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Comprehensive Guide to Resolving USB and Bluetooth Device Errors

Understanding and Troubleshooting Common USB and Bluetooth Issues in Linux Systems

usb bluetooth hardware setup

Key Takeaways

  • Identify Common Error Codes: Understanding error codes like -110 and -62 is essential for diagnosing USB and Bluetooth issues.
  • Update Drivers and Firmware: Keeping your system's drivers and firmware up-to-date can resolve many hardware communication problems.
  • Check Hardware Connections: Ensuring the integrity of USB ports, cables, and power supplies is crucial for stable device performance.

Introduction

Encountering USB and Bluetooth device errors in Linux systems can be frustrating and disruptive. The log entries provided indicate a series of issues related to device initialization, communication timeouts, and authorization problems. This comprehensive guide aims to analyze these errors, identify their root causes, and provide actionable troubleshooting steps to resolve them effectively.

Understanding the Log Entries

1. Bluetooth Device Errors

The log indicates multiple errors associated with the Bluetooth device (hci1). Notably, errors such as Opcode 0x0c03 failed: -110, Failed to read MSFT supported features (-110), and AOSP get vendor capabilities (-110) suggest that the Bluetooth device is unable to complete certain operations due to timeout issues.

a. HCI Enhanced Setup Synchronous Connection Command Not Supported

HCI Enhanced Setup Synchronous Connection command is advertised, but not supported. This informational error indicates that while the device advertises support for Enhanced Setup Synchronous Connection (ESSC), it does not actually support the command. This is generally non-critical unless ESSC is required for specific use cases.

b. Opcode and Feature Read Failures

The repeated failures of opcodes and feature reads with error code -110 (ETIMEDOUT) indicate that the Bluetooth hardware is not responding within the expected timeframe. This can be due to driver incompatibilities, firmware issues, or hardware malfunctions.

2. USB Device Enumeration Failures

The log shows persistent USB device enumeration failures with errors like device descriptor read/64, error -110 and device not accepting address, error -62. These errors indicate that the system is unable to properly recognize and communicate with the USB device.

a. Error -110 (ETIMEDOUT)

This error signifies a timeout while attempting to communicate with the device. It often points to issues such as power supply instability, faulty USB ports or cables, or driver-related problems.

b. Error -62 (ESRCH)

The device not accepting address, error -62 error means that after resetting, the kernel fails to assign an address to the USB device. This usually follows unsuccessful communication attempts and can indicate deeper hardware or firmware issues.

3. Driver-Specific Errors

Specific drivers like mt76x2u and mt7921u are showing errors such as mt76x02u_mcu_wait_resp failed with -110 and probe of 3-5.4.3:1.3 failed with error -5. These errors relate to the MediaTek wireless drivers experiencing communication issues with the device's Micro Controller Unit (MCU) or failing to initialize properly.

a. MediaTek Driver Issues

The mt76x02u_mcu_wait_resp failed with -110 error indicates that the driver is unable to receive a response from the device's MCU within the expected time. This could be due to firmware incompatibilities, outdated drivers, or hardware faults.

4. USB Controller Timeout Errors

The xhci_hcd 0000:00:14.0: Timeout while waiting for setup device command entries show that the USB controller is experiencing timeouts while attempting to initialize or communicate with USB devices. This can stem from controller bugs, device-specific quirks, or insufficient power delivery.

5. Device Authorization Issues

Logs such as Device is not authorized for usage indicate that the system is blocking the USB device from being used, likely due to security policies or incomplete kernel configurations. This is common for sensitive devices like wireless adapters or security keys.


Possible Causes of the Errors

1. Driver and Kernel Incompatibilities

Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent devices from initializing correctly. Kernel versions may lack support for specific hardware, leading to communication timeouts and initialization failures.

2. Power Supply and Hardware Issues

Insufficient or unstable power supply to USB ports can cause devices to fail during enumeration or operation. Faulty USB cables, ports, or the devices themselves can also lead to persistent errors.

3. Firmware Problems

Devices require proper firmware to function correctly. Missing or outdated firmware can cause devices to malfunction, leading to communication timeouts and driver errors.

4. Security Policies and Authorization Blocks

Security tools like USBGuard can block devices from connecting if they do not meet certain authorization criteria. This is intended to enhance system security but can inadvertently prevent legitimate devices from functioning.


Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Physical Connections

a. Check USB Ports and Cables

Ensure that the USB ports are functioning correctly by testing them with other devices. Inspect the USB cables for any signs of damage and try using different cables to rule out cable-related issues.

b. Use Powered USB Hubs

If you are connecting multiple devices or power-hungry peripherals, consider using a powered USB hub to ensure that each device receives sufficient power.

2. Update Drivers and Firmware

a. Update the Linux Kernel

Ensure that your Linux kernel is up-to-date. Newer kernel versions often include improved hardware support and bug fixes.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo reboot

b. Update Device Drivers

Specifically update drivers related to MediaTek wireless devices and Bluetooth. Check the manufacturer’s website or your distribution’s package manager for the latest driver versions.

sudo apt install firmware-misc-nonfree
sudo modprobe -r mt7921u
sudo modprobe mt7921u

c. Update Device Firmware

Ensure that the firmware for your USB and Bluetooth devices is current. Firmware updates can resolve compatibility issues and improve device stability.

3. Inspect and Modify Kernel Parameters

a. Disable USB Power Management

USB power management features can sometimes cause devices to disconnect or fail to initialize. Disable autosuspend by modifying kernel parameters.

echo 'usbcore.autosuspend=-1' | sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub.d/usb_powersave.cfg
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

b. Increase USB Initialization Timeout

Extending the timeout period can give devices more time to respond during initialization, potentially reducing timeout errors.

echo 'usbcore.timeout=2000' | sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub.d/usb_timeout.cfg
sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

4. Address Device Authorization Issues

a. Manually Authorize the Device

If the device is being blocked, manually authorize it by executing:

echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/bus/usb/devices/usbX/authorized
Replace usbX with the appropriate device identifier.

b. Configure USBGuard Policies

If using USBGuard or similar security tools, ensure that the device is allowed in the firewall policies.

sudo usbguard allow-device <device-id>

5. Test Devices on Another System

Connect the problematic USB and Bluetooth devices to another computer to determine if the issues are specific to your current system or the devices themselves. If the devices work elsewhere, the problem is likely with your system’s configuration.

6. Reinstall or Blacklist Problematic Drivers

a. Reinstall Drivers

Reinstalling the drivers can fix corrupted installations.

sudo apt remove --purge mt7921u mt76x2u
sudo apt install mt7921u mt76x2u
sudo reboot

b. Blacklist Drivers

If a specific driver is causing issues, consider blacklisting it and using an alternative if available.

echo "blacklist mt76x2u" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-mt76x2u.conf
sudo update-initramfs -u
sudo reboot

7. Analyze Kernel Logs for Additional Clues

Use tools like dmesg and journalctl to inspect kernel logs for more detailed error messages.

dmesg | grep usb
journalctl -k | grep usb


Detailed Analysis of Error Codes

Error Code Meaning Possible Cause Recommended Action
-110 ETIMEDOUT Operation timed out due to device not responding in time.
  • Check power supply and USB connections.
  • Update drivers and firmware.
  • Increase USB initialization timeout.
-62 ESRCH Kernel could not assign an address to the USB device.
  • Verify USB device functionality on another system.
  • Inspect and possibly replace USB cables or ports.
  • Ensure drivers are correctly installed.
-5 EIO Input/output error during driver probe.
  • Reinstall or update the problematic driver.
  • Check for firmware updates for the device.

Best Practices for USB and Bluetooth Device Management

1. Regularly Update System Software

Keeping your Linux system updated ensures that you have the latest drivers, firmware, and kernel patches that can address known hardware compatibility issues.

2. Use Quality Hardware Components

Investing in high-quality USB cables, hubs, and peripherals can reduce the likelihood of hardware-related errors. Cheap or damaged components are more prone to failures and communication issues.

3. Implement Robust Security Policies

While security tools like USBGuard enhance system security by controlling device access, it's important to configure them correctly to prevent unnecessary device blocks. Ensure that legitimate devices are whitelisted or authorized appropriately.

4. Maintain Comprehensive Documentation

Keeping records of hardware configurations, driver versions, and any changes made during troubleshooting can aid in diagnosing future issues and streamline the resolution process.


Conclusion

The persistent USB and Bluetooth errors indicated by the log entries point to a combination of driver issues, hardware malfunctions, and potential power supply problems. By systematically following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide—ranging from verifying physical connections to updating drivers and firmware—you can effectively identify and resolve the underlying causes of these errors. Maintaining an updated and well-configured system, combined with using reliable hardware components, will ensure stable and efficient performance of your USB and Bluetooth devices in a Linux environment.


References

  • Arch Linux Wiki: USB
  • Kernel Wiki: MT76 Wireless Driver
  • USBGuard Project
  • Linux Kernel Documentation: USB
  • Freedesktop.org: Systemd Journal

For further assistance, consider consulting the support forums for your Linux distribution, reaching out to the device manufacturer, or engaging with the Linux kernel community.


Last updated January 20, 2025
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