NetworkManager not configured

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 63 views

Introduction

Connecting a USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot on a Raspberry Pi 5 running the latest Bookworm version can be a challenging task, especially when using the NetworkManager (nmcli) command-line tool. In this article, we will explore the common issues and provide a step-by-step guide on how to successfully connect your USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot using nmcli.

Understanding the Setup

My setup consists of a Pi 5 running the latest Bookworm version, with the on-board WiFi set to the usual configuration. The USB-WiFi dongle is a Realtek-based device, which is a popular choice for its affordability and performance. However, connecting this device as a hotspot using nmcli has proven to be a hurdle for many users.

Common Issues

Before we dive into the solution, let's identify some common issues that may be causing the problem:

Device not recognized: The USB-WiFi dongle may not be recognized by the system, resulting in an error message when trying to connect it as a hotspot.
NetworkManager not configured: The NetworkManager may not be configured to recognize the USB-WiFi dongle, leading to a failure to connect it as a hotspot.
Driver issues: The Realtek-based USB-WiFi dongle may require a specific driver to function correctly, which may not be installed or configured properly.

Step-by-Step Guide

To connect your USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot using nmcli, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the USB-WiFi Dongle

First, we need to identify the USB-WiFi dongle and its corresponding device name. You can do this by running the following command:

lsusb

This will list all the USB devices connected to your system, including the USB-WiFi dongle. Look for the device name, which should be something like "Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Wireless Network Adapter".

Step 2: Install the Required Driver

Next, we need to install the required driver for the Realtek-based USB-WiFi dongle. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt-get install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms

This will install the required driver and its dependencies.

Step 3: Configure NetworkManager

Now, we need to configure NetworkManager to recognize the USB-WiFi dongle. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo nmcli con add type wifi ifname <device_name> con-name <connection_name>

Replace <device_name> with the actual device name of your USB-WiFi dongle, and <connection_name> with a name of your choice.

Step 4: Connect to the Hotspot

Finally, we can connect to the hotspot using nmcli. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo nmcli con up <connection_name>

Replace <connection_name> with the actual connection name you created in the previous step.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the process, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Check device recognition: Make sure the USB-WiFi dongle is recognized by the system by running the lsusb command.
Check NetworkManager configuration: Verify that NetworkManager is configured to recognize the USB-WiFi dongle by running the nmcli con show command.
Check driver installation: Ensure that the required driver is installed and configured properly by running the dkms status command.

Conclusion

Connecting a USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot on a Raspberry Pi 5 running the latest Bookworm version can be a challenging task, but with the right steps and troubleshooting tips, you can successfully connect your device using nmcli. Remember to identify the USB-WiFi dongle, install the required driver, configure NetworkManager, and connect to the hotspot using nmcli. If you encounter any issues, check the device recognition, NetworkManager configuration, and driver installation. With this guide, you should be able to connect your USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot using nmcli.

Additional Resources

For more information on connecting a USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot on a Raspberry Pi 5, you can refer to the following resources:

Raspberry Pi documentation: The official Raspberry Pi documentation provides a comprehensive guide on connecting a USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot.
NetworkManager documentation: The NetworkManager documentation provides detailed information on configuring NetworkManager to recognize USB-WiFi dongles.
Realtek documentation: The Realtek documentation provides information on installing and configuring the required driver for the Realtek-based USB-WiFi dongle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) =====================================

Q: What is the difference between a USB-WiFi dongle and a built-in WiFi adapter?

A: A USB-WiFi dongle is a separate device that connects to a USB port on your Raspberry Pi, while a built-in WiFi adapter is a part of the Pi's hardware. USB-WiFi dongles are often more affordable and offer better performance, but may require additional configuration.

Q: Why is my USB-WiFi dongle not recognized by the system?

A: There are several reasons why your USB-WiFi dongle may not be recognized by the system, including:

Driver issues: The USB-WiFi dongle may require a specific driver to function correctly, which may not be installed or configured properly.
Device not connected: Make sure the USB-WiFi dongle is properly connected to the Raspberry Pi.
System configuration: Verify that the system is configured to recognize the USB-WiFi dongle.

Q: How do I install the required driver for my Realtek-based USB-WiFi dongle?

A: To install the required driver for your Realtek-based USB-WiFi dongle, follow these steps:

Update the package list: Run the command sudo apt-get update to update the package list.
Install the driver: Run the command sudo apt-get install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms to install the required driver.
Reboot the system: Reboot the system to ensure the driver is loaded correctly.

Q: How do I configure NetworkManager to recognize my USB-WiFi dongle?

A: To configure NetworkManager to recognize your USB-WiFi dongle, follow these steps:

Create a new connection: Run the command sudo nmcli con add type wifi ifname <device_name> con-name <connection_name> to create a new connection.
Set the connection properties: Run the command sudo nmcli con modify <connection_name> wifi-ssid <ssid> wifi-password <password> to set the connection properties.
Activate the connection: Run the command sudo nmcli con up <connection_name> to activate the connection.

Q: Why is my hotspot not visible to other devices?

A: There are several reasons why your hotspot may not be visible to other devices, including:

Incorrect SSID: Make sure the SSID is set correctly and is not too long.
Incorrect password: Make sure the password is set correctly and is not too short.
Network configuration: Verify that the network configuration is set correctly.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with my USB-WiFi dongle?

A: To troubleshoot issues with your USB-WiFi dongle, follow these steps:

Check device recognition: Run the command lsusb to check if the device is recognized by the system.
Check NetworkManager configuration: Run the command nmcli con show to check if NetworkManager is configured correctly.
Check driver installation: Run the command dkms status to check if the driver is installed correctly.

Q: Can I use my USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot on a Raspberry Pi 4?

A: Yes, you can use your USB-WiFi dongle as a hotspot on a Raspberry Pi 4. However, you may need to install additional software and configure the system differently.

Q: Is it possible to connect multiple devices to my hotspot?

A: Yes, it is possible to connect multiple devices to your hotspot. However, you may need to configure the system to allow multiple connections and set up a network configuration that supports multiple devices.

Q: How do I secure my hotspot?

A: To secure your hotspot, follow these steps:

Set a strong password: Set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
Enable WPA2 encryption: Enable WPA2 encryption to prevent eavesdropping.
Limit access: Limit access to your hotspot by setting up a network configuration that only allows specific devices to connect.