Linux · Internet & Browsers
Lightning
Chat and calls on Matrix
by Rokas Smetonis
Official site: flathub.org
About Lightning
Lightning is a desktop messenger for Matrix, the open network for secure,
decentralised communication. Sign in to any homeserver, or to several
accounts at once, and reach people wherever their account lives.
Conversations are organised into Spaces, rooms and threads. Send rich
text, pictures, files, voice messages, polls, reactions and custom emoji,
and find something you sent months ago without scrolling back to it.
Private rooms are end-to-end encrypted throughout: verify your other
devices by comparing emoji, restore your keys from backup, and search
even your encrypted rooms with an index that never leaves this computer.
Group voice calls and screen sharing run in the room itself.
How to install Lightning
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Flatpak you can install and update it with: flatpak install flathub org.lightning_matrix.Lightning
- Open Lightning once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lightning free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to flathub.org, the developer's official site, where Lightning is available to download. Flatnic doesn't host or modify any files.
How do I install Lightning from the command line?
With Flatpak, run: flatpak install flathub org.lightning_matrix.Lightning. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is Lightning safe?
Lightning downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.