> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/installation/downloads/linux/debian.md).

# Debian

Fluent Bit is distributed as the `fluent-bit` package and is available for the latest stable Debian system.

The following architectures are supported

* `x86_64`
* `aarch64`
* `arm64v8`

The recommended secure deployment approach is to use the following instructions:

## Server GPG key

The first step is to add the Fluent Bit server GPG key to your keyring to ensure you can get the correct signed packages.

Follow the official [Debian wiki guidance](https://wiki.debian.org/DebianRepository/UseThirdParty#OpenPGP_Key_distribution).

```shell
sudo sh -c 'curl https://packages.fluentbit.io/fluentbit.key | gpg --dearmor > /usr/share/keyrings/fluentbit-keyring.gpg'
```

## Update your sources lists

For Debian, you must add the Fluent Bit APT server entry to your sources lists. Ensure codename is set to your specific [Debian release name](https://wiki.debian.org/DebianReleases#Production_Releases). (for example: `bookworm` for Debian 12).

```shell
codename=$(grep -oP '(?<=VERSION_CODENAME=).*' /etc/os-release 2>/dev/null || lsb_release -cs 2>/dev/null)
```

Update your source's lists:

```bash
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/fluentbit-keyring.gpg] https://packages.fluentbit.io/debian/$codename $codename main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/fluent-bit.list
```

## Update your repositories database

Update your system's `apt` database:

```shell
sudo apt-get update
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Fluent Bit recommends upgrading your system (`sudo apt-get upgrade`). This could avoid potential issues with expired certificates.
{% endhint %}

## Install Fluent Bit

1. Ensure your [GPG key](/manual/installation/downloads/linux.md#gpg-key-updates) is up to date.
2. Use the following `apt-get` command to install the latest Fluent Bit:

   ```shell
   sudo apt-get install fluent-bit
   ```
3. Instruct `systemd` to enable the service:

   ```shell
   sudo systemctl start fluent-bit
   ```

If you do a status check, you should see a similar output similar to:

```shell
$ sudo service fluent-bit status

● fluent-bit.service - Fluent Bit
   Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/fluent-bit.service; disabled; vendor preset: enabled)
   Active: active (running) since mié 2016-07-06 16:58:25 CST; 2h 45min ago
 Main PID: 6739 (fluent-bit)
    Tasks: 1
   Memory: 656.0K
      CPU: 1.393s
   CGroup: /system.slice/fluent-bit.service
           └─6739 /opt/fluent-bit/bin/fluent-bit -c /etc/fluent-bit/fluent-bit.conf
...
```

The default Fluent Bit configuration collect metrics of CPU usage and sends the records to the standard output. You can see the outgoing data in your `/var/log/messages` file.

## Upgrade Fluent Bit

Upgrading the `fluent-bit` package reloads the `systemd` unit files and restarts the service, so the new version starts running as soon as the upgrade finishes.

The restart applies only when the service is already running on a host that uses `systemd`. A stopped service stays stopped, and installing the package for the first time doesn't start it.

If a restart isn't safe to take at that moment, stop the service before you upgrade the package and start it again when you're ready:

```shell
sudo systemctl stop fluent-bit
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade fluent-bit
sudo systemctl start fluent-bit
```


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/installation/downloads/linux/debian.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.