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"Cannot Link Executable" Error

Fix the "CANNOT LINK EXECUTABLE" libssl.so.3 error for wget, curl and other Termux utilities by switching mirrors, upgrading packages or reinstalling OpenSSL.

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This page shows how to resolve the "CANNOT LINK EXECUTABLE" error for wget, curl and other utilities in Termux. Work through the solutions in order, starting with the most common fix.

If you see CANNOT LINK EXECUTABLE "wget": library "libssl.so.3" or a similar error for curl and other commands, follow the solutions below.

The Problem

This error occurs when Termux utilities like wget or curl cannot find or link to the required OpenSSL library (libssl.so.3). This typically happens because of:

  • Outdated or corrupted package repositories
  • Missing OpenSSL dependencies
  • Repository mirror connection issues

Solutions

Try these solutions in order. If one doesn't work, move on to the next.

Solution 1: Change Repository Mirror

The most common fix is to switch to a more reliable repository mirror.

Open the repository selection tool

termux-change-repo

Select "Main repository"

Use the arrow keys to navigate and press Enter to select.

Choose "Mirror by BFSU"

Select the BFSU (Beijing Foreign Studies University) mirror from the list.

Confirm and apply

Press OK to apply the changes.

Restart Termux

Close the Termux app completely and open it again.

Test the fix

Run your command again:

wget --version

or

curl --version

Solution 2: Update and Upgrade Packages

If changing the repository doesn't resolve the issue, try updating all packages.

Update package lists

apt-get update

Upgrade installed packages

apt-get upgrade

Test the fix

Run your command again to check that it works.

Solution 3: Reinstall OpenSSL

If neither of the solutions above works, the OpenSSL library may need to be reinstalled.

Install OpenSSL

apt install openssl

This installs (or reinstalls) the required libssl.so.3 library.

Verify installation

Check whether the error is resolved:

wget --version
curl --version

Additional Tips

If the issue persists after trying all the solutions:

  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection
  • Try a different repository mirror if BFSU doesn't work
  • Consider reinstalling Termux from F-Droid (recommended) instead of the Play Store

Migrating Termux to F-Droid

Why Termux left the Google Play Store, and how to replace the Play Store version with the F-Droid build so packages and Andronix keep working.

SSH Basics

Learn how to run an SSH server on your Android device with Andronix, either from Termux (recommended) or from inside your Linux distro.

On this page

The ProblemSolutionsSolution 1: Change Repository MirrorOpen the repository selection toolSelect "Main repository"Choose "Mirror by BFSU"Confirm and applyRestart TermuxTest the fixSolution 2: Update and Upgrade PackagesUpdate package listsUpgrade installed packagesTest the fixSolution 3: Reinstall OpenSSLInstall OpenSSLVerify installationAdditional TipsRelated Pages