Home/ Questions/Q 5019
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-25T01:08:38+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to connect to a Wi-Fi network using the nmcli command-line tool on Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to connect to a Wi-Fi network on my Ubuntu laptop using the nmcli command-line tool, but honestly, it feels a bit overwhelming. I usually rely on the graphical interface for everything, so diving into the command line is like stepping into a different universe. Can anyone guide me through the steps I should follow?

First off, I’ve heard that nmcli stands for NetworkManager Command Line Interface, which sounds super techy, but I’m not quite sure how to get started with it. Do I need to open a terminal window first? If so, what’s the command to do that? And once I’m in the terminal, what’s the first command I should type to make sure my Wi-Fi is recognized and running?

Also, I’ve read that I need to scan for available networks before connecting. Is that done through a specific nmcli command? I guess I’ll need some way to identify my Wi-Fi network on the list of available connections. Hopefully, the name of my network will be clear enough!

Then there’s the part about actually connecting to the network itself. I’m a bit confused about whether I need to input the password right away or if there’s a command just for initiating the connection first. What if I mistype the password? Does nmcli give you an error message right away, or is it more stealthy about it? I’d hate to be left wondering if I’m connected or not.

Also, I’m curious about how I can check if I’m successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network after doing all this. Is there a specific command that shows whether I’m online?

It would be awesome if someone could lay out all these steps in a simple and clear way. If you’ve been in my shoes, I’d love to hear how you managed to navigate through this command-line jungle. Just a heads up, I’m definitely not an expert in this area, so easy-to-follow instructions would be greatly appreciated!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers


    1. To connect to a Wi-Fi network using the nmcli command-line tool, first open a terminal window. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your applications or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T. Once the terminal is open, type the command nmcli radio wifi to check if the Wi-Fi is enabled. If it’s not enabled, you can turn it on with nmcli radio wifi on. Next, to see the available Wi-Fi networks, run nmcli device wifi list. This command will display all nearby Wi-Fi networks along with their details, including the SSID (network name) which you will need to identify your desired network.

      Now that you’ve identified your Wi-Fi network, you can connect to it using the nmcli command. Type the command nmcli device wifi connect "Your_SSID" password "Your_Password", replacing Your_SSID with the actual name of your Wi-Fi network and Your_Password with the correct password. If you mistype the password, nmcli will usually let you know right away by displaying an error message. To confirm that you are successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network, you can use the command nmcli connection show --active, which will list all active connections. This should help you navigate through using nmcli with confidence!







    2. Connecting to Wi-Fi with nmcli


      How to Connect to Wi-Fi Using nmcli

      So, here’s a quick guide to help you connect to a Wi-Fi network using the nmcli command-line tool in Ubuntu. Don’t worry; it’s simpler than it sounds!

      Step 1: Open the Terminal

      First off, you need to open a terminal window. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your applications or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

      Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Status

      Once you’re in the terminal, you want to make sure your Wi-Fi is recognized and running. Type the following command:

      nmcli radio wifi

      This will show you if your Wi-Fi is turned on or off.

      Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi (if it’s off)

      If the Wi-Fi is off, just turn it on with this command:

      nmcli radio wifi on

      Step 4: Scan for Available Networks

      Next, you’ll want to scan for available Wi-Fi networks. Use the command:

      nmcli device wifi list

      This will list all the Wi-Fi networks available. Look for your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) in the list.

      Step 5: Connect to Your Network

      To connect to your network, you’ll need to use its SSID (replace your_network_name with your actual network name) and input your password:

      nmcli device wifi connect your_network_name password your_password

      Yes, you enter the password directly with this command. If you mistype it, nmcli will let you know right away if it fails to connect!

      Step 6: Check Connection Status

      To see if you are successfully connected, use the command:

      nmcli connection show --active

      This will show you all active connections. If everything went well, your Wi-Fi network should be in the list!

      Wrapping Up

      That’s it! You’ve just navigated the command line jungle!

      If you ever feel lost, remember you can always fall back to the graphical interface later. Good luck connecting!


    Related Questions