Bluetooth Setup and Troubleshooting on Void Linux

This guide will help you install and troubleshoot Bluetooth on Void Linux, specifically for Broadcom Bluetooth adapters.

INSTALL

  1. Install Necessary Packages: Install the required firmware and packages for Bluetooth functionality:

    xbps-install -S broadcom-bt-firmware
xbps-install -S bluez bluez-alsa pipewire elogind # elogind is used by pipewire to create the /run/user/1000 directory

FIX

  1. Load Bluetooth Modules: Ensure the necessary Bluetooth kernel modules are loaded:

    modprobe btusb
modprobe bluetooth

  2. Unblock Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is not blocked:

    rfkill unblock bluetooth

  3. Enable Services: Enable and start the required services:

    ln -s /etc/sv/elogind /var/service
ln -s /etc/sv/bluetoothd /var/service

GET MISSING FIRMWARE FILES

  1. Download and Install Missing Firmware: If your Bluetooth adapter requires specific firmware files, download and place them in the correct directory:

    mkdir -p /lib/firmware/brcm
wget -O /lib/firmware/brcm/BCM43142A0-04ca-2006.hcd https://github.com/winterheart/broadcom-bt-firmware/raw/master/brcm/BCM43142A0-04ca-2006.hcd

  2. Reload Bluetooth Modules and Restart Service: Reload the Bluetooth modules and restart the Bluetooth service to apply changes:

    modprobe -r btusb
sv restart bluetoothd

LOG USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TROUBLESHOOTING

  1. Check for Errors in Kernel Logs: Use dmesg to check for Bluetooth-related errors, such as missing firmware files:

    dmesg | grep -i bluetooth

  2. Verify Firmware File: Ensure the firmware file is correctly placed in the /lib/firmware/brcm/ directory:

    ls /lib/firmware/brcm/BCM43142A0-04ca-2006.hcd

TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

  1. Verify Bluetooth Service Status: Ensure the Bluetooth service is running:

    sv status bluetoothd

  2. Check for Available Bluetooth Controllers: Use bluetoothctl to list available Bluetooth controllers:

    bluetoothctl
> list

  3. Additional Debugging: If issues persist, additional debugging may be required, such as checking system logs or verifying hardware compatibility.