How to Fix NetworkManager Not Running on Linux

Getting hit with the “NetworkManager is not running” error on Linux can be frustrating. No WiFi, no internet, and often, no obvious fix. Here’s how to troubleshoot and solve it, fast.

What Is NetworkManager?

NetworkManager is the default tool for managing network connections on most modern Linux distributions. If it’s not running, your system can’t connect to WiFi or Ethernet—simple as that.

1. Check If NetworkManager Is Installed

First, let’s make sure it’s even there.

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install network-manager

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:

sudo dnf install NetworkManager

Arch/Manjaro:

sudo pacman -S networkmanager

2. Start or Restart NetworkManager

To fix a stopped or crashed NetworkManager, restart the service.

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Check if it’s active:

sudo systemctl status NetworkManager

If it’s running, you’ll see “active (running)”.

3. Enable NetworkManager on Boot

Make sure it starts up automatically:

sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager

4. Stop Other Network Services

Sometimes, other network services like networking or wicd can conflict with NetworkManager. Disable them:

sudo systemctl stop networking
sudo systemctl disable networking
sudo systemctl stop wicd
sudo systemctl disable wicd

Then restart NetworkManager again.

5. Check for Errors

If NetworkManager still won’t start, look at the logs:

journalctl -xeu NetworkManager

Read through the output. Look for permission issues, missing files, or conflicts.

6. Fix Missing Dependencies

If you see errors about missing dependencies, update your system:

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:

sudo dnf update

7. Reboot

It’s basic, but it works. After making these changes, reboot your machine:

sudo reboot

8. Reinstall NetworkManager (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reinstall:

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt remove --purge network-manager
sudo apt install network-manager

Fedora/CentOS/RHEL:

sudo dnf remove NetworkManager
sudo dnf install NetworkManager

Wrapping Up

Usually, these steps will fix NetworkManager not running on Linux. Still stuck? Check your system logs or reach out to your distro’s support forums. Remember: keep your system updated, and don’t let conflicting services run in the background.

Have you fixed NetworkManager another way? Drop a comment below and help others!

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Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!