Fix: Wi-Fi Not Working On Android? Here's The Solution!

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[INFO] Wi-Fi is not available under Android

Hey everyone,

Having trouble with Wi-Fi on your Android device? You're not alone! This article dives into a specific Wi-Fi issue reported by JulianDroske, particularly affecting devices where Droidian can connect to Wi-Fi but Android can't, even with the same kernel. Let’s break down the problem and explore potential solutions.

The Root of the Problem

The core issue lies in how the Wi-Fi driver is loaded during the boot process. In essence, the challenge is injecting the correct driver into the boot.img in a way that plays nicely with Android's self-maintained init process (PID 1). This is further complicated by Project Treble, which moved key components from boot.img to the local disk. It's like trying to swap out a vital engine part while the car's already running – tricky, to say the least!

Think of it this way: Android has its own way of starting up, managing processes, and loading essential components. When we try to introduce a custom Wi-Fi driver, we need to ensure it integrates seamlessly without disrupting the existing system. The usual methods of modifying the boot process become complex due to Android's architecture and the changes introduced by Project Treble.

Unfortunately, a graceful, automated solution hasn't been discovered yet. Integrating directly into boot-android.img isn't ideal, as it can lead to conflicts or instability. Therefore, until a reliable method is found, a manual workaround is needed.

The Temporary Solution: Manual Driver Loading

For now, the recommended approach is to manually load the Wi-Fi driver after the system has booted up. This involves using init.d scripts. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds! init.d scripts are essentially scripts that run during the boot process, allowing you to execute commands and load modules.

Here's the lowdown: You'll need to enable init.d support on your Android device. The linked XDA Forums instruction provides a guide on how to do this.

Enabling init.d Support:

The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Rooting Your Device: This usually requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom recovery image (e.g., TWRP). Warning: This process carries risks, including voiding your warranty and potentially bricking your device if not done correctly. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your data.
  2. Installing a Custom Kernel (Optional): Some custom kernels come with init.d support built-in. Check your kernel's documentation to see if this is the case.
  3. Using an init.d Enabler App: There are several apps available on the Play Store that can enable init.d support. However, make sure to choose a reputable app from a trusted developer.
  4. Manually Creating the init.d Directory (If Necessary): In some cases, you might need to manually create the /system/etc/init.d directory and set the correct permissions (usually 777). This step requires a root file manager.

Loading the Wi-Fi Driver with init.d:

Once you have init.d support enabled, you can create a script to load the Wi-Fi driver. Here's a general outline:

  1. Create a Script: Use a text editor to create a new file with a .sh extension (e.g., wifi_driver.sh).
  2. Add the Script to init.d: Place the script in the /system/etc/init.d directory.
  3. Set Permissions: Ensure the script has execute permissions (usually 755 or rwxr-xr-x).
  4. Reboot Your Device: The script will run during the boot process and attempt to load the Wi-Fi driver.

Inside the script, you'll need to include the commands necessary to load the specific Wi-Fi driver for your device. This might involve using the insmod command to insert the kernel module. Important: You'll need to know the correct module name and path. You might need to do some research to find this information for your specific device and Wi-Fi chipset.

Example Script (replace with your actual driver details):

#!/system/bin/sh

sleep 10 # Wait a few seconds for the system to initialize

insmod /system/lib/modules/your_wifi_driver.ko

exit 0

Disclaimer: This is a general example, and the specific commands and paths might vary depending on your device and Wi-Fi driver. Always double-check the information before running any commands.

Why This is a Temporary Solution

Manually loading the driver via init.d isn't ideal for several reasons:

  • Complexity: It requires technical knowledge and involves potentially risky procedures like rooting your device.
  • Inconvenience: It's not a seamless, out-of-the-box experience.
  • Fragility: The script might break if the system is updated or modified.

The goal is to find a more permanent and user-friendly solution that integrates directly into the Android boot process. This would eliminate the need for manual intervention and provide a more reliable Wi-Fi experience.

The Long-Term Goal: A Proper Driver Injection Method

The ultimate aim is to discover a reliable and graceful way to inject the Wi-Fi driver into the boot.img or a similar early boot stage. This would involve finding a method that:

  • Doesn't interfere with Android's init process.
  • Is compatible with Project Treble.
  • Is relatively easy to implement and maintain.

Several potential approaches are being explored, including:

  • Modifying the initramfs: The initramfs is a small file system that's loaded into memory early in the boot process. It could be possible to add the Wi-Fi driver to the initramfs so that it's loaded before Android's init process starts.
  • Using a custom init script: A custom init script could be used to load the Wi-Fi driver after Android's init process has started, but before the Wi-Fi service is initialized.
  • Creating a Magisk module: Magisk is a popular rooting tool that allows you to modify the system without actually modifying the system partition. A Magisk module could be created to automatically load the Wi-Fi driver.

Each of these approaches has its own challenges and drawbacks, and further research and experimentation are needed to determine the best solution.

In Conclusion

While a perfect, automated solution for this Wi-Fi issue is still in the works, the manual init.d workaround offers a temporary fix. It's not the most elegant solution, but it can get you connected if you're comfortable with a bit of technical tinkering. Remember to proceed with caution, back up your data, and research the specific steps for your device.

Stay tuned for updates! As progress is made on a more permanent solution, this article will be updated with the latest information.

Thanks for your patience, and good luck getting your Wi-Fi up and running!

If you have any questions or tips, feel free to share them in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Rooting your device and modifying system files can be risky. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.