How to install and use TeamViewer on Linux

TeamViewer is a powerful tool that allows teams to collaborate and share screens in real time. It is also extremely useful in supporting remote technology, making it possible to access remote computers instantly with a complete graphical desktop.

So it's easy to understand why TeamViewer supports Linux and packages for both Debian and Redhat distributions. Don't worry if you have another distribution. TeamViewer provides a common tarball and even some distributions, like Arch, also have packages available.

Install TeamViewer on Linux

Before starting, you must download TeamViewer that is compatible with your Linux distribution. If using Debian, Ubuntu, or any version of the Redhat distribution, such as Fedora or CentOS, visit the TeamViewer Linux download page or download it here. Download DEB 64 bit or RPM for the distribution you are using. You can install TeamViewer from the graphical interface or use the command line as instructed below.

Ubuntu / Debian

Open the terminal and switch to the folder containing the downloaded TeamViewer package.

 cd ~/Downloads 

Then use dpkg to install the package. You can use the first command to determine its location.

 ls | grep -i teamviewer sudo dpkg -i teamviewer_14.1.9025_amd64.deb 

Dpkg may fail. That's not a big deal, because you can use Apt to clean up the mess and complete the installation.

 sudo apt --fix-broken install 

The above command will fetch missing dependencies and configure TeamViewer.

Fedora

The process of installing TeamViewer for Fedora is the same as on Debian. You will use RPM to install the downloaded package. However, first, it is necessary to get the dependencies for TeamViewer.

 sudo dnf install qt5-qtwebkit qt5-qtquickcontrols 

Now, change the directory to where the TeamViewer package is downloaded and install it with RPM.

 cd ~/Downloads sudo rpm -i teamviewer_14.1.9025.x86_64.rpm 

After the installation is complete, start the TeamViewer service.

 sudo systemctl start teamviewerd 

To automatically run the TeamViewer service when starting your computer, enter the following command:

 sudo systemctl enable teamviewerd 

When opening TeamViewer for the first time, you can see a warning that TeamViewer doesn't work with Wayland. In this case, it is necessary to log out and select Gnome with Xorg to use TeamViewer.

Arch Linux

TeamViewer does not officially support Arch, but that did not prevent the community from adding installation packages to AUR. If there is no AUR, follow the procedure below to download and install TeamViewer.

 cd ~/Downloads git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/teamviewer.git cd teamviewer makepkg -si 

If there is AUR, this process will be simpler.

 sudo pikaur -S teamviewer 

To open and use TeamViewer, you will need to launch the accompanying service.

 sudo systemctl start teamviewerd 

If you want it to run at startup, enter the command:

 sudo systemctl enable teamviewerd 

Run TeamViewer on Linux

TeamViewer is a graphical application that can be found in the 'Internet' section on most desktop environments. Search alphabetically, you will see 'TeamViewer' on Gnome, open it.

Before TeamViewer starts, it will introduce about EULA. Click Accept to continue.

In the middle of the TeamViewer window is the ID and password specified for your computer and not tied to any specific account. You can create or log in to TeamViewer account, if you wish, but do not have to do it to access another computer.

Connect via TeamViewer

Connecting to another computer via TeamViewer is very simple. Please request the TeamViewer ID of the computer you want to access. Enter it in the 'Partner ID' field at the top of the TeamViewer window or in the right third part of the 'Remote Control' tab .

TeamViewer will then ask for the password of the computer you want to control. Please enter a password. TeamViewer will open a new window to see the remote desktop screen. This window is your portal to another computer. You can access everything on that computer through this window, as if you were sitting there.

Look at the controls near the top of the window. Users can send files, chat and change the way the connection is displayed via this menu. To end the connection, click on the 'Actions' section and select the option to close the connection.

That's all the basics of installing and using TeamViewer on Linux. Now you can remotely access another computer through TeamViewer and help troubleshoot or simply access files. This is a flexible way for teams to work together and is also a convenient way to access a remote machine.

Good luck!

See more:

1. How to use TeamViewer does not require installation
2. How to share audio on TeamViewer
3. 5 best remote desktop applications for Linux