How to set wlan0 channel in ubuntu 24.10 ?

To change the Wi-Fi channel on interface wlan0, you need to make sure the interface is in monitor mode or not connected to any network. Here’s how to set it properly.

Step 1: Check Current Channel

iwconfig wlan0

You’ll see something like:

wlan0     IEEE 802.11  Mode:Managed  Frequency:2.437 GHz  Access Point: ...

To see the actual channel:

iwlist wlan0 channel

Step 2: Install Required Tools

Make sure iw, aircrack-ng, and wireless-tools are installed:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install iw aircrack-ng wireless-tools

Step 3: Set wlan0 to Monitor Mode (if needed)

Most channel setting operations require monitor mode.

sudo ip link set wlan0 down
sudo iw wlan0 set monitor control
sudo ip link set wlan0 up

Now, set the channel:

sudo iw wlan0 set channel 6

You can replace 6 with any channel your card supports.

Step 4: Confirm the Channel

iwconfig wlan0

Look for Channel:6 or similar to confirm it applied.

Step 5: Restore to Managed Mode (Optional)

If you want to go back to normal Wi-Fi usage:

sudo ip link set wlan0 down
sudo iw wlan0 set type managed
sudo ip link set wlan0 up

Now you can reconnect to networks normally.