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Asked: 2024-09-24T16:05:59+05:30 In:

How can I connect to a Wi-Fi network using the terminal in Ubuntu?

I’m trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network using my terminal on Ubuntu, but I feel like I’m missing something. Normally, I just use the GUI, but right now I’m working on a project where I need to do everything via the terminal. I’ve looked up a couple of tutorials, but there are so many steps involved, and I’m getting a bit overwhelmed.

So here’s the deal: I need a straightforward way to connect to my Wi-Fi without going through all the clicking around in the settings. I’ve heard that you can do some nifty stuff with commands, but I’m not quite sure where to start. Like, I know how to open the terminal (obviously), but what’s next? Do I need to install something first, or is there a built-in tool I can utilize?

I’ve seen commands floating around such as `nmcli` and `iwconfig`, but they’ve all got loads of options, and I’m not sure which ones I should be using. I only have the SSID and the password for my network, so if someone could walk me through the process step by step, that would be amazing.

Also, what’s the deal if the network isn’t showing up? I’ve read that sometimes it can be hidden or out of range, but any troubleshooting tips you could throw my way would be super helpful too. I’m definitely no networking expert, but I’d love to learn how to do this from the terminal instead of relying on the GUI every time.

Thanks a ton in advance for any help! I really want to get this Wi-Fi connection sorted out like a pro and impress my friends. Anyone out there who can break it down for me? What are the essential commands I need to know, and do you have any tricks for making it a smoother process? I could really use your wisdom!

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    2 Answers



    1. Connecting to Wi-Fi via Terminal on Ubuntu

      How to Connect to Wi-Fi Using Terminal on Ubuntu

      If you’re looking to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the terminal, you can do it easily with nmcli, which is a command-line interface for NetworkManager. No need to install anything – it should be installed by default on Ubuntu. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you connect:

      Step 1: Open the Terminal

      You already know how to do this!

      Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Status

      First, you want to make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled. Use the following command:

      nmcli radio wifi

      If it says disabled, turn it on with:

      nmcli radio wifi on

      Step 3: List Available Networks

      Now, let’s see the available Wi-Fi networks:

      nmcli dev wifi list

      Look for your network’s SSID in the list. If you don’t see it, double-check that you’re in range or that it’s not hidden.

      Step 4: Connect to Your Wi-Fi

      Now you can connect to your network using its SSID and password. Replace YOUR_SSID and YOUR_PASSWORD with your actual network name and password:

      nmcli dev wifi connect YOUR_SSID password YOUR_PASSWORD

      If it connects successfully, you’re good to go!

      Troubleshooting Tips

      • Make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on.
      • If the network is hidden, you may need to connect to it with:
        • nmcli dev wifi connect YOUR_SSID password YOUR_PASSWORD hidden yes
      • Check if your Wi-Fi device is recognized:
        • iwconfig
      • Try bringing your device down and back up:
        • nmcli dev disconnect wlan0
        nmcli dev connect wlan0

      Final Tips

      Keep in mind that if you make a mistake in the SSID or password, you’ll need to re-try the connection command. And don’t hesitate to look up any specific errors you get; they can guide you to the solution.

      Good luck with your project, and soon you’ll be connecting like a pro!


    2. To connect to a Wi-Fi network using the terminal in Ubuntu, you’ll primarily use the `nmcli` command, which is a command-line interface for NetworkManager. First, make sure your Wi-Fi interface is enabled. You can check the status of your Wi-Fi devices by running the command: nmcli d. If your Wi-Fi device is listed but is not connected, you can initiate the connection to your network with the SSID (your network name) and password. Use the following command: nmcli dev wifi connect 'YOUR_SSID' password 'YOUR_PASSWORD', replacing 'YOUR_SSID' and 'YOUR_PASSWORD' with your actual network details. After executing this command, you should be connected, and the status can be confirmed with nmcli con show --active.

      If the network isn’t showing up, it’s possible it may be hidden or out of range. Ensure your Wi-Fi is turned on, and check for available networks with nmcli dev wifi list. If you need to connect to a hidden network, you can use: nmcli dev wifi connect 'YOUR_SSID' password 'YOUR_PASSWORD' hidden yes. Additionally, make sure the NetworkManager service is running with sudo systemctl start NetworkManager if you’re encountering issues. If your device still cannot connect, consider troubleshooting by checking your wireless driver status or restarting your computer. Getting familiar with these commands will help you manage your Wi-Fi connections directly from the terminal.

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