---
title: "Managing snap packages on Ubuntu"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/linux/managing-snap-packages-on-ubuntu/"
description: "Learn to manage Snap packages on Ubuntu. Discover how to find, install, update, list, and remove these self-contained applications via `snap`."
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2025-05-28"
last_modified: "2026-07-27"
---

# Managing snap packages on Ubuntu

Starting with **Ubuntu 16.04**, **Snap** packages were introduced as a new way to install applications. Unlike traditional .deb packages managed by tools like apt-get and dpkg, Snaps require different commands.

**Snaps are similar to containers**. They are self-contained, meaning they include all the libraries and dependencies they need to function. Snap applications are **sandboxed**, installing to their own directory and designed not to interfere with the rest of your system. Snap files have the extension **.snap**.

## **Searching for Snap packages**

To find applications available as Snap packages, you can search the Snap store.

To see a list of all available packages:

```
snap find
```

To search for a specific package by name:

```
snap find name
```

For a more complete search that includes package descriptions, you can pipe the output of snap find through the grep filtering tool:

```
snap find | grep search
```

## **Installing Snap packages**

To install a Snap package, you use the snap install command. Because this command makes changes to the system, you need to run it with root privileges using sudo.

```
sudo snap install package-name
```

The snap command will download and install the specified package, showing the progress in the terminal. Once installed, you can launch the application like any other.

## **Updating Snap packages**

To update an installed Snap package, you use the snap refresh command, specifying the package’s name. If a newer version is available, it will be downloaded and installed.

```
sudo snap refresh package-name
```

Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a single command to update all installed Snaps at once, but this might be added in the future.

## **Listing installed Snaps**

You can see which Snap packages are installed on your server.

To list all installed Snap packages:

```
snap list
```

You can also search your installed packages by piping the output through grep:

```
snap list | grep search
```

## **Removing Snap packages**

To remove an installed Snap package from your system, use the snap remove command.

```
sudo snap remove package-name
```

## **Viewing recent changes**

To see a list of recent system changes related to Snaps, including installations, updates, and removals, use the snap changes command.

```
snap changes
```

## **Seeing more Snap operations**

For more details on available snap command options, you can view the command’s manual page.

```
man snap
```

Use the arrow and page up/down keys to scroll and press “q” to quit. Ubuntu developers are likely to continue developing the Snap format and tools, so more options may be added in the future.