systemctl-log-level

Show current log level

$ systemctl log-level

$ systemctl log-level [emerg|alert|crit|err|warning|notice|info|debug]

systemctl log-level [LEVEL]

systemctl log-level gets or sets the logging verbosity of the systemd service manager (PID 1). Without arguments, it displays the current level. With a level argument, it changes the verbosity at runtime.
Higher verbosity levels (debug, info) produce more log output and can help diagnose issues. Lower levels (err, crit) reduce noise in production.

emerg - System is unusable
alert - Immediate action required
crit - Critical conditions
err - Error conditions
warning - Warning conditions
notice - Normal but significant
info - Informational messages
debug - Debug-level messages

Changes are temporary and reset on reboot. For permanent changes, modify the systemd configuration. Debug level can produce significant log volume and impact performance.

The log-level subcommand provides runtime control over systemd's verbosity, useful for temporary debugging without configuration changes or restarts.

systemctl-log-target(1), journalctl(1), systemctl(1)