Monitoring and Managing Your Raspberry Pi’s Health with Temperatures

This article will show you how to check your Raspberry Pi temperature using the command line interface (CLI), and what you can do if it gets too high. …


Updated August 6, 2023

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This article will show you how to check your Raspberry Pi temperature using the command line interface (CLI), and what you can do if it gets too high.

Checking Your Raspberry Pi Temperature Using the CLI

To check your Raspberry Pi’s temperature using the command line interface (CLI), you need to use a tool called vcgencmd. This is a command-line utility that provides information about the video core of the Raspberry Pi, including temperature data.

  1. Open up a terminal on your Raspberry Pi by clicking on the Terminal icon in the menu bar or pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
  2. Type the following command into the terminal and press Enter:
vcgencmd measure_temp
  1. The output will show the temperature of your Raspberry Pi’s SoC (System-on-a-Chip) in Celsius, with a trailing “'” symbol for degrees Fahrenheit:
temp=42.5'C

In this example, the temperature is 42.5 degrees Celsius or 108.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Do If Your Raspberry Pi Temperature Is Too High

If your Raspberry Pi temperature is too high, you should consider taking some steps to cool it down. Here are a few options:

  • Increase Airflow: Ensure that there’s adequate airflow around the Raspberry Pi. A clear desk or raised platform can help improve circulation and prevent heat buildup.
  • Use a Heatsink: Attach a heatsink to your Raspberry Pi to dissipate heat more effectively. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting it correctly.
  • Throttle CPU Frequency: Reducing the clock speed of your Raspberry Pi’s processor can help lower its temperature. You can do this by editing the /boot/config.txt file and adding the line arm_freq=1000 (or a lower value) to limit the CPU frequency to 1000 MHz. Reboot your Raspberry Pi after making this change.
  • Monitor Temperature Regularly: Keep an eye on your Raspberry Pi’s temperature and make adjustments as needed. If it consistently runs too hot, consider using a cooling solution or reducing its workload.

Remember, the optimal temperature for your Raspberry Pi will depend on the specific model you have and the components you’re running. However, generally speaking, a temperature below 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) is safe and should help extend the life of your device. If you notice that your Raspberry Pi’s temperature is consistently high, don’t hesitate to take action and maintain optimal performance.