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Fix WiFi issues on Linux

Updated

If you're using a Linux laptop or desktop and your WiFi connection isn't working properly, this guide will help you get back online with ASK4.

Step 1 - Make sure you’re connected to the right network

Go to your device’s WiFi settings and check:

  • You are connected to ASK4 Wireless

  • If you’re trying to use ASK4 Wireless (802.1x) - make sure your device supports this login method

  • You’ve completed any login page actions that appear

Step 2 - Reboot your device

Use your desktop environment or Terminal to restart:

sudo reboot

This can clear temporary issues with your network adapter or services.

Step 3 - Check available interfaces

  1. Open a Terminal window

  2. Run the command:

ip link

  • Look for an interface like wlan0, wlp3s0, or similar

  • It should be in state UP

To bring it up manually:

sudo ip link set wlp3s0 up

(Replace wlp3s0 with your actual interface name)

Step 4 - Use built-in WiFi tools

Use nmcli or your network manager UI to connect:

nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect "ASK4 Wireless" ifname wlp3s0

  • You may be redirected to a login or device registration page

Step 5 - Set IP and DNS to automatic

Use these commands to check or set automatic addressing:

nmcli con show
nmcli con modify "Your_Connection_Name" ipv4.method auto
nmcli con up "Your_Connection_Name"

Check DNS with:

systemd-resolve --status

Step 6 - Test your connection

Check if your device can reach the internet:

ping -c 4 1.1.1.1
ping -c 4 google.com

If the first works but the second doesn't, DNS may be misconfigured.

Step 7 - Try another browser or disable add-ons

Sometimes browser extensions, firewalls, or privacy settings can block redirection to the ASK4 portal.

  • Try incognito/private mode

  • Test with Chrome, Firefox, or another browser

Step 8 - Use ASK4 Diagnostics on your mobile

Download the ASK4 Diagnostics app to test your connection: How to use the ASK4 Diagnostics app

  • Follow the on-screen instructions and ensure your mobile phone is next to your laptop when running the testing.

  • Once testing is complete, press the Share button when prompted and click Raise Support Request to share this with our Support team

Step 9 - Desktop diagnostics on your Linux laptop (full details for Support)

If you still have problems, capture the following from the same location where you see the issue (e.g. your desk). These results help us identify Wi-Fi environment, latency, and routing issues quickly.

Take full-screen screenshots

  • Use your DE’s screenshot tool (e.g. PrtSc, or Shift+PrtSc) to capture the entire screen

  • Don’t crop — the time should be visible

  • Save as .PNG or .JPG and name files by test (e.g. ping-gw.png)

Speedtest (wired preferred if possible)

  • If possible, connect via Ethernet for this step

  • Go to www.speedtest.net and click Go

  • Screenshot the results (Ping, Download, Upload)

Ping tests

We’ll test latency to Google and to your local gateway.

  • Open Terminal (e.g. Applications → System Tools → Terminal)

  • Open two Terminal windows and place them side by side

  • In window 1, run:

    ping -c 100 google.co.uk

  • In window 2, run:

    ping -c 100 gw

  • Wait until each shows ping statistics

  • Take a full-screen screenshot showing both windows and results

Traceroute (optional but helpful)

In Terminal, run:

traceroute google.co.uk

Take a screenshot of the full output.
(If traceroute isn’t installed, install with your package manager, e.g. sudo apt install traceroute.)

Scan your Wi-Fi environment with LinSSID (free)

  • Download LinSSID from https://sourceforge.net/projects/linssid/ and install

  • Open LinSSID and arrange the window to show as many networks as possible

  • Expand the MAC column so full values are visible

  • Sort the Signal column best to worst

  • Stand in the exact spot where you have issues (e.g. your desk)

  • Take a full-screen screenshot with the time visible

Step 10 - Send your results to Support

Email your screenshots (and a brief summary) to support@ask4.com. Include:

  • Your full name

  • Building, address, block/flat/room

  • Contact number

  • ASK4 username

  • Your ASK4 issue reference number

  • A short description of what happens and when (e.g. only evenings, only bedroom, only on Wi-Fi)

Still need help?

If you’ve worked through these steps and still have no connection:

  • Contact ASK4 Support at https://myaccount.ask4.com 

  • Include:

    • Your Linux distribution and version

    • Interface name

    • Terminal output from ip link and nmcli

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