Flatpak Repo Temp
Flatpak keeps temporary repository data under /var/lib/flatpak/repo/tmp while it downloads, verifies, and stages OSTree objects and summary metadata for system-wide app and runtime installs. Interrupted transactions, failed updates, and aborted pulls can leave behind partial object files, temporary pack data, and staging directories that no longer match the current repository state. Kudu removes only these root-owned temporary repository leftovers so Flatpak can rebuild them cleanly during the next install or update, without touching installed apps, remotes, user data, or settings.
Why clean Flatpak Repo Temp?
- Interrupted flatpak install or update jobs leave partial OSTree objects in repo/tmp, and later runs may appear to hang at fetching or unpacking the same runtime again
- Temporary summary and metadata downloads that no longer match the current remote state can trigger checksum or verification errors that show up as update failures in Software or flatpak update
- Aborted pulls can strand large temporary pack files under /var/lib/flatpak/repo/tmp, causing unexplained disk usage growth on the system partition even though no new app was installed
- Leftover staging directories from a crashed transaction can make Flatpak repeatedly retry cleanup or deployment steps, which users notice as very slow installs and updates
- When the system repository runs low on free space because old temp files were never removed, new Flatpak installs may fail with not enough space errors despite removable junk being present
- Corrupted temporary object data from a failed download can force Flatpak to re-fetch content over and over, showing repeated download progress resets or the same runtime update reappearing
- Unlike installed OSTree data, repo/tmp is disposable workspace; clearing it removes stale transaction debris without affecting deployed applications, remotes, accounts, or personal files
Cache paths Kudu targets
Linux
/var/lib/flatpak/repo/tmp |
Common questions about Flatpak Repo Temp
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Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No account required, no feature gates, no telemetry without consent. All cleaning targets are open source and community-auditable.