How do I connect to my TinyPilot device?

TinyPilot is designed to provide smooth, reliable video and control when connected over a wired Ethernet network. However, not every environment allows for a traditional Ethernet network connection. This article explains the different ways you can connect to your TinyPilot device and what tradeoffs to expect with each method.

• Connect over Ethernet (network)
• Connect over Ethernet (direct)
• Connect over Wi-Fi
• Connect over Wi-Fi access point
• Connect over Tailscale

Connect over Ethernet (network)

This is the best and most reliable option, offering the lowest video latency and most stable performance.

Plug your TinyPilot device into a router or network switch using an Ethernet cable.

Your TinyPilot device will appear on that network, and you can access it from any computer on the same network by entering its IP address or hostname in a web browser.

Connect over Ethernet (direct)

This is a reliable option with low latency, though it’s less flexible.

Connect your TinyPilot device directly to another computer’s Ethernet port or Ethernet adapter. Once connected, you can access the TinyPilot web interface from that computer at https://tinypilot.local.

This setup works well for single-computer deployments but doesn’t allow other devices on a network to access TinyPilot.

Connect over Wi-Fi

This is a flexible option, though it delivers higher latency and less consistent performance than Ethernet.

Before you can use Wi-Fi, you must first connect your TinyPilot device to your network through Ethernet to configure Wi-Fi settings.

After setup, TinyPilot can join your wireless network and operate without a physical cable.

Wi-Fi is convenient, especially in environments where running Ethernet isn’t possible, but wireless interference and signal strength can noticeably affect video smoothness and keyboard/mouse responsiveness.

For detailed instructions, see how to enable Wi-Fi on TinyPilot.

Connect over Wi-Fi access point

This is a temporary option best used when no network is available.

Your TinyPilot device can create its own Wi-Fi network (access point) that you connect to directly from another device.

It’s useful for quick troubleshooting or portable setups but offers limited range and lower performance.

Learn more about hosting a Wi-Fi access point with TinyPilot.

Connect over Tailscale

This is the most secure option for remote access.

If your TinyPilot device has Internet access—either through Ethernet or Wi-Fi—you can setup Tailscale.

Tailscale creates a private, encrypted connection between your devices, allowing you to access your TinyPilot securely from anywhere in the world as if it were on your local network.

Tailscale is ideal for long-term remote management but requires a working Internet connection and introduces slightly higher latency than a direct local network connection.

To install and manage Tailscale, see TinyPilot’s Tailscale setup guide.