How to Use Etcher AppImage on Ubuntu (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re looking for a simple way to flash .iso or .img files to USB drives on Ubuntu, the Balena Etcher AppImage is one of the easiest and most reliable tools available. You don’t need to install anything — just download, make it executable, and run.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Etcher AppImage on Ubuntu step-by-step.

What Is Etcher?

Balena Etcher (formerly called Etcher) is a free and open-source tool for creating bootable USB drives and SD cards.
It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The AppImage version lets you run Etcher on Linux without installation — just download the file and launch it.
This makes it perfect for Ubuntu users who want a lightweight, portable option.

Why Use the AppImage Version?

Here are a few reasons to use the Etcher AppImage instead of the .deb package:

• No installation required — just run it directly.
• Portable — works across multiple Linux systems.
• No dependency or compatibility issues.
• Easy to update — simply replace the file with a new version.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure your system meets these requirements:

1. Ubuntu version: Works on Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, and newer.
2. Root or sudo access: Needed for writing images to drives.
3. libfuse2 installed: Required for running AppImage files.

To install libfuse2, open a terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install libfuse2

Step 1: Download the Etcher AppImage

1. Go to the official Balena Etcher website
2. Select the Linux (x64) AppImage version.
3. Save the .AppImage file to your Downloads folder.

Step 2: Make the AppImage Executable

You need to grant execute permission before running the file.

Option 1: Using File Manager

• Right-click the downloaded .AppImage file.
• Choose Properties → Permissions.
• Check the box labeled “Allow executing file as program.”

Option 2: Using Terminal

cd ~/Downloads
chmod +x balenaEtcher-*.AppImage

Step 3: Run Etcher on Ubuntu

Now you can launch the app by double-clicking the file or running it from the terminal:

./balenaEtcher-*.AppImage

If you experience GPU or sandbox errors, use this command instead:

./balenaEtcher-*.AppImage --disable-gpu-sandbox

Step 4: Flash an Image to USB or SD Card

Once Etcher opens:

1. Click Flash from file and select your .iso or .img file.
2. Click Select target and choose your USB drive or SD card.
3. Click Flash! to begin writing the image.
4. Etcher will automatically validate the image after flashing.
5. Once done, safely eject your drive — it’s ready to use!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Solution
AppImage doesn’t run	Ensure libfuse2 is installed and permissions are set (chmod +x).
Sandbox or GPU error	Use --disable-gpu-sandbox flag when launching Etcher.
Missing dependencies	Install libfuse2 or try the .deb version.
Prefer full install	Use the .deb package for system-wide installation.

Optional: Install Etcher via .deb Package

If you prefer a traditional installation, download the .deb file from the official website or GitHub page, then install it:

sudo apt install ./balena-etcher_*.deb

If you encounter dependency issues, run:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

After installation, Etcher will appear in your Applications menu.

Final Thoughts

Using the Etcher AppImage on Ubuntu is one of the easiest ways to create bootable drives without installing additional software. It’s lightweight, portable, and beginner-friendly.

Whether you’re flashing a Linux ISO or preparing an SD card for Raspberry Pi, Balena Etcher makes the process fast and reliable.