I enjoy tools that make it easier for me to manage my Home Lab. I look for innovative tools that can enhance the experience of managing the environment. Rpi-Connect is one of those tools. It allows you to connect to the RPi4/5 Desktop if you have one but also allows you to connect via SSH. Which for me is a game changer that way I don’t have to keep a ton of tools on my local desktop . I use an Orange Pi 5 Plus as my desktop with Ubuntu Desktop OS.
Remote access to your Raspberry Pi has never been easier thanks to Raspberry Pi Connect. Whether you want to access your desktop remotely, manage your Pi from another device, or enable secure SSH access, Raspberry Pi Connect provides a simple cloud-based solution directly from the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to install, configure, and use Raspberry Pi Connect on Raspberry Pi OS.
What is Raspberry Pi Connect?
Raspberry Pi Connect is an official remote access solution that allows you to:
- Access your Raspberry Pi desktop remotely through a web browser
- Use secure SSH access
- Manage devices from anywhere
- Connect without complicated port forwarding
- Easily enable or disable remote access
This makes it perfect for home labs, servers, retro gaming systems, IoT projects, and remote troubleshooting.
Step 1 – Update Raspberry Pi OS
Before installing Raspberry Pi Connect, make sure your Raspberry Pi OS is fully updated.
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt-get upgrade -yKeeping your system updated ensures compatibility with the latest Raspberry Pi Connect features and security updates.
Step 2 – Install Raspberry Pi Connect
To install the full Raspberry Pi Connect package with screen sharing and SSH support, run:
sudo apt install rpi-connectIf you only want SSH access without desktop screen sharing, install the lightweight version instead:
sudo apt install rpi-connect-liteStep 3 – Enable Raspberry Pi Connect
After installation, look for the Raspberry Pi Connect icon on the far-right side of your Raspberry Pi desktop toolbar.
The icon appears as a white circle.
- Click the white circle icon
- Select Turn On Raspberry Pi Connect
- Your browser will automatically open the Raspberry Pi Connect sign-in page
Official sign-in page:
Step 4 – Create a Raspberry Pi Account
If you do not already have a Raspberry Pi ID account:
- Visit the account creation page
- Register for a free account
- Verify your email address
Official account signup page:
Step 5 – Register Your Raspberry Pi Device
After signing in:
- Enter a name for your Raspberry Pi device
- Click Create Device
- Your Raspberry Pi will now appear in your Raspberry Pi Connect dashboard
Step 6 – Access Your Raspberry Pi Remotely
To remotely access your device:
- Return to the Raspberry Pi Connect dashboard
- Locate your Raspberry Pi device
- Click the Connect Via button
- Choose Screen Sharing
After a few seconds, your Raspberry Pi desktop should load directly inside your web browser.
No VPN or complicated networking setup required.
Useful Raspberry Pi Connect Commands
Below are several helpful terminal commands for managing Raspberry Pi Connect.
Upgrade Raspberry Pi Connect
sudo apt install --only-upgrade rpi-connectUninstall Raspberry Pi Connect
sudo apt remove --purge rpi-connectShow Available Commands
rpi-connectManually Enable Raspberry Pi Connect
rpi-connect onManually Disable Raspberry Pi Connect
rpi-connect offCheck Raspberry Pi Connect Status
rpi-connect statusFinal Thoughts
Raspberry Pi Connect is one of the easiest ways to remotely manage your Raspberry Pi from anywhere in the world. With simple installation steps and browser-based remote access, it’s an excellent solution for beginners and advanced users alike.
Whether you’re running a home server, retro gaming system, automation project, or development environment, Raspberry Pi Connect makes remote administration simple and secure.
Have questions or tips about Raspberry Pi Connect? Leave a comment below and share your Raspberry Pi projects with the community!