Resolving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak

You may receive the Error updating runtime response in Flatpak when trying to update one or all of your installed Flatpak applications. There is usually a trivial fix for this error, as Flatpak includes serveral ways to help users troubleshoot the root cause and apply a fix. In this tutorial, we will take you through the step by step instructions to resolve the Error updating runtime error message in Flatpak on a Linux system.

In this tutorial you will learn:

  • How to update all Flatpak applications
  • How to check Flatpak runtime installations for errors
  • How to update Flatpak on Linux
Resolving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak
Resolving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak
Software Requirements and Linux Command Line Conventions
Category Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used
System Any Linux distro
Software Flatpak package manager
Other Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command.
Conventions # – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command
$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user

Resolving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak




Run through the step by step instructions below for help in resolving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak. Since there could be multiple causes for the error, we will go through several troubleshooting methods. One of them should definitely work for you.

NOTE
Keep in mind that if the Error updating runtime message is only occurring when trying to update a particular application, then it is likely that there is an issue with that specific software, and not with your own system config or Flatpak installation.
  1. First, try updating all of your installed Flatpak applications.
    $ sudo flatpak update
    
  2. If, instead, you would like to update an individual application, you can supply the –app argument and specify which application you want to update. For example, this command would update the GIMP package downloaded from FlatHub:
    $ sudo flatpak update --app org.gimp.GIMP
    
  3. If the application is still having trouble with being updated, check that your installed Flatpak version and runtimes have not been corrupted:
    $ sudo flatpak repair
    
  4. Are you having any connectivity issues? Flatpak queries online repositories to search for and download software. Without a stable connection and decent bandwidth speed, you may receive an error when trying to update Flatpak applications. Try restarting your network or simply trying again later if you are experiencing any connection issues.
  5. If you are still receiving the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak when trying to update one or more applications, then this could indicate that your Flatpak installation has fallen out of date. You can update your Flatpak to the latest version by running the appropriate commands below that correspond to your Linux distro:

    To update Flatpak on Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, etc.:

    $ sudo apt update
    $ sudo apt install flatpak
    

    To update Flatpak on CentOS, Fedora, Alma, Rocky, etc.:

    $ sudo dnf update
    $ sudo apt install flatpak
    

    To update Flatpak on Arch Linux and Manjaro:

    $ sudo pacman -Syu flatpak
    

Closing Thoughts




In this tutorial, we saw how to troubleshoot the Error updating runtime error in Flatpak on a Linux system. Most times, this can indicate a connection problem to the Flatpak remote, so it is recommended to check your connectivity to the remote repository or to try again later. The flatpak repair command will also inspect your installed runtimes for errors. It is an easy fix in most cases, but in rare instances could indicate a problem with the Flatpak installation, or a bug with the application that you are trying to update. In those cases, report your findings to the app developer and to Flatpak for a fix.



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