Introduction

Arch Linux is beloved for its minimalism and control—but that also means you’re often on your own when it comes to setting up essentials like Wi-Fi. Whether you’re bootstrapping a fresh install or configuring your Hyprland-powered desktop, this guide walks you through connecting to WLAN via the command line, GUI tools, and even WPS.

🖥️ CLI Methods: Power at Your Fingertips

1. Using wpa_supplicant (Classic & Reliable)

This method is ideal for minimal setups or headless environments.

Steps:

• Identify your wireless interface: ip link
• Create a config file: wpa_passphrase "SSID" "your_password" > /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf
• Start the connection: wpa_supplicant -B -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf dhcpcd wlan0

2. Using iwd (Modern & Lightweight)

iwd is a sleek alternative to wpa_supplicant, perfect for newer setups.

Install & activate:

sudo pacman -S iwd
sudo systemctl enable --now iwd

sudo pacman -S iwd
sudo systemctl enable --now iwd

Connect interactively:

iwctl

iwctl

Inside iwctl:

device list
station wlan0 scan
station wlan0 get-networks
station wlan0 connect SSID

device list
station wlan0 scan
station wlan0 get-networks
station wlan0 connect SSID

3. Using nmcli (NetworkManager CLI)

If you’ve installed NetworkManager, this is the most user-friendly CLI option.

Install & enable:

sudo pacman -S networkmanager
sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager

sudo pacman -S networkmanager
sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager

Connect:

nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "your_password"

nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "your_password"

🔘 WPS Support: Push-Button Simplicity

If your router supports WPS, you can connect without typing your password.

With wpa_cli:

• Start wpa_supplicant: sudo wpa_supplicant -B -i wlan0 -c /etc/wpa_supplicant.conf
• Trigger WPS: sudo wpa_cli wps_pbc
• Or use PIN method: sudo wpa_cli wps_pin any Enter the generated PIN into your router’s web interface.

🖼️ GUI Methods: For Hyprland & Beyond

Even in a tiling Wayland world, GUI tools can be a blessing.

1. NetworkManager Applet (nm-applet)

Perfect for Hyprland users who want a tray-based Wi-Fi manager.

Install:

sudo pacman -S network-manager-applet

sudo pacman -S network-manager-applet

Start it in Hyprland: Add this to your Hyprland config (usually ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf):

exec-once = nm-applet

exec-once = nm-applet

Make sure NetworkManager is running:

sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager

sudo systemctl enable --now NetworkManager

2. nwg-look + nwg-panel (Wayland-friendly)

If you want a full panel with system tray support in Hyprland:

Install:

sudo pacman -S nwg-panel nwg-look

sudo pacman -S nwg-panel nwg-look

Configure the panel to include the network applet, and you’ll have a sleek, clickable Wi-Fi menu.

🧠 Summary: Choose Your Path

Whether you’re deep in a terminal session or customizing your Hyprland rice, Arch gives you the freedom to connect your way. From raw wpa_supplicant configs to slick GUI panels, you’re never more than a few commands away from the web.

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