Access your Raspberry Pi from anywhere with just a few steps and the right tools.

Learn how to connect to your Raspberry Pi remotely using Secure Shell (SSH) and access it like you were sitting right in front of it. You’ll need an SSH client, IP address, and some basic knowledge of …


Updated September 17, 2023

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Learn how to connect to your Raspberry Pi remotely using Secure Shell (SSH) and access it like you were sitting right in front of it. You’ll need an SSH client, IP address, and some basic knowledge of the command line.

Secure Shell (SSH) is a popular tool for accessing your Raspberry Pi remotely. It allows you to control your Pi from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection and the necessary credentials. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Set up your Raspberry Pi for remote access:

    • Enable SSH on your Raspberry Pi by running sudo raspi-config in the terminal and navigating to Interfacing Options > SSH > Enable.
    • Assign a static IP address to your Pi so it always has the same address, making it easier to connect. You can do this by editing the /etc/dhcpcd.conf file on your Pi with sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf. Add or modify the following line: static ip_address=<your IP>/24. Replace <your IP> with an available IP address on your network. Save and exit the file.
    • Note: You can also use a Dynamic DNS service like DuckDNS to assign a domain name to your Pi’s IP address, making it easier to connect even if your IP changes.

  2. Find your Raspberry Pi’s IP address:

    • Open a terminal on your computer and run arp -a. Look for the MAC address of your Pi (it should start with “b8:27:eb”).
    • Note the corresponding IP address next to it. This is your Pi’s IP address.

  3. Connect to your Raspberry Pi using SSH:

    • Open an SSH client on your computer, such as PuTTY for Windows or Terminal for macOS and Linux.
    • Enter the IP address of your Raspberry Pi in the host name/address field. For example, 192.168.0.10.
    • If you’re using a username other than “pi”, enter it in the “Username” field. Otherwise, leave it blank for the default.
    • Enter your Raspberry Pi password when prompted.
    • Click “Open” or “Connect” to establish the connection.

  4. Interact with your Raspberry Pi:

    • You’re now connected to your Pi! Use the command line on your SSH client just as you would if you were sitting in front of it. Run commands, transfer files, and perform any other tasks you need to do.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues connecting to your Raspberry Pi remotely using SSH, try the following solutions:

  • Check that your Pi is powered on and connected to the internet.
  • Make sure you’re using the correct IP address or domain name.
  • If you’re using a dynamic IP, update your DNS settings with your DDNS provider.
  • Ensure SSH is enabled on your Pi by running sudo systemctl status ssh. If it’s not running, start it with sudo systemctl start ssh.
  • Check the firewall settings on your Pi and computer to ensure port 22 (the default SSH port) is open for incoming connections. You can use sudo ufw status on your Pi to check the status of the firewall.

Conclusion

Now you know how to connect to your Raspberry Pi remotely using Secure Shell (SSH). With just a few steps and the right tools, you can access your Pi from anywhere with an internet connection. This is useful for monitoring your Pi’s status, updating software, and performing other tasks without being physically present. Remember to keep your credentials secure and practice good security practices when connecting remotely.