Many Raspberry Pi enthusiasts find themselves stashing their beloved minicomputer away in a drawer, never to see the light of day again. This unfortunate fate often stems from not knowing how to harness its full potential or the hassle of connecting the necessary peripherals for interaction, especially if it’s shared among multiple devices.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution to this problem: using an application for remote management of the Raspberry Pi. If you’ve ever used remote computer control applications like TeamViewer, you’ll get the gist of how this works.
While most remote access applications focus on Windows and macOS, leaving Linux users in the lurch, there’s a nifty solution for Raspberry Pi owners—VNC Viewer.
Remotely Access Your Raspberry Pi
VNC Viewer is a cross-platform application compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, and even mobile devices. It enables you to access your Raspberry Pi without the need for your computer.
Before diving in, note that VNC Viewer works exclusively in a local network setting. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to function. If you venture beyond your local network, this application won’t be of any use for remote Raspberry Pi management.
Now, let’s get started:
1. Activate Raspberry Pi Server Mode
To allow remote connections via the VNC Viewer application, you need to activate your Raspberry Pi in server mode. This can be done through Terminal using the following command:
sudo raspi-configAlternatively, you can enable this feature from the Raspberry Pi OS’s graphical interface menu (for older Raspberry Pi models).
2. Find Your Raspberry Pi’s IP Address
You’ll need to know your Raspberry Pi’s IP address to connect to it remotely. You can find this information either through the configuration interface or by using the following Terminal command:
ifconfig
3. Download VNC Viewer
Now, download the VNC Viewer application on your computer. It offers 32- and 64-bit portable versions, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. To use the application, you’ll need to create an account.
4. Configure VNC Viewer
After installing the application and setting up your account, log in with your credentials and proceed to add your Raspberry Pi. To do this, go to the File menu and select “New Connection.”
Next, enter your Raspberry Pi’s IP address (ensure both devices are on the same local network) into the “VNC Server” field. You can also assign an identifier for easier recognition, especially if you have multiple Raspberry Pi devices you want to access remotely.
Choose your preferred encryption settings, decide whether to use single sign-on or a smart card for authentication, and then click “Accept.”
5. Access and Control
To access your Raspberry Pi’s desktop and control it remotely, simply click on its name in the left column of the VNC Viewer application and wait for it to load.
With VNC Viewer, you can unlock the full potential of your Raspberry Pi without the need for physical interaction, making it a versatile tool for various projects and applications.
