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Linux localectl Guide
Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025
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Complete beginner-friendly guide to localectl on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including locale configuration, keyboard layout, and system localization.
localectl controls system locale and keyboard (systemd).
Uses:
- View locale: Show locale settings
- Set locale: Configure system locale
- Keyboard layout: Set keyboard layout
- Localization: Manage system localization
Why it matters:
- Locale management: Manage system locale
- Keyboard setup: Configure keyboard
- Localization: System localization
Basic usage:
# View locale status
localectl
# Shows locale informationComplete info:
# All locale information
localectl status
# Shows:
# - System locale
# - VC keymap
# - X11 layoutChange locale:
# Set locale
sudo localectl set-locale LANG=en_US.UTF-8
# Changes system localeAvailable locales:
# List locales
localectl list-locales
# Shows all available localesChange keyboard:
# Set keyboard layout
sudo localectl set-keymap us
# Sets keyboard layoutAvailable keymaps:
# List keymaps
localectl list-keymaps
# Shows all available keymapsCheck systemd:
# localectl is part of systemd
# Usually pre-installed on systemd systems
# Check systemd
systemctl --versionThis guide covered localectl usage, locale configuration, and keyboard setup for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions.
- Locale and Language - Locale guide
- Input Devices - Input device setup
- System Configuration - System setup
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localectl Documentation:
man localectl
This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. For distribution-specific details, refer to your distribution's documentation.