Pidgin is a free and open-source instant messaging client that lets you log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on XMPP and sitting in an IRC chat room at the same time.
Pidgin is based on libpurple library that has support for many instant messaging protocols. It is available for multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and other UNIX-like operating systems.
In this article, I will discuss how to install and use Pidgin in Ubuntu Linux.
The features of Pidgin
Some key features of Pidgin are given below.
- Compatible with various chat networks such Jabber/XMPP, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, etc
- Supports file transfer
- Has custom smileys
- Provides typing notifications
- Shows buddy icon
- Functionalities can be extended using plugins
- It provides an end to end encryption that enhances user’s privacy
Installing Pidgin from Ubuntu repository
The Pidgin is available in the Ubuntu repository you can easily install and use on your system.
First, run the given command to update the local package database –
sudo apt update
Now use the given command to install Pidgin on your system-
sudo apt install pidgin -y
How to install Pidgin using Flatpak
Installing Pidgin using this method can have several benefits like it support automatic update, you always have the latest software. By default, Flatpak doesn’t come preinstalled with your Ubuntu system.
So to download the Pidgin Flatpak package first you need to install and configure Flatpak on your system. To install Flatpak open your terminal and execute the given command –
sudo apt install flatpak -y
Next, add the Flathub repository by using the given command –
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
Now use the given command to install the Pidgin Flatpak package –
flatpak install flathub im.pidgin.Pidgin
If you want to install it then use the given command –
flatpak uninstall im.pidgin.Pidgin
Start the Pidgin application
After installing Pidgin from one of the given methods, you can launch it from the activities dashboard. Search pidgin and when an icon appears like given in the image below click on it to launch the application.
When it opens click on Add, it will ask you to enter protocol, username, and password, enter your detail and click on Add to add the account.
Conclusion
I hope you understand how to install and use Pidgin on Ubuntu. For any query write us in the comments below.