diff --git a/ape/apeinstall.sh b/ape/apeinstall.sh
index 6037bf959..d8422e11a 100755
--- a/ape/apeinstall.sh
+++ b/ape/apeinstall.sh
@@ -18,8 +18,13 @@ fi
 
 if [ "$(id -u)" -eq 0 ]; then
   SUDO=
-else
+elif command -v sudo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
   SUDO=sudo
+elif command -v doas >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  SUDO=doas
+else
+  echo "need root or sudo" >&2
+  exit
 fi
 
 if command -v install >/dev/null 2>&1; then
diff --git a/ape/apeuninstall.sh b/ape/apeuninstall.sh
index 70cff8452..17d84145f 100755
--- a/ape/apeuninstall.sh
+++ b/ape/apeuninstall.sh
@@ -11,8 +11,13 @@ fi
 
 if [ "$UID" = "0" ]; then
   SUDO=
-else
+elif command -v sudo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
   SUDO=sudo
+elif command -v doas >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  SUDO=doas
+else
+  echo "need root or sudo" >&2
+  exit
 fi
 
 {