How To Setup WiFi on Raspberry Pi
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How To Setup WiFi on Raspberry Pi

Gus Edwards
2023-03-14

Complete guide to setting up WiFi on Raspberry Pi. Covers Raspberry Pi Imager, command line tools, headless configuration, multiple networks, static IP, and troubleshooting for both Bookworm and legacy OS versions.

Getting your Raspberry Pi connected to WiFi seems like it should be simple—and it is, once you know the right approach. But the setup method depends on your Pi model, operating system version, and whether you have a monitor connected. This guide covers every scenario.

Before You Begin

Check Your Raspberry Pi Model

WiFi capabilities vary by model:

  • Raspberry Pi 5, 4, 3B+, 3B, Zero W, Zero 2 W: Built-in WiFi
  • Raspberry Pi 2, 1, Zero (non-W): Requires USB WiFi adapter
  • Raspberry Pi Pico W: Built-in WiFi (different setup process)

This guide focuses on Raspberry Pi single-board computers running Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian).

Know Your OS Version

Recent changes to Raspberry Pi OS significantly affect WiFi configuration:

  • Bookworm (Raspberry Pi OS 12+): Uses NetworkManager, older wpa_supplicant methods may not work
  • Bullseye and earlier: Uses wpa_supplicant, more configuration options

Check your version with:

cat /etc/os-release

Gather Network Information

Have ready:

  • WiFi network name (SSID)
  • WiFi password
  • Security type (WPA2 is most common)
  • Country code (US, GB, DE, etc.)

Method 1: Raspberry Pi Imager (Recommended for Headless Setup)

The easiest way to configure WiFi—especially for headless setups without monitor or keyboard—is during the initial OS installation using Raspberry Pi Imager.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com
  2. Insert your microSD card into your computer
  3. Open Raspberry Pi Imager and select your Pi model
  4. Choose your operating system (Raspberry Pi OS recommended)
  5. Click the gear icon or press Ctrl+Shift+X to open Advanced Options
  6. Configure settings:
    • Enable SSH (choose password or public-key authentication)
    • Set username and password
    • Configure wireless LAN with your SSID and password
    • Set wireless LAN country
    • Set locale settings
  7. Write the image to your SD card

When your Pi boots, it will automatically connect to the configured network. Find its IP address from your router's admin page or use a network scanner.

Why This Method Works Best

The Imager writes configuration directly into the OS image, ensuring proper setup regardless of Raspberry Pi OS version. It handles the NetworkManager vs. wpa_supplicant differences automatically.

Method 2: Desktop GUI (With Monitor Connected)

If you have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse connected, the graphical interface provides the simplest experience.

For Raspberry Pi OS with Desktop

  1. Click the network icon in the top-right menu bar (looks like two computers or WiFi symbol)
  2. Select your network from the dropdown list
  3. Enter your password when prompted
  4. Wait for connection (icon changes to show signal strength)

The connection saves automatically and persists across reboots.

Troubleshooting GUI Connection

If no networks appear:

  • Verify WiFi is enabled: Click network icon, ensure WiFi is toggled on
  • Check country setting: Menu → Preferences → Raspberry Pi Configuration → Localisation → Set WiFi Country
  • Verify hardware: rfkill list should show WiFi as unblocked

Method 3: raspi-config (Command Line with Display)

For Raspberry Pi OS Lite or when you prefer command-line tools:

sudo raspi-config

Navigate to:

  1. System Options (or Network Options on older versions)
  2. Wireless LAN
  3. Enter country code when prompted
  4. Enter SSID
  5. Enter password

The tool configures the connection and attempts to connect immediately. Exit raspi-config when done.

Method 4: nmcli Command Line (Bookworm and Later)

For Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm using NetworkManager:

List Available Networks

nmcli device wifi list

Connect to a Network

sudo nmcli device wifi connect "YourNetworkName" password "YourPassword"

Check Connection Status

nmcli connection show

Connect to a Hidden Network

sudo nmcli device wifi connect "HiddenSSID" password "YourPassword" hidden yes

Configure Static IP

sudo nmcli connection modify "YourNetworkName" ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.100/24
sudo nmcli connection modify "YourNetworkName" ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1
sudo nmcli connection modify "YourNetworkName" ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4"
sudo nmcli connection modify "YourNetworkName" ipv4.method manual
sudo nmcli connection up "YourNetworkName"

Method 5: Manual wpa_supplicant.conf (Bullseye and Earlier)

For older Raspberry Pi OS versions or when Imager isn't available:

Creating Configuration Before First Boot

  1. Flash the OS to your SD card (using any method)
  2. Mount the boot partition on your computer
  3. Create a file named wpa_supplicant.conf in the boot partition:
country=US
ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1

network={
    ssid="YourNetworkName"
    psk="YourPassword"
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
  1. Create an empty file named ssh (no extension) to enable SSH
  2. Eject the SD card and boot your Pi

The configuration file moves automatically to /etc/wpa_supplicant/ on first boot.

Important: This Method Doesn't Work on Bookworm

Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm uses NetworkManager instead of wpa_supplicant for network management. The wpa_supplicant.conf file in the boot partition is ignored.

For Bookworm headless setup without Imager, you need to either:

  • Use Raspberry Pi Imager (recommended)
  • Manually configure NetworkManager connection files

Configuring Multiple WiFi Networks

For devices that move between locations, configure multiple networks upfront.

Using Raspberry Pi Imager

Unfortunately, Imager only configures one network. Add additional networks after first boot using nmcli or GUI.

Using wpa_supplicant.conf (Bullseye and Earlier)

Add multiple network blocks with priority values:

country=US
ctrl_interface=DIR=/var/run/wpa_supplicant GROUP=netdev
update_config=1

network={
    ssid="HomeNetwork"
    psk="HomePassword"
    priority=10
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

network={
    ssid="OfficeNetwork"
    psk="OfficePassword"
    priority=5
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

network={
    ssid="MobileHotspot"
    psk="HotspotPassword"
    priority=1
    key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}

Higher priority numbers get connected first when multiple networks are available.

Using nmcli (Bookworm)

sudo nmcli device wifi connect "Network1" password "Password1"
sudo nmcli device wifi connect "Network2" password "Password2"

Both connections save and the Pi auto-connects to available networks.

Setting a Static IP Address

Static IPs simplify accessing headless Raspberry Pis—you always know the address.

Using NetworkManager (Bookworm)

See the nmcli method above for static IP configuration.

Using dhcpcd.conf (Bullseye and Earlier)

Edit /etc/dhcpcd.conf:

sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

Add at the end:

interface wlan0
static ip_address=192.168.1.100/24
static routers=192.168.1.1
static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1 8.8.8.8

Reboot for changes to take effect.

Troubleshooting WiFi Connection Issues

No Networks Visible

Check country setting: WiFi won't scan without a country code set. Different countries have different legal WiFi channels.

sudo raspi-config
# Navigate to Localisation Options → WLAN Country

Check if WiFi is blocked:

rfkill list

If blocked:

sudo rfkill unblock wifi

Connection Drops Frequently

Power management might be the culprit:

# Check power management status
iwconfig wlan0

# Disable power management
sudo iwconfig wlan0 power off

To make permanent, add to /etc/rc.local before exit 0:

/sbin/iwconfig wlan0 power off

Can't Connect to 5GHz Network

Some Raspberry Pi models don't support 5GHz:

  • 5GHz supported: Pi 3B+, Pi 4, Pi 5, Pi Zero 2 W
  • 2.4GHz only: Pi 3B, Pi Zero W

Also verify your router's 5GHz network is set to a channel your Pi supports (varies by country).

Wrong Password Errors

  • Verify SSID and password are exactly correct (case-sensitive)
  • Check for special characters that might need escaping
  • Ensure you're entering the WiFi password, not the router admin password

Connected But No Internet

Check DNS resolution:

ping -c 4 8.8.8.8  # Test IP connectivity
ping -c 4 google.com  # Test DNS resolution

If IP works but DNS fails, set DNS servers manually.

Check routing:

ip route show

Ensure a default gateway is configured.

Finding Your Pi's IP Address

From Another Computer on the Same Network

# Linux/Mac
arp -a | grep raspberry

# Or use nmap
sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

From Your Router

Most routers show connected devices in their admin interface. Look for a device named "raspberrypi" or similar.

If You Have Console Access

hostname -I
# Or
ip addr show wlan0

Enterprise WiFi (WPA2-Enterprise)

Connecting to enterprise networks (common in offices and universities) requires additional configuration.

PEAP-MSCHAPv2 Example

Edit /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf:

network={
    ssid="EnterpriseNetwork"
    key_mgmt=WPA-EAP
    eap=PEAP
    identity="username"
    password="password"
    phase2="auth=MSCHAPV2"
}

For NetworkManager on Bookworm, use the GUI network settings or nmtui for enterprise configuration—it's significantly easier than manual file editing.

Summary

The recommended approach for most users:

  1. New installations: Use Raspberry Pi Imager with WiFi pre-configured
  2. Existing installations with monitor: Use the desktop GUI or raspi-config
  3. Headless existing installations: SSH in via Ethernet first, then configure WiFi with nmcli (Bookworm) or wpa_supplicant.conf (older versions)

Whatever method you choose, remember to set your country code—without it, WiFi won't work properly. And for headless setups, always have a backup plan (Ethernet cable or SD card access) in case WiFi configuration doesn't work the first time.

Happy connecting!

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