Install Wireshark on Ubuntu

Method 1: apt

1. Update the package list

sudo apt update

2. Install Wireshark

sudo apt install wireshark

During the install a question asks if non-superusers may capture packets. Choose Yes to allow members of the wireshark group to capture without root. Then add your user:

sudo usermod -aG wireshark $USER

Log out and in again.

3. Start Wireshark

Run wireshark or open it from the applications menu.

Run with root rights

sudo wireshark

Method 2: Build from source

Requirements

• A C compiler such as gcc and a C++ compiler such as g++.
• The GTK or Qt development libraries.
• libpcap-dev.
• cmake and ninja-build, or the build tools named in the Wireshark developer guide.

Steps

1. Download the latest source from the Wireshark website.

   

2. Extract it:

tar -xvf wireshark-x.y.z.tar.xz
cd wireshark-x.y.z

1. Install the dependencies. Wireshark provides a helper script for Debian and Ubuntu:

sudo tools/debian-setup.sh --install-optional

1. Build and install:

mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make
sudo make install

Quick recap

• sudo apt install wireshark is enough for most users.
• Add your user to the wireshark group to capture without root.