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

• Networking - Network setup
• Network Utilities - Network tools
• NetworkManager: https://networkmanager.dev/

---

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