How to install Wi-Fi driver in Linux if the computer is offline
May 30, 2021
If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi because the wireless card driver is not yet installed in your Linux and there is no wired connection, then you get a vicious circle: it is impossible to install the driver because there is no Internet.
There is a way out of the situation – for this you only need an Android phone. Moreover, you do not need to use mobile data, you can use a Wi-Fi connection via your phone.
How to use an Android phone as a USB tethering
It's pretty simple. Start by connecting your phone to your computer with a USB cable.
Then go to settings. The name of the settings items may differ on different phone models, but the essence will be the same everywhere.
Go to the “Connections” section.
Find the item “Mobile Hotspot and Tethering” there.
Turn on “USB tethering”.
Everything is ready – now your computer is online and can connect to the Internet. You can install Wi-Fi drivers or perform other actions you want on the network.
Please note that if the phone is not connected to Wi-Fi, then mobile data will be used – if you do not have an unlimited tariff, then it will cost you money. But you can connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network and still use it as a USB modem. As a result, it turns out that your computer is using Wi-Fi over the phone, and not mobile data.
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