz File
- Open your web browser and go to the official Telegram Desktop website:
https://desktop.telegram.org/ - Click the Get Telegram for Linux x64 button
- Save the file in your Downloads directory
Step 2: Open a Terminal
Open a Terminal using one of the following methods:
- Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
- Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
- Press Ctrl + Alt + T
Step 3: Navigate to the Downloads Directory
Change to the Downloads directory where the file was saved:
cd ~/DownloadsStep 4: Extract the .tar.xz File
Extract the archive to your home directory and rename the folder:
tar -xvf tsetup.*.tar.xz -C ~/
mv ~/Telegram ~/.TelegramThis keeps the Telegram files neatly organized in a hidden directory.
Step 5: Navigate to the Home Directory
Return to your home directory:
cdStep 6: Create a Symbolic Link to the Telegram Desktop Executable
Create a symbolic link so Telegram Desktop can be launched using the telegram command:
sudo ln -sf ~/.Telegram/Telegram /usr/bin/telegramStep 7: Create a Desktop Entry for Telegram Desktop
This step allows Telegram Desktop to appear in the FunOS menu.
- Create the applications directory and open the desktop entry file:
mkdir -p ~/.local/share/applications
mousepad ~/.local/share/applications/telegram.desktop- Paste the following content into the editor:
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Telegram
Comment=New era of messaging
TryExec=telegram
Exec=telegram -- %U
Icon=org.telegram.desktop
Terminal=false
StartupWMClass=TelegramDesktop
Type=Application
Categories=Chat;Network;InstantMessaging;Qt;
MimeType=x-scheme-handler/tg;x-scheme-handler/tonsite;
Keywords=tg;chat;im;messaging;messenger;sms;tdesktop;
Actions=quit;
DBusActivatable=true
SingleMainWindow=true
X-GNOME-UsesNotifications=true
X-GNOME-SingleWindow=true
[Desktop Action quit]
Exec=telegram -quit
Name=Quit Telegram
Icon=application-exit- Save the file and close Mousepad.
Step 8: Remove the Downloaded File
After installation, you can remove the downloaded archive:
rm -f tsetup.*.tar.xzStep 9: Reload the Menu
Finally, reload the FunOS menu so Telegram Desktop appears:
- Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner
- Click Reload menu
Launching Telegram Desktop
After Telegram Desktop has been installed using either method, you can launch it from the FunOS menu.
To start Telegram Desktop:
- Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner of the screen
- Open the Internet category
- Click Telegram
When Telegram Desktop runs for the first time, you will be asked to log in using your phone number. Enter the verification code sent to your Telegram account to complete the setup.
How to Uninstall Telegram Desktop on FunOS
If you no longer need Telegram Desktop, you can remove it completely from FunOS. The uninstallation steps depend on the installation method that was used.
Follow the section below that matches how you installed Telegram Desktop.
Uninstall Telegram Desktop Installed from the Telegram PPA
This section explains how to remove Telegram Desktop if it was installed using the Telegram PPA.
Step 1: Open a Terminal
Open a Terminal using one of the following methods:
- Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
- Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
- Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard
Step 2: Remove Telegram Desktop
Remove Telegram Desktop and its configuration files:
sudo apt remove --purge telegramStep 3: Remove Any Unused Dependencies
Clean up packages that are no longer needed:
sudo apt autoremove --purgeStep 4: Remove the Telegram PPA
Remove the Telegram PPA from your system:
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:atareao/telegramStep 5: Update the Package List
Update the package list after removing the PPA:
sudo apt updateStep 6: Remove Unused Desktop Entries
Remove any remaining Telegram desktop entry files:
rm -f $HOME/.local/share/applications/*telegram*.desktopStep 7: Remove User Data (Optional)
If you want to remove all Telegram user data and settings, run:
rm -rf $HOME/.local/share/TelegramDesktop⚠️ Note: This step will delete chat data stored locally on your system.
Step 8: Reload the Menu
Finally, reload the FunOS menu to remove Telegram from the list of applications:
- Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner
- Click Reload menu
Uninstall Telegram Desktop Installed from the .tar.xz Package
If you installed Telegram Desktop using the .tar.xz package, follow the steps below to remove it.
Step 1: Open a Terminal
Open a Terminal using one of the following methods:
- Click Menu in the lower-left corner of the screen, then click Terminal
- Click the Terminal icon in the Tray
- Press Ctrl + Alt + T on your keyboard
Step 2: Remove the Telegram Directory
Remove the Telegram application directory from your home folder:
rm -rf ~/.TelegramStep 3: Remove the Symbolic Link
Remove the symbolic link created for Telegram Desktop:
sudo rm -f /usr/bin/telegramStep 4: Remove the Desktop Entry
Delete the Telegram desktop entry file:
rm -f ~/.local/share/applications/*telegram*.desktopStep 5: Remove User Data (Optional)
To remove all Telegram user data, run:
rm -rf $HOME/.local/share/TelegramDesktopStep 6: Reload the Menu
Reload the FunOS menu to finalize the removal:
- Click the Menu button in the lower-left corner
- Click Reload menu
Conclusion
Telegram Desktop is a powerful and convenient messaging application that works smoothly on FunOS. With the steps provided in this guide, you can easily install Telegram Desktop using either the Telegram PPA or the official .tar.xz package.
Just as importantly, FunOS allows you to completely remove Telegram Desktop at any time, keeping your system clean and well-organized. This flexibility ensures you remain in full control of your software and system resources.
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