> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/everyday-tasks/network.md).

# Network

Manage Ethernet and Wi-Fi, choose Internet priority, and inspect connection details.

Monarch uses NetworkManager for connections. Start in **Monarch Menu → Settings → Network**, or click the network indicator on the right side of the Noctalia bar to open Monarch's network overview.

![Monarch network overview showing Ethernet, Internet priority and Wi-Fi connections, with network names anonymized.](https://2401007956-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPHuQxvjCbX3wVSeqqOGO%2Fuploads%2FO0Ij7fWGuIHJce7zWxlE%2Fnetwork-panel.webp?alt=media)

*The network overview groups connection actions and Internet priority. Wi-Fi names have been anonymized.*

## Connect to Wi-Fi

Choose **Settings → Network → Wi-Fi** or press **SUPER + CTRL + W**. Noctalia opens the available networks; select one and enter its password when prompted.

The **Network → Overview** panel also shows nearby networks and lets you connect to them, including supported enterprise networks. For a terminal-based picker, run:

```bash
monarch wifi connect
```

## Manage Ethernet and Internet priority

The network overview provides Ethernet connection and disconnection controls as well as Wi-Fi actions. Use the Wi-Fi rescan action to refresh nearby networks.

Internet priority lets you prefer a connected Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. The choice is saved, and applying it does not disconnect your current connections. The panel shows the saved preference separately from the Internet connection currently in use.

**Auto** restores NetworkManager's automatic priority; it does not restore any earlier custom priority. VPN routing and local-only connections are not changed.

## Inspect connection details and Wi-Fi band

Open the overview's details view for connection statistics, Wi-Fi band and DNS information. You can also open it directly:

```bash
noctalia msg panel-open monarch/network:panel details
```

Details list connected physical Ethernet and Wi-Fi interfaces, their IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and default gateways. Latency and throughput refer to the active Internet connection, not every listed interface.

The Wi-Fi band controls offer **Auto**, **2.4 GHz**, **5 GHz**, or **6 GHz** when supported. Changing the selected band reconnects Wi-Fi; use **Auto** to remove a band preference.

From a terminal, inspect or change the band with:

```bash
monarch wifi band
monarch wifi band 5
monarch wifi band auto
```

## Limited connectivity and captive portals

Limited connectivity does not necessarily mean you need to sign in to a captive portal. Use the panel's recheck action to test connectivity again without reconnecting.

When NetworkManager detects a captive portal, use the sign-in action to open the browser and complete the network's login process.

## Share the current Wi-Fi connection

Choose **Actions → Share → Wi-Fi** to display a QR code that another device can scan to join the connected network. The panel can also reveal the password on request. Enterprise Wi-Fi connections do not have a shareable password for this QR workflow.

```bash
monarch wifi qr
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
The QR code contains the Wi-Fi password for a secured network. Show it only to someone you want to grant access.
{% endhint %}

## Change DNS or test the connection

Choose **Settings → Network → DNS** to use DNS from DHCP, Cloudflare, Google, or custom servers. This changes the system DNS setting, not just the current Wi-Fi connection. Return to **DHCP** to use the servers supplied by the network again.

Choose **Actions → Speed Test → Network** to measure the connection. You can run the same test with `monarch network speedtest`.

If Wi-Fi stops working, try **Maintenance → Hardware → Wi-Fi** to restart its service, then reconnect. For broader system issues, see [Updates and recovery](/system/updates-and-recovery.md).