TECH_BLOG // 2026.03.08

Setting up Raspberry Pi with Terminal and Graphical Access

Author
Avik Arefin
Published Date
March 08, 2026
INTERNAL LOG

What you need:

  • Raspberry Pi 5
  • SD CARD (64 gig)
  • Mac / Linux

1. OS Installation (Pi Imager)

First, let’s get the "brain" of the Pi ready using the Raspberry Pi Imager.

Insert an SD card to your mac. that a good option would be a 64gig, but you can go higher.

  • Download: Pi Imager.
  • Device: Open Pi Imager App and Select Raspberry Pi 5.
  • OS: Select Pi OS Debian Trixie 64-bit. (or currently available stable OS)
  • Customization Settings:
    • Host Name: raspberrypi (⚠️ DO NOT CHANGE!).
    • Username: pi (⚠️ DO NOT CHANGE!).
    • Password: 1234 .
    • Enable SSH: TRUE.

Other options can be kept as they are.

2. Connecting with Mac

Connecting via Ethernet while using a dedicated power supply is the "gold standard" for stability. It prevents those annoying "brownouts" or handshake issues common with USB-C gadget mode.

2.1. Hardware Connection (Mac Air M4)

  • Adapter: Use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter for the Mac.
  • Power: Plug the official Pi power supply into the wall and the Pi’s USB-C port.
  • Data: Run an Ethernet cable from the Pi to the Mac's USB-C adapter.

2.2. macOS Internet Sharing

This makes your Mac act as a router for the Pi:

  1. System Settings > General > Sharing.
  2. Select Internet Sharing (Click the "i"—don't toggle it on just yet).
  3. Share your connection from: Wi-Fi.
  4. To computers using: Your USB 10/100/1000 LAN adapter.
  5. Toggle Internet Sharing On.

You can open your terminal in your mac and use SSH to access your Pi.

SSH into Pi: Run ssh pi@raspberrypi.local from your terminal. Wait a bit. Give your Password. And you should be in.

3. VNC Configuration

Now, let’s get that remote desktop working so you don't have to hunt for a spare monitor.

  1. Enable VNC: Run sudo raspi-config, navigate to Interface Options → VNC, and select Yes.

  2. Viewer (PC/Mac): Download and Open "TigerVNC Viewer".

    • Link: raspberrypi.local.

    • User: pi.

    • Password: 1234.

4. Fixing TigerVNC "Color Mess" (Visual Artifacts)

If your screen looks like a neon fever dream (orange/pink artifacts), it's likely just a compression disagreement between the Pi 5 and TigerVNC.

The Fix: Adjust these settings in TigerVNC Viewer:

  • Open Options → Compression tab.
  • Uncheck "Auto select compression settings".
  • Change Preferred encoding to Hextile or Raw.
  • Set Color level to Full.
  • Go to the Screen tab and uncheck "Allow JPEG compression".

5. Proper Shutdown Sequence

SD cards can be sensitive. Protect yours by following the "look for the red" rule.

  1. Command: Run sudo shutdown -h now.
  2. Wait: Your SSH session will close, but do not unplug yet.
  3. The Watch: Watch the Green LED (ACT); it will flicker while writing logs.
  4. Safe to Pull: Wait for the LED to turn RED.