wpctl(1)

wpctl is a command-line tool for managing audio in PipeWire, a modern audio and video server replacing PulseAudio. It controls audio devices, routes, volumes, mute states, and stream properties without requiring a GUI.

PipeWire replaces both PulseAudio and JACK, offering low-latency audio routing and device management. wpctl provides essential controls for both interactive use and scripting.

Show all audio devices, sinks, sources, and their current status

wpctl status

Set default audio sink volume to 50%

wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ 50%

Set default sink volume to 0.5 (decimal notation, same as 50%)

wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ 0.5

Toggle mute on default sink; use 1 for mute, 0 for unmute

wpctl set-mute @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ toggle

Set device with ID 45 as the default audio sink

wpctl set-default 45

Display detailed properties of device 45, filtered to show its name

wpctl inspect 45 | grep node.name

Set microphone (default source) volume to 75%

wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SOURCE@ 75%

Increase default sink volume by 10% relative to current level

wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ +10%