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Linux nmcli Guide

Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025 · 2 revisions

Linux nmcli Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to nmcli on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including network management, connection configuration, and troubleshooting.


Table of Contents

  1. nmcli Basics
  2. Connection Management
  3. Wi-Fi Configuration
  4. Advanced Configuration
  5. Troubleshooting

nmcli Basics

What is nmcli?

nmcli is NetworkManager command-line interface.

Features:

  • Network management: Configure networks
  • Connection control: Start/stop connections
  • Device status: Check network devices
  • Scripting: Automate network tasks

Connection Management

List Connections

View connections:

# List connections
nmcli connection show

# List active connections
nmcli connection show --active

# List devices
nmcli device status

Connect/Disconnect

Manage connections:

# Connect
nmcli connection up "Connection Name"

# Disconnect
nmcli connection down "Connection Name"

# Delete connection
nmcli connection delete "Connection Name"

Wi-Fi Configuration

Scan Networks

Scan for Wi-Fi:

# Scan networks
nmcli device wifi list

# Rescan
nmcli device wifi rescan

Connect to Wi-Fi

Connect:

# Connect to network
nmcli device wifi connect "Network-Name" password "password"

# Connect to hidden network
nmcli device wifi connect "Network-Name" password "password" hidden yes

Advanced Configuration

Static IP

Configure static IP:

# Edit connection
nmcli connection edit "Connection Name"

# Set static IP
set ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.100/24
set ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1
set ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4"
set ipv4.method manual
save
quit

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

Diagnose:

# Check status
nmcli device status

# Check connection
nmcli connection show

# Restart NetworkManager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Summary

This guide covered nmcli usage, connection management, and Wi-Fi configuration for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.


Next Steps


This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.

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