🧩 Step 1: Install Flatpak
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak
That installs the Flatpak system and command-line tools.
🏬 Step 2: Add the Flathub repository
Flathub is the main source for Flatpak apps.
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
🧠 Step 3: Log out and back in (optional but recommended)
This ensures your desktop environment recognizes Flatpak apps.
If you’re using a minimal window manager (like DWM) or lightweight DE (like LXQt or XFCE), you can skip logging out—just restart the session or run:
flatpak update
🧭 Step 4: Test with an example app
You can test installation with something small, e.g.:
flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal
(Flatseal is a GUI to manage Flatpak permissions.)
Run it with:
flatpak run com.github.tchx84.Flatseal
✅ Optional: Enable Flatpak integration for your desktop
If you use LXQt, XFCE, or MATE, you can install a small helper:
sudo apt install gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
That adds Flatpak support to GNOME Software or similar app stores.
Got it 👍 — here’s how to add a Flatpak GUI to Devuan (LXQt or similar lightweight setup) so you can browse, install, and manage Flatpak apps visually.
🖥️ Option 1: GNOME Software + Flatpak plugin (simple, works well)
This gives you a full app store interface.
sudo apt install gnome-software gnome-software-plugin-flatpak
Then log out and back in.
Open it from your menu as “Software”.
- ✅ Pros: Polished and reliable
- ⚠️ Cons: Pulls in some GNOME dependencies (~300 MB)
🪶 Option 2: KDE Discover + Flatpak support
If you prefer something lighter or more Qt-friendly (better for LXQt):
sudo apt install plasma-discover plasma-discover-backend-flatpak
Then launch Discover from your menu.
- ✅ Pros: Native Qt look under LXQt
- ⚠️ Cons: Slightly heavier than a minimal Flatpak GUI, but lighter than GNOME Software
🧰 Option 3: Flatseal (for managing installed apps)
Flatseal isn’t an app store — it lets you graphically manage Flatpak permissions and settings.
flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal
flatpak run com.github.tchx84.Flatseal
This works great alongside Discover or GNOME Software.
🪄 Tip: Add app menu entries
If apps don’t show up automatically, run:
sudo flatpak update
flatpak repair
Then re-login.
Flatpak apps should appear in your LXQt menu under their categories.