How To Install Realtek Wifi Drivers on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

If you’re using Ubuntu 24.04 and struggling to get your Realtek wifi adapter working, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many users face issues when trying to install Realtek wifi drivers on their Ubuntu system. Fortunately, with the right steps and a bit of patience, you can successfully install these drivers and enjoy seamless wireless connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Realtek wifi drivers on Ubuntu 24.04, providing detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and additional resources to ensure a smooth experience.

Understanding Realtek Wifi Drivers

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand what Realtek wifi drivers are and why they’re essential. Realtek wifi drivers are software components that enable your computer to communicate with your Realtek wireless adapter. These drivers act as a bridge between your operating system and the hardware, facilitating seamless wireless connectivity. Without the proper drivers, your Realtek wifi adapter may not function correctly, leading to issues like limited range, slow speeds, or a complete lack of connectivity.

Checking Compatibility

The first step in installing Realtek wifi drivers on Ubuntu 24.04 is to check if your Realtek device is supported. To do this, open a terminal window and run the following commands:

lsusb
lspci

These commands will list all the USB and PCI devices connected to your system. Look for entries that mention “Realtek” or “RTL.” If you find your Realtek wifi adapter listed, it means it’s recognized by Ubuntu, and you can proceed with the installation. If you don’t see your device listed, it’s possible that it may not be supported, and you might need to consider alternative solutions.

Preparing Your Ubuntu System

Before installing the Realtek wifi drivers, it’s crucial to ensure that your Ubuntu system is up to date. This step helps avoid compatibility issues and ensures a smooth installation process. To update your system, run the following commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will update the package list and upgrade any outdated packages to their latest versions. It’s recommended to restart your system after the update to apply any necessary changes.

Installing the Realtek Wifi Drivers

Now that your system is updated, you can proceed with installing the Realtek wifi drivers. There are two common methods to install these drivers on Ubuntu 24.04: using the Ubuntu PPA or compiling from source.

Method 1: Using Ubuntu PPA

The easiest way to install Realtek wifi drivers is by using the Ubuntu PPA (Personal Package Archive). Follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal window and run the following command to add the Realtek PPA to your system:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kelebek333/kablosuz

2. Update the package list:

sudo apt update

3. Install the Realtek wifi drivers:

sudo apt install rtl8812au-dkms

This command will download and install the necessary driver packages for your Realtek wifi adapter.

4. Reboot your system to apply the changes:

sudo reboot

Method 2: Compiling from Source

If the PPA method doesn’t work for you or you prefer a more manual approach, you can compile the Realtek wifi drivers from the source. Here’s how:

1. Install the necessary build dependencies:

sudo apt install build-essential git dkms

2. Clone the Realtek driver repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/aircrack-ng/rtl8812au.git

3. Navigate to the cloned directory:

cd rtl8812au

4. Compile and install the drivers:

make
sudo make install

5. Load the driver module:

sudo modprobe 8812au

After completing either method, your Realtek wifi drivers should be successfully installed on your Ubuntu 24.04 system.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

While the installation process is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:

Kernel Compatibility Issues

If you receive errors related to kernel compatibility during the installation, try the following:

• Make sure you have the latest kernel headers installed:

sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r)

• Recompile the drivers after installing the kernel headers:

make clean
make
sudo make install

Driver Failure

If the drivers fail to load or your wifi adapter isn’t working after installation, try these steps:

• Unload and reload the driver module:

sudo modprobe -r 8812au
sudo modprobe 8812au

• Blacklist conflicting drivers:

Create a new file named realtek.conf in the /etc/modprobe.d/ directory and add the following lines:

blacklist rtl8xxxu
blacklist rtl8192cu
blacklist rtl8192c_common

Save the file and reboot your system.

Verifying Driver Installation

After installing the Realtek wifi drivers, it’s important to verify that they are properly installed and your wifi adapter is functioning correctly. Here’s how you can check:

1. Open a terminal window and run the following command:

lsmod | grep 8812au

If you see the 8812au module listed, it means the driver is loaded and active.

2. Check if your wifi adapter is detected:

iwconfig

Look for an entry that corresponds to your Realtek wifi adapter (e.g., wlan0). If it’s listed, your adapter is successfully detected.

3. Test your wireless connection by connecting to a wifi network.

If you can connect to a wifi network and access the internet, congratulations! Your Realtek wifi drivers are installed and working properly.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Realtek drivers. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Realtek wifi driver on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the Realtek website.