Why would you need remote Raspberry Pi access?
Many people use a Raspberry Pi as a compact server, automation hub, or sensor node. Remote access makes that setup far more practical.
By being able to access your Raspberry Pi remotely, you can configure settings, update software, monitor performance, or transfer files without needing to plug in a keyboard, mouse, or screen every time. You might want to set up remote access on your Raspberry Pi if you:
- Run home servers. Stream media, host a website, or use the Pi as a lightweight file server.
- Manage IoT projects. Collect data from sensors or control connected devices over your home network.
- Develop and test code. Connect to your Pi from your laptop via SSH to write and debug software directly on it.
- Monitor performance. Use the Pi to track network activity or other systems.
- Teach or learn programming. Students can log in from their laptops to write code and experiment.
- Manage lightweight cloud projects. Host personal dashboards or development environments.
- Manage multiple Raspberry Pis. Control, update, or reboot several devices across your network from one computer.
You can establish a remote connection with your Raspberry Pi in several ways. The most popular are Raspberry Pi Connect, SSH (Secure Shell), VNC (Virtual Network Computing), XRDP (Windows Remote Desktop Protocol), or third-party remote tools. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages — more on that in the sections below.
Remember, though, to always use encrypted tools or a VPN when accessing the Raspberry Pi remotely over the internet. Opening SSH or VNC ports directly to the web creates security risks. Official or VPN-based connection methods are safer.
Method 1: Use Raspberry Pi Connect
Raspberry Pi Connect is the simplest way to manage your Pi from any browser. It’s an official tool, built into the latest Raspberry Pi OS, that provides remote desktop and remote terminal access without the need to configure a router or open any ports.
Pi Connect uses encrypted WebRTC tunnels to create a secure, direct peer-to-peer connection between your browser and your Raspberry Pi. If a direct path isn’t possible, your traffic automatically routes through a secure cloud server managed by Raspberry Pi.
Pi Connect works with the newer Wayland display system used by Raspberry Pi OS and uses a built-in screen-sharing tool called WayVNC. It sends a live video stream of your desktop, along with your mouse and keyboard input, directly through your web browser. This process makes the connection feel faster and more responsive, even when you’re using it over the internet.
Because it’s still relatively new, don’t be surprised by occasional lag or display quirks. The convenience of connecting securely through a browser outweighs those minor issues. For most users, Pi Connect is the fastest path to remote desktop and remote terminal access without a complicated setup.
Follow the steps below to set up and start using Raspberry Pi Connect.
1. Install Raspberry Pi Connect
Use the command below to update and upgrade the system packages to make sure the OS is ready and compatible with the app:
Once your system is ready, install the Raspberry Pi Connect package. If you’re running the full Raspberry Pi OS Desktop (Bookworm or later), Raspberry Pi Connect should already come pre-installed, and you should already see its icon in the top menu bar.
If not, you can add it manually. Run:
On Raspberry Pi OS Lite, use “rpi-connect-lite” instead.
After installation, start the service with:
2. Sign in and link your device
Click the Pi Connect icon or run this command in Terminal:
A link will appear in the Terminal — click it to open your browser. Sign in or create a new account if you don’t already have one. Then, name your device, register it to your account, and click “Create device and sign in.”
Once linked, you can access your Pi remotely by visiting “connect.raspberrypi.com” on any laptop, desktop, or mobile browser. Just sign in, select your Pi, and choose one of two modes:
- Screen share. A complete GUI session in your browser window.
- Remote terminal. A command-line interface for quick access.
If you have multiple Raspberry Pis, you can register them all under the same account and switch between them from the browser.
Method 2: Access Raspberry Pi remotely with SSH
For users who prefer the simplicity of the command line, SSH (Secure Shell) remains the classic method for remote terminal access. It’s lightweight, reliable, and supported across all major operating systems.
SSH creates a tunnel between your computer and your Raspberry Pi. Once connected, you get full remote terminal access to run Linux commands, check logs, run scripts, or manage system settings.
Follow the steps below to enable SSH and connect to your Raspberry Pi using this method. SSH is fast and reliable, but it’s intended for use within trusted networks or through a VPN. Exposing it directly to the internet without additional safeguards — like strong passwords, key-based authentication, and proper firewall rules — can put your device at risk.
1. Enable SSH on your Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi OS turns the SSH server off by default, so you’ll have to turn it on before setting up remote access. You can enable SSH in several ways:
- Through the desktop interface. Open “Preferences” > “Control center” > “Interfaces.” Enable SSH and press “OK.” Restart if asked.
- From the terminal. Run the “sudo raspi-config” command. Select “Interface options” > “SSH” > “Yes” > “OK” > “Finish.”
2. Find your Raspberry Pi’s IP address
You must know your Pi’s private IP address to connect to it. The easiest ways to find a Raspberry Pi IP address are:
- Using the terminal. Run the “hostname -I” command. You can also use the “ifconfig” command for older versions of Linux or “ip addr” for newer ones.
- Through your router. Log into your router’s admin panel and look for a device named “raspberrypi,” “pi,” or something similar.
- Using the Raspberry Pi GUI. Hover your mouse over the “Network” icon in the taskbar. The pop-up will show all important network details, including your IP.
If you plan to connect frequently, set a static IP address in your router configuration. With a static IP, your Pi’s address will stay consistent across reboots, and you’ll avoid DHCP reassignments.
3. Connect via SSH from different devices
Open a terminal on your computer and connect to your Raspberry Pi by typing:
Replace “[username]” with your Raspberry Pi’s username and “[ip_address]” with the Pi’s IP address.
The first time you connect, you’ll see a security message asking you to confirm the connection. Type “yes” and press “Enter” to continue. After that, enter your Raspberry Pi password when prompted.
If everything is set up correctly, the terminal will switch to the Raspberry Pi command prompt. You will have full remote terminal access, allowing you to run commands, update software, or manage files directly from your computer.
4. Access Raspberry Pi remotely with SSH keys
You can connect to your Raspberry Pi without typing a password every time by using an SSH keypair. This method is more secure and faster than standard password login.
First, check if your computer already has an SSH key by running this command:
If you see a file titled something like “id_ed25519.pub” or “id_rsa.pub,” you already have a key and can jump to copying it to your Raspberry Pi. If not, create a new keypair with:
When asked where to save it, press “Enter” to use the default location. When asked for a passphrase, press “Enter” again if you don’t want one.
To copy your public key to your Raspberry Pi, run:
Replace “[username]” with your Raspberry Pi’s username and “[ip_address]” with the Pi’s IP address.
If the “ssh-copy-id” command isn’t available on your system (typically on non-Linux OSes), you can copy your key manually. This method works the same way, but takes a few extra steps. First, on your Raspberry Pi, create the SSH directory:
From your computer, copy your public key to the Pi:
Replace “[PC username]” with the username of the computer, “[RPI username]” with your Raspberry Pi’s username, and “[ip_address]” with the Pi’s IP address.
After that, you can connect to your Raspberry Pi using SSH without typing your password each time.
Method 3: Access Raspberry Pi remotely via VNC
If you prefer to use a full desktop rather than a terminal, VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is the best option. It mirrors the Pi’s desktop, allowing you to control it using a mouse, keyboard, and screen as if you were physically using the device.
VNC is best for beginners or tasks that require visual interfaces, such as web browsers or file managers. To get started, you’ll need to enable VNC on your Raspberry Pi and install a VNC viewer on the device you’ll use to connect to your Pi. By default, RealVNC encrypts VNC sessions, but before you connect, make sure to double-check that encryption is enabled to keep your connection secure.
1. Enable VNC on Raspberry Pi
You can turn on VNC on your Pi in two ways:
- Through the desktop interface. Open “Preferences” > “Control center” > “Interfaces.” Enable VNC and press “OK.”
- From the terminal. Run the “sudo raspi-config” command. Select “Interface options” > “VNC” > “Yes” > “OK” > “Finish.”
2. Install a VNC viewer on your device
Download a VNC viewer app for your device from the official site or relevant app store. You can find plenty of options for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Install the compatible app and open it.
3. Connect to your Raspberry Pi
Enter your Pi’s IP address in the VNC viewer’s address bar and hit “Enter.” Log in with your Pi username and password, and you’ll see your Raspberry Pi desktop in a window.
You can now control your Pi exactly as if you were using it directly. If performance feels sluggish, reduce display resolution or color depth in the VNC settings.
For remote access over the internet, connect through a VPN. Avoid exposing VNC ports directly, because they can attract unwanted traffic.
Method 4: Use XRDP (Windows Remote Desktop Protocol)
If you’re a Windows user who wants the familiar remote desktop interface, XRDP is the best bet. It lets you connect to your Raspberry Pi using the built-in Remote Desktop Connection app. It works well on local networks and provides a familiar experience.
Getting started is simple. Just follow the steps below.
1. Install XRDP on Raspberry Pi
To get started, first install XRDP on your Raspberry Pi device. Run the following commands in Terminal:
After installation, XRDP runs automatically.
2. Find your Pi’s IP address
To connect, you’ll need your Pi’s IP address. You can find it by running “hostname -I” or “ip addr” in the terminal, checking your router’s device list, or hovering over the network icon on the Raspberry Pi desktop. For consistent access, better set a fixed IP address for your Raspberry Pi.
3. Connect via the Windows Remote Desktop app
On your Windows laptop or desktop, open the Remote Desktop Connection app. You can also press “Windows” + “R,” type “mstsc” and hit the “Enter” button. In the “Computer” box, type your Raspberry Pi’s IP address. Enter your Pi credentials when prompted. You’ll see the full Raspberry Pi desktop inside a window.
RDP is optimized for Windows-to-Windows connections, but it works well for simple management tasks. It’s particularly handy when connecting over a local network with minimal configuration.
Method 5: Use third-party apps
Several external tools provide quick and easy remote desktop connections. They usually rely on their own cloud infrastructure to create tunnels between your devices, so you don’t need to adjust your router or firewall.
Setup usually takes just a few clicks, and you can access your Raspberry Pi from anywhere. To use these tools, install the host app on your Raspberry Pi and the client app on your laptop or mobile device. You’ll be able to access your Raspberry Pi’s screen instantly.
However, while these tools are unmistakably convenient, they rely on outside servers. If you prefer more control or privacy, stick with Pi Connect, SSH, or VNC.
Method 6: Use Meshnet
If you want a safer and easier way to access your Raspberry Pi remotely, try Meshnet, which is available directly through the NordVPN app. Meshnet lets you create a secure private network between up to 10 of your own devices and 50 external devices.
With Meshnet, you can share files directly between linked devices, route traffic through another device, and connect more securely to your devices from anywhere without exposing your network to the public internet.
Plus, once you enable Meshnet on the Raspberry Pi and your computer, the devices will appear on a shared virtual LAN. This setup is much safer than using a single SSH or VNC connection with port forwarding, since it removes the need to open ports to the internet. When you open ports manually, you bypass your router’s firewall protection and risk exposing your Raspberry Pi to online threats or operating system vulnerabilities. However, Meshnet doesn’t replace good SSH or VNC security practices — you should still use strong passwords, key-based authentication, and regular system updates to keep your device protected.
Meshnet keeps your devices connected through an encrypted tunnel, allowing you to use SSH or VNC as if they were on the same local network, but without the security risks of open ports.
To get started, check out our guide for using Meshnet on Linux and set it up on your Raspberry Pi for safer and smoother remote access from anywhere.
Best security practices for remote access
Remote access expands what your Raspberry Pi can do, but it also increases potential exposure. A few good IoT cybersecurity habits go a long way toward keeping your setup safer from external threats and malware that often target Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Change default passwords immediately to personal ones
Older versions of Raspberry Pi OS start with a default username and password, usually something along the lines of “pi/raspberry.” Leaving them unchanged makes your Pi an easy target for anyone scanning networks for open devices. Change the default “pi” password right after setup and create a strong, unique password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols. If you’re running multiple Pis, use different passwords for each to reduce the risk of someone gaining access to all of them at once.
Use SSH keys
SSH keys provide stronger authentication than passwords. Once set up, you can log in to your SSH client more quickly and securely without typing your password each time. This method also prevents brute-force password attacks, which are one of the most common threats to exposed SSH services.
Keep your Raspberry Pi updated
Regular updates protect your Pi from known vulnerabilities. The Raspberry Pi OS team and package maintainers frequently release patches that fix security issues and improve performance. To stay safe, run updates every few weeks or enable automatic updates.
Enable firewall
Install a firewall tool and block any ports you don’t use. Doing so helps limit unwanted traffic and adds another layer of protection. It’s especially important if your Pi is connected to the internet or used as a web server.
If you need to access your Raspberry Pi from outside your home network, you may need to enable port forwarding. However, this method isn’t as safe as using a VPN or other secure tunnel, like Meshnet. Only use port forwarding when absolutely necessary and make sure your firewall restricts access so that the open port can only be reached from allowlisted (trusted) IP addresses.
Use a VPN for internet access
If you plan to access your Raspberry Pi from outside your home network, always route that connection through a VPN for Raspberry Pi. A remote access VPN encrypts traffic and prevents outsiders from accessing your system.
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Troubleshooting remote access
If your connection fails, don’t panic. Most issues with remote access to your Raspberry Pi are caused by IP changes, network misconfigurations, or firewalls. Try these troubleshooting steps if:
- You can’t find your Pi on the network. Check your router’s device list or use a network scanner.
- SSH connection was refused. Confirm SSH is enabled. Run “sudo systemctl status ssh” to verify.
- VNC performance is slow. Lower the desktop resolution or reduce the color depth in the viewer settings.
- Port forwarding is not working. Re-check router configuration, internal IP mapping, and firewall rules.
- Your Pi gets disconnected frequently. Assign a static IP address to keep the Pi reachable at all times.
- You get no response from Raspberry Pi Connect. Make sure your Pi is online and signed in with the same Raspberry Pi ID.
