FIXED: Linux Mint Wifi Not Showing Detection

If you’ve recently upgraded or installed Linux Mint and are struggling with the issue of Linux Mint WiFi not showing, you’re not alone. This problem can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as driver issues, incorrect settings, or even hardware incompatibility. In this article, we will go through various solutions to fix Linux Mint WiFi not working, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure that your WiFi works seamlessly. Whether you’re a novice user or an experienced Linux Mint enthusiast, this guide will help you resolve your WiFi problems.

Understanding the Issue: Why is Linux Mint WiFi Not Showing?

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand why Linux Mint WiFi not showing is happening in the first place. This issue can stem from several sources, including:

• Driver Problems: Linux Mint relies on specific drivers to communicate with your WiFi hardware. If these drivers are missing or incompatible, your system may fail to detect your WiFi network.
• Hardware Issues: Sometimes, a faulty network card or incorrect hardware configurations can cause WiFi not to show up.
• Software Conflicts: Updates or changes in software can sometimes conflict with network settings, making WiFi disappear or disconnect frequently.
• BIOS Settings: Incorrect BIOS settings, such as Secure Boot being enabled, can also interfere with WiFi functionality on Linux Mint.

Now that we know the potential causes, let’s explore the steps you can take to fix Linux Mint WiFi not showing and restore your WiFi connectivity.

Step 1: Check Your Wireless Hardware

Before jumping into software-related solutions, it’s important to verify whether your WiFi hardware is functioning correctly. Here’s how you can do that:

Checking WiFi Status Using Terminal

1. Open the Terminal on Linux Mint.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   iwconfig
   

   Look for your wireless device under the list of network interfaces. If you don’t see it listed, there might be a hardware issue or the drivers might not be installed.

Verifying Network Interface

Another command that can be useful is:

lspci | grep -i network

This will list all your network hardware. If your WiFi adapter does not appear, you may need to check whether it is physically disabled or if there’s an issue with your hardware.

Step 2: Installing and Updating Linux Mint WiFi Drivers

One of the most common reasons for Linux Mint WiFi not working is missing or outdated WiFi drivers. To fix this issue, follow the steps below:

Update Linux Mint

Before proceeding with manual driver installation, make sure your system is fully updated. Run the following command to update your package manager:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This will ensure you have the latest updates for your system, including any network drivers.

Install Additional Drivers

1. Click on the Menu button in Linux Mint and search for “Driver Manager”.
2. Open Driver Manager and wait for it to detect your hardware.
3. If there are any proprietary drivers available for your WiFi card, it will display them here. Select the recommended driver and click Apply Changes.
4. After installation, reboot your system to enable the new drivers.

Installing Drivers Manually

If the drivers are not available in the Driver Manager, you can install them manually:

1. First, identify your WiFi card model by running:

lspci | grep -i wireless

1. Then, search for the drivers corresponding to your WiFi card model. For example, if you have a Broadcom WiFi card, you might need to install the bcmwl-kernel-source package.

   Run the following command to install Broadcom drivers:

sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source

1. Reboot your computer once the drivers are installed.

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS (Recomended)

Another potential cause for Linux Mint WiFi keeps disconnecting or WiFi not showing is Secure Boot. Secure Boot is a feature in modern BIOS systems that prevents unauthorized operating systems or drivers from loading. Sometimes, Secure Boot can block certain drivers from loading, including the ones necessary for your WiFi adapter.

How to Disable Secure Boot in BIOS

1. Reboot your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, Delete, or Esc, depending on your manufacturer).
2. In the BIOS, navigate to the Boot tab and look for the option labeled Secure Boot.
3. Set Secure Boot to Disabled.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
5. Once you boot back into Linux Mint, check if your WiFi starts working properly.

Disabling Secure Boot often resolves many issues related to Linux Mint WiFi not showing because it allows all drivers, including third-party ones, to load without restrictions.

Step 4: Reconfigure Network Settings

If your Linux Mint WiFi not showing issue persists after installing drivers and disabling Secure Boot, it’s time to reconfigure your network settings. Here’s what you can do:

Reset Network Settings

You can reset your network settings to their default configuration by deleting the current configuration files and restarting the network manager:

1. Open the Terminal and run:

sudo rm /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*

1. Restart the Network Manager:

sudo service network-manager restart

This will reset your network settings and might help resolve any configuration issues causing Linux Mint WiFi not working.

Check WiFi Settings in the Network Manager

1. Open Network Settings and ensure that your WiFi is enabled.
2. If your WiFi adapter is showing up but not connecting, you can try to manually set up the network.
3. Choose your WiFi network and enter the correct password. If you encounter issues with the password, make sure you’re entering it correctly and using the right security protocol (WPA2, WPA3, etc.).

Step 5: Advanced Troubleshooting: Kernel Issues

In some cases, issues with the Linux kernel can cause WiFi connectivity problems. If none of the above solutions have worked, you may want to try upgrading or downgrading your kernel to resolve compatibility issues.

Updating the Kernel

To update your kernel on Linux Mint, follow these steps:

1. Open Update Manager and go to View > Linux Kernels.
2. Select a newer kernel version (if available) and click Install.
3. Reboot your system to apply the changes.

Installing Older Kernels

If the newer kernel causes problems, you can always install an older kernel. The steps are similar to the ones above, but instead of installing a newer kernel, you will choose a previous version.

Step 6: Additional Tips for WiFi Setup

If you’re still having trouble with Linux Mint WiFi setup, here are a few additional tips that might help:

• Check for Interference: WiFi signals can be affected by physical obstructions or interference from other electronic devices. Try moving closer to your router or changing the WiFi channel.
• Use a USB WiFi Adapter: If the built-in WiFi adapter continues to give you issues, consider using a USB WiFi dongle. Linux Mint supports many of these out of the box, and it might be a good temporary solution.

Conclusion

If you’re facing the issue of Linux Mint WiFi not showing, there are multiple potential causes and solutions. From installing the correct drivers to adjusting BIOS settings, the steps outlined in this article should help you get your WiFi up and running. Remember, the key to fixing Linux Mint WiFi not working is a methodical approach—start with basic checks, proceed to driver installations, and then move on to more advanced troubleshooting if needed. By following the solutions above, you can enjoy a stable WiFi connection on your Linux Mint system without the constant worry of disconnections or missing networks.

If you continue to experience issues with Linux Mint WiFi keeps disconnecting or WiFi not detecting, don’t hesitate to visit community forums for further help or explore alternative hardware options. Stay persistent, and soon your system will be running smoothly!