How to Install Radarr

On a Linux-Based System

Radarr is one of those tools that quietly becomes critical once you start using it. It handles movie monitoring, quality upgrades, and automation, and it does it well. In this post, I’ll walk through how I install Radarr on a Linux-based system using the official repository.

If you’re brand new to Linux concepts like package managers, services, or the terminal, I strongly recommend starting withA Beginner’s Guide to Linux before continuing.

What This Post Is About

This guide covers installing Radarr directly on a Linux system (Ubuntu/Debian-based), running it as a system service, and confirming it’s accessible from your browser.

Why I Use Radarr

Radarr automates movie management in the same way Sonarr does for TV shows. Once configured, it handles searching, downloading, upgrading quality, and organizing files without much babysitting.

I run Radarr headless on a server and only interact with it through the web UI. Once it’s set up, it mostly just works.

System Requirements

• A Linux system (Ubuntu, Debian, or similar)
• Root or sudo access
• Internet access
• A static IP or hostname (recommended)

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing anything, update your package list and installed packages.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Radarr requires a few base packages. Most systems already have these,
but I install them explicitly to avoid weird issues later.

sudo apt install -y curl sqlite3

Step 3: Add the Radarr Repository

Radarr provides an official repository, which keeps updates simple.

sudo mkdir -p /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://apt.radarr.video/radarr.key | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/radarr.gpg

Now add the repository itself:

echo "deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/radarr.gpg] https://apt.radarr.video/ubuntu jammy main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/radarr.list

Update your package list again:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Install Radarr

With the repository added, Radarr installs like any other package.

sudo apt install -y radarr

Step 5: Enable and Start the Radarr Service

Radarr runs as a systemd service. Enable it so it starts on boot.

sudo systemctl enable radarr
sudo systemctl start radarr

To confirm it’s running:

sudo systemctl status radarr

Step 6: Access the Web Interface

By default, Radarr runs on port 7878.
Open a browser and go to:

http://<your-server-ip>:7878

If everything worked, you should see the Radarr setup screen.

What Worked Well

• Official repository keeps updates painless
• Systemd service “just works” once enabled
• No manual file extraction or permissions juggling

What Didn’t

• Repository naming depends on distro version (jammy vs focal)
• Firewall rules can silently block access if you forget port 7878

Lessons Learned

• Use official repositories whenever possible
• Always confirm the service is running before troubleshooting UI issues
• Headless Linux servers are easier to manage than desktops once configured

Wrap-Up

Radarr is easy to install, reliable, and plays nicely with other media tools.
Once installed, the real work is configuring quality profiles, folders,
and download clients—which I’ll cover separately.

Summary

• Install dependencies
• Add the Radarr repository
• Install and enable the service
• Access the web UI on port 7878

Lear more on the official website!

Question for the Reader

Are you running Radarr directly on Linux, in Docker, or on a NAS?
What’s been the most reliable setup for you?

Suggested internal link:
Beginner’s Guide to Linux