How to Install and Set Up Bitwarden on Linux

Install Bitwarden on Linux by choosing a DEB, RPM, Snap, Flatpak, or AppImage package, then launch the desktop app and sign in. Use the installer that fits your distribution, select the correct server for your account, and set a vault timeout before relying on the app day to day.

Package formats differ in update behavior and system integration. Choose one method and keep Bitwarden updated through that method.

Choose a package

Bitwarden’s feature support chart compares updates, secure storage, biometrics, and integration across Linux packages. Secure storage uses libsecret; Flatpak biometric unlock may require a Polkit policy.

Install Bitwarden

Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint

Download the DEB from Bitwarden’s official downloads page. In a terminal, install the local package with APT:

cd ~/Downloads
sudo apt install ./Bitwarden-amd64.deb

If your download has a different filename, use that exact name. APT resolves dependencies during the install. When it finishes, open Bitwarden from your applications menu.

Fedora and openSUSE

Download the RPM, open a terminal in Downloads, and run the command for your distribution:

# Fedora
sudo dnf install ./Bitwarden-x86_64.rpm

# openSUSE
sudo zypper install ./Bitwarden-x86_64.rpm

Use only one command. If the downloaded package has a versioned name, replace the example filename with the exact one.

Snap

On a system with Snap support, install Bitwarden and connect its password-manager service:

sudo snap install bitwarden
sudo snap connect bitwarden:password-manager-service

If you signed in before connecting the service, sign out and back in. Bitwarden documents this step in its desktop app setup guide.

Flatpak

With Flatpak and Flathub configured, install the app with:

flatpak install flathub com.bitwarden.desktop

Confirm the prompt, then launch Bitwarden from your application menu. Snap and Flatpak receive automatic app updates; DEB, RPM, and AppImage users should check for updates through their chosen source.

AppImage and Arch Linux

Download the AppImage from Bitwarden’s official page. In Files, open its properties, select Permissions, enable Allow executing file as program, and double-click it. Or use a terminal:

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x Bitwarden*.AppImage
./Bitwarden*.AppImage

The wildcard assumes one matching file in Downloads; use the exact filename if you keep multiple versions. AppImage does not update itself. The official download page does not list a native Arch package, so Arch users can use Flatpak or choose a community AUR package after reviewing its build instructions.

Sign in and choose your server

Launch Bitwarden and enter your account email and master password. If you do not have an account, use the sign-up option. Before signing in, check the Accessing selector and choose the cloud region where your account is registered.

For a self-hosted account, select Self-hosted, enter your server’s full URL beginning with https://, and save it. Choosing the wrong server can make a valid account appear unavailable. See Bitwarden’s client environment instructions for details.

After login, the desktop app downloads your current vault. Browser autofill needs the Bitwarden extension for your browser; the desktop app alone does not fill browser forms.

Set a timeout and optional integration

Open File > Settings and choose a vault timeout under Security. Set the timeout action to lock the vault. Avoid Never on shared or unattended computers: Bitwarden warns that this can leave the encryption key stored unencrypted on the device. Timeout preferences are set per account.

If Linux system authentication is configured, you can enable Unlock with system authentication when available. It is an unlock convenience after initial login, not a replacement for your master password. Biometrics require a Polkit agent; Flatpak may also need Bitwarden’s Polkit policy. Linux secure storage depends on libsecret. Follow Bitwarden’s biometric setup instructions for package-specific details.

In App Settings, turn on Start automatically on login if you want Bitwarden to open with your Linux session. For timeout choices, see the vault timeout guide.

Verify the setup

Confirm that your vault entries appear. If recent changes are missing, select File > Sync vault. Bitwarden also syncs desktop apps at login and regularly while unlocked; see its vault sync guide.

If installation fails, check that the command uses the exact downloaded filename and the right package type. If Snap cannot use secure storage, run the snap connect command above and sign in again. If biometric unlock is missing, check for a Polkit agent and the required package policy.