How to Use iwctl: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Iwctl is a lightweight and efficient CLI tool for managing WiFi on Linux. This article provides a step-by-step guide on installing, using, and configuring iwctl through its configuration files to optimize your WiFi connections.

What is iwctl?#

Iwctl is a CLI for iwd (iNet Wireless Daemon), a modern wireless daemon for Linux. Compared to wpa_supplicant, iwd is lighter, faster, and more user-friendly.

Prerequisites#

A Linux system with iwd installed
A wireless network interface
Root or sudo privileges

Steps to Use IWCTL#

Open Terminal and Start IWCTL

iwctl

List Wireless Devices

device list

This displays detected Wi-Fi devices.

List Available Wi-Fi Networks

station <device_name> get-networks

Replace <device_name> with your device name.

Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

station <device_name> connect SSID

Enter the password when prompted.

Verify Connection

station <device_name> show

To see connection status

Exit IWCTL

exit

Additional Commands#

To forget a network:

known-networks <SSID> forget

Common Troubleshooting Tips#

If the device isn’t showing up, ensure that:
- Your wireless card is not blocked (check using rfkill list)
- The iwd service is running (systemctl status iwd)
If you can’t connect:
- Double-check the network password
- Ensure you’re within range of the network
- Verify that your wireless interface is not in airplane mode

FAQ#

What to do if IWCTL doesn’t detect the Wi-Fi device?
Verify if your device is recognized using lsusb or lspci, and ensure drivers are installed.
How can I save a Wi-Fi connection for automatic reconnection?
IWCTL automatically saves the network after a successful connection.
Does IWCTL support WPA3 security?
Yes, IWCTL supports WPA3 security if your hardware is compatible.

IWCTL is a simple yet powerful tool for managing Wi-Fi networks on Linux. By using this tool, you can save time and resources without needing additional software.