{"id":7127,"date":"2024-05-15T17:22:33","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T00:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ioflood.com\/blog\/?p=7127"},"modified":"2024-05-15T17:22:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T00:22:33","slug":"nmtui-command-linux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ioflood.com\/blog\/nmtui-command-linux\/","title":{"rendered":"‘nmtui’ Linux Command | What is it and Usage Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Network<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Don’t you wish configuring network interfaces could be easier? At IOFLOOD<\/a>, efficient network connectivity is integral to our dedicated hosting services<\/a>, and understanding network management is crucial. During our time, we have found nmtui, or NetworkManager Text User Interface, provides a user-friendly interface for configuring network settings, making it accessible even to those less familiar with command-line interfaces. To empower our customers and fellow developers on the utility of nmtui in Linux network administration, we present today’s article, filled with practical insights and step-by-step instructions.<\/p>\n

This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the nmtui command, from basic use to advanced techniques.<\/strong> We’ll cover everything from launching the NetworkManager’s text user interface to managing specific network connections and setting up a VPN.<\/p>\n

So, let’s dive in and start mastering the nmtui command in Linux!<\/p>\n

TL;DR: What is the nmtui command in Linux?<\/h2>\n

\n The nmtui<\/code> (Network Manager Text User Interface) command is a user-friendly text interface for managing your network settings in Linux. You can start it with nmtui<\/code> and exit it with, nmtui-quit<\/code>.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Here’s a simple usage example:<\/p>\n

nmtui\n\n# Output:\n# NetworkManager TUI\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command will open the NetworkManager’s text user interface, presenting you with a menu to manage your network connections.<\/p>\n
In this example, we’ve used the nmtui<\/code> command to launch the NetworkManager’s text user interface. This interface provides a user-friendly way to manage network settings in Linux.<\/p>\n
\n  This is just a basic way to use the nmtui command in Linux, but there’s much more to learn about managing network settings efficiently. Continue reading for more detailed information and advanced usage scenarios.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Getting Started with nmtui<\/h2>\n
To start using the nmtui command in Linux, you’ll first need to open the terminal. Once your terminal is open, you can begin managing your network settings.<\/p>\n
Launching the Network Manager<\/h3>\n
To launch the Network Manager, you can use the nmtui<\/code> command. This will open up the Network Manager’s Text User Interface.<\/p>\n
nmtui\n\n# Output:\n# \u250c\u2500\u2524 NetworkManager TUI \u251c\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2510\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502          Please select an option from the below menu:                        \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                  Edit a connection                                           \u2502\n# \u2502                  Activate a connection                                       \u2502\n# \u2502                  Set system hostname                                         \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                   Quit                                                       \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2514\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2518\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This will bring up a menu with several options, including ‘Edit a connection’, ‘Activate a connection’, and ‘Set system hostname’. You can navigate through this menu using the arrow keys and make a selection using the Enter key.<\/p>\n
Editing a Connection<\/h3>\n
To edit a network connection, you can select the ‘Edit a connection’ option. This will bring up a list of all your network connections. You can select a connection to edit by navigating to it using the arrow keys and pressing Enter.<\/p>\n
nmtui edit Wired connection 1\n\n# Output:\n# \u250c\u2500\u2524 NetworkManager TUI \u251c\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2510\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502       Please specify the details of the connection:                           \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                  Profile name: Wired connection 1                             \u2502\n# \u2502                  Device: ens33                                               \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                   IPv4 CONFIGURATION                                         \u2502\n# \u2502                   IPv6 CONFIGURATION                                         \u2502\n# \u2502                   [ ] Automatically connect                                   \u2502\n# \u2502                   [ ] All users may connect                                   \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2502                   <Back                                                      \u2502\n# \u2502                   OK                                                         \u2502\n# \u2502                   Cancel                                                     \u2502\n# \u2502                                                                              \u2502\n# \u2514\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2518\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, we’ve edited the ‘Wired connection 1’ network connection. The interface provides several options for configuring this connection, including setting the IPv4 and IPv6 configurations and deciding whether the connection should automatically connect.<\/p>\n
This is just the beginning of what you can do with the nmtui command in Linux. As you explore further, you’ll find that this command is a powerful tool for managing your network settings.<\/p>\n
Advanced Features: nmtui Command<\/h2>\n
As you become more comfortable with the basic usage of the nmtui command, you can start to explore its more advanced features. These include managing specific network connections and setting up a VPN. But before we get started, let’s get familiar with some of the command-line arguments or options that can modify the behavior of the nmtui command.<\/p>\n
Here’s a quick reference table of some of the most commonly used options with the nmtui command in Linux:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Option<\/th>\nDescription<\/th>\nExample<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
edit<\/code><\/td>\nEdit a specific network connection.<\/td>\nnmtui edit 'Wired connection 1'<\/code><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
connect<\/code><\/td>\nActivate a specific network connection.<\/td>\nnmtui connect 'Wired connection 1'<\/code><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
hostname<\/code><\/td>\nChange the system hostname.<\/td>\nnmtui hostname 'myhost'<\/code><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Remember, using these options can make the nmtui command even more powerful and flexible. They can help you manage your network settings more efficiently.<\/p>\n
Now that we’ve covered that, let\u2019s delve into these features in more detail.<\/p>\n
Managing Specific Network Connections<\/h3>\n
To manage a specific network connection, you can use the edit<\/code> option followed by the name of the connection. This allows you to directly edit the settings of a specific connection.<\/p>\n
nmtui edit 'Wired connection 1'\n\n# Output:\n# NetworkManager TUI - Edit connection\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, we’ve edited the ‘Wired connection 1’ network connection. The interface provides several options for configuring this connection, including setting the IPv4 and IPv6 configurations and deciding whether the connection should automatically connect.<\/p>\n
Activating a Network Connection<\/h3>\n
To activate a network connection, you can use the connect<\/code> option followed by the name of the connection. This allows you to quickly activate a specific connection.<\/p>\n
nmtui connect 'Wired connection 1'\n\n# Output:\n# NetworkManager TUI - Activate connection\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, we’ve activated the ‘Wired connection 1’ network connection. The interface confirms the activation of the connection.<\/p>\n
Changing the System Hostname<\/h3>\n
To change the system hostname, you can use the hostname<\/code> option followed by the new hostname. This allows you to quickly change the system hostname.<\/p>\n
nmtui hostname 'myhost'\n\n# Output:\n# NetworkManager TUI - Set system hostname\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, we’ve changed the system hostname to ‘myhost’. The interface confirms the change of the system hostname.<\/p>\n
These are just a few examples of the advanced usage of the nmtui command in Linux. As you explore further, you’ll find that this command is a powerful tool for managing your network settings.<\/p>\n
Alternate Network Management Tools<\/h2>\n
While the nmtui command is a powerful tool for managing network settings in Linux, it’s not the only one. There are other commands and tools that you can use to manage your network settings. Two of the most popular alternatives are the nmcli command and network scripts.<\/p>\n
Harnessing the Power of nmcli<\/h3>\n
The nmcli command is a command-line client for NetworkManager. It’s more versatile than nmtui and allows for more granular control over network settings.<\/p>\n
Here’s an example of how to use the nmcli command to display the status of all network connections:<\/p>\n
nmcli con show\n\n# Output:\n# NAME                UUID                                  TYPE      DEVICE\n# Wired connection 1  1b8f45cb-8a2a-4a0e-9a5d-038e0b6bcb8b  ethernet  ens33\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, the nmcli con show<\/code> command displays a list of all network connections, including their names, UUIDs, types, and associated devices.<\/p>\n
Leveraging Network Scripts<\/h3>\n
Network scripts, also known as ifup\/ifdown scripts, are another way to manage network settings in Linux. These scripts allow for more complex network configurations and are often used in server environments.<\/p>\n
Here’s an example of how to use a network script to bring up a network interface:<\/p>\n
sudo ifup ens33\n\n# Output:\n# Internet Systems Consortium DHCP Client 4.3.5\n# Copyright 2004-2016 Internet Systems Consortium.\n# All rights reserved.\n# For info, please visit https:\/\/www.isc.org\/software\/dhcp\/\n\n# Listening on LPF\/ens33\/00:0c:29:28:fd:4c\n# Sending on   LPF\/ens33\/00:0c:29:28:fd:4c\n# Sending on   Socket\/fallback\n# DHCPDISCOVER on ens33 to 255.255.255.255 port 67 interval 3 (xid=0x4d3c8f1d)\n# DHCPREQUEST of 192.168.1.6 on ens33 to 255.255.255.255 port 67 (xid=0x1d8f3c4d)\n# DHCPOFFER of 192.168.1.6 from 192.168.1.1\n# DHCPACK of 192.168.1.6 from 192.168.1.1\n# bound to 192.168.1.6 -- renewal in 1597 seconds.\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, the sudo ifup ens33<\/code> command brings up the ‘ens33’ network interface. The output displays the DHCP negotiation process, culminating in the interface being assigned an IP address.<\/p>\n
When comparing these methods, it’s important to consider their pros and cons. While the nmtui command is user-friendly and straightforward, it doesn’t offer as much granularity as the nmcli command or network scripts. On the other hand, while the nmcli command and network scripts allow for more complex configurations, they can be more challenging to use, especially for beginners.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the best tool for managing network settings in Linux depends on your specific needs and level of expertise.<\/p>\n
Troubleshooting: Linux nmtui<\/h2>\n
As with any tool, there can be times when using the nmtui command in Linux might not go as smoothly as planned. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some common issues you might encounter and their solutions.<\/p>\n
NetworkManager is Not Running<\/h3>\n
If you try to run the nmtui command and encounter an error message that says ‘NetworkManager is not running’, it means that the NetworkManager service is not currently active on your system. You can start it using the following command:<\/p>\n
sudo systemctl start NetworkManager\n\n# Output:\n# [sudo] password for user: \n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, the sudo systemctl start NetworkManager<\/code> command starts the NetworkManager service. You’ll be prompted to enter your password, as this command requires superuser privileges.<\/p>\n
Connection Activation Failed<\/h3>\n
If you try to activate a network connection using the nmtui command and see a ‘Connection activation failed’ error message, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as incorrect network settings or hardware issues.<\/p>\n
To troubleshoot this, you can check the status of your network interfaces using the following command:<\/p>\n
nmcli device status\n\n# Output:\n# DEVICE  TYPE      STATE      CONNECTION \n# ens33   ethernet  connected  Wired connection 1 \n# lo      loopback  unmanaged  --\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
In this example, the nmcli device status<\/code> command displays the status of all network interfaces. The ‘STATE’ column shows whether each interface is connected, disconnected, or unmanaged.<\/p>\n
Tips for Best Practices<\/h3>\n
When using the nmtui command in Linux, here are some tips for best practices:<\/p>\n