As of Nov 2023, the Official Linux drivers on edimax.com website support Linux kernel up to v5.8.   This instruction is done with an Ubuntu 20.04 installation with kernel v5.8.  However, there is staging driver for BT-8500 since kernel v5.15.  If you have a newer kernel than v5.15, the adapter should be plug and play.  You do not need this instruction to manually install driver.

 

First of all, please make sure the "Secure boot" is disabled in BIOS.  If the Secure Boot is enabled, the installed driver will not work for you.


[1.]  Make sure your system is able to access the Internet. 


[2.] Open a Terminal program from your Ubuntu OS. 


[3.] Verify the kernel version in your Ubuntu Linux.

$ uname –r 


If your kernel is newer than the supported kernel, stop here.  This instruction may not work for you.


[4] Update system.  This step is optional but recommended.

$ sudo apt update

$ sudo apt upgrade

$ sudo reboot

 

[5] Install Linux headers

 $ sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname –r)

 

[6] Install the necessary package for compiling drivers

$ sudo apt install build-essential make

 

[7] Download Linux driver from Edimax website.

Open your web browser. 

Go to http://www.edimax.com site.   

Look for the model number BT-8500.

Select BT-8500 to get into the product page.

Click on Download.

Locate the Linux driver.

Pay attention to the supported kernel of the Linux driver before you download it.

Download the Linux driver.

 

Usually the zip driver will be saved in your Downloads folder.  


We have BT-8500_Linux_Bluetooth_Driver_1_0_0_3.zip in this instruction.

The driver filename can be updated without notification.  You will need to perform below commands according to the newer filename.

 

[8] Extract the download driver.


Locate the zipped file in Downloads folder.

Right-click on the zip file and select Extract Here.  

You will see a new folder "BT-8500_Linux_Bluetooth_Driver_1.0.0.3".

Right-click on the new folder. elect Open in Terminal Window.


[9] Install the driver

$ sudo make install INTERFACE=usb


Please note the command is case sensitive. 


[10]  Reboot your system

$ sudo reboot

 

[11]  Plug in BT-8500 adapter if the adapter is not plugged in yet.


[12]  Find Bluetooth option on the top right menu bar.  Or you can go to Settings >> Bluetooth.  Search for available bluetooth devices.

 

Congratulations!  The setup is complete.

 


For removal,

$ cd ~/Downloads/BT-8500_Linux_Bluetooth_Driver_1.0.0.3

$ sudo make uninstall



Technical Support Team
Edimax USA


 

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Created:  2022-3-23  

Modified: 2023-11-10