arch linux auto connect to wifi problems (and fix) #rpi #raspberry. Had som issue with that the raspberry pi would not auto connect to the WiFi network, dispite that it worked when I started it manually. The below commands fixed it

fix.sh

sudo pacman -S polkit wpa_actiond
systemctl enable [email protected]

the connection to wlan0 that netctl-auto will use (in the example code) is setup with with wifi-menu (and not with netctl-auto, netctl, or anything else)
as I stated, the interfaces in netctl will conflict with netctl-auto, so I just clearified on which method to use for setup to get it right
it was something I setup almost 3 years ago, so the details are kinda blurry by now

"Starting with version 1.20, netctl stopped depending on wpa_actiond for its automatic wireless connecting features" bugs.archlinux.org/task/61934

My recipe, tested on a standard arch install (2019) with systemd:

One-time setup:

• Ensure the following are installed: dialog, wpa_supplicant, dhcpcd, netctl, wifi-menu.
• on xfce, add the xfce4-wavelan-plugin. That's just an indicator light which shows when you're connected. It has no other purpose.
• Ensure all other network managers and services are removed or disabled. https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Netctl#Wireless
• As you explained, remove any previously created network profiles. https://www.ostechnix.com/fix-job-netctl-service-failed-error-arch-linux/
• Obtain your WiFi device ID
  basename $(ls -d /sys/class/net/w*)
• enable netctl-auto service. This is the service that will auto connect.
  systemctl enable [email protected]

Connect to a hotspot first time:

• Run wifi-menu. Requires root.
  pkexec wifi-menu -o
  or
  sudo wifi-menu -o
  Leave off the -o to see network passwords as you type it.
• Arrow down, pick your desired connection, hit enter, accept connection-name, enter password.
• Add more hotspots as needed.

netctl-auto will automatically reconnect to the strongest available hotspot thereafter.

awesome @johnyradio thanks for the update!