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The Raspberry Pi can be used not only with a directly connected monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but also as a remotely managed system accessed over a network.
The core feature that enables this type of remote management is SSH (Secure Shell).
By enabling SSH on Raspberry Pi OS, users can connect to the Raspberry Pi from another computer, execute commands, and manage the system remotely.
SSH is a network protocol that allows secure remote access to another system.
It provides a text-based command-line interface and is widely used for system administration, file transfers, and configuration tasks.
In a Raspberry Pi environment, SSH is particularly useful in the following situations:
Using Raspberry Pi without a monitor
Operating Raspberry Pi as a server or network device
Managing multiple Raspberry Pi devices at once
Performing long-term remote development or maintenance
Although Raspberry Pi OS provides a graphical desktop environment, remote access is often more efficient in real-world use cases.
Enabling SSH offers several advantages:
System management from any location
No need for a dedicated monitor or keyboard
Ideal for server, development, and automation tasks
Optimized for network-based workflows
For Raspberry Pi systems used for learning or server purposes, SSH is almost an essential feature.
If you are using the Raspberry Pi OS Desktop version, SSH can be enabled easily through the graphical interface.
Open the top menu and select Preferences
Click Control Centre
Navigate to the Interfaces tab
Set SSH to Enable
Click OK to apply the changes
This method is the simplest option when a monitor and keyboard are connected directly to the Raspberry Pi.
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| Preferences |
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| Setting SSH |
SSH can also be enabled using the terminal, which works for both Desktop and Lite versions of Raspberry Pi OS.
Run the following command:
sudo raspi-config
Then navigate through the menu:
Interface Options
SSH
Select Enable
Once completed, the change is applied immediately.
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| raspi-config command |
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| Raspberry Pi Software Configuration Tool |
If you plan to use the Raspberry Pi without a monitor or keyboard from the beginning, SSH can be enabled before the first boot. This is known as a headless setup.
Insert the SD card with Raspberry Pi OS into your computer
Open the boot partition
Create a new empty file with no extension
Name the file ssh
When the Raspberry Pi boots, SSH will be automatically enabled.
Recent versions of Raspberry Pi Imager allow SSH to be configured during the OS installation process.
Launch Raspberry Pi Imager
Select the operating system and storage device
Click the advanced settings icon (gear icon)
Enable the SSH option
Set the username and password
This method is highly recommended if you plan to use SSH immediately after installation.
To connect via SSH, you need to know the Raspberry Pi’s IP address.
You can check it using the following command:
ip addr
Alternatively, you can find the IP address from the device list in your router’s administration page.
From another computer, use the following command format:
ssh username@IP_address
Example:
ssh pi@192.168.0.10
When connecting for the first time, a security warning will appear.
After accepting it, enter the password to complete the connection.
While SSH is very convenient, it involves network access, so basic security practices are important.
Change the default password
Avoid unnecessary external port exposure
Disable SSH when it is not needed
Following these simple practices helps maintain a stable and secure remote environment.
If SSH is no longer required, it can be disabled easily.
Control Centre → Interfaces → Disable SSH
Or disable it via raspi-config
Enabling SSH only when necessary is a good habit for system management.
There are multiple ways to enable SSH on Raspberry Pi OS, allowing users to choose the most suitable method depending on their environment.
Whether using a GUI or a CLI, users can simply select the approach they find most comfortable.
Understanding all available options—from simple desktop-based settings to advanced headless configurations—greatly expands how Raspberry Pi can be used.
On Raspberry Pi, SSH is a core feature that enables efficient system management and productive workflows.