Loop in the console-conf initial setup

Support and Help
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1

I’m trying to set up Ubuntu Core 22 on a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (also tested with Core 24 on a Raspberry Pi 5), using the Raspberry Pi Imager. Here’s what I’m experiencing:

What I Did

  • Selected Ubuntu Core 22 (64-bit) from the Raspberry Pi Imager (under “Other general-purpose OS” → “Ubuntu Core”)
  • Wrote the image to a 64GB SD card
  • Booted the Pi 4 with:
    • HDMI monitor connected
    • USB keyboard connected

The Problem

  • On first boot, the system shows the Ubuntu Core boot screen, but I can’t complete the initial configuration wizard (console-conf) that normally asks for:
    • Network settings
    • Ubuntu One login

Detailed Behavior

  • On first boot, I see the screen with “Press Enter to configure”.
  • After pressing Enter, it proceeds to the next screen, but returns to the first screen after a few seconds.
  • If I keep pressing Enter repeatedly, it eventually reaches the network configuration screen — but even from there, it jumps back to the initial screen.
  • The keyboard works, but the system keeps looping back to the “Press Enter to configure” screen.

What I Tried

  • Verified SD card is valid and written correctly
  • Tested both Ubuntu Core 22 and Core 24 — same issue
  • Swapped keyboards and monitors
  • Let the system sit for over 10 minutes — no change

Looking For

  • Is this a known issue with Raspberry Pi 4 and Ubuntu Core 22/24 via Raspberry Pi Imager?
  • Is there a way to force console-conf to stay open or debug what’s causing it to exit?
  • Is there a workaround or manual step I may be missing post-flashing?
2

You should report this on forum.snapcraft.io where the developers are actually reading along and could help …

(especially device specific issues are likely not getting many useful answers over here)

3

I have also reported this on http://forum.snapcraft.io. But not much of a use.

Also, I have seen others experiencing the same issue. I tried this on three devices and got the same result each time.

https://askubuntu.com/questions/1455721/ubuntu-core-on-raspberry-pi-4-install-configuration-too-fast

4

Well, you are already talking to one of the main developers of snapd over there, posting in a million other random places won’t get you any better expertise than that, just be patient…

5

Does it need/have a functional network connection?

6

It uses Ubuntu SSO to obtain the ssh key for the user (there are no console logins by default and no support for ssh password authentication for security reasons), so yes, for devices provisioned with console-conf a network connection is required.