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# How to Enable Persistent Wake-on-LAN in Ubuntu (NetworkManager / Netplan)
- URL: https://loepperts.com/how-to-enable-persistent-wake-on-lan-in-ubuntu-networkmanager-netplan/
- Published: 2026-06-16T19:13:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-16T19:15:27.000Z
- Author: loepperts
- Tags: #Import 2026-08-19 21:23

Wake-on-LAN (WoL) allows you to power on your Ubuntu machine remotely by sending a "magic packet." However, Ubuntu often resets this setting back to disabled after a reboot.Here is how to enable Wake-on-LAN and make it stick permanently on systems using NetworkManager.Step 1: Verify Hardware SupportFirst, check if your network card supports Wake-on-LAN. Run `ethtool` with administrative privileges:bash

```
sudo ethtool eno1

```

Use code with caution.Look at the bottom lines of the output:

- `Supports Wake-on: pumbg` (The `g` means it supports Magic Packets).
- `Wake-on: d` (This means it is currently disabled).

Step 2: Find Your Connection Profile NameBecause modern Ubuntu setups mix Netplan and NetworkManager, you need to find the exact name of the profile controlling your interface:bash

```
nmcli connection show

```

Use code with caution.Look under the `NAME` column. In our setup, Netplan automatically generated a profile named **`netplan-eno1`**.

Step 3: Make the Setting PermanentInstead of writing custom startup scripts, tell NetworkManager to force Wake-on-LAN to "magic" every time the interface starts up:bash

```
sudo nmcli connection modify "netplan-eno1" 802-3-ethernet.wake-on-lan magic

```

Use code with caution.Apply the changes immediately:bash

```
sudo nmcli connection up "netplan-eno1"

```

Use code with caution.

Step 4: Get Your MAC AddressYou will need your target computer's physical hardware address to wake it up from another device:bash

```
ip link show eno1

```

Use code with caution.Copy the 12-character alphanumeric address found right after `**link/ether**` (e.g., `a1:b2:c3:d4:e5:f6`).

Step 5: Test It!Shut down your Ubuntu machine. From another device on the same local network, send the wake command using your MAC address.

**From a Mac:**bash

```
brew install wakeonlan
wakeonlan <MAC_ADDRESS>

```

Use code with caution.

**From another Linux machine:**bash

```
sudo apt install wakeonlan
wakeonlan <MAC_ADDRESS>

```

Use code with caution.

---