In this article, we will explore how to fix the “Error 101: Network is Unreachable” issue when updating Ubuntu using the Advanced Package Tool (APT). This error is typically indicative of a network connection issue or a problem with the network configuration.
To fix the "Error 101: Network is Unreachable" when updating Ubuntu with APT, you can try changing the repository mirror to the ‘Main server’ or disabling IPv6 system-wide. These solutions should help resolve the issue and allow you to update your system successfully.
Understanding the Error
The “Error 101: Network is Unreachable” is a common error that users encounter when trying to update Ubuntu using the apt-get update command. This error is usually a sign that your system is unable to establish a connection with the network, which could be due to a variety of reasons, such as an issue with your local repository mirror or a problem with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Solution 1: Changing the Repository Mirror
One of the simplest solutions to this problem is to change the repository to the ‘Main server’. Sometimes, local repository mirrors can experience downtime, causing the “Network is unreachable” error.
To change the repository mirror, follow these steps:
- Open ‘Software & Updates’ on your Ubuntu system.
- In the ‘Ubuntu Software’ tab, locate the ‘Download from’ dropdown menu.
- Change the selected option to ‘Main server’.
- Close the window and try running
sudo apt-get updateagain.
This change should force your system to use the main Ubuntu repository, which is generally more reliable.
Solution 2: Disabling IPv6
Another potential cause of this error is that your machine is using IPv6 to connect to the internet, but your ISP does not support IPv6. In this case, you can disable IPv6 system-wide.
To disable IPv6, you need to edit the /etc/default/grub file and add ipv6.disable=1 to the value of GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT. Here’s how you do it:
- Open the terminal and type
sudo nano /etc/default/grub. This command opens the grub file in the nano editor. - Locate the line that reads
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULTand addipv6.disable=1to it. It should look something like this:GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash ipv6.disable=1" - Save and exit the file by pressing
Ctrl+X, thenY, and finallyEnter. - Run
sudo update-grub. This command updates the grub and applies the changes you made. - Reboot your system.
Disabling IPv6 might seem like an extreme solution, but if you’re also experiencing issues browsing the web, it might be necessary.
Conclusion
The “Error 101: Network is Unreachable” when updating Ubuntu with APT can be a nuisance, but it’s generally easy to fix. By changing the repository mirror or disabling IPv6, you should be able to resolve the issue and update your system successfully. If you’re still experiencing problems, it might be worth reaching out to your ISP to see if there are any known issues or contacting Ubuntu support for further assistance.
APT stands for Advanced Package Tool. It is a package management system used in Ubuntu and other Debian-based Linux distributions to handle the installation, removal, and updating of software packages.
To update the grub after making changes to the /etc/default/grub file, you can run the command sudo update-grub in the terminal. This command updates the grub configuration and applies the changes you made.
Disabling IPv6 might be necessary if you’re experiencing network connectivity issues or if your ISP does not support IPv6. It can help troubleshoot network-related problems and ensure compatibility with IPv4-only networks.
To get further assistance from Ubuntu support, you can visit their official website at https://ubuntu.com/support. They provide various support options, including community forums, documentation, and professional support services.
