0 Getting Wi-Fi Working on a MacBook Pro mbp14,2 After Installing Ubuntu.md

Getting Wi-Fi Working on a MacBook Pro (mbp14,2) After Installing Ubuntu

If you’ve installed Ubuntu on a 13-inch MacBook Pro (2017, model mbp14,2) and the Wi-Fi isn’t recognized, don’t worry—this model uses a Broadcom chip that needs a small configuration nudge. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to bring your wireless back to life.

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What You’ll Do (Overview)

1. Copy a known-good firmware configuration file for the Broadcom card.
2. Set your wireless regulatory domain to Japan (JP) so channels work correctly.
3. Reload the Broadcom kernel module so it picks up the new settings.
4. Persist the regulatory domain setting across reboots.

Tip: You’ll need a temporary internet connection (USB tethering or Ethernet) only if you’re missing packages. Most steps work offline.

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Step 1: Place the Firmware Config File

Your Mac’s Wi-Fi is a Broadcom brcmfmac43602 device. Ubuntu’s driver sometimes needs a tuned config file. Use one of these community-tested configs:

• Gist 1: https://gist.github.com/MikeRatcliffe/9614c16a8ea09731a9d5e91685bd8c80
• Alternative: https://gist.github.com/cristianmiranda/ba9d64b4324f0803d9422d765de62252

Save the chosen file as:

sudo mkdir -p /lib/firmware/brcm
sudo cp brcmfmac43602-pcie.txt /lib/firmware/brcm/brcmfmac43602-pcie.txt

(If you downloaded it as brcmfmac43602-pcie.txt, just move it to that path. If it has a different name, rename it exactly.)

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Step 2: Set the Wireless Regulatory Domain

Japan’s regulatory domain (JP) ensures the driver uses the correct channel list and transmit rules:

sudo iw reg set JP
iw reg get

The second command should show country JP: in its output.

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Step 3: Reload the Broadcom Driver

Unload and reload the Broadcom modules so the new firmware config is used immediately:

sudo modprobe -r brcmfmac_wcc
sudo modprobe -r brcmfmac
sudo modprobe brcmfmac

After this, NetworkManager should detect your Wi-Fi networks. If not, do a quick reboot.

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Step 4: Make the JP Setting Persistent

Ensure the regulatory domain persists across reboots:

echo "options cfg80211 ieee80211_regdom=JP" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/cfg80211.conf

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Troubleshooting Quick Tips

• No networks appear: Double-check the file path and name under /lib/firmware/brcm/. Typos matter.
• iw reg get doesn’t show JP: Re-run Step 2, then try Step 3 again.
• Still stuck after reboot: Try the other gist file from Step 1, then repeat Steps 2–3.

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Why This Works

The Broadcom 43602 on the mbp14,2 can be picky about its firmware config. Providing a tuned brcmfmac43602-pcie.txt helps the driver initialize correctly. Setting the regulatory domain aligns the driver with local wireless rules so all expected channels are available.

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You’re Done!

After these steps, Wi-Fi on your Ubuntu-powered mbp14,2 should be up and running. Enjoy your freshly liberated MacBook!

How do we do this without iw?

Unfortunately, I’ve already deleted this environment, so I can’t check it.

@blakegearin @jauntyjocularjay
After that, I had another opportunity to set up the environment, so I tried it again.
You can install it with sudo apt install iw