operating system Linux Mint 20, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, is deservedly considered one of the most stable and user-friendly builds. However, as with any other operating system, the initial wireless connection setup can be a hurdle, especially for newcomers coming from Windows. The problem often stems not from the operating system itself, but from the lack of proprietary drivers for your network adapter immediately after installation.
In this article, we'll cover every step in detail: from a simple connection via the graphical interface to complex terminal manipulations if automatic setup fails. Wireless connection It's a critical component for proper operation, as it's the most common place to download necessary updates and drivers. We'll explore troubleshooting methods for popular chipsets and learn how to manage network profiles manually.
It's worth noting that the methods described below are relevant for the Cinnamon, MATE, and Xfce desktop environments, which are available in the distribution. Regardless of the chosen shell, the network management mechanisms in Linux Mint 20 remain consistent, allowing these instructions to be applied universally. Be prepared to work with the command line, as it's the most reliable diagnostic tool.
Primary diagnostics and equipment testing
Before attempting to enter your network password or delve into hidden settings, you need to ensure that the operating system physically recognizes your wireless adapter. Users often rush to find drivers, although the problem could be as simple as the Wi-Fi module being disabled in the BIOS or by a hardware switch on the laptop. In Linux Mint, troubleshooting begins with checking the interface status.
Open the terminal using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T, and enter the command ip link showThis utility will display a list of all network interfaces available on the system. You'll need to look for a line containing the words "wl" or "wifi," which usually indicates a wireless device. If there's no such line, the system doesn't see the adapter at all, which could indicate a hardware fault or a deep kernel issue.
Another useful command for quick checking is nmcli device statusIt displays the status of devices managed by the network manager. If you see your Wi-Fi adapter listed with a "disconnected" or "unavailable" status, this is a good sign—the device has been detected. An "unavailable" status often means the driver is loaded, but the device is software-blocked or disabled.
It's important to distinguish between a missing driver and a missing connection. If the system sees the device but can't connect, the problem is most likely configuration-related. If the device doesn't show up even in the command output, lspci (for internal cards) or lsusb (for USB-whistles), then software settings are meaningless until the hardware part is removed.
Installing proprietary drivers
One of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi not working in Linux Mint 20 is the lack of proprietary drivers for network cards produced Broadcom or some models RealtekUnlike open source software, these drivers are not installed by default due to licensing restrictions, but the distribution provides a convenient tool for finding and installing them.
To access this tool, you'll need a temporary wired connection via an Ethernet cable or USB tethering from your Android smartphone (Mint supports USB tethering out of the box). Once you have internet access, open the menu and find the app. Driver Manager (Driver Manager). The system will scan your hardware and offer a list of available drivers.
- 🔍 Find your wireless adapter in the list, it is usually labeled as "Broadcom" or "Realtek".
- ✅ Select the recommended driver, marked as "recommended" or "proprietary".
- 🚀 Click the "Apply Changes" button and wait for the installation to complete, after which a reboot will be required.
If the graphics driver manager doesn't find anything, you can try installing packages manually through the terminal. Broadcom cards often require the package firmware-b43-installer or bcmwl-kernel-sourceInstallation is performed by the command sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-sourceAfter installation, the kernel module should load automatically.
⚠️ Warning: When installing drivers manually via the terminal, make sure you have the kernel headers installed (linux-headers-generic package), otherwise the driver module compilation will fail.
Configuration via the graphical interface (Network Manager)
In most cases, when the drivers are installed correctly, setting up Wi-Fi in Linux Mint 20 happens automatically through Network ManagerThis is a standard network management tool integrated into the taskbar. In the lower right corner of the screen, you'll see a network icon; clicking it will open a list of available wireless networks within range.
Select your network from the list and enter the password. If the network uses standard encryption methods (WPA2/WPA3), the connection should be established immediately. However, sometimes manual configuration is required, for example for hidden networks (SSID is not broadcast) or corporate networks with complex authentication.
To configure it manually, right-click the network icon and select "Edit Connections." In the window that opens, you can create a new profile or edit an existing one. Tabs for IPv4 and IPv6 configuration are available, and you can set a static IP address if required by your infrastructure.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi settings
Pay special attention to the "Identity" and "Security" tabs when connecting to secure networks. Make sure the correct security type is selected in the "Wi-Fi Security" field, which is usually WPA & WPA2 PersonalIncorrectly selecting the security type will result in endless connection attempts and authorization errors, even if the password is entered correctly.
Working with Wi-Fi via the terminal and nmcli
For system administrators and advanced users, the graphical interface may not be informative or fast enough. The command-line utility nmcli (Network Manager Command Line Interface) provides complete control over network connections. It allows you not only to connect to networks, but also to scan the airwaves, save passwords, and manage profiles.
To get started with the utility, it's useful to list all available commands, but we're interested in specific actions. First, let's scan the networks with the command nmcli device wifi listYou'll see a table with the SSID, operating mode, channel, signal speed, and security level. This allows you to select the network with the best signal, even if it's hidden or shares a name with another access point.
Connecting to a network is accomplished with a single command that combines network selection and credentials entry. The syntax is as follows:
nmcli device wifi connect "Network_Name" password "Your_Password"If the network is hidden, add a flag hidden yes to the end of the command. After the command is successfully executed Network Manager will create a new connection profile and automatically attempt to activate it. This is especially useful when configuring servers without a graphical shell or when managing remotely via SSH.
How to save a password in plain text?
By default, nmcli stores encrypted passwords in the keystore. If you want the password to be stored in plaintext in the configuration file (not recommended for security reasons), use the --show-secrets flag when viewing the connection. However, writing to it will require changing the file permissions in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/.
Troubleshooting connection and stability issues
Even with the correct settings, users may experience an unstable connection, frequent disconnects, or low speeds. This is often due to power-saving settings that aggressively disable Wi-Fi to conserve battery life. On desktop versions Linux Mint 20 This behavior can and should be disabled.
To disable power saving, create or edit the network manager configuration file. You need to create a file /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf (if it is not there) and change the value of the parameter wifi.powersave on 2 (which means turning off the savings). Meaning 3 includes energy saving.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| wifi.powersave = 0 | unknown | Unknown / Default |
| wifi.powersave = 1 | true | Enable power saving |
| wifi.powersave = 2 | false | Disable power saving (recommended) |
| wifi.powersave = 3 | true | Alternative enable code |
Another common issue is IP address conflicts or DNS errors. If you're connected and websites aren't loading, but you've received an IP address, try specifying public DNS servers, such as Google's (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). This is done in the IPv4 settings in the graphical interface or through nmcli.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and exact setting names may vary slightly depending on your desktop environment version (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce). Always check the documentation for your specific build if the default paths don't work.
Setting up static IP and DNS
In home networks, dynamic address distribution (DHCP) is most often used, but in a corporate environment or for setting up a home server, it is required static IP addressThis ensures that your device's local network address won't change after rebooting the router or the computer itself.
To set up a static address, go to the connection settings, select IPv4, and switch the method from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual." You'll need to enter the IP address, netmask, gateway, and DNS servers. The address must be in the same subnet as your router, but not the same as the gateway address.
Example of correct data for a home network:
- 🏠 Address:
192.168.1.50(example) - 🚪 Gateway:
192.168.1.1(router address) - 📏 Mask:
255.255.255.0 - 🌐 DNS:
8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
After applying the settings, the network will reconnect. Make sure the static IP you selected isn't within the range of addresses assigned by the router's DHCP server. Otherwise, an address conflict will occur, and one of the devices will lose network access.
What to do if Wi-Fi is slow after a kernel update?
New Linux kernels often contain driver changes that can negatively impact compatibility with older hardware. In this case, you can boot from the previous kernel version via the GRUB menu during system startup. If this helps, install the previous kernel as your primary kernel or wait for driver fixes in the repositories.
How do I find the MAC address of my Wi-Fi adapter?
The MAC address is required for access filtering on the router. You can find it using the command ip link show (link/ether line) or nmcli device showPlease note that modern systems can use MAC address randomization to enhance privacy when scanning networks.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi with Linux Mint 20?
Yes, Linux Mint 20 Supports hotspot mode. In the Wi-Fi settings, tap the menu (three dots or gear icon) and select "Turn On Wi-Fi Hotspot." The system will create a virtual hotspot through which other devices can access the internet.