Installing Betterbird using the command line

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 0 views

Introduction

Are you looking for a reliable and feature-rich email client that can rival the likes of Thunderbird? Look no further than Betterbird, a popular open-source email client that has gained a significant following in recent years. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Betterbird, addressing the common issue of it not being available on the App Store, and providing a step-by-step guide on how to install it using the command line.

What is Betterbird?

Betterbird is a free and open-source email client that is designed to be fast, secure, and feature-rich. It is built on top of the Thunderbird codebase, but with several key improvements that make it a more attractive option for users. Some of the key features of Betterbird include:

Improved performance: Betterbird is designed to be faster and more responsive than Thunderbird, making it ideal for users who need to manage large email inboxes.
Enhanced security: Betterbird includes several security features that are not available in Thunderbird, including improved encryption and password management.
Customization options: Betterbird offers a wide range of customization options, including the ability to change the theme, layout, and behavior of the email client.

Why is Betterbird not available on the App Store?

Betterbird is not available on the App Store because it is not a native macOS application. Instead, it is a Linux-based application that is designed to run on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means that it is not compatible with the App Store's strict guidelines and requirements.

Installing Betterbird using the command line

To install Betterbird using the command line, you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Install the necessary dependencies

Before you can install Betterbird, you will need to install the necessary dependencies. These include:

snapd: This is a package manager that is used to install and manage Snap packages.
snap: This is the Snap package manager that is used to install and manage Snap packages.

You can install these dependencies using the following command:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd
sudo snap install core

Step 2: Download the Betterbird installer

Once you have installed the necessary dependencies, you can download the Betterbird installer using the following command:

wget https://github.com/PostboxInc/Betterbird/releases/download/v2.7.0/Betterbird-2.7.0-x86_64.AppImage

Step 3: Make the installer executable

To make the installer executable, you will need to run the following command:

chmod +x Betterbird-2.7.0-x86_64.AppImage

Step 4: Run the installer

Once you have made the installer executable, you can run it using the following command:

./Betterbird-2.7.0-x86_64.AppImage

Step 5: Configure Betterbird

Once you have installed Betterbird, you will need to configure it to your liking. This includes setting up your email accounts, configuring your preferences, and customizing the look and feel of the email client.

Keeping Betterbird running

One of the common issues with running Betterbird using the command line is that it does not stay running in the background. To keep Betterbird running, you can use the following command:

nohup ./Betterbird-2.7.0-x86_64.AppImage &

This will run Betterbird in the background and keep it running even after you have logged out of your system.

Conclusion

Installing Betterbird using the command line can be a bit tricky, but with the right instructions, you can get it up and running in no time. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install Betterbird and start enjoying its features and benefits. Whether you are looking for a reliable email client or just want to try something new, Betterbird is definitely worth checking out.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while installing Betterbird, here are some common troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check the dependencies: Make sure that you have installed the necessary dependencies, including snapd and snap.
Check the installer: Make sure that the installer is executable and that you have downloaded the correct version of Betterbird.
Check the configuration: Make sure that you have configured Betterbird correctly, including setting up your email accounts and configuring your preferences.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve many common issues and get Betterbird up and running in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about installing Betterbird:

Q: Why is Betterbird not available on the App Store? A: Betterbird is not available on the App Store because it is not a native macOS application.
Q: How do I install Betterbird using the command line? A: To install Betterbird using the command line, you will need to follow the steps outlined in this article.
Q: How do I keep Betterbird running in the background? A: To keep Betterbird running in the background, you can use the nohup command.

Introduction

In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Betterbird, a popular open-source email client. Whether you are a new user or an experienced one, you may have questions about how to use Betterbird, its features, and its installation process. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about Betterbird.

Q: What is Betterbird?

A: Betterbird is a free and open-source email client that is designed to be fast, secure, and feature-rich. It is built on top of the Thunderbird codebase, but with several key improvements that make it a more attractive option for users.

Q: Why is Betterbird not available on the App Store?

A: Betterbird is not available on the App Store because it is not a native macOS application. Instead, it is a Linux-based application that is designed to run on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Q: How do I install Betterbird?

A: To install Betterbird, you will need to follow the steps outlined in our previous article, "Install Betterbird: A Comprehensive Guide". This includes downloading the Betterbird installer, making it executable, and running it using the command line.

Q: How do I keep Betterbird running in the background?

A: To keep Betterbird running in the background, you can use the nohup command. This will run Betterbird in the background and keep it running even after you have logged out of your system.

Q: What are the system requirements for Betterbird?

A: The system requirements for Betterbird are:

Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Windows
Processor: 1 GHz or faster
Memory: 2 GB or more
Storage: 1 GB or more

Q: How do I configure Betterbird?

A: To configure Betterbird, you will need to follow these steps:

Launch Betterbird: Launch Betterbird by double-clicking on the Betterbird icon or by running the Betterbird command in the terminal.
Set up your email account: Set up your email account by clicking on the "File" menu and selecting "New Account".
Configure your preferences: Configure your preferences by clicking on the "Edit" menu and selecting "Preferences".
Customize the look and feel: Customize the look and feel of Betterbird by clicking on the "View" menu and selecting "Theme".

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with Betterbird?

A: To troubleshoot issues with Betterbird, you can try the following steps:

Check the dependencies: Make sure that you have installed the necessary dependencies, including snapd and snap.
Check the installer: Make sure that the installer is executable and that you have downloaded the correct version of Betterbird.
Check the configuration: Make sure that you have configured Betterbird correctly, including setting up your email accounts and configuring your preferences.

Q: Is Betterbird compatible with my email provider?

A: Betterbird is compatible with most email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook. However, if you are using a custom email provider, you may need to configure Betterbird manually.

Q: How do I update Betterbird?

A: To update Betterbird, you will need to follow these steps:

Launch Betterbird: Launch Betterbird by double-clicking on the Betterbird icon or by running the Betterbird command in the terminal.
Check for updates: Check for updates by clicking on the "Help" menu and selecting "Check for Updates".
Install the update: Install the update by clicking on the "Install" button.

Conclusion

We hope that this Q&A article has helped to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Betterbird. Whether you are a new user or an experienced one, you may have questions about how to use Betterbird, its features, and its installation process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot issues with Betterbird and get the most out of this powerful email client.