How to Access Raspberry Pi Behind NAT Remotely
The common problem many users face is when connecting the Raspberry Pi from another location, which in technical terms is “Raspberry Pi behind NAT setup. It makes it difficult to access. In this blog, you will learn how you connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT. Moreover, it’s important to be secure, so there’s a section in the blog where you can learn about how a VPN can be your easy solution.
What is Raspberry Pi? Why it is used?
Raspberry Pi is a computer but not like any other computer, it is one of the smallest and affordable computer. Additionally it can be conected to devices like keyboard, mouse and monitor. When it is connected to a PC that has normal functions, you can use your device to work on major complex projects.
It is more often used when working on coding-based projects, or when you need to learn programming and your PC does not support it, so here you can use a Raspberry Pi for learning coding pr developing coding-based projects.
What is NAT?
Let’s first know what NAT is before knowing how the Raspberry Pi behind NAT setup is done.
NAT, which is Network Address Translation it is used by the router and helps multiple devices to use the internet from a single connection. When you browse websites online, NAT changes your Private IP to the public. When a website sends you the data, it forwards it to your router and then to your device.
Also read: What is Double NAT and How to Fix it
The basics of Rasberry Pi Behind NAT
Raspberry Pi Behind NAT simply means that when you have connected your Raspberry Pi to your home network, your home router has allotted you a private IP address. Now you can’t access the outside of your home. However, some methods can help you to connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT, there are both options beginner-friendly and smart advance solutions
For Beginners that do not want to get into extra setups:
- Port Forwarding
- Using VNC
For users looking for advanced options:
- Remote.it
- Tailscale
- Reverse SSH
Also, know how you can use VPN to use Raspberry remotely.
Detailed: Methods that help to access the Raspberry Pi behind NAT
Here are the ways that will help you access your Raspberry Pi remotely, anywhere outside your home network. However, there are some conditions when you can go for this method:
Method 01: Port Forwarding
This is one of the basic methods considered for accessing Raspberry Pi behind a NAT, and a good go-to method if you’re a beginner.
Here are the simple steps that you may follow:
- Type your router’s IP address in the browser.
- Log in using the username and password.
- No, go to the menu that would be named as either “Port Forwarding” or “NAT”.
- Then click on Add New Rule or Port Forwarding.
- Complete the details like Name, enter Raspberry Pi’s local IP, select an external port, and enter an internal port for protocol, select TCP.
Risks of Using Port Forwarding
- Hackers can get into your port.
- ISP can change your Public IP address.
- Can install a malicious virus on the system.
Method 02: Raspberry Pi VNC behind NAT
Similar to accessing a remote desktop, VNC, which is Virtual Network Computing, can help you access Raspberry Pi from anywhere. There are two ways that you can follow to access Raspberry Pi VNC behind NAT.
Using VNC on Raspberry Pi, the graphical method
- Click on the Pi logo to access the Raspberry Pi menu.
- Select your Preferences for the settings from Control Center.
- Then go to the Interfaces tab and click on VNC to turn it on.
- To save changes, click on OK.
Using VNC on Raspberry Pi, the Command Line method
If there’s no GUI on your Raspberry Pi, then you can use Raspberry Pi VNC behind NAT by using the commands, and it will let you use Raspberry Pi remotely
Here is how to use VNC over the command line:
- Access the terminal or connect using SSH from another computer.
- Type the command and enter to open the configuration menu on Rasberry Pi:
- sudo raspi-config
- Go to the Interface option and click Enter.
- Select VNC for settings and click Yes.
- Save changes and go back to the main menu.
Risks of using VNC
- Hackers can attack any vulnerable software.
- Older VNC versions do not keep data secure.
- Any device that can be hacked can impact Raspberry Pi via VNC.
Connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT by Remote.it
This is one of those methods that are more often used by users to access Raspberry Pi behind NAT. Moreover, Remote.io lets you access the device remotely with the internet, rather than changing your complete setup. It is used when you cannot connect to Raspberry Pi behind NAT. Moreover, it is one of the secure ways a it does not let your ports be visible on the internet.
Installation
First Install Remote.io
- Type in the following command on the terminal, and all the configurations are down automatically.
curl -L https://downloads.remote.it/install | sudo bash
Sign Up
- Now sign up for the Remote.it, to create your free account.
- Register the Raspberry Pi for Remote. it by entering this command
remoteit
Registration on Rasberry.it
follows the steps that are being asked:
- First login using the Remote. It
- Add your device by name.
- Choose the service you want: SSH or VNC.
Access Raspberry Pi behind NAT
- Log in to Remote.io, and on the dashboard, you can see the Raspberry Pi.
- To connect, click on the “Connect’ and you will get a temporary email, so you can use it on the terminal.
Risk of using Remote.it
- A slow network can cause trouble like lag and disconnection.
- It can’t solve the hardware issues in the Raspberry Pi.
- It can be a security risk if not configured properly.
Method 03: Using Tailscale
Tailscale is another method used to connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT, It is an application used to connect your device to a secure private network. WireGuard, one of the best protocols, is used.
Install Tailscale
- Access the Tailscale on Raspberry pi.
- Run the following command:
curl -fsSL https://tailscale.com/instal.shl | sh
then run
sudo tailscale up
It will help you connect the Raspberry Pi to the private network.
Installing Tailscale on other devices
- Visit https://tailscale.com/download
- Installing Tailscale will let you use a Raspberry Pi on your device.
- Log in to Tailscale with your same account.
- On your other device, type the command in the terminal and enter:ssh pi@<your-pi-name>. tailscale.net
Risks of using Tailscale
- Poor internet can make your work lag.
- All devices may be compromised if the account is hacked.
- If any devices had a virus, it would affect all the other devices connected.
Method 04: By Reverse SSH Tunnel
Another method is to connect to Raspberry Pi behind the NAT by using a reverse SSH connection. It will let you use Raspberry Pi from anywhere, and you will be in charge of it. The advanced and technical way that is used by people with more tech knowledge.
- First, get a remote server.
- Use following command to turn on SSH on the Raspberry Pi
sudo raspi -config
How to set up Reverse SSH Tunnel?
Run this common on terminal:
ssh -R 2222:localhost:22 user@ VPS IP
Where
- R 2222:localhost:22: It tells the VPS to open port 2222, and forwards the traffic from port 2222 to the Raspberry Pi.
- Add your VPS server’s IP address and username to youruser@your-vps-ip.
Risks of using Reverse SSH Tunnel
- If your SSH credentials get stolen, the hacker can get into your Raspberry account, moreover, if your remote server is hacked your Raspberry Pi device is at risk.
- Incorrect misconfiguration can send your data to an unknown user.
Incorrect misconfiguration can send your data to an unknown user.
Furthermore, above mentioned methods are used to connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT effectively; however, there is another method you can use is VPN, like iProVPN.
Why iProVPN is the best choice?
A VPN secures your network and connects easily,it allows Raspberry Pi VPN behind NAT safely, quickly, and efficiently.
Here are the factors that make iProVPN one of the reliable choices,
Secure Connection: iProVPN will provide will keep your data encrypted on your device and Raspberry Pi.
Simple App: The application is simple to use, perfect for non-tech users.
Affordable: iProVPN is a paid service that offers affordable subscription plans.
Conclusion
To connect to Raspberry Pi behind NAT, you can use different methods, some are simple and beginner-friendly friendly while others require a bit of tech knowledge. However, these methods work, and you can easily access Raspberry Pi remotely. Since it can’t work outside your home network having a private IP. You can remotely use it by using Port forwarding, reverse SSH, or by using Tailscale or remote.it. Moreover, the easiest way is to use a top VPN like iProVPN.
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How to Connect to Raspberry Pi Remotely Behind NAT
- What is Raspberry Pi behind NAT setup?
Because of NAT, you can’t access the device outside your home location, since the IP address is private. Raspberry Pi behind NAT also means that your Raspberry Pi can’t be accessible outside directly.
- What are the ways to connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT?
There are multiple options to do so, just as explained in the blog. You can use the basic port forwarding method, use VNC, the Reverse SSH method, or just a VPN.
- Can I use iProVPN to access Raspberry Pi behind NAT?
Yes, you can use iProVPN to connect Raspberry Pi behind NAT. It’s a secure way since you don’t need to open any ports, which can be hacked easily.
- What is Reverse SSH?
Reverse SSH is used to connect you to a remote server, then you can easily access Raspberry remotely.
- Is iProVPN safe to use?
Yes, iProVPN is the safest VPN that you can use to access Raspberry Pi behind NAT. It is a paid service that offers the best features at an affordable price.
