Raspberry Pi VS Code SSH: Remote editing setup

Video Tutorial (Optional)

Watch first if you want to follow the VS Code Remote SSH setup on a Raspberry Pi in real time.

Part 1 (SSH into the Raspberry Pi from your local computer):

Subscribe: Youtube

Support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mmshilleh

Project Overview

Raspberry Pi + VS Code Remote SSH: In this tutorial, you configure Visual Studio Code with the Remote - SSH extension so you can edit files on your Raspberry Pi remotely through VS Code (instead of editing only through a terminal).

This builds on Part 1 (linked above) where you SSH into your Raspberry Pi and confirm you have the correct username and IP address.

Time: 10 to 20 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
What you will build: A working VS Code Remote SSH connection for editing Raspberry Pi files from your computer

Parts List

From ShillehTek

None required for this software-only setup

External

Raspberry Pi with SSH enabled (see Part 1 video above)
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) running Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
VS Code extension: Remote - SSH
Raspberry Pi username and IP address

Note: If you do not know your Raspberry Pi username or IP address yet, refer to Part 1 (linked in the video section) before continuing.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Download and install VS Code

Goal: Install Visual Studio Code on your local computer.

What to do: Download VS Code for free from the official site and install it:

https://code.visualstudio.com/download

Expected result: VS Code opens successfully on your computer.

Step 2 - Install the Remote - SSH extension

Goal: Add SSH support inside VS Code.

What to do: In VS Code, open the Extensions tab and search for Remote - SSH. Install the extension.

After it installs, select the blue icon in the bottom-left corner of the VS Code window.

Expected result: You can access Remote SSH commands from the bottom-left remote indicator.

Step 3 - Add your Raspberry Pi as an SSH host

Goal: Save a reusable SSH connection entry in VS Code.

What to do: From the Remote SSH menu, choose Connect to Host and then Add SSH Host. Enter this command (replace placeholders with your details):

Code:

ssh <Raspberry Pi Username>@<Raspberry Pi IP Address>

Press Enter when it prompts you to add it to the SSH config file.

Expected result: Your Raspberry Pi shows up as a saved host you can select in VS Code.

Step 4 - Connect and edit Raspberry Pi files in VS Code

Goal: Use VS Code to browse and edit files on the Raspberry Pi over SSH.

What to do: Select the host you added and connect. Once connected, open folders and edit files on the Raspberry Pi directly in VS Code.

Expected result: You can edit Raspberry Pi files from VS Code with a full UI, instead of working only from a shell.

Conclusion

You set up VS Code Remote - SSH for a Raspberry Pi so you can edit files remotely over SSH using VS Code’s interface and tooling. This makes Raspberry Pi development easier than working only inside a terminal.

Want the exact parts for your next Raspberry Pi build? Grab what you need from ShillehTek.com. If you want help setting up a remote dev workflow or customizing a Raspberry Pi project for your product, check out our IoT consulting services.