Connect your Raspberry Pi to Wi-Fi

Connect to Wi-Fi

Like most computers, your Raspberry Pi works best when connected to a network. If you followed the Raspberry Pi Imager setup or our getting-started guides, your Pi may already be connected. If not, connecting to Wi-Fi from the desktop takes just a few clicks.

Check your Wi-Fi status

Look in the upper-right corner of your Pi's screen. To the left of the clock, you'll see a network status icon. This icon shows your current connection state:

Red X through the icon: Wi-Fi is turned off. Click the icon and choose Turn On Wireless LAN to enable it.
Familiar Wi-Fi symbol (curved lines): Wi-Fi is on and ready to connect.
Wi-Fi symbol with connection bars: Already connected to a network.

Join your network

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the upper-right corner.
A drop-down menu shows available networks. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list.
Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted, just as you would with any other device.
Click OK or press Enter.

That's it. Your Pi connects to the network, and the icon shows connection bars to confirm you're online.

Network not listed?

If you don't see your network, make sure your router is on and broadcasting its SSID (network name). Hidden networks can be joined by selecting Add Network in the drop-down menu and manually entering the SSID and password.

Connect via Ethernet

If you prefer a wired connection, your Raspberry Pi has an Ethernet port for reliable, high-speed network access. The Ethernet jack is the large rectangular port next to the USB ports on your Pi.

Connect an Ethernet cable

Locate the Ethernet port on your Raspberry Pi (the large port to the left of the USB ports).
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your Pi's Ethernet port.
Plug the other end into an available Ethernet port on your router, switch, or network hub.

Your Pi automatically configures the wired connection. The network icon in the upper-right corner updates to show a wired connection symbol (a plug or computer icon, depending on your Raspberry Pi OS version).

No configuration needed.

Ethernet connections on Raspberry Pi OS use DHCP by default, so your Pi receives an IP address automatically. Static IP configuration is possible through dhcpcd.conf or the network settings GUI, but most users won't need it.

Best practices

Can you connect to both Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Yes, you can enable both Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time, but we don't recommend it for typical use. Running both connections simultaneously can cause instabilities and unpredictable routing behavior, leading to poorer overall performance.

Our recommendation: Pick one connection method — Wi-Fi for portability and convenience, or Ethernet for speed and reliability. Disable the unused connection to avoid conflicts.

Which connection is better?

Wi-Fi: Convenient for projects that move or where running cables isn't practical. Modern Wi-Fi (802.11ac or better) is fast enough for most Raspberry Pi uses.
Ethernet: Faster, more stable, and not affected by wireless interference. Best for servers, media centers, or any project that stays in one place.

Troubleshooting connection issues

Wi-Fi won't connect: Double-check your password (it's case-sensitive). Move the Pi closer to the router to rule out weak signal. Restart the Pi and try again.
Ethernet not working: Check that the cable is fully seated in both the Pi and the router. Try a different Ethernet cable or router port. Confirm your router has DHCP enabled.
Slow or intermittent connection: For Wi-Fi, reduce distance to the router or remove obstacles. For Ethernet, test the cable with another device to confirm it's working.

Need networking help?

Tell us your Pi model, connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and what you see on screen.

Contact Vilros Support ↗