---
publish: true
permalink: /10-19 LIFE/13 TECH SETUP/13.11 APPS/impala.md
title: impala
created: 2026-02-05T09:36:55.334-07:00
modified: 2026-02-05T09:41:11.146-07:00
tags:
  - wifi
  - network
  - terminal
cssclasses: ""
---

impala is a TUI for managing WiFi on Linux using iwd as the backend. Much nicer than `iwctl` for day-to-day WiFi management.

## Installation

**Arch Linux:**
```bash
sudo pacman -S impala
```

**Cargo:**
```bash
cargo install impala
```

## Prerequisites

- **iwd** must be running (not wpa_supplicant)
- NetworkManager should use iwd backend (see [[10-19 LIFE/13 TECH SETUP/13.13 OS SETUP/Network]])
- Nerd Fonts (optional) for icons

## Usage

```bash
impala
```

### Key Bindings

| Key | Action |
|-----|--------|
| `j/k` | Navigate up/down |
| `Enter` | Connect to network |
| `d` | Disconnect |
| `r` | Refresh networks |
| `s` | Scan for networks |
| `a` | Toggle Access Point mode |
| `q` | Quit |

### Connecting to Networks

1. Launch `impala`
2. Navigate to network with `j/k`
3. Press `Enter` to connect
4. Enter password if prompted

### Hidden Networks

Press `/` to search/enter a hidden network SSID.

### WPA Enterprise (802.1X)

impala supports enterprise authentication. Select the network and follow prompts for username/password or certificate.

### QR Code Sharing

Press `Q` on a connected network to display a QR code for sharing credentials.

## Configuration

Config file: `~/.config/impala/config.toml`

```toml
[keybindings]
quit = "q"
scan = "s"
connect = "Enter"
disconnect = "d"

[appearance]
# Uses terminal colors by default
```

## Integration

### Ashell

In ashell config, use impala for WiFi management:
```toml
[settings]
wifi_more_cmd = 'kitty -e bash -c "impala"'
```

### Hyprland keybind

```bash
bind = $mainMod, W, exec, kitty -e impala
```

## Troubleshooting

### "iwd not running"

```bash
sudo systemctl enable --now iwd
```

### Conflicts with NetworkManager

NetworkManager must use iwd as backend, not wpa_supplicant. See [[10-19 LIFE/13 TECH SETUP/13.13 OS SETUP/Network#NetworkManager + iwd]].

## Resources

- GitHub: https://github.com/pythops/impala