Setting up Raspberry Pi with Terminal and Graphical Access
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.
- Host Name:
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:
- System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Select Internet Sharing (Click the "i"—don't toggle it on just yet).
- Share your connection from: Wi-Fi.
- To computers using: Your USB 10/100/1000 LAN adapter.
- 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.
- Enable VNC: Run
sudo raspi-config, navigate to Interface Options → VNC, and select Yes. -
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.
- Command: Run
sudo shutdown -h now. - Wait: Your SSH session will close, but do not unplug yet.
- The Watch: Watch the Green LED (ACT); it will flicker while writing logs.
- Safe to Pull: Wait for the LED to turn RED.