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Update the APT Package Source List

Use this guide to refresh the package source list on an ArmSoM board running a Debian-, Ubuntu-, or Armbian-based system. A working source list is required before installing packages or updating the system.

Before you begin​

  • Confirm that the board is connected to the internet.
  • Use an account with sudo permission.
  • Back up the current source list before changing it.
sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list.backup

Check the current sources​

Display the configured repositories and any additional source files:

cat /etc/apt/sources.list
ls -la /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

The release name in the source URL must match the system release. Check it with:

. /etc/os-release && echo "$PRETTY_NAME"

Refresh the package index​

If the configured sources are correct, refresh the package index:

sudo apt update

Install available package updates only after reviewing the output:

sudo apt upgrade

Troubleshooting​

If apt update reports a repository error, first verify the board's network connection and system date. Then check that the source URL and release name match /etc/os-release.

To restore the previous configuration:

sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list.backup /etc/apt/sources.list
sudo apt update

Do not mix repositories from different Debian, Ubuntu, or Armbian releases. Doing so can prevent future upgrades or cause package conflicts.