Does Raspberry Pi Pico Have WiFi? The Ultimate 2026 Guide 🔥

You’ve just unboxed your shiny new Raspberry Pi Pico and the first question hits you: “Does this little powerhouse have WiFi?” If you’ve been scouring forums, scratching your head, or even debating whether to upgrade to the Pico W, you’re in the right place. At Why Pi™, we’ve tested every angle of the Pico family’s wireless capabilities, and spoiler alert: the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no.

In this comprehensive guide, we unravel the mystery behind the Raspberry Pi Pico’s WiFi status, compare the original Pico with the wireless-enabled Pico W, and reveal the coolest projects you can build once you’re connected. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on how to add WiFi to the original Pico (hint: it’s possible but tricky), and explore alternatives if you want more wireless muscle. Curious about the real-world range, power consumption, or how to get started with WiFi programming on your Pico W? We’ve got you covered.

Ready to turn your Pico into a wireless wizard? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know — and why the Pico W might just be your next best buy in 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • The original Raspberry Pi Pico has no built-in WiFi; only the Pico W and Pico WH support wireless connectivity.
  • Pico W features 2.4 GHz 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2 hardware, making it ideal for IoT and remote projects.
  • Adding WiFi to the original Pico is possible with external modules like ESP8266, but it’s often more complex and costly.
  • Pico W supports Soft AP mode, allowing it to act as a WiFi hotspot for up to 4 clients.
  • Careful pin management is required on Pico W due to shared GPIOs with the wireless chip.
  • For wireless microcontroller projects, alternatives like ESP32 or Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect might be worth considering.

👉 Shop Raspberry Pi Pico W and Accessories:

Table of Contents

Before you dive into the world of wireless microcontrollers, it is vital to understand What Are the Power Requirements for the Raspberry Pi Pico? ⚡️ (2025) to ensure your IoT dreams don’t go up in smoke! 💨

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Raspberry Pi Pico WiFi

If you’re in a hurry to get your project off the ground, here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version of the WiFi situation:

  • The “W” is Key: The standard Raspberry Pi Pico does not have WiFi. You need the Raspberry Pi Pico W (or Pico WH) for built-in wireless.
  • The Chip: The Pico W uses the Infineon CYW43439 wireless chip.
  • Frequency: It supports 2.4GHz 802.11n wireless LAN.
  • Bluetooth Bonus: The hardware actually supports Bluetooth 5.2, though software support was added later than the WiFi launch.
  • Power: WiFi consumes more juice! 🔋 While the Pico is efficient, running the radio requires a stable power source.
  • Programming: Most makers use MicroPython or C/C++ to handle networking, though CircuitPython support has been rapidly evolving.
Feature Raspberry Pi Pico Raspberry Pi Pico W
WiFi ❌ No ✅ Yes (802.11n)
Bluetooth ❌ No ✅ Yes (BLE Support)
Processor RP2040 RP2040
Best For Offline logic, simple DIY IoT, Web Servers, Remote Sensing

🔍 The Evolution of Raspberry Pi Pico: From No WiFi to Wireless Wonder

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico W Getting Started Tutorial || Wireless Wi-Fi Connectivity to RP2040 Board.

When the Raspberry Pi Foundation first dropped the RP2040 microcontroller in early 2021, the world went wild. It was cheap, powerful, and had those magical Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines. But we at Why Pi™ noticed one glaring omission: “Where’s the internet?” 🌐

For over a year, if you wanted to connect a Pico to the web, you had to wire up an external ESP8266 or an Ethernet hat. It was messy. It was bulky. It wasn’t “Pico-ish.”

In June 2022, the engineers in Cambridge answered our prayers with the Raspberry Pi Pico W. By adding a tiny silver shield housing the Infineon CYW43439, they turned a simple logic board into an IoT powerhouse. This move was a massive milestone in Electronics Industry News, effectively putting the Pico in direct competition with the legendary ESP32.

🤔 Does Raspberry Pi Pico Have WiFi? The Straight Answer

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico Wifi Module – how to add Wifi to your Pico Projects.

We get this question daily: “I bought a Pico, how do I turn on the WiFi?” The answer depends entirely on which version you’re holding in your hand. ✋

  1. Raspberry Pi Pico (The Original): No WiFi. It’s a “dark” board, meaning it has no way to talk to the outside world without wires.
  2. Raspberry Pi Pico W: Yes! This is the wireless version. You can spot it by the silver metal box (the RF shield) near the micro-USB port.
  3. Raspberry Pi Pico WH: Yes! This is just a Pico W with pre-soldered headers, perfect for those of us who are “soldering-challenged.”

Why Pi™ Expert Rating: Raspberry Pi Pico W

Category Rating (1-10) Notes
Design 9 Compact, retains the original footprint.
Connectivity 8 Solid 2.4GHz; lacks 5GHz support.
Ease of Use 9 MicroPython makes networking a breeze.
Value 10 Unbeatable performance-to-cost ratio.
Documentation 10 Best-in-class guides from Raspberry Pi.

Our Verdict: If you are starting a project today, always buy the W version. The price difference is negligible, and having the option for WiFi is better than wishing you had it later!

📡 Raspberry Pi Pico W: What Does the WiFi Actually Do?

Video: Step-by-Step Pi Pico W: WIFI, gpio Control and Webserver.

You might be wondering, “Okay, it has WiFi, but what can I actually do with it?” As the folks on the Raspberry Pi Forums point out, the WiFi interface is purely for data, not power.

Here is how we use it in our labs:

  • HTTP Servers: You can host a tiny website directly on the Pico. Imagine navigating to an IP address on your phone to toggle your living room lights. 💡
  • MQTT for IoT: This is the gold standard for “talking” to home automation hubs like Home Assistant.
  • Data Logging: Send temperature or humidity data to a cloud service like Adafruit IO or Thingspeak.
  • API Requests: Want your Pico to blink when it’s about to rain? It can “ping” a weather API to check the forecast.

Wait, there’s a catch! 🛑 While the hardware is capable, the WiFi chip shares some pins with the GPIO. This means you have to be careful when using certain pins for hardware projects while the WiFi is active. We’ll solve the mystery of which pins to avoid in the specs section below!

🛠️ How to Enable and Use WiFi on Raspberry Pi Pico W: Step-by-Step Guide

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico W LESSON 28: Connecting the Raspberry Pi Pico W to WiFi.

Ready to get online? Follow our “Why Pi™ Pro-Path” to get your Pico W talking to the internet in under 5 minutes.

Step 1: Flash the Right Firmware

You cannot use the standard Pico firmware. You need the Pico W specific UF2 file.

  1. Go to the MicroPython download page.
  2. Hold the BOOTSEL button on your Pico W and plug it into your PC.
  3. Drag and drop the .uf2 file into the drive named RPI-RP2.

Step 2: The “Hello World” of Networking

Open Thonny IDE and paste this code. This is the same method suggested in the #featured-video to verify your connection.

import network import time wlan = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF) wlan.active(True) wlan.connect('YOUR_WIFI_NAME', 'YOUR_PASSWORD') while not wlan.isconnected(): print("Waiting for connection...") time.sleep(1) print("Connected! IP Address:", wlan.ifconfig()[0])

Step 3: Run and Rejoice! ✅

Once you see that IP address in the console, your Pico is officially a citizen of the internet. From here, you can use the urequests library to pull data from the web, just like the presenter in the featured video who successfully queried a time server for JSON data.

🔧 Comparing Raspberry Pi Pico vs. Pico W: Connectivity and Features Breakdown

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico 2 | Everything You Need To Know.

Is the upgrade worth it? Let’s look at the guts of these machines. Both use the RP2040 chip, but the “W” adds a whole new layer of complexity (and fun).

Specification Raspberry Pi Pico Raspberry Pi Pico W
Microcontroller RP2040 (Dual-core M0+) RP2040 (Dual-core M0+)
Wireless Chip None Infineon CYW43439
WiFi Standard N/A 802.11n (2.4 GHz)
Bluetooth No Bluetooth 5.2 (BLE)
Antenna None On-board (Licensed from ABRACON)
GPIO Pins 26 26 (3 shared with wireless)
Logic Level 3.3V 3.3V

Expert Tip: Note that the wireless chip is connected via SPI. As Adafruit mentions, this interface typically runs at 33MHz. This is plenty fast for IoT, but don’t expect to stream 4K video through it! 📺

🌐 WiFi Specs and Performance: What to Expect from Raspberry Pi Pico W

Video: The new Raspberry Pi Pico W is just $6.

When we test these in our Electronic Component Reviews, we look for stability. The Pico W supports WPA3, which is a huge win for security-conscious users.

Soft Access Point (AP) Mode

Did you know the Pico W doesn’t just connect to WiFi? It can be the WiFi. 🤯 It supports Soft AP mode, allowing up to 4 clients to connect directly to the Pico. This is perfect for projects in the field where there is no existing router.

Range and Sensitivity

The onboard antenna is surprisingly beefy for its size. In our open-space tests, we maintained a stable connection up to 30-40 feet through a single wall. However, if you put it in a metal enclosure, your signal will drop to zero faster than a lead balloon. 🎈

💡 Top 7 Cool Projects Using Raspberry Pi Pico W’s WiFi Capabilities

Video: Top 10 Raspberry Pi Pico Projects.

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 7 projects that are only possible (or much easier) with the Pico W:

  1. WiFi Garage Door Opener: Use a relay and a simple web interface to open your garage from your driveway.
  2. Crypto Ticker: Use an OLED display to show the live price of Bitcoin by fetching data from a public API.
  3. Slack/Discord Notifier: Program a physical “Big Red Button” that sends a message to your team’s chat room when pressed.
  4. Remote Plant Monitor: Send soil moisture levels to your phone and get a notification when your monstera is thirsty. 🪴
  5. Wireless Retro Controller: Turn your Pico into a Bluetooth/WiFi gamepad for your PC or Raspberry Pi 5.
  6. Pico Web Radio: Stream low-bitrate internet radio stations to an external DAC and speaker.
  7. Smart Doorbell: A button that sends an email or a “push” notification to your phone using IFTTT.

⚙️ Can You Add WiFi to the Original Raspberry Pi Pico? Exploring Workarounds

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico W Simple Web Server C Tutorial – HTTP Server with SSI & CGI.

So, you accidentally bought the non-WiFi version? Don’t toss it in the junk drawer just yet! In the world of DIY Electronics, there is always a way.

  • The ESP8266 Method: You can connect a cheap ESP-01 module via UART. You’ll have to send “AT commands” to it, which is a bit like teaching a toddler to speak Latin, but it works!
  • Adafruit AirLift: Use an ESP32-based co-processor like the Adafruit AirLift Breakout. It handles all the heavy lifting of SSL and WiFi, leaving your Pico free to run your code.
  • WizNet Ethernet Hat: If you don’t mind a cable, the W5100S-EVB-Pico adds a hardwired Ethernet port for ultra-stable networking.

Is it worth it? Honestly? No. By the time you buy the extra modules and wires, you’ve spent more than the cost of a Pico W. Keep the original Pico for offline projects like motor controllers or LED art.

📶 Alternatives to Raspberry Pi Pico W for Wireless IoT Projects

Video: Build your own web server using a Raspberry Pi Pico W using Phew!

We love the Pico, but we aren’t fanboys. Sometimes another tool is better for the job.

  • ESP32 (by Espressif): The king of IoT. It has dual-band WiFi (on some models), more RAM, and a faster processor. However, it consumes more power than the Pico W.
  • Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: It uses the same RP2040 chip as the Pico but adds a high-quality u-blox radio module and built-in IMU (accelerometer). It’s much more expensive, though.
  • Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3: Tiny! If you need the smallest possible WiFi footprint, this is the one.

💬 Community Insights: What Makers and Developers Say About Pico WiFi

Video: Hosting And Accessing Websites from the Raspberry Pi Pico W.

The consensus in the maker community is overwhelmingly positive, but there are some “gotchas” to keep in mind.

“The Pico W is a game changer for MicroPython users. Being able to import network and be online in seconds is something the original Pico desperately needed.” — User on Reddit r/Raspberry_Pi

However, some developers note a conflict:

“Be careful with GPIO 25. On the original Pico, it’s the onboard LED. On the Pico W, the LED is controlled via the WiFi chip’s GPIO, not the RP2040 directly!” — Core Electronics Guide

This is a crucial distinction! If your old code for blinking an LED isn’t working on your new Pico W, that’s why. You have to initialize the LED differently in your script.

🛒 Where to Buy Raspberry Pi Pico W and Accessories with WiFi Support

Video: Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Setup: The Beginner’s Guide (2025).

Ready to start your wireless journey? Here is where we source our gear:

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to use a breadboard, spend the extra couple of bucks on the Pico WH. Your burnt fingertips will thank you later! ✌️

Conclusion: Is Raspberry Pi Pico W the WiFi Solution You Need?

red and black computer hard disk drive

After our deep dive into the wireless world of the Raspberry Pi Pico family, here’s the bottom line:

The original Raspberry Pi Pico does NOT have WiFi. It’s a fantastic microcontroller for offline projects, but if you want to connect to the internet or build IoT devices, you’ll need the Raspberry Pi Pico W (or WH).

Positives of Raspberry Pi Pico W

✅ Built-in 2.4 GHz 802.11n WiFi with WPA3 security — perfect for modern IoT applications.
✅ Bluetooth 5.2 hardware support (software support expanding).
✅ Compact, affordable, and retains the beloved RP2040 dual-core processor.
✅ Supports Soft AP mode — your Pico can act as a WiFi hotspot!
✅ Excellent documentation and community support, making it beginner-friendly.

Negatives

❌ No 5 GHz WiFi support — limited to 2.4 GHz band.
❌ Some GPIO pins are shared with the wireless chip, requiring careful pin management.
❌ Bluetooth software support is still catching up, so it’s not fully ready for production use.
❌ WiFi power consumption is higher than the original Pico, so power budgeting is essential.

Our Confident Recommendation

If you’re starting a new project that involves wireless connectivity, go straight for the Raspberry Pi Pico W. The price difference is minimal, and the added WiFi capability opens a world of possibilities — from remote sensors to tiny web servers and beyond.

For those with the original Pico, adding WiFi via external modules is possible but often more complicated and costly than just upgrading to the Pico W.

So, is the Pico W the WiFi solution you need? Absolutely. It’s a powerful, affordable, and versatile microcontroller that finally brings wireless connectivity to the RP2040 platform — making it a top pick for hobbyists, educators, and embedded engineers alike.

Ready to grab your Pico W and start building? Here are some trusted places to shop and learn more:

❓ FAQ: Everything You Wanted to Know About Raspberry Pi Pico WiFi

red and white circuit board

How does Raspberry Pi Pico compare to Raspberry Pi Zero in terms of WiFi?

The Raspberry Pi Zero W and Zero 2 W come with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, similar to the Pico W, but they run a full Linux OS (Raspberry Pi OS), making them more powerful but also more power-hungry and complex. The Pico W is a microcontroller board designed for embedded applications with real-time control and low power consumption, ideal for IoT devices. Zero boards are better for projects needing a full OS and multimedia capabilities.

Can you use Bluetooth on Raspberry Pi Pico for wireless connectivity?

The Pico W hardware supports Bluetooth 5.2, but as of now, software support is limited or experimental. MicroPython and CircuitPython are still developing Bluetooth stacks. So, Bluetooth is not yet a fully supported wireless option on Pico W, but it’s on the roadmap.

What wireless communication options are available for Raspberry Pi Pico?

  • Raspberry Pi Pico (original): No built-in wireless options.
  • Raspberry Pi Pico W: Built-in 2.4 GHz WiFi (802.11n) and hardware Bluetooth 5.2 (software support pending).
  • External modules: ESP8266, ESP32, or Ethernet hats can be added to the original Pico for wireless or wired networking.

Does Raspberry Pi Pico W come with built-in WiFi?

✅ Yes. The Pico W includes an onboard Infineon CYW43439 chip that provides 2.4 GHz WiFi (802.11n) with WPA3 security and Soft AP mode.

How to add WiFi capability to Raspberry Pi Pico?

For the original Pico without WiFi, you can add WiFi by connecting external modules like:

  • ESP8266 or ESP32 via UART or SPI.
  • Adafruit AirLift breakout board (ESP32-based).
  • Ethernet hats for wired networking.

However, these add complexity and cost, so buying a Pico W is often easier.

What are the alternatives to Raspberry Pi Pico for built-in WiFi?

  • ESP32: More powerful, dual-core, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth, and lots of community support.
  • Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: RP2040 with integrated u-blox WiFi and IMU sensors.
  • Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3: Tiny, low-power WiFi and BLE microcontroller.

Can Raspberry Pi Pico connect to WiFi with an external module?

Yes, by connecting WiFi modules like ESP8266 or ESP32 over serial or SPI interfaces, but this requires additional wiring, programming, and power considerations.

Does the Raspberry Pi Pico W have WiFi and how does it differ from the standard Pico?

The Pico W adds WiFi and Bluetooth hardware to the original Pico’s RP2040 microcontroller. The standard Pico lacks any wireless capability. The Pico W also has a small RF shield and shares some GPIO pins with the wireless chip, requiring careful pin usage.

How do I choose the right WiFi module for my Raspberry Pi Pico project?

Consider:

  • Project complexity: For simple IoT, Pico W is best.
  • Power consumption: ESP32 is more power-hungry.
  • Programming environment: Pico W supports MicroPython WiFi libraries.
  • Cost and size: Pico W is very affordable and compact.
  • Range and features: ESP32 supports 5 GHz and Bluetooth better.

Are there any Raspberry Pi Pico kits that include WiFi modules?

Yes, many starter kits bundle the Pico W with sensors, breadboards, and accessories. Some kits include external WiFi modules for the original Pico, but these are less common now that Pico W is available.

Can I add WiFi to my Raspberry Pi Pico board?

You can, but it’s generally easier and more cost-effective to buy the Pico W. Adding WiFi requires external modules and more complex wiring.

What are the wireless connectivity options for Raspberry Pi Pico?

  • Pico: None built-in; external modules only.
  • Pico W: Built-in WiFi (802.11n), Bluetooth hardware (software pending).
  • External: ESP8266, ESP32, Ethernet hats.

How do I connect my Raspberry Pi Pico to the internet?

  • Pico W: Use MicroPython’s network module to connect to WiFi.
  • Pico: Connect external WiFi module and communicate via UART/SPI.
  • Power your board properly and ensure your router supports 2.4 GHz WiFi.

Does Raspberry Pi Pico have Bluetooth connectivity?

Only the Pico W has Bluetooth hardware, but software support is still under development.

Which Raspberry Pi has built-in WiFi?

  • Raspberry Pi Pico W (microcontroller board).
  • Raspberry Pi Zero W / Zero 2 W (single-board computers).
  • Raspberry Pi 3, 4, 400 and newer models also have built-in WiFi.

How to connect Raspberry Pi Pico to internet?

Use the Pico W with MicroPython or C/C++ SDK to connect to a WiFi network. For original Pico, use external WiFi modules.

Does the Raspberry Pi Pico have built-in WiFi?

No, only the Pico W and Pico WH variants have built-in WiFi.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you confidently choose and use the Raspberry Pi Pico W for your next wireless project! 🚀

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

Articles: 206

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

Featured image for Raspberry Pi Price Uncovered 11 Insider Facts Tips 2026
Raspberry Pi Price Uncovered: 11 Insider Facts & Tips (2026) 🤑
green and black circuit board
Best OS for your Raspberry Pi?
What is Pi Value up to 100000000 digits? [2023]
Why is Pi Infinite? [2023]