Mastering Raspberry Pi Desktop: A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Desktop Solutions

Aug 2, 2024

Remote desktop technology allows to connect to and control a computer or device from another computer or device over a network. This means you can access the graphical user interface (GUI) and use the remote computer as if you were sitting right in front of it.

Why remote desktop on Raspberry Pi?

Using remote desktop on a Raspberry Pi offers numerous benefits and can be very practical for a variety of real-world applications:

Remote Management: We can manage the Raspberry Pi from anywhere, without needing to be physically present.

Multiple Devices: Access your Raspberry Pi from various devices, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Server Management: Manage servers, media centers, or other services running on the Raspberry Pi.

Cross-Platform Access: Use remote desktop protocols that are supported across various operating systems, allowing flexibility in how you access the Raspberry Pi.

Graphical Interface: Provides a full graphical user interface, making it easier to interact with applications that are not well-suited for command-line operations.

Remote Support: Allow others to assist with troubleshooting issues on the Raspberry Pi without being physically present, which can be invaluable for technical support.

Use case of Remote Desktop on Raspberry Pi

Remote support is one of the most practical and beneficial use cases for setting up a remote desktop on a Raspberry Pi. It allows technical experts to troubleshoot, maintain, and manage the Raspberry Pi from a different location, making it invaluable for both individual users and organizations.

Benefits of Remote Support

     ● Expert Assistance: Help from someone knowledgeable, regardless of their physical location.
     ● Time Efficiency: Quick resolution of issues without waiting for in-person visits.
     ● Cost-Effective: Saves costs related to travel or hiring local support.
     ● Minimized Downtime: Faster problem resolution leads to minimized downtime for your services.

New Raspberry Pi feacture “Raspberry Pi Connect”

(source: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/services/connect.html)

Raspberry Pi Connect is an exciting new feature introduced to enhance the capabilities of Raspberry Pi devices. This feature aims to simplify and streamline the process of connecting and managing Raspberry Pi devices, making them more accessible and user-friendly.

Connect uses a secure, encrypted connection. By default, Connect communicates directly between your Raspberry Pi and your browser.

Requeriments

      ● Raspberry Pi: Any model with the lastest version of Raspberry Pi OS.
      ● Internet Connection: For remote access to Raspberry Pi desktop or SSH Shell.

Step by Step Remote Desktop with Raspberry Pi Connect

1. Open a Terminal and run the following command to update your system and packages:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade

2. Install Connect:
sudo apt install rpi-connect

3. Reboot the Raspberry Pi.

4. Create a Raspberry Pi ID

5. Visit connect.raspberrypi.com and create a Connect account using the Raspberry Pi ID.

6. Click on the Connect icon and choose "Sign in" from the drop-down menu.

(source: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/services/connect.html)

7. This opens a verification URL you can use to link the device to your Connect account.

8. Visit connect.raspberrypi.com on any computer.

Connect redirects you to the Raspberry Pi ID service to sign in. After signing in, Connect displays a list of linked devices. Devices available for screen sharing show a grey Screen sharing badge below the name of the device.

(source: https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/services/connect.html)

Alternative solutions for remote desktop on Raspberry Pi

XRDP: Best for users who need an easy-to-set-up solution with good performance and are primarily using Windows as the client.

Official website: https://www.xrdp.org/

Troubleshooting Tips

     ✔ Check if the firewall is blocking port 3389.
     ✔ Ensure that the .Xauthority file in your home directory is owned by you:
sudo chown pi:pi /home/pi/.Xauthority

VNC: Ideal for users who need a widely supported solution that works well over low-bandwidth connections.

Official website VNC for Raspberry Pi: https://www.realvnc.com/en/

Troubleshooting Tips

     ✔ Ensure port TCP 5900 is open in the firewall settings.
     ✔ Use the Raspberry Pi Configuration tool to reconfigure the VNC server.

sudo raspi-config

Navigate to “Interfacing Options” > “VNC” and ensure it’s enabled.

NoMachine: Perfect for users who require high performance and quality graphics, with strong built-in security.

Official website: https://www.nomachine.com/

Troubleshooting Tips

     ✔ Ensure port TCP 4000 is open in the firewall settings.
     ✔ Correct package for your Raspberry Pi architecture. Download the appropriate .deb package from the NoMachine website.
  https://downloads.nomachine.com/es/linux/?id=29&distro=Raspberry

AnyDesk: Suitable for users who need low latency, high security, and easy connections over the internet, including for commercial purposes.

Official website: https://www.anydesk.com

Troubleshooting Tips

     ✔ Ensure port TCP ports 80, 443, and 6568 is open in the firewall settings.
     ✔ Correct package for your Raspberry Pi architecture. Download the appropriate .deb package from the Anydesk website. https://anydesk.com/es/downloads/thank-you?dv=raspberrypi

Detailed Comparisons

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting up a remote desktop on your Raspberry Pi opens up a myriad of possibilities for remote management, support, and accessibility. With solutions like XRDP, VNC, NoMachine, AnyDesk, and the new Raspberry Pi Connect, users can choose the best tool that fits their specific needs and technical expertise. Each of these options offers unique benefits, from ease of installation to high performance and strong security features.

By following the comprehensive guide provided, you can seamlessly connect to your Raspberry Pi from various devices and manage your projects with greater flexibility and convenience. Whether you are an educator, a developer, or a hobbyist, remote desktop solutions can significantly enhance your productivity and the overall Raspberry Pi experience. Explore the different options, leverage the troubleshooting tips, and make the most out of your Raspberry Pi's capabilities.

We hope this guide has been helpful in setting up your Raspberry Pi desktop remotely. For more tips, tutorials, and updates, stay connected with the Raspberry Pi community and continue exploring the endless possibilities of this versatile platform.