Starting Point
The Raspberry Pi OS has already been installed on the SD card.
Typically, this is done using the Raspberry Pi Imager, which allows configuration of settings such as Wi-Fi credentials, hostname, and passwords during the setup process.
In our case, these steps have already been completed for you, so the system is ready to use.
Instructions
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Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and connect the Raspberry Pi to the power supply using the power adapter. An LED on the Raspberry Pi should light up or flash. It is best to wait a few minutes for it to boot up; the initial boot process takes longer. Do not disconnect it from the power supply during this time.
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Ensure that the computer is connected to the Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi:
birdnet-wifi, Password:rotkehlchen. -
Open the console (glossary)Text-based interface for sending commands directly to the operating system — also called command line or terminal. .
- Connect to the Pi using the following command. Replace ‘00’ with the number on your Raspberry Pi.
ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.localPS C:\Users\Name> ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local
The authenticity of host 'birdnet-rpi00.local (2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:kfRttaVIh+Z/FbSq9g6adalVfIsgvUtk4o.
This key is not known by any other names.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?If the following message appears:
PS C:\Users\Name> ssh birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local
ssh: Could not resolve hostname birdnet-rpi00.local: The specified host is unknown.this means that no connection can be established to your Raspberry Pi.
Check the following points: power supply (Raspberry Pi turned on, SD card inserted correctly, status LEDs flashing or lit);
network (PC and Raspberry Pi on the same Wi-Fi or hotspot, and the Wi-Fi data in Raspberry Pi OS matches your current Wi-Fi);
reinstallation (reinstall Raspberry Pi OS and re-enter the Wi-Fi access data);
or a direct connection (experienced users can connect a keyboard and screen to check the settings manually).
Don’t worry — this is normal if you have previously connected to a Raspberry Pi with the same name via SSH.
To fix it: open the file C:\Users\username.ssh\known_hosts (the exact path is also included in the warning) with a text editor, find all lines that start with birdnet-rpi00.local and delete them (there may be several entries spanning multiple lines).
If you have never used SSH for other connections, you can also delete the entire contents of the file. Then save, close the editor, and try the connection again.
- Confirm the connection.
yesAre you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? yes
Warning: Permanently added 'birdnet-rpi00.local' (ED25529) to the list of known hosts.
Connection closed by 2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322 port 23
birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local's password:- A password prompt should then appear.
Enter the password
mauersegler. Note that the password will remain invisible as you type it. If you are no longer prompted to enter a password, restart the process by entering the command from step 4.
birdnet-admin@birdnet-rpi00.local's password:
Linux birdnetpi 6.12.47+rpt-rpi-v8 #1 SMP PREEMPT Debian 1:6.12.47-1+rpt1~bookworm (2025-09-01) aarch64
The programs included with the Debian GNU/Linux system are free software;
the exact distribution terms for each program are described in the
individual files in /usr/share/doc/\*/copyright.
Debian GNU/Linux comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY, to the extent
permitted by applicable law.
Last login: Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 2025 from 2a02:4454:c122:2000:15gc:24b7:f06a:f322-
You are now connected to the Raspberry Pi via SSH and can execute commands on the Raspberry Pi through the terminal.
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Now we will edit the Wi-Fi and hotspot settings, so continue with “Change the Wi-Fi settings”.