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4 Best Ways to Access to Raspberry Pi Remotely

The best Rasperry Pi remote options

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on April 15, 2024
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Looking for the best ways to access Raspberry Pi remotely? Right this way.

If you’re working with Raspberry Pi and don’t want your project to look bulky due to additional hardware or can’t spend on a monitor, mouse, or keyboard separately, we have just the solution for you- accessing Raspberry Pi remotely. It improves flexibility, offers remote surveillance, and aids in cost savings, security, and collaboration. 

 If the idea of accessing Raspberry Pi remotely came across your mind, too, but you don’t know how to get started, you have landed on the right source. This read features 4 best ways to access Raspberry Pi remotely to help you get the best out of your project! 

What Is Raspberry Pi And What Are Its Application Areas?

In simple words, Raspberry Pi is a pocket computer that runs on Linux. It is a multifaceted device that can be used for building hardware projects, home automation, industrial applications, IoT, remote access, and educational purposes, to name a few.  So, whether you are a student, or a professional building business projects, Raspberry Pi offers you a wide range of options.

If you’re looking to get started, why not check out our guide to the best Raspberry Pi starter kit? Or this guide to the best Raspberry Pi keyboard.

What Are The Best Ways Of Accessing Raspberry Pi Remotely?

There are many instances when you’ll need remote access to Raspberry. Sometimes, you’ll need to access it without connecting it to a hardware device such as a monitor, mouse, or keyboard, embed it into a robot, or view some information from a different location. Here, we have mentioned different ways to use Raspberry Pi remotely. There are plenty of tutorials online on the installation of such methods if you still feel confused.

Remote Access Via SSH

SSH or Secure Shell protocol is commonly used to remotely access Raspberry Pi over the internet. It allows you to access the Raspberry Pi command line remotely through a different device registered on the same network. You can use this way to access Raspberry Pi remotely from a Windows, Linux, or Mac OS computer or iOS device without installing any third-party client or additional software. These platforms have SSH pre-installed into the terminal/command line. However, you’ll need to install a client on the device you are controlling from and a specialized server on the computer you will SSH into if it does not have one enabled already.

Remote Access Via VNC

Another way to access Raspberry Pi remotely is through Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a graphical desktop sharing system. This way, you can control the desktop interface of a computer running on a VNC server from a device running on a VNC viewer to establish a connection. The VNC viewer device transmits the keyboard and one of the mouse or any other touchpoint to the VNC server and receives information to be shared on the screen – via a password. Remote access via VND thereby provides you with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows you to control the Raspberry Pi to access Raspberry Pi with such clarity that you won’t even feel you’re working with it remotely. 

Remote Access Via RDP

You can also control a Raspberry Pi-embedded device via remote desktop connection through the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). It allows you to access the desktop of a remote computer with Windows OS using the Windows Remote Access App. You can try to access Raspberry Pi remotely by installing XRDP on Raspberry Pi OS through your web browser, enabling SSH, and using X11 forwarding, using third-party remote access tools. 

Remote Access Via VPN:

The most secure way to access Raspberry Pi remotely online is via a Virtual Private Network. Doing so will ensure a secure connection between Raspberry Pi and the other devices involved. This way of remote accessing will not even look like you are establishing a connection between two of them remotely.

If you want to learn about the step-by-step procedures of the aforementioned ways to access Raspberry Pi remotely, click here.

Conclusion

So there are the 4 best ways to access Raspberry Pi remotely. If you have any financial, hardware, or security constraints or concerns while working with Raspberry Pi, remotely accessing it is the best way forward. These ways will help you successfully execute your project securely. However, deciding the best way for you depends on your project requirements.

FAQs

Can I use any third-party tools or software to securely remote access Raspberry Pi?

Yes, you can use third-party tools and software such as AnyDesk, Remote.it, and SocketXP to securely access Raspberry Pi. These tools and software are among the most secure and popular choices among the techies to ensure your Raspberry Pi-embedded device is safe from data theft, unauthorized access, and other threats. 

Are there any tips to prevent malware and data theft when accessing Raspberry Pi remotely?

You can safeguard against any potential threats while accessing Raspberry Pi remotely by following these tips:

  1. Make use of secure and correctly configured access protocols like VPN, VNC, and SSH.
  2. Physically secure the Raspberry Pi inside a cabinet to prevent theft, tempering, and unauthorized access.
  3. Strongly monitor network traffic to identify potential threats.

Gloria is a tech and AI writer for PC Guide. She is interested in what new technology means for the future of digital and broadcast journalism.