Enable the SSH server to start automatically

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

Introduction

As a Raspberry Pi user, you may have encountered situations where you need to access your device remotely. One popular solution is to enable VNC (Virtual Network Computing) over SSH (Secure Shell) on your Raspberry Pi. In this article, we will guide you through the process of enabling VNC over SSH on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm.

What is VNC and SSH?

VNC: VNC is a remote desktop protocol that allows you to access and control a computer or device from another location. It is commonly used for remote access, remote support, and remote training.
SSH: SSH is a secure protocol that allows you to access a computer or device remotely over a network. It provides a secure way to access and control a device, encrypting all data transmitted between the client and server.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

A Raspberry Pi device with Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm installed
A computer or device with a VNC client installed (e.g., RealVNC, TightVNC, or Remmina)
A stable internet connection

Step 1: Enable SSH on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm

To enable SSH on your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, follow these steps:

Open the terminal: Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi by clicking on the terminal icon or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
Update the package list: Run the command sudo apt update to update the package list.
Install the SSH server: Run the command sudo apt install openssh-server to install the SSH server.
Start the SSH server: Run the command sudo systemctl start ssh to start the SSH server.
Enable the SSH server to start automatically: Run the command sudo systemctl enable ssh to enable the SSH server to start automatically on boot.

Step 2: Configure SSH on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm

To configure SSH on your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, follow these steps:

Open the SSH configuration file: Run the command sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config to open the SSH configuration file in the nano editor.
Change the port number: Change the port number from the default 22 to a custom port number (e.g., 2222). This will help you to secure your SSH connection.
Save and exit the editor: Save the changes and exit the nano editor by pressing Ctrl + X, then Y, and finally Enter.
Restart the SSH server: Run the command sudo systemctl restart ssh to restart the SSH server.

Step 3: Install and Configure VNC on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm

To install and configure VNC on your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, follow these steps:

Install the VNC server: Run the command sudo apt install tightvncserver to install the VNC server.
Create a VNC password: Run the command vncpasswd to create a VNC password.
Start the VNC server: Run the command tightvncserver :1 to start the VNC server on display :1.
Configure the VNC server: Run the command tightvncserver -geometry 1024x768 -depth 24 :1 to configure the VNC server with a custom geometry and depth.

Step 4: Connect to VNC over SSH on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm

To connect to VNC over SSH on your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, follow these steps:

Open a terminal on your computer: Open a terminal on your computer and run the command ssh -L 5901:localhost:5901 -p 2222 pi@your-raspberry-pi-ip to establish an SSH connection to your Raspberry Pi.
Connect to VNC: Run the command vncviewer localhost:5901 to connect to VNC over SSH.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the process, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:

Check the SSH server status: Run the command sudo systemctl status ssh to check the SSH server status.
Check the VNC server status: Run the command tightvncserver -list to check the VNC server status.
Check the network connection: Ensure that your network connection is stable and working properly.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between VNC and SSH?

A: VNC (Virtual Network Computing) is a remote desktop protocol that allows you to access and control a computer or device from another location. SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure protocol that allows you to access a computer or device remotely over a network. While both protocols provide remote access, VNC is primarily used for remote desktop access, whereas SSH is used for secure shell access.

Q: Why do I need to enable SSH on my Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm?

A: SSH is required to establish a secure connection to your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm from another device. By enabling SSH, you can access your Raspberry Pi remotely and securely, which is essential for remote access and control.

Q: What is the purpose of changing the SSH port number?

A: Changing the SSH port number from the default 22 to a custom port number (e.g., 2222) helps to secure your SSH connection. This is because many hackers and malicious users know the default SSH port number and may attempt to access your device using this port. By changing the port number, you can make it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your device.

Q: Can I use a different VNC server instead of TightVNC?

A: Yes, you can use a different VNC server instead of TightVNC. Some popular alternatives include RealVNC, UltraVNC, and Remmina. However, keep in mind that each VNC server has its own configuration and settings, so you may need to adjust the configuration accordingly.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with VNC over SSH?

A: To troubleshoot issues with VNC over SSH, follow these steps:

Check the SSH server status: Run the command sudo systemctl status ssh to check the SSH server status.
Check the VNC server status: Run the command tightvncserver -list to check the VNC server status.
Check the network connection: Ensure that your network connection is stable and working properly.
Check the VNC client configuration: Ensure that the VNC client is configured correctly and that the connection settings are accurate.

Q: Can I access my Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm remotely using a web browser?

A: Yes, you can access your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm remotely using a web browser. To do this, you will need to install a web-based VNC client, such as NoMachine or RealVNC, and configure it to connect to your Raspberry Pi.

Q: How do I secure my VNC connection?

A: To secure your VNC connection, follow these best practices:

Use a strong VNC password: Use a strong and unique VNC password to prevent unauthorized access.
Use encryption: Use encryption to protect your VNC connection from eavesdropping and interception.
Use a secure VNC server: Use a secure VNC server, such as TightVNC or RealVNC, which provides built-in encryption and security features.
Use a firewall: Use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your VNC server.

Q: Can I use VNC over SSH on a Raspberry Pi with a different operating system?

A: Yes, you can use VNC over SSH on a Raspberry Pi with a different operating system, such as Raspbian, Ubuntu, or Windows. However, you may need to adjust the configuration and settings accordingly.

Conclusion

Enabling VNC over SSH on Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm provides a secure and convenient way to access and control your device remotely. By following the steps outlined in this article and the FAQs, you can successfully enable VNC over SSH on your Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm and enjoy the benefits of remote access and control.