Switching to a Linux operating system is often accompanied by a desire for a more productive and secure computer, but the first obstacle for newcomers is the lack of an internet connection immediately after installation. Unlike Windows, where drivers are often built into the installer or downloaded automatically, Linux Mint 20, based on the Ubuntu 20.04 kernel, may require manual activation of the network module. This is especially true for owners of laptops with the latest or, conversely, very old wireless adapters that are not recognized by the system by default.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that without network access, it's impossible to download missing packages or updates, creating a vicious circle that's difficult to break without preparation. However, modern versions of the Mint distribution are equipped with powerful graphical utilities and terminal commands that allow you to resolve connection issues in minutes. In this article, we'll cover in detail all the methods for activating a wireless network, from simple mouse clicks to complex console configurations.
It's important to understand that the success of this operation directly depends on the model of your network controller and the availability of proprietary drivers. We'll cover diagnostic methods that will help identify the cause of the failure, whether it's a blocked kernel module or missing firmware. By following the instructions below, you can not only enable Wi-Fi but also optimize its performance for a stable connection.
Diagnostics of network equipment in the system
Before you begin actively enabling the wireless module, you need to make sure the operating system even sees your physical device. Users often try to set up a network without knowing whether the driver is installed or whether the card is even detected. For an initial check in Linux Mint 20, use the utility inxi, which provides summary information about the hardware.
Open the terminal using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+T, and enter the command inxi -NThis command will filter the output and show only network devices. If you see a line with a description of your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or Qualcomm), the system has detected the device at the kernel level. No entry, or only an Ethernet controller, indicates a deeper issue, possibly related to a disabled module in the BIOS/UEFI.
For more detailed information about the status of drivers and connections, use the command nmcli deviceIt will display a list of all network interfaces, their type, and current status. The STATE column for the wireless adapter should indicate disconnected (disabled) or connected (connected). If there is unavailable, this is a direct signal that the driver is not loaded or the device is blocked.
There are several key signs by which you can determine the status of your equipment:
- 📡 The adapter is displayed in
lspciorlsusb, but is absent innmcli— there is a problem with the driver. - 🚫 Interface status
unmanaged— the network manager does not control the device, configuration editing is required. - ✅ The device is visible and has a status
disconnected— the driver works, you just need to connect to the access point.
Using the Network Manager GUI
Linux Mint is renowned for its user-friendly Cinnamon interface, which makes network management intuitive even for Linux newbies. In the lower-right corner of the screen, in the system tray, is a network icon. If Wi-Fi is active but not connected, you'll see it as empty waves or a computer monitor. Clicking this icon opens a menu where you can select an available network.
The list that opens will display all available wireless networks within range. If your network is hidden, select "Connect to a hidden network" and manually enter the SSID. After selecting the network, a field for entering a security password will appear. The system will automatically detect the encryption type (usually WPA/WPA2), and all you need to do is confirm the action. If the password is entered successfully, the icon will change to indicate the signal strength.
For more detailed configuration, such as changing the MAC address or setting up a static IP, you need to go to advanced settings. Right-click the network icon and select "Network Settings" or open the "Network Connections" app from the main menu. Here you can edit the connection profile by going to the IPv4 or IPv6 tab.
☑️ Checking the connection via GUI
The graphical interface also includes an "Airplane Mode" feature, which automatically disables all wireless transmitters. Make sure this mode is disabled, otherwise no settings will help. Sometimes, simply toggling this switch helps: turn it on, wait 5 seconds, and then turn it off again. This will restart the network module.
Activating Wi-Fi via Terminal and nmcli
The graphical interface is convenient, but the terminal gives you full control over the NetworkManager network manager. This is especially useful when the GUI is glitchy or doesn't display the options you need. The main tool for this is the utility nmcliFirst, let's check if the radio module is enabled with the command nmcli radio wifiIf the answer is "disabled", you need to activate it.
nmcli radio wifi onOnce the radio module is enabled, the system will begin scanning the airwaves. To see a list of available networks directly in the terminal, use the command nmcli device wifi listYou'll see a table with the SSID, operating mode, channel, speed, and signal strength. Find your network in the list and copy its exact name (SSID), as it's case-sensitive.
To connect, enter the command, substituting the network name and password:
nmcli device wifi connect "Your_Network_Name" password "Your_Password"If the connection is successful, the system will display a message about creating a connection profile. If an error occurs, an error code will appear to help diagnose the problem (incorrect password, weak signal, incompatible security settings). This method is more reliable than the graphical one, as it avoids potential interface display errors.
What to do if nmcli doesn't see the network?
If your network isn't listed, try forcing a refresh by scanning: nmcli device wifi rescan. Also, make sure you're not too far from the router or that the network isn't hidden.
It's important to note that when working through the terminal, you can manage multiple profiles simultaneously. For example, you can save a corporate network with specific proxy settings and a home network with automatic settings. Switching between them is also possible through nmcli, which makes this tool indispensable for system administrators.
Installing and configuring Wi-Fi drivers
The most common reason for non-working Wi-Fi in Linux Mint 20 is the lack of proprietary drivers. The distribution comes with open-source drivers that support most devices, but some chips (especially Broadcom and some Realtek chips) require proprietary modules. Fortunately, Mint has a built-in driver manager that automates this process.
Open the main menu and find the "Driver Manager" app. The system will scan your hardware and offer a list of available drivers. If there's an alternative driver for your Wi-Fi adapter (often marked as recommended or tested), select it and click "Apply Changes." You'll be asked to enter your root password. Be sure to restart your computer after installation.
In some cases, drivers are not automatically installed and must be installed manually from the repository. Broadcom devices often require a package bcmwl-kernel-sourceYou can install it using the command:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source
After installing the package, the kernel module will be compiled for your kernel version and loaded. If you're using a dual-boot laptop or have specific hardware, you may need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS, as unsigned drivers can be blocked by the UEFI security system.
There is a table of popular chips and required packages that can be useful for manual installation:
firmware-iwlwifi| Chip manufacturer | Adapter series | Required package | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcom | BCM43xx | bcmwl-kernel-source | Proprietary |
| Realtek | RTL8821CE | rtl8821ce-dkms | Add. repository |
| Intel | AX200/AX210 | Built into the kernel | |
| MediaTek | MT7921 | firmware-mt7921 | Requires a kernel update |
Troubleshooting rfkill blocking issues
Sometimes it happens that the driver is installed and the settings are correct, but Wi-Fi stubbornly won't turn on. In this case, the locking mechanism is often the culprit. rfkillThis is a kernel utility that controls software and hardware switches in wireless devices. It can disable the module at the kernel level, ignoring user commands.
To check the status of the locks, enter the command in the terminal rfkill list allYou will see a list of all wireless devices with two types of blocking: Soft blocked (software) and Hard blocked (Hardware). If you see "yes" next to Soft blocked, it means the module is disabled by software.
To remove the software lock, use the command:
sudo rfkill unblock wifiThe situation with Hard blocked More complicated. This means the switch is physically in the "off" position or locked in the BIOS. On laptops, this is often a key combination (for example, Fn+F2 or a separate slider on the case). On desktop computers, the lock may be caused by USB power saving settings or BIOS settings.
Attention: ⚠️ If rfkill If the display shows a hardware lock that can't be released using the keys, try removing the laptop's battery (if it's removable) and disconnecting the power for 10-15 seconds. This will reset the power controller, which may be stuck in the locked state.
Setting up static IP and DNS
After successfully connecting to the router, you may encounter a situation where you have internet access, but pages don't load or load slowly. This is often due to DNS issues or IP address conflicts. By default, Linux Mint uses automatic address acquisition (DHCP), but some networks require manual configuration.
To configure settings, return to the network connections graphical interface. Select your Wi-Fi profile, click "Settings" (the gear icon), and go to the "IPv4" tab. Change the method from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual." Here you'll need to add the address, netmask, gateway, and DNS servers. This information is usually found on the router's sticker or in your contract with your ISP.
It's recommended to use public and fast DNS servers, such as Google or Cloudflare, to avoid name resolution issues. In the DNS servers field, enter:
- 🌐
8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4(Google DNS) - 🌐
1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1(Cloudflare DNS) - 🌐
77.88.8.8, 77.88.8.1(Yandex DNS)
After saving the settings, you need to reconnect to the network. The terminal also allows you to quickly flush the DNS cache and renew the IP address lease with the command sudo systemctl restart NetworkManagerThis action will restart the entire network service, applying the new configurations.
Why change DNS?
Providers often use their own DNS servers, which can be slow or block access to some resources. Switching to a public DNS often speeds up website response times and improves stability.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Even if you follow all the instructions, specific errors may still occur. One common issue in Linux Mint 20 is a conflict between network management services. If you have both installed at the same time NetworkManager And networkd-dispatcher or wicd, they can interfere with each other. Make sure only one management service is active.
It's also worth paying attention to power saving settings. Linux tends to conserve power, and this sometimes results in the Wi-Fi adapter turning off when idle and then not turning back on. You can disable this feature by creating or editing a configuration file. Create a file /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf and change the value wifi.powersave to 2 (which means the economy is turned off).
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and package names may vary slightly depending on Linux Mint repository updates. If the command fails, check the current package name in your software manager or the project's official documentation.
Another cause of crashes may be "heavy" desktop wallpapers or compositing effects, which put a strain on the system and cause network request timeouts on low-end laptops. If Wi-Fi is unstable only when these effects are enabled, try disabling them in the system settings.
Important: ⚠️ When editing system configuration files, always create backups. A single syntax error in the configuration file can cause the network service to fail to start at system startup.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Wi-Fi adapter not visible in the list of devices after installing Linux Mint 20?
Most likely, there's no driver for your adapter model in the standard kernel. You'll need a temporary internet connection via an Ethernet cable or USB modem (Android/iOS) so the system can download and install the necessary packages via the Driver Manager.
How do I save my Wi-Fi password so I don't have to enter it every time I connect?
When connecting for the first time via the graphical interface, make sure the "Save password for all users" or similar option is checked. The password is saved encrypted in NetworkManager configuration files and will not be prompted for again.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a laptop running Linux Mint 20?
Yes, most modern adapters support access point mode. In the network settings, select "Create a new network" or "Share internet with other computers," and enter a network name and password. This will create a local Wi-Fi network around your laptop.
What should I do if my Wi-Fi speed on Linux Mint is significantly slower than on Windows?
Check if you're using an older security standard (WEP/TKIP) that's slowing down your connection. Also, try changing your router's channel to a less congested one (1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz). In some cases, disabling IPv6 in your connection settings can help if your ISP doesn't support this protocol correctly.