RealVNC Server comes built in to Raspberry Pi OS, so once it’s enabled, your iPhone can become a full remote control for your Pi’s desktop – handy for a project tucked away somewhere inconvenient, or for checking on it while you’re out.
Why access a Raspberry Pi from iPhone
Plenty of Raspberry Pi setups run headless, with no monitor ever attached, or are used for a project that lives in another room. RealVNC Connect gives you the Pi’s actual graphical desktop on your iPhone screen, rather than just a command line.
What you’ll need
- A Raspberry Pi running Raspberry Pi OS, connected to a network
- An iPhone running a supported version of iOS
- A RealVNC Connect account – a free trial is available
- An internet connection on both devices
Step 1: Enable RealVNC Server on your Raspberry Pi
- Boot into the Raspberry Pi’s graphical desktop, then select Menu > Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration > Interfaces and make sure VNC is set to Enabled. (Alternatively, run sudo raspi-config, then choose Interface Options > VNC > Yes.)
- Sign up for a RealVNC account, if you don’t already have one.
- On the Raspberry Pi, select Licensing from the RealVNC Server status menu, then enter your RealVNC account’s email and password and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Your Raspberry Pi will now appear automatically as a connection in RealVNC Viewer on any device signed in to the same RealVNC account.
Step 2: Install RealVNC Viewer on your iPhone
- On your device, open the App Store and download the RealVNC Viewer: Remote Desktop app.
- Open the app and sign in using your RealVNC account credentials.
Your Raspberry Pi will appear automatically in your list of remote computers.
Step 3: Connect to your Raspberry Pi from your iPhone
Tap your Raspberry Pi in the list to connect.
Authenticating
You’ll be asked to authenticate. Enter the username and password you normally use to log on to your user account on the Raspberry Pi – not your RealVNC account details.
Once connected, your Raspberry Pi’s desktop appears on your iPhone screen. Use touch to move the pointer and tap to click, and use the on-screen keyboard button when you need to type.
A note on cloud vs. local connections from iPhone
Direct (local network) connections aren’t supported when connecting from mobile devices, so a connection from your iPhone always goes through RealVNC’s encrypted cloud connection. Sign in with the same RealVNC account on the Raspberry Pi and the iPhone and there’s nothing else to configure – it works over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Raspberry Pi not listed in RealVNC Viewer: confirm VNC is enabled in Raspberry Pi Configuration, and that both devices are signed in to the same RealVNC account.
- Can’t authenticate: use your Raspberry Pi user account’s username and password, not your RealVNC account credentials.
- Blank or black screen: make sure the Raspberry Pi is booted into its graphical desktop and not just a command-line session.
Start controlling your Raspberry Pi from iPhone with RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect offers a free trial with no credit card required, so you can try controlling your Raspberry Pi from your iPhone before subscribing.
FAQs
Can I control a Raspberry Pi from an iPhone?
Yes. Enable RealVNC Server in Raspberry Pi Configuration, install the RealVNC Viewer app on your iPhone, then sign in with the same RealVNC account on both.
Does my Raspberry Pi need a monitor attached?
No, as long as it’s booted into its graphical desktop. Many Raspberry Pi setups run headless with RealVNC Connect providing the only screen.
Is the RealVNC Viewer app for iPhone free?
Downloading and installing RealVNC Viewer is free. You need an active RealVNC Connect subscription or free trial to connect to a computer.
Can I type and use the mouse from my iPhone?
Yes. RealVNC Viewer maps touch gestures to mouse actions and provides an on-screen keyboard for text entry.
