Unable to log in via The Hub on unsupported Linux distros (Steam OS, Zorin OS, Pop!OS, Arch Linux)

Introduction:

Are you experiencing login issues with the Hub on your Linux device? Does the login process hang indefinitely or display an error message stating, "Something went wrong. Please try again."? This is a common issue reported by users running the Hub on unsupported Linux distributions, especially Arch Linux/ SteamOS (used on Steam Decks), Zorin OS, and Pop!OS. 

Symptoms:

• The login screen freezes or hangs indefinitely without loading the next step.
• An error message appears stating: "Something went wrong. Please sign in again."

Environment:

This problem has been reported on unsupported Linux distributions, specifically:

• Steam Deck (SteamOS, based on Arch Linux): SteamOS uses Arch Linux as its base. The Hub struggles with untested dependencies in this environment.
• Zorin OS – A Ubuntu-based Linux distro designed for ease of use, but deviates enough that it can cause compatibility issues.
• Pop!_OS – A distribution built by System76 that deviates from pure Ubuntu architecture, leading to potential compatibility gaps.
• Other unsupported Linux distros – Other non-Ubuntu distributions may exhibit similar login errors with the Hub.

It is important to note that Ubuntu is the only officially supported Linux distribution for the Hub, and running it on other distros may result in unpredictable behavior.

Cause:

These problems commonly occur on Linux distributions that are not officially supported by the Hub. The login functionality may break due to compatibility issues tied to the operating system or outdated versions of the Hub provided by third-party app repositories, like the Discover app.

Resolution:

1. Verify Your Linux Distribution: The Hub is only officially supported on Ubuntu. If you're using SteamOS, Zorin OS, Pop!OS, or any other unsupported Linux distribution, please be aware that compatibility issues are to be expected. If a stable experience with the Hub is required, consider installing Ubuntu as your operating system.
2. Install the Most Up-to-Date Version of The Hub: On unsupported Linux distros, the version of the Hub available through the default app store or package manager may be outdated. For example, on Steam Decks running SteamOS (based on Arch Linux), the Hub version accessible via the Discover app is often several versions behind.
   To try to resolve this:
   1. Manually download the latest Hub version.
   2. Install/update dependencies that the Hub may require. If errors occur during installation, resolving package dependencies using commands like pacman (or equivalent for the distro in question) may be necessary for Arch-based systems.
   3. Address package dependency issues (arch-based distros): Users have reported dependency-related errors while installing The Hub on arch-based distros like SteamOS.
3. Unsupported distros are not maintained: While some users have successfully installed and run the Hub on unsupported Linux distributions, it is not guaranteed that it will function properly. Unsupported distros often require manual intervention to troubleshoot errors, which is outside the scope of support.

More information:

At this time, The Hub does not provide official support for Linux distributions other than Ubuntu. We understand that Steam Deck users and other Linux enthusiasts may prefer alternative environments; however, compatibility cannot be guaranteed outside supported systems. If you choose to run the Hub on an unsupported distro, please be prepared for issues, including login failures.

For the most reliable experience, we recommend switching to Ubuntu or accessing the Hub via a supported operating system. Should you succeed in resolving the issue on your distro, consider sharing your solution with the Linux community to assist others.