Wifi and Bluetooth not functional after update

andy53 · December 2, 2025, 12:46am

Every time I update the L5 through the software center or through sudo apt full-upgrade the bluetooth and wifi are consistently disabled. I can not access wifi through the settings tab and bluetooth simply says something along the lines of no bluetooth devices.

The only solution I have found to this is to flash the device (following these instructions) and then I can access wifi and bluetooth again.

Is this a common issue for other people? Am I doing something incorrectly? How can I update the phone and maintain access to wifi?

FranklyFlawless · December 2, 2025, 12:58am

No, no, and contact Purism.

irvinewade · December 2, 2025, 1:19am

At a minimum, you would need to specify which card you have (the old: Redpine, the new: SparkLAN). If you don’t know, here’s how to find out: Tips & Tricks · Wiki · Librem5 / docs / Librem 5 Community Wiki · GitLab

Personally I don’t do apt full-upgrade but rather apt upgrade. If you have time to stuff around, you might want to see whether that makes a difference.

I guess also, given the age of your previous post, you should first confirm whether you have amber or byzantium (as revealed by the command, lsb_release -c).

andy53 · December 2, 2025, 1:40am

I have Byzantium and the redpine card (RSI-SDIO WLAN).

apt upgrade does not cause the wifi adapter to stop working like the other two methods of updating did.

carlosgonz · December 2, 2025, 2:50am

I have same instability.

Can you share: sudo dmesg | grep redpine

andy53 · December 2, 2025, 4:47am

purism@pureos:~$ sudo dmesg | grep redpine

[sudo] password for purism:

[ 17.950412] redpine_91x: rsi_probe: ***** 9116 Module *****

[ 17.950599] redpine_91x: redpine_hal_device_init: oper_mode = 5, coex_mode = 2

[ 17.951806] redpine_91x: Received Board Version Number: 10

[ 17.953705] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Loading file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps

[ 19.509723] redpine_91x: FW Length = 329216 bytes

[ 19.509743] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 19.509747] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============

[ 19.509750] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 19.509754] redpine_91x: FW Version : 2.1.0.0

[ 19.509758] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 1610.2.1.ab.ffbf

[ 19.509764] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024

[ 19.509768] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 5 [Wi-Fi STA + BT EDR]

[ 19.509773] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps

[ 19.509776] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 19.514249] redpine_91x: device firmware doesn’t match proceed to upgrade …

[ 19.514255] redpine_91x: *** rsi_check_crc failed - will try reflash ***

[ 19.527397] redpine_91x: Burn Command Pass.. Upgrading the firmware

[ 25.743486] redpine_91x: Firmware upgradation Done

[ 32.375141] redpine_91x: ***** Loaded Firmware *****

[ 37.597188] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 37.597212] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============

[ 37.597216] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 37.597220] redpine_91x: FW Version : 1.2.0.16

[ 37.597228] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 1610.1.2.ab.ffbf

[ 37.597234] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024

[ 37.597238] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 5 [Wi-Fi STA + BT EDR]

[ 37.597243] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps

[ 37.597246] redpine_91x: ================================================

[ 37.602030] redpine_91x: rsi_send_bt_reg_params: Sending BT reg frame

[ 37.602544] redpine_91x: HCI module init done…

[ 37.608013] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” open

[ 37.735520] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>

[ 37.743436] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0

[ 37.743460] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…

[ 37.772971] redpine_91x: <==== Interface DOWN ====>

[ 37.775488] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>

[ 37.775540] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0

[ 37.775547] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…

[ 41.705754] redpine_91x: <==== Interface DOWN ====>

[ 41.709661] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>

[ 41.713374] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0

[ 41.713402] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…

[ 45.669838] redpine_91x: EAPOL 4 confirm

[ 45.820726] redpine_91x: Packet Dropped as Key ID not matched with both current and previous Key ID

[ 45.822065] redpine_91x: Packet Dropped as Key ID not matched with both current and previous Key ID

The packet dropped message is repeated probably 100 times after this. I cut it for readability.

irvinewade · December 2, 2025, 5:01am

That’s just a ‘bug’ though and is not relevant here. Everyone gets those messages. By rights someone should investigate what the message means, why it occurs etc. but in the meantime, just ignore it.

Those messages actually look fairly normal other than that I would move the firmware file away (but even this is not essential).

carlosgonz · December 2, 2025, 5:05am

Thank you.
Looks like there is firmware v2.5 that do not get burned eithe flashed.
So what i recommends is to delete any linux like firmware on /lib/firmware

irvinewade · December 2, 2025, 5:10am

I suggested “move” not “delete”.

“move” is a better habit to get into because we all make mistakes and “move” is easier to undo.

carlosgonz · December 2, 2025, 5:13am

You are righ, however the log show a firmware burned already, so delete is not a issue, but yes “move” is a smart way to undo.

andy53 · December 2, 2025, 5:23am

So to clarify should I be moving the whole contents of the folder (e.g. everything) or just specific pieces of firmware?

irvinewade · December 2, 2025, 5:27am

Just the one file whose name is mentioned in the log. Check this but it looks as if the name should be RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps and it would currently be in /lib/firmware and then shutdown and then power up again, and then check the log again.

If that file does not exist then take no action because probably we are mistaken.

carlosgonz · December 2, 2025, 6:06am

No mistake as log show 2 firmware wirh issues which the driver not sure what to do on plan a b c

andy53 · December 2, 2025, 2:57pm

When I move the firmware file (RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps) into the Downloads folder and reboot sudo dmesg | grep redpine looks like this:

[   19.815806] redpine_91x: rsi_probe: ***** 9116 Module *****
[   19.816033] redpine_91x: redpine_hal_device_init: oper_mode = 5, coex_mode = 2
[   19.818644] redpine_91x: Received Board Version Number: 10
[   19.819792] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Loading file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[   19.822975] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Failed to open file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[   19.828551] redpine_91x: ***** Loaded Firmware *****
[   25.056937] redpine_91x: ================================================
[   25.056954] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============
[   25.056958] redpine_91x: ================================================
[   25.056961] redpine_91x: FW Version	: 73.101.21.252
[   25.056968] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version	:  d4fc.49.65.ae.0ec4
[   25.056974] redpine_91x: Driver Version	: RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024
[   25.056978] redpine_91x: Operating mode	: 5 [Wi-Fi STA + BT EDR]
[   25.056982] redpine_91x: Firmware file	: RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[   25.056986] redpine_91x: ================================================

I appreciate it says it loaded the firmware however the wireless does not work when I move the file out of /lib/firmware.

carlosgonz · December 2, 2025, 5:50pm

If not work it fine as the log show a corrupted file on Plan A.

However for some reason that i still do not know, the driver is not capable to burn the firmware 2.5 to A however it trying to use it on Plan B, which some time get working.
So my guess it that firm 2.5 claim Rv1.3 which redpine and Purism do not get. Maybe get work Burning if Purism ship the 2.5 driver which purism never-released(thanks opensource).

So what i recommends is try to burn this firmware: files/firmware/RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.FW2.3.2.3.rps · master · Librem5 / fw / redpine-firmware-nonfree · GitLab

Put it /lib/firmware show the log, then remove it then show the log.

irvinewade · December 2, 2025, 10:13pm

Means?

(The error about failing to open the file is expected and harmless - or should be.)

andy53 · December 3, 2025, 2:02am

It does not work as in the wireless menus are not accessible and the wireless interface is not present.

carlosgonz · December 3, 2025, 4:21am

I got to reproduce the issue:

BEFORE BURN
Zero blob on /lib/fimware
sudo dmesg | grep redpine
[ 5.678033] redpine_91x: Operating mode 13 is only supported prior to firmware 2.x
[ 5.678292] redpine_91x: rsi_probe: ***** 9116 Module *****
[ 5.678478] redpine_91x: redpine_hal_device_init: oper_mode = 13, coex_mode = 2
[ 5.679640] redpine_91x: Received Board Version Number: 10
[ 5.680705] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Loading file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.680767] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Failed to open file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.682966] redpine_91x: ***** Loaded Firmware *****
[ 10.723873] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.723897] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============
[ 10.723900] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.723903] redpine_91x: FW Version : 1.2.20.0
[ 10.723909] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 0000.1.2.0.0502
[ 10.723915] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024
[ 10.723919] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 13 [Wi-Fi STA + BT DUAL]
[ 10.723923] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 10.723927] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.726242] redpine_91x: rsi_send_bt_reg_params: Sending BT reg frame
[ 10.726626] redpine_91x: HCI module init done…
[ 10.726890] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” open
[ 10.769572] redpine_91x: RSI `hci0’ flush
[ 10.769601] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” closed

BURNING …
The blob 2.5 on /lib/fimware
sudo dmesg | grep redpine
[ 5.871942] redpine_91x: Operating mode 13 is only supported prior to firmware 2.x
[ 5.872190] redpine_91x: rsi_probe: ***** 9116 Module *****
[ 5.876029] redpine_91x: redpine_hal_device_init: oper_mode = 13, coex_mode = 2
[ 5.877223] redpine_91x: Received Board Version Number: 10
[ 5.878293] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Loading file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.882179] redpine_91x: FW Length = 329216 bytes
[ 5.882203] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 5.882207] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============
[ 5.882210] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 5.882213] redpine_91x: FW Version : 2.1.0.0
[ 5.882218] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 1610.2.1.ab.ffbf
[ 5.882223] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024
[ 5.882227] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 13 [Wi-Fi STA + BT DUAL]
[ 5.882232] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.882236] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 6.060335] redpine_91x: device firmware doesn’t match proceed to upgrade …
[ 6.060362] redpine_91x: *** rsi_check_crc failed - will try reflash ***
[ 6.071621] redpine_91x: Burn Command Pass.. Upgrading the firmware
[ 12.529702] redpine_91x: Firmware upgradation Done
[ 19.372673] redpine_91x: ***** Loaded Firmware *****
[ 24.548753] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 24.548778] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============
[ 24.548781] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 24.548784] redpine_91x: FW Version : 1.2.0.16
[ 24.548792] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 1610.1.2.ab.ffbf
[ 24.548797] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024
[ 24.548802] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 13 [Wi-Fi STA + BT DUAL]
[ 24.548807] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 24.548810] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 24.555934] redpine_91x: rsi_send_bt_reg_params: Sending BT reg frame
[ 24.556513] redpine_91x: HCI module init done…
[ 24.562734] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” open
[ 24.660417] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>
[ 24.660590] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0
[ 24.660599] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…
[ 24.663463] redpine_91x: <==== Interface DOWN ====>
[ 24.667226] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>
[ 24.667289] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0
[ 24.667298] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…
[ 25.637788] redpine_91x: RSI `hci0’ flush
[ 25.637816] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” closed

BURNED SUCCESS

blobs was removed from /lib/firmware before reboot, so as you can see the FW VER number changed.

sudo dmesg | grep redpine
[ 5.298290] redpine_91x: Operating mode 13 is only supported prior to firmware 2.x
[ 5.298538] redpine_91x: rsi_probe: ***** 9116 Module *****
[ 5.302451] redpine_91x: redpine_hal_device_init: oper_mode = 13, coex_mode = 2
[ 5.309327] redpine_91x: Received Board Version Number: 10
[ 5.310415] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Loading file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.310505] redpine_91x: rsi_load_firmware: Failed to open file RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 5.313852] redpine_91x: ***** Loaded Firmware *****
[ 10.467666] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.467705] redpine_91x: ================ RSI Version Info ==============
[ 10.467708] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.467712] redpine_91x: FW Version : 1.2.0.16
[ 10.467720] redpine_91x: RSI FW Version : 1610.1.2.ab.ffbf
[ 10.467725] redpine_91x: Driver Version : RS9116.NB0.NL.GNU.LNX.OSD.2.0.0.0024
[ 10.467730] redpine_91x: Operating mode : 13 [Wi-Fi STA + BT DUAL]
[ 10.467735] redpine_91x: Firmware file : RS9116_NLINK_WLAN_BT_IMAGE.rps
[ 10.467739] redpine_91x: ================================================
[ 10.481405] redpine_91x: rsi_send_bt_reg_params: Sending BT reg frame
[ 10.481960] redpine_91x: HCI module init done…
[ 10.482353] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE “hci0” open
[ 10.530095] redpine_91x: RSI hci0' flush [ 10.530128] redpine_91x: RSI HCI DEVICE "hci0" closed [ 10.530132] redpine_91x: rsi_hci_close: device hci0’ not running
[ 10.571119] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>
[ 10.571176] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0
[ 10.571185] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…
[ 10.577976] redpine_91x: <==== Interface DOWN ====>
[ 10.579459] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>
[ 10.579514] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0
[ 10.579520] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…
[ 14.539462] redpine_91x: <==== Interface DOWN ====>
[ 14.541734] redpine_91x: <==== Interface UP ====>
[ 14.541791] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Change of ERP INFO: 0
[ 14.541800] redpine_91x: rsi_mac80211_bss_info_changed: Sending vap updates…

So what is your linux version and os?

So now i know when nor got burned also now i know the confusion about versions,
However on Andy53 case as on log show get burned but on reboot DO NOT , so maybe a hardware failure

janvlug · December 26, 2025, 8:35am

@andy53 Did you solve the problem? I seem to have the same firmware version as you have. See also my comment in this issue.

janvlug · December 26, 2025, 9:29am

I flashed the firmware version as suggested by @carlosgonz, and now the hotspot functionality on my Librem 5 works with my old Android phone. Thanks!

I loaded firmware for the Redpine is now:

redpine_91x: FW Version	: 3.2.2.16
redpine_91x: RSI FW Version	:  1610.3.2.2.0003

When I used the version that came with the Crimson image, the loaded firmware version for the Redpine was:

redpine_91x: FW Version	: 1.2.0.16
redpine_91x: RSI FW Version	:  1610.1.2.ab.ffbf