Set Up Raspberry Pi Zero W Without a Monitor 💻

Learn how to configure your Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W using your Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or iPad without a monitor or keyboard.

Set Up Raspberry Pi Zero W Without a Monitor 💻
Caroline Dunn
3.5K views • Feb 19, 2026
Set Up Raspberry Pi Zero W Without a Monitor 💻

About this video

If you have a Raspberry Pi Zero W or Zero 2 W but don’t have a spare monitor, keyboard, or mouse, you can start right here.

I will show you how to set up a Raspberry Pi Zero W using just your Windows or Mac laptop. Your computer becomes the monitor, keyboard, and mouse—this is known as a headless setup. Alternatively, you can use an iPad or Chromebook as a monitor.

What You Need:
Raspberry Pi: Zero 2 W - https://amzn.to/4r6PE1G
MicroUSB Cable - https://amzn.to/4kmg6ls
MicroSD Card - https://amzn.to/49XlPuo
USB Card Reader (if necessary) - https://amzn.to/46A4gOL
Internet Connection

The links provided are affiliate links in which I may make a small commission but doesn't affect the price that you pay. This helps to keep my channel going to produce content for you.

Key Steps in the Setup
Raspberry Pi Connect: Create a free account at connect.raspberrypi.com to enable remote access through your browser.
Raspberry Pi Imager 2.0: Download the latest software to select your device and operating system.
OS Customization: Set your username, password, and WiFi settings before flashing the card so it works immediately.
Remote Access: Choose between Screen Sharing for a desktop view or Remote Shell for a faster terminal experience.
Python Coding: We run a simple "Hello World" script in Geany and even clone terminal games from GitHub to test the setup.

Links Mentioned:
Raspberry Pi Connect: https://connect.raspberrypi.com/
Raspberry Pi Imager: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Caroline's GitHub Terminal Games: https://github.com/carolinedunn/terminal-games

If this tutorial helped you, please like and subscribe for more practical DIY tech videos.
#RaspberryPi #PiZero2W #RaspberryPiConnect #TechTutorial

Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: What is a Headless Setup?
0:24 – Welcome & Channel Introduction
1:25 – Materials Needed
2:14 – Setting up your Raspberry Pi Connect Account
2:51 – Downloading & Installing Raspberry Pi Imager
5:34 – Flashing the MicroSD Card
6:04 – Inserting the Card & First Boot
7:17– Accessing the Pi via Screen Sharing
8:43 – Python Coding Demo: Hello World in Geany
9:31 – Using Remote Shell for Faster Access
10:00 – Bonus: Cloning & Playing GitHub Terminal Games
11:17 – Using a Chromebook as a Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
12:18 – Using an iPad as a Monitor

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Video Information

Views

3.5K

Likes

83

Duration

13:37

Published

Feb 19, 2026

User Reviews

4.6
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