If you're using a [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheo.com/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) without a desktop environment (e.g., Raspberry Pi OS Lite), you can connect to a Wi-Fi network using the terminal. Follow these steps:

**1. Check Available Wi-Fi Networks**
First, verify that your Wi-Fi adapter is detected and scan for available networks:

bash
sudo iwlist wlan0 scan | grep ESSID

(Replace wlan0 with your Wi-Fi interface if needed, e.g., wlan1.)

**2. Configure Wi-Fi Connection**
Edit the Wi-Fi configuration file:

bash
sudo nano /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Add the following at the end of the file (replace "NETWORK_NAME" and "PASSWORD"):

plaintext
network={
    ssid="NETWORK_NAME"
    psk="PASSWORD"
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

**For hidden networks, add scan_ssid=1:**

plaintext
network={
    ssid="HIDDEN_NETWORK"
    scan_ssid=1
    psk="PASSWORD"
}

Save with Ctrl + X, then Y, and Enter.

**3. Restart the Wi-Fi Interface**
Apply the changes and reconnect:

bash
sudo wpa_cli -i wlan0 reconfigure

or

bash
sudo ifdown wlan0 && sudo ifup wlan0

**4. Verify the Connection**
Check if an IP address was assigned:

bash
ifconfig wlan0

or

bash
ip a show wlan0

Test internet connectivity:

bash
ping -c 4 google.com

If Wi-Fi isn’t working, restart networking:

bash
sudo systemctl restart networking

**5. (Optional) Set a Static IP Address**
If DHCP is unreliable, configure a static IP in /etc/dhcpcd.conf:

bash
sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

Add:

plaintext
interface wlan0
static ip_address=192.168.1.100/24
static routers=192.168.1.1
static domain_name_servers=8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4

**↳ Restart DHCP service:**

bash
sudo service dhcpcd restart

**Summary**
✔ iwlist scan → List available networks
✔ wpa_supplicant.conf → Configure Wi-Fi credentials
✔ wpa_cli reconfigure → Reconnect to Wi-Fi
✔ ifconfig/ping → Test connection

If issues persist:

bash
sudo systemctl restart dhcpcd
sudo reboot

Your [Raspberry Pi](https://www.ampheoelec.de/c/raspberry-pi/raspberry-pi-boards) should now be connected to Wi-Fi!