Google isn’t giving me a solid answer (seems looking up answers online has become harder after LLMs took over). So I’m asking you nerds because you’re smart and I trust some of you (don’t let it go to your head, stinky)
OK so for context my Laptop is OLD. It’s an Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52-72MN manufactured in December 2018 so that’s almost 8 years old. It’s trooper. A couple of years ago I cracked it open and upgraded the SSD to 2tb and the memory to 32gb and installed Linux Mint. It’s been thriving, so I really really want to keep it alive as much as possible.
Anyway, embarrassing rambling aside. I’ve never had a problem with it until yesterday, when I connected some new Bluetooth earbuds. Ever since then my Bluetooth mouse, controller, earbuds whatever have randomly started disconnecting and immediately reconnecting. It’s got me worried that the internal Bluetooth dongle is at the end of its days, which is fine, whatever I can buy a dongle.
It’s just a software issue from an update right? RIGHT? A future update will fix it? RIGHT?
EDIT: Fixed! THANK YOU
Nearly all of the time especially on older machines it’s a little addon card. Either mini-PCIE or m2 form factor. They’re not compatible so you need to get the right one.
Getting access to it is usually the only real annoyance if any. Some laptops it’s right under a cover you can just remove and access it, others it may be on the opposite side of the motherboard and require disassembly. You should be careful in removing the antenna leads not to damage them as they’re delicate but otherwise it’s plug and play though you may have to peel back some tape or a plastic flap.
Lastly some newer intel cards (Wifi 6/7) require newer intel processors because they offload some of the functions to the intel processor so check whether that’s mentioned (if it says “requires intel processor” that might be a problem given the age of your laptop). Intel cards are generally pretty good though.
This is the process for a similar model to yours, I cannot guarantee the process is the same though it’s likely similar: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Acer+Nitro+5+AN515-53-55G9+Wi-Fi+Card+Replacement/137041
Looks like it’s pretty easy with a screwdriver.
Could always be other things though. Linux/driver issue or some component on the motherboard overheating or failing under the stress of age and heat. But it’s worth a shot if troubleshooting error messages in Linux doesn’t lead anywhere.