Fix No WiFi After Flashing Custom ROM
You've installed a shiny new custom ROM and... no WiFi. The toggle works, but no networks appear. Or networks show but won't connect.
This is frustrating but fixable. Let's get you connected.
Understanding WiFi on Custom ROMs
WiFi functionality depends on:
- Kernel modules - Drivers for your WiFi chip
- Firmware files - Low-level chip firmware
- Vendor partition - Proprietary blobs
- Correct configuration - MAC address, regulatory domain
If any of these mismatch, WiFi breaks.
Quick Diagnostic
What Are You Experiencing?
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| Toggle doesn't move | Kernel module issue |
| Toggle works, no networks | Driver or firmware issue |
| Shows networks, won't connect | Configuration issue |
| Connects but no internet | DNS or authentication issue |
| Intermittent connection | Driver or power management |
Fix 1: Check Firmware Compatibility
This is the #1 cause of WiFi issues.
Most custom ROMs require specific firmware versions.
Check ROM Requirements
Look at ROM's XDA thread or download page for:
- "Requires firmware X.X.X"
- "Flash latest vendor"
- "Based on Android X vendor"
Flash Correct Firmware
1. Download firmware from trusted source
2. Boot to TWRP
3. Install → Select firmware zip
4. Do NOT reboot
5. Reinstall ROM
6. Reboot
Where to Get Firmware
Xiaomi: Xiaomi Firmware Updater Samsung: SamMobile OnePlus: XDA device forums Others: Check ROM download page or XDA
Fix 2: Reflash ROM with Correct Wipes
Sometimes incomplete flashing causes issues:
1. Boot to TWRP
2. Wipe → Advanced Wipe
3. Select:
- Dalvik ✓
- System ✓
- Vendor ✓ (if listed)
- Cache ✓
4. Flash firmware
5. Flash ROM
6. Wipe cache/dalvik again
7. Reboot
Note: Don't wipe vendor on some devices if ROM doesn't include it.
Fix 3: Factory Reset + Format Data
Encryption issues can cause weird WiFi behavior:
1. Boot to TWRP
2. Wipe → Format Data
3. Type "yes"
4. Reboot to TWRP
5. Flash ROM fresh
6. Reboot
⚠️ This deletes EVERYTHING including internal storage.
Fix 4: Check for WiFi Fixes
Some ROMs need additional WiFi fixes for certain devices.
Search XDA
Look for:
- "[Your device] WiFi fix"
- "[ROM name] [device] WiFi"
- Device-specific subforum
Common WiFi Fix Files
You might find:
- WiFi fix zips (flash via TWRP)
- Specific kernel with better WiFi support
- Firmware subset zip (just WiFi components)
Fix 5: MAC Address Issues
Some ROMs lose the WiFi MAC address.
Check Your MAC
Settings → About Phone → Status → WiFi MAC Address
If it shows: 02:00:00:00:00:00 - you have a MAC problem.
Fix MAC Address
Method 1: Reset via Terminal
su
echo 1 > /sys/class/net/wlan0/address
Method 2: Flash MAC restore zip
Search XDA for "[device] MAC address fix"
Flash via TWRP
Method 3: Restore from EFS backup If you backed up EFS before modding:
TWRP → Restore → Select EFS backup
Fix 6: Regulatory Domain
WiFi channels are region-specific. Wrong region = fewer networks visible.
Check and Fix
# Open Termux or terminal emulator with root
su
cat /sys/module/wlan/parameters/regulatory_domain
# Set to your region (US example)
echo "US" > /sys/module/wlan/parameters/regulatory_domain
In Settings
Settings → WiFi → Advanced → Regulatory domain
Select your country
Fix 7: Try Different Kernel
Custom kernels sometimes have better WiFi driver support.
Find Kernels
- Check XDA for device-specific kernels
- Look for "WiFi fixed" in descriptions
- Popular kernels for your device
Flash Kernel
1. Download kernel for your ROM/Android version
2. TWRP → Install → Select kernel zip
3. Reboot
Warning: Kernels must match your Android version.
Fix 8: Check Permissions
Android 12+ has stricter WiFi permissions:
Settings → Apps → (ROM's Settings app) → Permissions
→ Nearby Devices → Allow
→ Location → Allow always
Also check the app you're using to test WiFi has location permission.
Device-Specific Issues
Xiaomi
Xiaomi devices often need:
- Matching firmware version
- Correct vendor partition
- Specific to MIUI version ROM is based on
# Check current baseband
getprop gsm.version.baseband
Samsung
Samsung Exynos devices:
- May need specific modem from same firmware
- CP partition must match
OnePlus
OnePlus often needs:
- Matching firmware from same OxygenOS version
- Sometimes specific bootloader
Advanced Debugging
Check Kernel Logs
su
dmesg | grep -i wifi
dmesg | grep -i wlan
logcat | grep -i wifi
Look for:
- "Driver loaded" (good)
- "Firmware not found" (firmware issue)
- "Failed to" (various issues)
Check WiFi Chip
lspci # For some devices
lsmod | grep wlan
Verify Firmware Files Exist
ls -la /vendor/firmware/
ls -la /lib/firmware/
Missing files = firmware issue.
Prevention Tips
Before Flashing New ROM
- Read installation instructions completely
- Note firmware requirements
- Keep your current working firmware zip
- Backup EFS partition
- Check XDA for known WiFi issues
Testing After Flash
Before restoring apps:
- Test WiFi connection
- Test mobile data
- Test Bluetooth
- If issues, easier to reflash while clean
When Nothing Works
Restore Stock
Sometimes you need to start from stock:
1. Flash complete stock firmware
2. Confirm WiFi works
3. Re-unlock bootloader
4. Flash ROM with correct firmware
Alternative ROMs
If specific ROM has WiFi issues on your device:
- Try LineageOS (usually stable)
- Try official ROM build for your device
- Check for device-specific ROMs
Hardware Issue
Rare but possible:
- Physical damage to antenna
- WiFi chip failure
- Symptoms: WiFi broken on ALL ROMs + stock
My Troubleshooting Flowchart
WiFi not working
│
├─→ Check firmware requirements
│ │
│ Match? Flash correct firmware + ROM
│ │
├─→ Factory reset / Format Data
│ │
├─→ Check MAC address (02:00:00:00?)
│ │
├─→ Search XDA for WiFi fix
│ │
├─→ Try different kernel
│ │
├─→ Restore stock, try again
│ │
└─→ Try different ROM
Summary
Most WiFi issues come down to firmware mismatches. Before panicking:
- Check if ROM specifies firmware requirements
- Flash matching firmware BEFORE ROM
- Do clean flash with proper wipes
- Check XDA for known issues/fixes
- If stuck, try stock first, then ROM
WiFi is the most common breakage after flashing. You're not alone, and there's almost always a fix.
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