Lenovo X1 Carbon - Ubuntu 24.04.03 LTS - No Wireless connection, error "Activation of network connection failed"

Support and Help
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1

Hello,

I’m completely new with Linux and have installed Ubuntu on a Lenovo X1 Carbon 3rd Gen.
It was previously running on Windows 10 and all was working normally (including WiFi)

Ubuntu Version:
Ubuntu 24.04.03 LTS Desktop

Desktop Environment (if applicable):
N/A

Problem Description:
During the installation of Ubuntu, at the step where we’re prompted to connect to to internet I could find my WiFi network. However, after entering the password it couldn’t connect and the window previously containing available WiFi network became blank.

I had to complete the installation without internet access.
When the installation was completed, I expected to be able to fix the WiFi but the problem remained the same:

  • I can see WiFi network, select them and enter their password.
  • When I actually try to connect it load during a while but doesn’t connect.
  • A pop-up appears regularly (during a connection attempt and afterwards) with the message:

Connections failed
Activation of network connection failed

I was able to connect to internet and do all updates using a USB connection to my Smartphone, but the problem is still present.

Relevant System Information:
Computer: Lenovo X1 Carbon 3rd Gen (On Lenovo Website)

What I’ve Tried:

  • I’ve tried a different WiFi network (my smartphone on Hotspot mode)
  • Several other devices (PC, Android, …) can use the main WiFi access without any problem.
  • I’ve followed the Network Connection Troubleshooting guide.
    Pastbinit: https://dpaste.com/72S3REZ3J
    /wireless-info: https://dpaste.com/4D5WGT2NJ
  • I’ve tried Ubuntu 25.10: bot on a USB key with the ISO of 25.10.
    the same problem remained
  • I’ve asked friends and generated the following: https://paste.debian.net/1400350/
    Apparently the problem could come from the WiFi card firmware? The main solution was to change the WiFi card or use an USB wifi dongle.
  • I’ve checked the BIOS, I have the latest version installed (1.34, from 2021…)
2

I would start with

sudo sed -i 's/wifi.powersave = 3/wifi.powersave = 2/' /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf
sudo iwconfig wlp4s0 power off

Reboot and see if there is any improvement

3

Hello Jeremy31
Thanks for your message.

I tried it twice but unfortunately the problem is still present.

I’ll try a full reinstall “just in case” but it seems to be a hardware problem. What’s strange is that it wasn’t present when running on W10.

4

Try powering off, remove power cord and battery(if possible) then press and hold power button for at least 30 seconds, reconnect battery and power cord and boot

6

Okay I tried (had to open the laptop and manualy remove the battery’s cable/plug).

Initially at boot no error message during the first minute (generals it starts as soon as the desktop is visible) but then it started again.

I’ll try to unplug the battery an leave it like that until tonight and see if it works.

Edit: left the computer (and battery) unplugged for roughly 48 hours and the problem is in fortunately still present.

7

What results from terminal for sudo dmesg|grep iwl