mmcli

List available modems

$ mmcli --list-modems

$ mmcli --modem=[modem_id]

$ mmcli --modem=[modem_id] --enable

$ mmcli --modem=[modem_id] --disable

$ sudo mmcli --modem=[modem_id] --messaging-list-sms

$ sudo mmcli --modem=[modem_id] --messaging-delete-sms=[sms_path]

$ mmcli --monitor-modems

mmcli [--list-modems] [--modem id] [--enable|--disable] [--messaging-list-sms] [options]

mmcli is a command-line interface for ModemManager, a DBus-powered daemon that provides unified control of mobile broadband modems on Linux. It supports various modem types including USB modems, embedded cellular modules, and phone tethering.
The tool can enable/disable modems, manage connections, send/receive SMS, control GPS functionality, scan for networks, and perform SIM operations. It communicates with ModemManager through DBus.

-L, --list-modems

List all available modems

Specify modem by index or DBus path

Monitor modem status changes

Enable the specified modem

Disable the specified modem

Reset the modem

Reset modem to factory state with unlock code

Send raw AT command to modem

List SMS messages on modem

Create new SMS message

Delete SMS message

Scan for new modems

Output in JSON format

Output as key-value pairs

Enable verbose output

Some operations require root privileges, particularly SMS and connection management. Modem indices may change across reboots or device reconnections; use DBus paths for stable identification. Factory reset requires carrier-specific unlock codes and erases all modem configuration.

mmcli is part of ModemManager, developed by the freedesktop.org community. ModemManager provides a unified high-level API for mobile broadband modems, abstracting differences between vendor implementations. It is commonly used with NetworkManager for mobile connectivity.

ModemManager(8), NetworkManager(8), nmcli(1)