How to Set Up a Static IP Address for Raspberry Pi: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are using Raspberry Pi for home automation or to set up servers, you will struggle indefinitely with a default dynamic IP address. To get around this issue, you must set up a static IP address for Raspberry Pi. Since the static IP does not change, it can help provide your setup with a constant network identity for easier identification. 

Here we have covered three different methods in detail to help you set up a static IP address for Raspberry Pi. You will also need to gather some information regarding your network’s existing configurations. The details are also explained below in great detail. Let’s get started!

What is Raspberry Pi? 

Raspberry Pi is a small single-board computer, created initially to educate students about computer science and to offer a platform for small DIY projects and experiments. Developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, the computer became rather popular due to its simplicity and vast usability. 

It has several use cases! You can use Raspberry Pi for home automation, as a console, and set up servers with it. It can also be used for more advanced concepts like edge computing or Kubernetes clusters. 

Source: Wikipedia

What is a Static IP? 

A static IP address is a fixed IP that provides your device with a constant network identity whenever it connects to the internet. It will ensure that your console or system is always assigned the same IP address, crucial for easier identification.

Since the IP address does not change like its dynamic counterpart, connecting to your console is easier for other devices and servers. And because of this, you can enjoy more seamless and stable network connectivity. 

Difference between Static IP address and Dynamic IP address

You must have heard about a dynamic IP address along with your general static IP. Here is a brief comparison to help you understand the basic difference between the two and decide which type of IP you will need in specific situations: 

Static IP Address	Dynamic IP Address
The IP address remains constant	Every time the device connects to the internet, a new IP address is assigned.
Fixed network identity	The same identity is not guaranteed
Used for servers and consoles for a fixed identity	Used for general browsing
Easier port forwarding setup	Complicated port forwarding setup

Why does Raspberry Pi need a Static IP address?

If you are using your Raspberry Pi to create a server or as a central hub for your home devices, it is a good idea to use a static IP address for it. A static IP address for your Raspberry Pi will help you set up servers and other services like remote access. 

It is also essential if you want to forward ports for certain applications and games, as it provides a constant IP address for the servers to find and communicate to. So, to put it simply, a Static IP address for Raspberry Pi will help you configure changes, seamlessly connect your system, and manage network services.

Things you need to set up a Static IP for Raspberry Pi 

Before you jump in to set up the Static IP address, you need a little more information regarding your Raspberry Pi network system. Here is more detail on how to collect information for the procedure later:

1. Current  Raspberry Pi IP address

Firstly, you need your current IP address, so that we can use it as the Static IP address to avoid unnecessary conflicts. You can use the hostname command to get the current IP address using the terminal window:

>> hostname -I

Note down the IP address displayed on the output screen.

2. The default network interface

You now require the currently defined router’s gateway IP address. It will help you identify the default interface. You can use the grep command here: 

>> ip r | grep default

Note down the first IP address displayed on the output screen. To extract the network interface name, you can use the following command:

>> route | grep ‘^default’ | grep -o ‘[^ ]*$’

3. DNS Address

Lastly, you need your router’s DNS address and you can find it in the resolv.conf file in the /etc directory. Open up the said file in a text editor in this way:

>> sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf

 Note down the DNS IP address next to nameserver.

Set up Static IP for Raspberry Pi – 3 simple ways

Raspberry Pi Static IP address – Using CLI

If you want to set up a Static IP address using the command-line interface, you must edit the DHCP configuration file. Here are the detailed steps:

1. Open the DHCP configuration file [dhcpcd.conf ] in a text editor.

 >> sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf.

2. To add the static IP configuration details, scroll to the bottom and enter the information provided below: 

>> interface [interface-name]

>> static ip_address=[Static ip]/24

>> static routers=[router-ip]

>> static domain_name_servers=[dns-address]

• In the interface, enter your connection type [ eth0 or wlan0 ].
• In static IP, enter the address you want to use as your Static IP.
• In static routers, enter the gateway IP address of your router.
• In static domain_name_servers, enter the DNS IP address.

For example:

>> interface eth0

>> static ip_address=192.168.1.211/24

>> static routers=192.168.1.2

>> static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.2

3. Press Ctrl+X then Y and Enter to save and exit the dhcpcd.conf file. 
4. Reboot Raspberry Pi using the reboot command: 

 >> sudo reboot

Raspberry Pi Static IP address – Using GUI

You can also use the Raspberry Pi OS GUI to set the Static IP address. To manage this, you will have to edit the wireless and wired network settings.

1. On the top-right corner, right-click on the network adapter icon (opposite arrows).

2. Select Wireless & Wired Network Settings.

3. Next, select the default network interface.
4. In the IPv4 Address field, enter the address you want to set as your static IP address.
5. Next to the address, add the CIDR suffix.
6. In the Router field, type in your router’s IP address.
7. In the DNS Servers field, enter the DNS IP address.

8. Click on Apply.
9. Reboot the Raspberry Pi using the reboot command.

 >> sudo reboot

Raspberry Pi Static IP address – Using Router

You can also use your network router to assign a static IP address for your Raspberry Pi if the router is working as the DHCP server.

1. Open a web browser.
2. Enter your router’s IP address.
3. Use your username and password to log into the router’s interface.
4. Locate the DHCP settings which will allow you to set a static IP address [the exact name depends on your router]
5. In the DHCP settings, add your Raspberry Pi’s MAC address (use the ipconfig command to get the MAC address)
6. Enter the Static IP address for Raspberry Pi.
7. Save changes.
8. Reboot the Raspberry Pi using the reboot command.

>> sudo reboot

Test the static IP address setup for Raspberry Pi

After you have assigned the static IP address and rebooted the system, you need to test the new configurations. You can use the hostname command to check if the IP was assigned correctly:

>> hostname -I

The IP address displayed should be the same one you assigned while configuring the Static address for the setup test to be successful. 

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To wrap up

And that is all you need to know to set up a static IP address for your Raspberry Pi. With a static IP, you will be able to open ports, set up servers, and manage remote access without complications. 

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