Using Raspberry Pi Connect
Raspberry Pi Connect has just been launched and here are my insights and experience from trying it out.
What is Raspberry Pi Connect? #
Raspberry Pi Connect is a new way to connect to your Raspberry Pi remotely from anywhere using your browser. Sound's cool, ain't it?
Let's get started #
Disclaimer: Am using Raspberry Pi 5 8GB with Raspberry Pi OS (which is based on debian bookworm).
To get rpi-connect installed, I ssh into my system. Then, let's first update all packages.
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Next, install the rpi-connect.
sudo apt install rpi-connect
Once the installation is done, reboot system, sudo reboot
When the system is up again, ssh into the system. Then, start the rpi-connect service.
systemctl --user start rpi-connect
Next, connect your system to your Raspberry Pi ID by running, rpi-connect signin. This will give you a link that you can use to connect this system to your Raspberry Pi ID. The link looks like, Complete sign in by visiting https://connect.raspberrypi.com/verify/XXXX-XXXX.
To create or sign-in, goto https://id.raspberrypi.com/profile.
Clicking on the rpi-connect link should allow you to add this raspberry pi to your listed systems.
Connect to your Raspberry Pi #
To connect to your raspberry pi system, goto connect.raspberrypi.com. Here, you will be able to see your list of devices. Click on the one you wish to connect. PS, ensure you have run systemctl --user start rpi-connect and connected the system to your Raspberry ID using rpi-connect signin.
This should open the linux GUI on your browser window and you should be able to start using your system remotely.
My experience #
I prefer using my Raspberry Pi in headless mode. I tried out the rpi-connect service and unfortunately there is some lag while accessing the GUI. This is expected given the relay server is based in London and my access location is not in close proximity.
Presently this service is in public beta and using it is pretty simple and straightforward. I will probably revisit this in near future but for now, I will stick to using my Raspberry Pi in headless.