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Control PipeWire volume from the terminal (wpctl)

Set, raise, lower or mute the default audio output on PipeWire-based systems with wpctl.

LinuxaudiowpctlpipewirevolumeLow risk
Run wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ 0.6 for 60% volume (use 0.6+ or 0.6- to adjust) and wpctl set-mute @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ toggle to mute.

01Command

Command
$ wpctl set-volume @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ 0.6 && wpctl set-mute @DEFAULT_AUDIO_SINK@ toggle

02What it does

Modern distributions ship PipeWire, whose session manager WirePlumber is controlled with wpctl — the replacement for pactl. Volumes are 0.0–1.0 (1.5 overdrives if supported), and wpctl status lists every sink, source and stream with its ID so you can target a specific app or headphones instead of the default device. Add -l 1.0 to cap the maximum so accidental boosts stay sane.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsPipeWire with wpctl (part of wireplumber). On PulseAudio-only systems use pactl instead.
!Warning: If wpctl says 'no such object', PipeWire/WirePlumber is not running — check systemctl --user status pipewire wireplumber. pactl commands may still work via pipewire-pulse, but wpctl is the native tool. Mute state is per-device; unmute after switching outputs.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • wpctl(1) - a simple command line control for WirePlumber
    Arch Linux Man Pages · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: wpctl set-volume takes a volume between 0.0 and 1.0, supports +/− increments and -l limits; set-mute toggles or sets mute state.
  • WirePlumber documentation
    PipeWire/WirePlumber (freedesktop.org) · community · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: WirePlumber is the session manager for PipeWire; wpctl is its command-line client for inspecting and controlling audio devices.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Media