Install Adobe Flash Player On Ubuntu: 3 Simple Methods

Aug 27, 2025 by Marco 55 views

3 Simple Ways to Install Adobe Flash Player on Ubuntu

Hey everyone! So, you're trying to get Adobe Flash Player running on your Ubuntu system, huh? Well, you've come to the right place. I know it can be a bit tricky since Flash isn't exactly the darling of the tech world anymore, especially on Linux. But don't worry, I'm going to walk you through a few simple methods to get it up and running. Let's dive in!

Why Flash on Ubuntu?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: why even bother with Flash in this day and age? You might need it for some older websites or specific web applications that haven't been updated to modern standards like HTML5. While Flash has its security vulnerabilities and isn't officially supported anymore, sometimes you just need it to access certain content. Plus, some of us have nostalgic reasons, right? Think back to all those old-school Flash games! So, whether it's for legacy support, specific applications, or a trip down memory lane, there are valid reasons to want Flash on your Ubuntu system. Keep in mind that using Flash does come with some risks, so make sure you're only using it on trusted sites.

Understanding Flash's Current Status:

Before we get started, it's important to understand the current state of Flash. Adobe officially ended support for Flash Player on December 31, 2020, and major browsers have stopped supporting it. This means you won't find official updates or support anymore. However, there are still ways to get it working, especially if you need it for specific purposes. We'll be focusing on methods that involve using older versions or leveraging browser plugins.

Security Considerations:

I can't stress this enough: using Flash can pose security risks. Since it's no longer supported, there are no security updates to protect against vulnerabilities. Always exercise caution and only enable Flash on websites you trust. Consider using a separate browser just for Flash content to minimize the risk to your main system. It's also a good idea to keep your browser and other software up to date to mitigate potential risks.

Method 1: Using the Pepper Flash Plugin from Chrome (for Chromium)

If you're a Chromium user, this is probably the easiest way to get Flash working. Google Chrome comes with a built-in Flash plugin called Pepper Flash. Since Chrome is still updated, this plugin often receives updates as well, making it a slightly more secure option than using an outdated standalone Flash Player. Here’s how to extract and use it:

Install Chrome: If you don't have it already, download and install Google Chrome from the official website.
Locate the Pepper Flash Plugin: The plugin is usually located in Chrome's installation directory. The exact path may vary depending on your system, but it's often something like /opt/google/chrome/PepperFlash/. Look for a file named libpepflashplayer.so.
Copy the Plugin: Copy this file to a location where Chromium can access it. A common place is /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins/. You might need to create the plugins directory if it doesn't exist:
```
sudo mkdir -p /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins/
sudo cp /opt/google/chrome/PepperFlash/libpepflashplayer.so /usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins/
```
Make sure to adjust the paths if your Chrome installation is in a different location.

Configure Chromium: Create a configuration file for Chromium to tell it where to find the Flash plugin. Create a file named pepperflashplugin-nonfree.conf in /etc/chromium-browser/default/:

sudo nano /etc/chromium-browser/default/pepperflashplugin-nonfree.conf

Add the following lines to the file:

. /etc/chromium-browser/default/chromium-browser

CHROMIUM_FLAGS="${CHROMIUM_FLAGS} --ppapi-flash-path=/usr/lib/chromium-browser/plugins/libpepflashplayer.so --ppapi-flash-version=$(grep 'version=&' /opt/google/chrome/PepperFlash/manifest.json | cut -d '"' -f 4)"

Save the file and exit.

Restart Chromium: Close and reopen Chromium. Type chrome://plugins in the address bar and press Enter. You should see the Flash plugin listed. Make sure it's enabled.

And that's it! You should now be able to use Flash content in Chromium.

Method 2: Installing Flash Player via apt (Less Recommended)

This method involves using the apt package manager to install Flash Player. However, keep in mind that the packages available through apt might be outdated and potentially less secure. I generally recommend the Pepper Flash method above, but if you're in a pinch, here's how to do it:

Enable the Canonical Partners Repository: Open the /etc/apt/sources.list file with administrative privileges:
```
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list
```
Uncomment the lines that refer to the canonical partners repository. It should look something like this:
```
deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu focal partner
deb-src http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu focal partner
```
Save the file and exit.
Update the Package List: Update the package list to include the new repository:
```
sudo apt update
```
Install Flash Plugin: Now, install the flashplugin-installer package:
```
sudo apt install flashplugin-installer
```
This package will download and install the Flash Player plugin.
Restart Your Browser: Close and reopen your browser. Flash should now be enabled. You can test it by visiting a website that uses Flash content.

Remember, this method might not provide the latest version of Flash, so use it with caution.

Method 3: Using a Standalone Flash Player (Not Recommended for Browsing)

This method involves downloading a standalone Flash Player and using it to play Flash content outside of a web browser. This is generally not recommended for general browsing due to security concerns. However, it can be useful for playing local Flash files or running specific applications that require Flash.

Download the Flash Player Projector: Adobe used to offer standalone Flash Player projectors for different operating systems. You might be able to find these on archive websites, but be extremely cautious about the source. Only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
Make the Executable: Once you've downloaded the projector, make it executable:
```
chmod +x flashplayer
```
(Replace flashplayer with the actual name of the executable file.)
Run the Projector: You can now run the Flash Player projector from the command line:
```
./flashplayer
```
This will open the Flash Player. You can then open Flash files (SWF files) using the File > Open option.

Important Note: This method bypasses the security features of web browsers, so it's crucial to only use it with Flash files from trusted sources.

Final Thoughts

Alright, that's it, guys! You now have a few options for getting Adobe Flash Player working on your Ubuntu system. Remember to weigh the risks and benefits of each method and always prioritize security. Using the Pepper Flash plugin from Chrome is generally the safest bet, but if you need to use a different method, just be extra careful.

I hope this guide has been helpful! If you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy flashing (but safely, of course!).