How to Power a Raspberry Pi Pico Without a USB Connection

Learn how to power your Raspberry Pi Pico without using a USB connection by using an external power source and creating a custom circuit. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, inc …


Updated August 1, 2023

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Learn how to power your Raspberry Pi Pico without using a USB connection by using an external power source and creating a custom circuit. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including components needed and assembly instructions.

There are many situations where you may need or want to power your Raspberry Pi Pico without using a USB connection. Perhaps your project requires battery operation, or you want to avoid the need for a computer to program it. In this article, we will show you how to create an external power source and custom circuit to power your Raspberry Pi Pico without relying on USB.

Components Needed:

  • Raspberry Pi Pico (1)
  • Breadboard (1)
  • Jumper wires (several)
  • Resistor (1, 1kΩ)
  • Power supply (3V to 5V)
  • Micro USB cable (1)

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Assemble the breadboard and connect the necessary components:
    • Insert the Raspberry Pi Pico into the breadboard.
    • Connect a jumper wire from the VBUS pin on the Pico to the positive terminal of your power supply (usually +5V or +3V).
    • Connect a 1kΩ resistor between the 3.3V and GND pins on the Pico. This is necessary to limit the current flowing through the Raspberry Pi Pico.
    • Connect a jumper wire from the 3.3V pin on the Pico to the negative terminal of your power supply (usually GND).
  2. Power On:
    • Plug in the micro USB cable into the power supply and turn it on. The Raspberry Pi Pico should now be powered without relying on a USB connection. You can use this setup for programming, or leave the Pico running continuously with your project.

Please note that while this method allows you to power the Raspberry Pi Pico without a USB connection, it does not provide data transfer capabilities. This means that you will need another method (such as UART or SPI) to program and communicate with the device if you choose to go down this route. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your power supply can provide enough current for your project, otherwise the Pico may not function correctly or could be damaged.

Conclusion: By following these simple steps, you can now power your Raspberry Pi Pico without a USB connection. This is useful in many situations where USB programming is not possible or unnecessary. Just remember to consider the current draw of your project and ensure that your power supply can handle it. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below!

Happy tinkering!