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Asked: 2024-09-27T04:42:46+05:30 In:

How can I get Broadcom wireless drivers to work on my iMac24 running Ubuntu?

So, I’m in a bit of a bind and I’m hoping someone here can help me out. I recently made the leap from macOS to Ubuntu on my iMac24 because I wanted to explore the open-source world a bit more. I’ve been loving the whole experience of using Ubuntu, but I’ve hit a major snag with the wireless drivers, specifically for the Broadcom chipset.

When I first booted into Ubuntu, I was super excited to get online and start exploring repositories, playing around with some new software, and just overall enjoying the Ubuntu experience. But then I realized—no Wi-Fi! I couldn’t connect to my home network. I checked the settings, but the wireless options were all grayed out. After some digging, it turns out that Ubuntu doesn’t come with the necessary drivers for Broadcom wireless cards pre-installed, and it’s been a bit overwhelming trying to figure out how to get them working.

I’ve looked up various guides, but they seem a bit too technical for me, especially since I’m not super savvy with the terminal. From what I gather, folks suggest using the “b43” drivers or maybe “wl” drivers, but I’m unsure which one is right for my specific model. Also, it looks like I need to be connected to the internet first to install the drivers, which is a huge catch-22 since… well, I can’t get online!

I’m also a little worried about breaking anything since my experience is pretty limited when it comes to Linux and the command line. It feels like I have to follow these intricate steps to get a simple thing like Wi-Fi working. Have any of you out there had a similar experience? What did you do to get your Broadcom wireless drivers installed and working on your iMac24? Any guidance on the specific commands or steps I should take would be really appreciated. I just want to get back online without pulling my hair out! Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers

    1. It sounds like you’re having quite the struggle with your Broadcom wireless drivers on Ubuntu! Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone in this—many newcomers face similar challenges when switching to Linux.

      To get your Wi-Fi working on your iMac24, you might need the b43 or wl drivers. But since it sounds a bit confusing, here’s a simple step-by-step approach you can try:

      1. Wired Connection: First, see if you can connect your iMac to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This will make downloading the drivers much easier.
      2. Open the Terminal: Once you’re online, press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the terminal.
      3. Update Package List: Type:
        sudo apt update

        This updates your package list. You might be asked for your password—just type it in (you won’t see it appear) and hit Enter.
      4. Install Wireless Drivers: Next, try installing the b43 driver by entering:
        sudo apt install firmware-b43-installer

        If you wish to try the wl driver, then type:
        sudo apt install broadcom-sta-dkms
      5. Reboot: After the installation finishes, reboot your computer by typing:
        sudo reboot

      Once you’re back, check if your Wi-Fi is working. If it’s still grayed out, you might need to switch to the driver in Additional Drivers section. You can find it in the system settings.

      If you can’t connect via Ethernet, you can try downloading the driver packages on another computer, then transfer them to your iMac with a USB drive—though that’s more of a hassle.

      Just take it step by step, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you get stuck! Good luck getting back online!

    2. To resolve the issue with Broadcom wireless drivers on your iMac24 running Ubuntu, the easiest method is to use an Ethernet connection to access the internet temporarily. If you have the option to connect via Ethernet, plug it in. Once you are online, you can install the necessary drivers. Open a terminal and enter the following commands:

      sudo apt update
      sudo apt install firmware-b43-installer

      After the installation is complete, you may also need to install the b43-fwcutter package. Run:

      sudo apt install b43-fwcutter

      Then, restart your system with sudo reboot. Your wireless should now be functional. If you are unable to connect via Ethernet, consider downloading the necessary packages on another computer and transferring them via USB. Visit the official Ubuntu documentation or community forums for further assistance or troubleshooting steps specific to your Broadcom chipset.

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