Access Your Raspberry Pi Remotely & Securely | VPN Guide & Tips

01 May, 2025

Are you tired of being tethered to your home network, yearning for the freedom to access your files, devices, and digital life from anywhere in the world? The answer lies in the unassuming power of a Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer that can unlock a universe of remote access possibilities.

The quest for seamless remote access has become a modern imperative. In an era of digital nomads, smart homes, and constant connectivity, the ability to tap into your digital realm from afar is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Whether you're a globetrotting professional needing access to critical files, a home automation enthusiast eager to monitor your systems while on vacation, or simply someone who values the convenience of accessing your digital life from any location, the Raspberry Pi provides a compelling solution.

The beauty of the Raspberry Pi lies in its versatility and affordability. This miniature marvel, often no bigger than a credit card, packs a punch when it comes to networking capabilities. While it might seem like a daunting task to set up remote access, the Raspberry Pi offers a surprisingly accessible pathway, even for those with limited technical expertise. In this exploration, we will navigate the landscape of remote access solutions, unpacking the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and arming you with the knowledge to transform your Raspberry Pi into a gateway to your digital world.

Many different paths lead to the goal of remote access, each with its own nuances and technical considerations. Two of the most common techniques involve SSH (Secure Shell) and VNC (Virtual Network Computing). These methods, while effective, necessitate opening ports on your Raspberry Pi. This, in turn, can potentially expose your device to the open internet, raising concerns about security and the need for careful configuration. VNC, in particular, often employs port 5900+n, while SSH uses port 22. Understanding these technical underpinnings is crucial for making informed decisions about how to best protect your digital assets.

Raspberry Pi Connect emerges as an intriguing alternative. This free screen sharing and remote shell service, provided directly by Raspberry Pi, simplifies the configuration process considerably. It handles much of the complexity automatically, eliminating the need to hunt for your Raspberry Pi's local IP address, decipher your network's public IP, or grapple with firewall modifications to enable external access. This ease of use makes it an appealing option for those seeking a straightforward remote access solution.

Another potent tool in the remote access arsenal is the Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and your home network. This not only allows you to access your files and devices as if you were physically present, but it also enhances your privacy by masking your online activity from prying eyes. The process of setting up a VPN on a Raspberry Pi typically involves installing VPN server software, configuring the Raspberry Pi as a gateway, and connecting your remote devices to the VPN. The latest versions often default to WireGuard, a modern and efficient VPN protocol. The benefits of using a VPN server include secure remote access to your home network, enabling access to files, IoT devices, cameras, and other network resources securely from anywhere. One of the server options allows remote VPN clients to access other machines on your home network.

In the world of VPN software, several contenders vie for supremacy. The most popular choices often include options like PiVPN, which simplifies the installation and configuration process, and Tailscale, a mesh VPN that streamlines private networking between your devices. Consider a scenario where you have a Raspberry Pi connected to your home network, with an SSD drive containing all of your media accessible via Samba. Tailscale simplifies connecting to those devices.

One of the core aspects is file transfer speeds. Without a VPN (on your local network), file transfers between a Windows PC and a Raspberry Pi can reach speeds of 30 MB/s. But, as soon as the VPN is enabled, those speeds can drop down to around 700 KB/s, highlighting a common trade-off between security and performance.

Consider the following scenario: You want to connect a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller, such as a Koyo DL06 with an Ethernet card installed, assigned a static IP) to the Raspberry Pi. You could then remotely connect to the PLC through a VPN over a 3G network. The possibilities are many, from controlling industrial equipment to monitoring your smart home.

For optimal security, consider using the latest Raspberry Pi OS Lite image. This lightweight version provides a solid foundation for your remote access setup. Many recommend running PiVPN on your Raspberry Pi at home so you can VPN into your network from unsecure remote locations and safely use the internet.

A Raspberry Pi VPN gateway is set up by first connecting the Raspberry Pi to a VPN provider. Then, it will be configured as an access point, which allows the Pi to route all the incoming traffic through the VPN service, thus acting as a gateway. By configuring your Raspberry Pi as a VPN server, you enable secure remote access to your home network and devices.

There's also Raspberry Pi Connect, which includes the ability to screen share on Raspberry Pi models running the Wayland window server and remote shell (terminal) access on all Raspberry Pi models. For more information, consult the Connect documentation. Even an older Raspberry Pi 3B+ can efficiently run a VPN server if you're connecting only a few devices.

Tailscale simplifies private networking by establishing a mesh VPN that routes traffic between your devices, no matter where they are. Tailscale is available for multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi, making it a versatile solution for remote access.

The goal is to be able to access your home network as if you were on your local area network (LAN). The VPN will enable that access. Remember, you don't have to be able to access your NAS from the outside without a VPN. The VPN enables you to have that access as if you were in your LAN.

With a Raspberry Pi, you can access your security camera or home automation web page from your smartphone while traveling. The key benefits of using a Raspberry Pi as a VPN server are the secure remote access to your home network, and the ability to access files, IoT devices, cameras, and other network resources from anywhere securely. Even an older Raspberry Pi 3B+ can efficiently run a VPN server if you're connecting only a few devices. Transform your Raspberry Pi into a secure, private VPN server in under an hour, taking full control of your internet privacy while saving hundreds on commercial VPN subscriptions.

While the exact steps involved in setting up a VPN server will depend on the specific software you choose, the general process involves installing the server software, configuring the network settings, and generating the necessary credentials for your remote devices to connect. Several excellent tutorials and guides are available online to walk you through the process step-by-step.

Raspberry Pi 4 and a dedicated WireGuard service from a provider like Torguard. This involves setting up a remote VPN gateway on any LAN. You'll need a Torguard private VPN cloud account.

Regardless of the method you choose, remember that security should always be paramount. Since this opens your Raspberry Pi to the internet, make sure you understand what that means from a network security perspective. Take the time to research and implement best practices for securing your device, including strong passwords, regular software updates, and, if necessary, a firewall to protect your network from potential threats. In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding how to securely connect to your digital assets from anywhere is vital.

In short, the Raspberry Pi offers a powerful, versatile, and cost-effective solution for anyone seeking to unlock the potential of remote access. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or a curious beginner, the journey of transforming this tiny computer into a remote access powerhouse is a rewarding one. Embrace the possibilities, secure your connection, and step into the future of seamless remote access.

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