How to fix E: The repository 'URL Release' does not have a Release file in APT

APTBEGINNERMEDIUMUpdated Dec 29, 2025· 330 views

This error occurs when apt cannot find a Release file in a repository, typically because the repository isn't available for your Ubuntu version or the URL is incorrect. The Release file contains essential metadata that apt needs to verify and list available packages.

Quick fix

Fixes APT_NO_RELEASE_FILE

lsb_release -a
  1. Identify your Ubuntu version and codename
  2. Find which repository is causing the error
  3. Search for the PPA online to check version support
  4. Remove the problematic repository via command line
apt — error
lsb_release -a
E: The repository 'URL Release' does not have a Release file

What this error means

When you run apt-get update, apt contacts each repository in your sources list to fetch package information. Each repository must provide a Release file—a special file containing metadata like the supported Ubuntu codenames, cryptographic signatures, and package listings. Without this file, apt cannot verify the repository's authenticity or determine which packages are available. This error indicates that either the repository doesn't support your Ubuntu version, the URL is wrong, or the repository no longer exists.

Typical symptoms

  • apt-get update fails with the error message mentioning 'does not have a Release file'
  • The error output shows the specific repository URL that's causing the problem
  • Package installation or system upgrades are blocked
  • The error persists across multiple update attempts

Common causes

  1. The PPA or third-party repository doesn't support your Ubuntu version (codename mismatch)
  2. The repository URL is incorrect or contains a typo
  3. The repository has been removed, archived, or is no longer maintained
  4. The repository mirror you're using is down or unavailable
  5. Network connectivity issues preventing access to the repository

How to fix "E: The repository 'URL Release' does not have a Release file"

1Identify your Ubuntu version and codename

Run the following command to see your Ubuntu version and codename (like focal, jammy, etc.):

bash
lsb_release -a

Note the codename—you'll need this to verify if the repository supports your version.

2Find which repository is causing the error

Run apt-get update and look at the error message carefully:

bash
sudo apt-get update

The error will show the exact repository URL causing the problem. Write down the URL—you'll need it in the next step.

3Search for the PPA online to check version support

Copy the repository URL (or the PPA name) and search for it online. For PPAs, visit https://launchpad.net/~ppa-owner/+archive/ubuntu/ppa-name to see which Ubuntu versions are supported. Check whether your codename (from step 1) is in the supported list.

4Remove the problematic repository via command line

If the repository doesn't support your Ubuntu version, remove it using:

bash
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:ppa-owner/ppa-name

Or, if it's a custom repository in your sources list:

bash
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/problematic-repo.list

Delete the line or comment it out (add # at the start), save (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X), then run:

bash
sudo apt-get update
5Verify the fix by running update again

Once the repository is removed, run apt-get update again to confirm the error is gone:

bash
sudo apt-get update

If successful, you'll see no errors for the removed repository.

6Find an alternative source for the software

If you still need the software from that repository, try:

- Search for an updated PPA that supports your Ubuntu version
- Check the project's official website for installation instructions
- Use Snap packages: snap search package-name and snap install package-name
- Use Flatpak: A cross-distribution alternative to PPAs
- Download .deb files directly from the project's GitHub or official repository

Advanced notes

Different Ubuntu releases have different codenames (20.04=focal, 22.04=jammy, 24.04=noble). A PPA compiled for focal won't work on jammy without recompilation. Some repositories provide separate branches per codename in their structure (e.g., launchpad.net shows build history by series). If you encounter this frequently, use 'Ubuntu Pro' repositories or stick to officially maintained PPAs from well-known projects. For servers, consider using the official Ubuntu repositories or checking DistroWatch for alternatives compatible with your specific version.

Frequently asked questions

What does "APT_NO_RELEASE_FILE" mean?
When you run apt-get update, apt contacts each repository in your sources list to fetch package information. Each repository must provide a Release file—a special file containing metadata like the supported Ubuntu codenames, cryptographic signatures, and package listings. Without this file, apt cannot verify the repository's authenticity or determine which packages are available.
How do I fix "APT_NO_RELEASE_FILE"?
This error occurs when apt cannot find a Release file in a repository, typically because the repository isn't available for your Ubuntu version or the URL is incorrect. The Release file contains essential metadata that apt needs to verify and list available packages.
What causes "APT_NO_RELEASE_FILE"?
The PPA or third-party repository doesn't support your Ubuntu version (codename mismatch) The repository URL is incorrect or contains a typo The repository has been removed, archived, or is no longer maintained
Is the "APT_NO_RELEASE_FILE" error serious?
It is a medium-severity error — more of a blocker than a risk. The steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading