The official power supply
The Raspberry Pi 400 comes with or requires the Official Raspberry Pi USB-C Power Supply. This power supply provides 5.1V at 3A (15.3W), which is sufficient for the Pi 400 and its integrated keyboard under normal use, including connecting USB peripherals.
The official power supply is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi devices and includes appropriate safety certifications and voltage regulation. It ensures stable operation even when the Pi 400 is under heavy load or driving multiple USB devices.
The Pi 400 keyboard computer integrates a Raspberry Pi 4 with additional USB ports and keyboard circuitry. Under load, it can draw significant current. Using an underpowered or low-quality power supply can cause system instability, USB devices not working, or the Pi throttling performance.
Connecting power
- Locate the USB-C port on the back edge of the Raspberry Pi 400 keyboard. It's labeled with a power symbol.
- Connect the USB-C end of the official power supply cable to this port.
- Plug the power supply into a wall outlet.
- The Pi 400 will immediately begin to boot. You'll see LED activity near the USB-C port and, if connected to a display, the boot sequence will begin on screen.
The Pi 400 does not have a separate power switch. It powers on as soon as the USB-C power supply is connected. To turn it off safely, use the shutdown menu or the Fn + F10 power key combination (see How to use the Raspberry Pi 400 power key), then disconnect power after shutdown completes.
Alternative power options
While the official power supply is strongly recommended, you may be able to use alternative USB-C power supplies in certain situations:
- Other 5V 3A USB-C power supplies: A quality USB-C power supply rated for at least 5V at 3A (15W) may work. Ensure it provides stable voltage and sufficient current. Generic or low-quality supplies may cause problems.
- USB-C Power Delivery (PD) chargers: Some modern laptop or phone USB-C PD chargers can work if they support 5V output at 3A or higher. However, not all PD chargers are compatible with Raspberry Pi. Test carefully and watch for power warnings.
- Powered USB-C hubs: Powering a Pi 400 through a USB-C hub is not recommended and may not provide sufficient stable power.
If your Pi 400 is underpowered, you'll see a lightning bolt icon in the top-right corner of the desktop. This indicates insufficient power and can lead to file corruption, crashes, or USB devices not working. If you see this icon, switch to the official power supply immediately.
For reliable operation, always use the official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply. Alternative supplies should only be used temporarily or for testing, never for permanent installations or critical applications.
If it doesn't work
- No power, no LED activity: Confirm the power supply is plugged into a working wall outlet. Check that the USB-C connector is fully inserted into the Pi 400. Try a different outlet.
- Power warning icon appears: Your power supply is not providing enough current. Switch to the official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices to reduce power draw.
- USB devices not working: Insufficient power is the most common cause. Use the official power supply and avoid connecting high-power USB devices (external hard drives, power-hungry USB hubs) without their own power supplies.
- System crashes or freezes: Ensure you're using a quality power supply. Check for overheating—the Pi 400 has built-in thermal management, but poor ventilation can still cause issues. Ensure the keyboard is not blocked or covered.
Need help with power issues?
Tell us which power supply you're using, whether you see the power warning icon, and what USB devices you have connected.
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