Linux Mint 20 | Connecting to Wi-Fi

[@Rafa-sh9rh]

The driver manager way, was the solution (find in the comments section). Maybe you can pin a comment with the explanation. Anyway, thanks so much, I was able to solve my problem with that method.

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Thanks, Rafa! We're glad to hear that you were able to find a solution to your Wi-Fi issue, even if it was buried in the comments! We're working on a more troubleshooting focused video including the Driver Manager, using the Terminal, as well as some physical examples of computers with easy-to-miss hardware switches. We hope to have that video out sometime this month and will definitely pin it to the comments section here - that's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion! Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@aliasuser_]

Thanks Rafa I had the same issue... It works now

[@MoneyGrab]

@@FreeGeekMothership hi

[@s2r550]

For those who still can't get wireless connection toggle and want to install wireless driver please follow the following instructions.( Does not need internet ) First, find driver manager. Second, select wireless driver source and apply changes. Third, when the installation is done, enjoy.

[@mjestik5268]

@@s2r550 "Drivers cannot be installed. Please connect to the internet or insert the Linux Mint installation DVD (or USB stick)." and then when I insert the usb stick that I installed it with, nothing changes.

[@sav4942]

To anyone who still may have trouble connecting to the internet, you can try enabling hotspot on your cellular devices, and connect to the computer via usb cable, this should give you a connection that can help with downloading required drivers.

[@phillyphanatic1345]

The only actual useful information I can find. Thanks

[@smyrnian_]

Thank you! Truly the only useful information here.

[@phenelz1ne]

When I click on the "no internet connection" button there isn't a "wireless switch" there are just network settings and network connections. What should I do?

[@FreeGeekMothership]

If you're using a computer that definitely has a Wi-Fi Card (say you're using a laptop, for example), then the driver (the software that tells your Wi-Fi card what to do) might not be working properly. If you open your Menu and search for and open the application called Driver Manager, you can check to see if any of the available drivers mention anything about "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless" or "Broadband." Then try switching the driver from the one that you are currently using to a different one, then click Apply. You may need to restart your computer after selecting a new driver for this to take effect. You also may need to be connected to the internet before any drivers appear. If that is the case, you will need to either use a wired internet connection or use a USB-to-WiFi adapter that is compatible with Linux Mint. If this doesn't work, and you've received your computer from Free Geek, then you can contact our Tech Support Team here: www.freegeek.org/our-programs/tech-support Hope this helps! Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@geomiss8889]

pray.......and check the wifi key usually on the top row on keyboard.

[@swagberto]

@@FreeGeekMothership is there anyway to get around without using a directly compatible WiFi USB adapter? I’m using a Linksys but it doesn’t read it’s there

[@shiloranxxer]

@@FreeGeekMothership it said that I wasnt using the driver and that's why. I tried using it but you have to have internet to download the packages so idk if it's even possible if you don't even have a WiFi connection in the first place to download them Edit: I don't have an ethernet provider

[@electro-pirate994]

Just change Linux os this one is trash ​@@swagberto

[@RichardDuncan-ju1xk]

Fixed it by running an Ethernet cable to the computer and running the updates. The video is nonsense, there is no Wi-Fi button, and you can't see the individual drivers.

[@managaming4]

My laptop has a wifi button and it worked👍

[@bogdanaliman8782]

Hi! I can t see the Wireless button at all, I can only see Network Settings and Network Connections.

[@minamaster463]

same

[@benbreenmartin6927]

Same, anyone have a solution to this ???

[@s2r550]

For those who still can't get wireless connection toggle and want to install wireless driver please follow the following instructions.( Does not need internet ) First, find driver manager. Second, select wireless driver source and apply changes. Third, when the installation is done, enjoy.

[@jannatulfardusmim5239]

Maybe your PC is on aeroplane mood. Do click on f12. I hope it will work

[@minamaster463]

@@jannatulfardusmim5239 what do you mean

[@training7574]

Thanks a lot. Saved me many hours! Had to install a new Broadcom driver and then restart.

[@s2r550]

For those who still can't get wireless connection toggle and want to install wireless driver please follow the following instructions.( Does not need internet ) First, find driver manager. Second, select wireless driver source and apply changes. Third, when the installation is done, enjoy.

[@Ot3r]

Thanks man

[@prathameshgadakh5585]

Thanks man 😊

[@matthewtameirao5437]

It dosen’t work, It says Cable Unplugged

[@chriswebb4162]

Eventually found Driver Manager on my HP Stream PC13 laptop, clicked on it only to see a screen with a message advising me "You appear to be offline " ! No kidding, thanks for that.

[@giulsgasi]

Thanks man, me and my dad have been going crazy for like an hour with this thing. Life saving.

[@managaming4]

Thanks i was worried if something wrong happened but the wifi switch was turned off😂

[@matejagligoric6303]

Hi, Im sorry to interrupt you but i ran into some problems while doing this, When I try to toggle wireless on and off there is no switch it only says wired not plugged If you could help that would be amazing Thanks Anyways

[@swagberto]

Same

[@austinhellebusch4632]

Same, any solution?

[@icaromendes1250]

Had the same problem, Linux is probably telling you when entering to install some drivers I had to connect to a wired internet And then download and install the driver for the wifi

[@minamaster463]

@@icaromendes1250 see i installed the sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source. It updated and still never showed up. Do you have a solution for that please?

[@icaromendes1250]

@@minamaster463 duno, once i got the driver it worked fine for me

[@fishma2]

There's a 4th symbol, looks like a O and says requesting Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) network address for "name if connection"

[@KhadijaRhaim]

Muchas gracias no e terminado ni el vídeo de ver pero me a servido muchísimo gracias ❤😂😂😂

[@SoCalSeaChaser]

LOL, the first option was it for me. This was driving me crazy and to think it was just a switch turned off, DOH !

[@godned74]

what happens when you have the wifi strick plugged into the computer but you dont even have a wifi slider to turn on.

[@chriswebb4162]

Yes but what do you do if there are no Internet connections found and toggling the switch on you find it switches straight off and there are no sliders or switches on the case ?

[@timoteisatmarean7391]

I do not have a wireless switch. I cant see any wifi available

[@lex9407]

so uh, my uncle gave me this computer and i honestly have no idea how to do any of this stuff but when the wireless option is toggled on i don’t see any wifi networks, nothing is shown, what the hell am i doing wrong/nm

[@alexsalazar5161]

Is your wifi on? Also check to see your laptops settings and see if it allows for new connections.

[@netx421]

I have a USB wireless adapter any suggestions?

[@ROOKTABULA]

Great if your wireless connection even appears. Where yours days wifi, mine days wired - cable unplugged. Even though my wireless driver is installed. So far ? Linux had been one PITA after another

[@s2r550]

For those who still can't get wireless connection toggle and want to install wireless driver please follow the following instructions.( Does not need internet ) First, find driver manager. Second, select wireless driver source and apply changes. Third, when the installation is done, enjoy.

[@bigpoppav]

What if you do not show the symbols mentioned?

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

Mine doesn’t even have a wifi toggle. Haven’t been able to fix it. Tried so many different things, used all of my phone’s hotspot for the month downloading stuff. I literally uninstalled and reinstalled Ubuntu, then I switched to Mint (hence why I’m here), same problem. Painful.

[@kylebrabant6005]

@FreeGeekMothership How do I connect if it says wired cable unplugged

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Hey there! Sorry for the late reply - we were off last week and did not get your message until today. We're not sure if we understand your issue. Can you provide a little more detail? Are you trying to connect to Wi-Fi or to a Wired internet connection?

[@angelofrance9870]

@@FreeGeekMothership I think I have the same issue : there is no button "Wireless", but it says "wired cable unplugged", so I don't know how to connect to the wifi 😭 (also I'm sorry if I made mistakes I don't speak english very well)

[@FreeGeekMothership]

@@angelofrance9870 If you're using a computer that definitely has a Wi-Fi Card (say you're using a laptop, for example), then the driver (the software that tells your Wi-Fi card what to do) might not be working properly. If you open your Menu and search for and open the application called Driver Manager, you can check to see if any of the available drivers mention anything about "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless" or "Broadband." Then try switching the driver from the one that you are currently using to a different one, then click Apply. You may need to restart your computer after selecting a new driver for this to take effect. You also may need to be connected to the internet before any drivers appear. If that is the case, you will need to either use a wired internet connection or use a USB-to-WiFi adapter that is compatible with Linux Mint. Hope this helps! Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@angelofrance9870]

@@FreeGeekMothership When I open driver manager, it says "Your computer does not need any additional drivers", and I can't do anything else (I have a laptop btw)

[@FreeGeekMothership]

@@angelofrance9870 If the Driver Manager isn't helping, then you will need to use the Terminal to figure out what Wi-Fi card is installed in your computer. Once you know that information, you will need to do an internet search for the drivers associated with your Wi-Fi card. You can find instructions for how to do that on our How to Connect to Wi-Fi page here: sites.google.com/freegeek.org/gettingstarted/how-to-use-linux-mint/connecting-to-wi-fi#h.cu20emmez446 You will need to check the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Guide at the bottom of the page. The instructions we are talking about can be found under the "The word 'Wireless' doesn't appear in my Network Options..." section. Let us know if this does not work for you! Thanks again for supporting Free Geek! We hope this helps!

[@kaffenoizen]

00:50 Omg.. one feel stupid when its so simple, but its strange that it turns itself off. (my hardware wifi toggle is fn+f12)

[@nixuzumki5150]

Bro man you told the switch i looked around it and that was definitely the problem maan thanks man you got one subs from me❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@pm1741]

There is no wireless toggle?

[@joop1991]

I don't have a wireless toggle

[@sinvaldofinanceiromegabras3459]

Congratulations, Excellent tip.

[@KateHikes1933]

Doesn't work. Two phones are detecting multiple wireless networks, but opening it on my computer detects nothing. Not helpful at all.

[@chinnamchiang1872]

My pc don’t have wifi icon

[@denis1112]

PC? Then you don't have a network card you can buy one tho

[@shiloranxxer]

I don't have a WiFi slider (my WiFi card is realtek) (on usb live boot)

[@martinp7256]

Mint rarely connects to the internet, despite other OS's connecting automatically. Mint just doesn't seem to have this feature.

[@balthazarmix6202]

i dont have the wireless toggle

[@ahir11]

It Works bro . Thanks a lot

[@LBJ-bj]

my compute has driver for wifi but I can not find it work how to sovle this thanks

[@Planckestein.]

thanks this helped me a lot

[@nikosaek781]

thanks

[@Saharsoon]

When I click one of the wifi network nothing happened why

[@noahriding5780]

Do u also have advice on the how to install and run online games on Linux? It seems glitchy. It used to work for me for q4wine, but then suddenly nothing worked one day. It USED to work! Then it didn't. Some people said the version could be rolled back but that didn't work either.

[@Tailslol]

how we use wps?

[@anthonynorton666]

I always have problems with WiFi on Mint distros. I finally got it fixed on 18.3 then a short while later I got EOL sign on my screen. So I went to 19 then 20 and the same problem, only I can't find the forum that had the BASH commands that solved it in 18.3.

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Hey Anthony! Sorry to hear that you've had issues connecting to Wi-Fi. Are you able to elaborate a bit more on what exactly the issue is? You can also try some of our troubleshooting steps here: sites.google.com/freegeek.org/gettingstarted/how-to-use-linux-mint/connecting-to-wi-fi#h.btuxntyejp1w

[@anthonynorton666]

@@FreeGeekMothership It's WD 1390 REV A03 card and the last driver on the system tried (I have since reloaded the OS for a clean start) did say for 1390 but I think it was for A01. There's no WiFi icon or choice just wired communications, and I've tried unplugging the Ethernet and rebooting etc.. Thank's for your reply and help. P.S. it's an old laptop I am tinkering with (Dell Latitude 131L), and not the main one I use, but It's the only computer with a Linux distro.

[@thisisneeraj7133]

@@anthonynorton666 ok same problem here have you got a fix please tell me if you found one I'm struggling to get it 🥺

[@Master_LegendYt]

i didnt have wireless

[@progettazione_case_moderne]

the procedure you indicate is easy, everyone knows how to do it, the proglem lies in the fact that the procedure you indicate + is wrong because the wi-wi does not work equally

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Thanks for your suggestion, Leorbat! We are a Basic Digital Literacy focused organization that teaches "How to use Linux Mint" for individuals who are unfamiliar with Linux Mint or even how to use a computer in general. While most people in your community might know how to connect to Wi-Fi by using the applets, others do not and may get frustrated and give up. We plan to create a more advanced tutorial for those who need troubleshooting advice (using the Driver Manager, Terminal, etc) due to the many requests, but it has had to take a back seat due to other issues. While this procedure does not work 100% of the time, it will help many of those who have never had the opportunity to use a computer before. To learn more about our mission and why we create Basic Digital Literacy instead of more advanced tutorials, please feel free to check out our website at www.freegeek.org

[@minamaster463]

see i dont have the wireless

[@joephillips6504]

Mine does not have to wifi toggle at all?

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Sorry for the late reply - we were off last week and did not get your message until today. We're currently working on a video to address this issue, but in the meantime, you can check out our learning website here: sites.google.com/freegeek.org/gettingstarted/how-to-use-linux-mint/connecting-to-wi-fi You should read the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Guide located at the bottom of the page and check out the "The word 'Wireless' doesn't appear in my Network Options..." issue. It will walk you through how to check if your computer recognizes any Wi-Fi card, and if it does, then it will walk you through how to fix the issue. Let us know if these instructions do not make sense, or if it doesn't fix your problem. Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@porkyV2]

hello! i just installed linux mint on an acer aspire 4752 i5. the wifi toggle will not turn on. wifi is still unavailable. looked for other ways here in youtube, you are the 6th video i saw. maybe you can help me? this is also the 3rd time i tried linux in 10 years. its always the wifi that gives me trouble so i revert to windows.

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Hey, there! I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues with your Wi-Fi! Are you able to connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable? If so, we suggest connecting to the internet using that wired connection and then finding the "Driver Manager" in your menu. Once you sign in, using your administrator password, you might be greeted with a few different Wi-Fi drivers. If you do see different options regarding your Wi-Fi driver, then try each one individually (if you see something with "Broadcom" in the title, try that one first) until you get one that works. You may need to restart your computer after selecting a driver, in order for it to take effect. Also, these drivers are sometimes accessible if you have the original installation media that you used to install Linux Mint in the first place (like a USB stick or DVD). This is helpful if you can't connect to a wired Ethernet cable, but is sometimes unreliable in what drivers are available. If that doesn't work, or you aren't able to connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable, then you can open up the "Terminal" (found in your menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard), type in "rfkill list all", press "Enter" on your keyboard, and see what results appear. You'll be looking for something referencing "WLAN". There you should be able to see if the "WLAN" adapter is "hardblocked" or "softblocked" A "hardblock" is a physical issue (hardblock for hardware!) like a switch on the side of your computer or by pressing Fn+F3 on your keyboard (it appears that Fn+F3 is your wireless toggle based on a random picture we believe is the same device as the one you describe, but it may be another "F-key" - just look for the one that looks like a radio antenna sending out signals to the left and right). Another possibility with a "hardblock" is that the Wi-Fi card is disabled in the BIOS, but if you have had the Wi-Fi working in another operating system (say Windows 7 or Windows 10), then this option is very unlikely. A "softblock" is a software issue (softblock for software!) and is usually either a driver incompatibility, but could also be that Linux Mint has turned off your Wi-Fi card. You can enable it by following the steps above (though, we assume you've already tried that before commenting). If you don't see anything referencing "WLAN" and only see a reference to "Bluetooth" then you can safely assume that it is likely a "hardblock" and you will need to follow the instructions we laid out regarding a "hardblock" issue. Thanks for your question, we hope this helped! Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@bgggg4168]

@@FreeGeekMothership Hello, I'm assuming that I have a hardblock issue judging from what you said just now. I have a HP all-in-one dfxxx computer so I don't have those keys, can I get help?

[@FreeGeekMothership]

@@bgggg4168 Hey there! Great question! If you have already checked your "Driver Manager" for any drivers that you may need to change, then we suggest you check out our learning platform here: sites.google.com/freegeek.org/gettingstarted/how-to-use-linux-mint/connecting-to-wi-fi You should read the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Guide located at the bottom of the page and check out the "The word 'Wireless' doesn't appear in my Network Options..." issue. It will walk you through how to check if your computer recognizes any Wi-Fi card, and if it does, then it will walk you through how to fix the issue. Let us know if these instructions do not make sense, or if it doesn't fix your problem. Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@bgggg4168]

@@FreeGeekMothership problem is that I can't check Driver manager because I don't have the option to connect to a wireless wifi aka I don't have internet. When I try to connect to the internet through via Ethernet connection that fails too, I'm new to linux mint and I DON'T want to switch back to windows.

[@bgggg4168]

@@FreeGeekMothership problem is that I can't check Driver manager because I don't have the option to connect to a wireless wifi aka I don't have internet. When I try to connect tot the internet through an Ethernet connection that fails too, I'm new to linux mint and I DON'T want to switch back to windows.

[@maltamagistro]

Бабушкам показывай это видео, умник

[@TEMPTATION2022]

What he really meant is if the toggle turns off and on is to hold fn key and f12 key to turn off airplane mode

[@pootthatbak2578]

Nobody can make linux wireless capable, except computer nerds..they the linux people, purposely make the pcs and laptops that use proprietary drivers difficult to use, by not including general drivers for most common wireless drivers. There are 25 modules on my pc all were included in mint..even my nvidia driver worked flawlessly.

[@onutube6392]

Aw shit this isn't for mate is it

[@ShamLam-pu8ui]

if you are not using Cinammon Linux Mint is pretty much useless for non tech savy guys. Litreally have to goto BIOS to make sure that I remove the hotkey button!

[@almarchyt376]

Here showing Wired internet....but i don't have Wired...what to doo

[@FreeGeekMothership]

Hey there! Sorry, but we don't seem to understand what issue you are having. Are you able to rephrase it?

[@almarchyt376]

@@FreeGeekMothership there is no any option to turn on Wireless connection... that means only wired connection is available...

[@FreeGeekMothership]

@@almarchyt376 Ah, okay. We think we understand. Are you able to connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable? If so, we suggest connecting to the internet using that wired connection and then finding the "Driver Manager" in your menu. Once you sign in, using your administrator password, you might be greeted with a few different Wi-Fi drivers. If you do see different options regarding your Wi-Fi driver, then try each one individually (if you see something with "Broadcom" in the title, try that one first) until you get one that works. You may need to restart your computer after selecting a driver, in order for it to take effect. Also, these drivers are sometimes accessible if you have the original installation media that you used to install Linux Mint in the first place (like a USB stick or DVD). This is helpful if you can't connect to a wired Ethernet cable, but is sometimes unreliable in what drivers are available. If that doesn't work, or you aren't able to connect to the internet using a wired Ethernet cable, then you can open up the "Terminal" (found in your menu or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard), type in "rfkill list all", press "Enter" on your keyboard, and see what results appear. You'll be looking for something referencing "WLAN". There you should be able to see if the "WLAN" adapter is "hardblocked" or "softblocked" A "hardblock" is a physical issue (hardblock for hardware!) like a switch on the side of your computer or by pressing Fn+F3 on your keyboard (Fn+F3 is a commonly used key combination, but it may be another "F-key" - just look for the one that looks like a radio antenna sending out signals to the left and right). Another possibility with a "hardblock" is that the Wi-Fi card is disabled in the BIOS, but if you have had the Wi-Fi working in another operating system (say Windows 7 or Windows 10), then this option is very unlikely. A "softblock" is a software issue (softblock for software!) and is usually either a driver incompatibility, but could also be that Linux Mint has turned off your Wi-Fi card. You can enable it by following the steps above (though, we assume you've already tried that before commenting). If you don't see anything referencing "WLAN" and only see a reference to "Bluetooth" then you can safely assume that it is likely a "hardblock" and you will need to follow the instructions we laid out regarding a "hardblock" issue. Thanks for your question, we hope this helped! Thanks for supporting Free Geek!

[@almarchyt376]

@@FreeGeekMothership here showing 0: idealpad wlan: Wireless LAN Softblock: no Hardblock: no

[@almarchyt376]

In driver manager, showing that " Your computer does need any additional driver"