Bottom Line: The Stock Beelink ME Mini AX101 Was the Compatibility Problem in This 2025 Case
The machine's built-in Wi-Fi was identified as Intel AX101. At the time, ZimaOS officially documented AX210 support, not AX101. One owner restored Wi-Fi by replacing the module with AX211, but the current public ZimaOS guide still explicitly documents AX210 as the supported setup.
Identify the Actual Wireless Chip Before Installing Anything
lspci -nn | grep -i -E 'network|wireless'
dmesg | grep -i iwlwifi“Intel CNVi Wi-Fi” is not enough detail. Record the PCI ID and exact adapter model. Intel's Intel Linux wireless support explains the iwlwifi firmware model.
Use the Current AX210 Path When You Want the Documented ZimaOS Option
The ZimaOS AX210 support says ZimaOS v1.4.2+ can detect AX210 and connect through nmtui or the dashboard. If your priority is a predictable supported path, AX210 is the safer choice than trying to retrofit unsupported firmware into the appliance OS.
The ZimaOS hardware planning provides broader hardware context.
Do Not Use apt-Based Desktop Linux Instructions on ZimaOS
ZimaOS is not a normal Ubuntu/Debian host. Copying instructions that say apt install firmware-iwlwifi may not apply. The ZimaOS package limits explains that boundary.
If a Current Build Still Does Not Create wlan0
Keep Ethernet connected, capture lspci -nn and dmesg | grep -i iwlwifi, and compare the PCI ID with the current compatibility documentation. If the device is visible but firmware fails to load, that is a driver/firmware case; if PCI never sees the adapter, check the hardware slot first.
The kernel's Intel iwlwifi support is the upstream reference for Intel wireless support.
