Learn how to connect an Arduino Uno board to a Raspberry Pi 3 in just 5 easy steps!

This article will show you how to connect an Arduino Uno board to a Raspberry Pi 3 using a USB cable and software. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to control your Arduino from the Raspber …


Updated August 13, 2023

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This article will show you how to connect an Arduino Uno board to a Raspberry Pi 3 using a USB cable and software. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be able to control your Arduino from the Raspberry Pi, or send data back and forth between the two devices!

  1. Step 1: Gather Your Materials

    • Raspberry Pi 3 (any version)
    • Arduino Uno board (or any other compatible Arduino device)
    • USB cable (A to B or B to A, depending on the devices you have)
    • Power supply for both devices

  2. Step 2: Plug in the Devices

    • Connect the Raspberry Pi to a power source and your computer using a micro-USB cable.
    • Connect the Arduino Uno board to another power source (it does not require a USB connection).

  3. Step 3: Install the Required Software on Your Raspberry Pi

    • Open the Terminal application on your Raspberry Pi by clicking the “Terminal” icon in the top left corner of the screen.
    • Type sudo apt-get update and press Enter to update the package lists.
    • Next, type sudo apt-get install -y arduino and press Enter to download and install the Arduino software. This will also install the necessary dependencies.

  4. Step 4: Connect the Devices

    • Plug the USB cable into the Raspberry Pi and then into the Arduino Uno board. The Raspberry Pi should be plugged into the “A” side (where the micro-USB port is) and the Arduino into the “B” side (the end with the 4 pins).

  5. Step 5: Test Your Connection

    • Open the Arduino IDE on your Raspberry Pi by typing sudo arduino in the Terminal.
    • In the Arduino IDE, click on “File” > “Examples” > “01.Basics” > “Blink”. This will open a sample program that blinks an LED connected to pin 13 of your Arduino board.
    • Connect an LED to pin 13 and ground (you can use a breadboard and jumper wires for this).
    • Click on the “Upload” button in the Arduino IDE to send the program to your Arduino board. You should see the LED blinking!

Now you have successfully connected an Arduino Uno board to a Raspberry Pi 3 and can start controlling it or sending data back and forth between the two devices. Experiment with different programs, sensors, and projects to explore the endless possibilities of combining these two powerful platforms!