How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working in Ubuntu

Installing Ubuntu on an old Windows laptop is a fantastic way to breathe new life into aging hardware. However, that excitement often vanishes when you boot up to the desktop and realize you have absolutely no internet connection, and the Wi-Fi icon is completely missing.

Because Linux has to support thousands of different hardware configurations, wireless drivers are a common pain point for beginners. Here is how to fix Wi-Fi not working in Ubuntu.

1. Check the Physical Wi-Fi Switch

Before you type a single terminal command, check your laptop’s hardware.

Many older laptops (especially Lenovo ThinkPads and Dell Latitudes) have a physical Wi-Fi toggle switch on the side or front edge of the chassis. If this switch was bumped into the “Off” position, no software fix in the world will turn your Wi-Fi back on. Ensure the switch is firmly in the “On” position.

Additionally, check your keyboard for a Wi-Fi or Airplane Mode key (usually located on the F2, F10, or F12 key). Press the Fn key + that F-key to ensure you didn’t accidentally disable the antenna.

2. Restart the Network Manager

If the Wi-Fi icon is visible in the top right corner but it just keeps spinning endlessly when you try to connect, the background networking service has likely crashed.

1. Open your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Type the following command: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
3. Press Enter and type your administrator password.

Your screen might flash, and the Wi-Fi icon will disappear and reappear. Give it 10 seconds to re-initialize and try connecting to your router again.

3. Install Missing Proprietary Drivers (The Broadcom Issue)

If you do not even have an option to turn Wi-Fi on, Ubuntu likely does not have the correct “driver” (the instruction manual) for your specific internal Wi-Fi chip. This is incredibly common with laptops that use “Broadcom” wireless cards, as their drivers are proprietary and not included in Ubuntu by default.

To fix this, you need a temporary internet connection. You can either plug your laptop directly into your router using an Ethernet cable, or plug your smartphone into your laptop via USB and use “USB Tethering” in your phone’s settings to share its connection.

Once you have temporary internet:

1. Press the Windows/Super key and search for Software & Updates. Open the app.
2. Click the Additional Drivers tab at the very top.
3. Wait a moment for it to scan your hardware.
4. You should see a list showing your wireless card (e.g., “Broadcom 802.11 Linux STA wireless driver”). Select the option that says Using… (proprietary).
5. Click the Apply Changes button in the bottom right corner.

Once the download is complete, restart your computer. Your Wi-Fi icon should now appear perfectly.

4. Check for Hard Blocks with “rfkill”

If you installed the driver but the Wi-Fi still says it is disabled, the system might have placed a software lock on the antenna.

1. Open your terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Type rfkill list all and press Enter.

This will output a list of your wireless devices. Look at the “Wireless LAN” section. If it says Soft blocked: yes, type this command to fix it:

sudo rfkill unblock wifi

If it says Hard blocked: yes, refer back to Step 1—there is a physical switch or keyboard shortcut that you need to press on your laptop.