1. Connecting Using an Ethernet Cable

This method is the easiest and most reliable way to get your Raspberry Pi online, especially for first-time setup.

Step 1: Power Off the Raspberry Pi

Before making any connections, make sure your Raspberry Pi is powered off.

Step 2: Connect the Ethernet Cable

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your Raspberry Pi. Plug the other end into a LAN port on your Wi-Fi router. You should hear or feel a click when the cable is securely connected.

Raspberry Pi connected to Router via Ethernet

Step 3: Power On the Raspberry Pi

Connect the power supply to your Raspberry Pi. The device will start automatically. Look for blinking LEDs near the Ethernet port—this indicates network activity.

Step 4: Verify Internet Connection

Once the Raspberry Pi has booted, look at the network icon in the top-right corner. A wired connection icon means Ethernet is active.

2. Connecting via WiFi using Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Raspberry Pi OS provides a GUI that makes it easy to connect to wireless networks without using the terminal.

          Initial Step: Connect the HDMI cable to a monitor and
          power on the Adapter.
        

Step 1: Open Network Manager

Access Network Manager by clicking the network icon at the right-hand end of the menu bar. If you see the message “No APs found – scanning…”, wait a few seconds.

Step 2: View Available Wireless Networks

Once scanning is complete, a list will appear. A padlock icon indicates a secured network, and signal bars show strength. Click on your network.

Step 3: Enter the Network Password

Carefully type the password in the dialog box and click OK to continue.

Step 4: Confirm Connection

Wait a few seconds. The network icon will flash briefly and then stay solid to show signal strength. You are now connected!

3. Connecting via WiFi using Command Line (Advanced)

Useful for headless setups (no monitor) or remote access via SSH.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

If you are using the desktop, click the Terminal icon. If you are connected remotely, open your SSH session.

Step 2: Launch the Configuration Tool

Run the following command:

sudo raspi-config

Step 3: Navigate to Wireless LAN Settings

Using the keyboard: Select System Options and press Enter. Then select Wireless LAN and press Enter.

Step 4: Enter SSID and Password

After you had selected Wi-fi, raspi-config will prompt for the SSID of the wireless network that you wish to connect to. Therefore, enter the SSID of the wireless network to connect to:

When raspi-config gets the SSID of the wireless network, it will prompt for a password. In case the wireless network does not require a passphrase to connect to, leave the input empty. Otherwise, enter the passphrase for the wireless network that you wish to connect to:

Note: The password will not be displayed as you type for security.

Step 5: Select Finish

When you had entered the passphrase, raspi-config returns to the first menu. At this point in time, select Finish to complete the configuration:

Step 7: Reboot

sudo reboot

raspi-config will close. The Raspberry Pi will reboot and will attempt to connect automatically via ssh.

Automated Terminal Test Apparatus