Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico: Complete Beginner’s Guide (2025)

The Raspberry Pi Pico changed everything I thought I knew about affordable microcontrollers when it landed on my workbench back in 2021. After designing PCBs professionally for years and working with everything from ATmega chips to STM32 processors, I didn’t expect a $4 board to impress me. It did. Whether you’re completely new to electronics or transitioning from Arduino, this raspberry pi pico tutorial will walk you through everything from unboxing to running your first programs.

This comprehensive pico getting started guide covers the hardware specifications, development environment setup, MicroPython programming basics, and hands-on projects that will have you blinking LEDs and reading sensors within the hour. The Raspberry Pi Foundation designed this board specifically for beginners, and the learning curve reflects that focus on accessibility.

What Is the Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Raspberry Pi Pico represents the Foundation’s first venture into the microcontroller market. Unlike the Raspberry Pi 4 or Zero, which are full single-board computers running Linux, the rpi pico is a microcontroller board. Think of it as a dedicated embedded processor designed to interface directly with hardware, read sensors, control motors, and perform real-time tasks without the overhead of an operating system.

At the heart of every Pico sits the RP2040, Raspberry Pi’s custom-designed silicon. This isn’t a rebadged third-party chip. The engineers in Cambridge designed it from scratch, and that attention to detail shows in features like the Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines that enable custom hardware protocols impossible on comparable boards.

Raspberry Pi Pico Family Overview

The Pico family has expanded since the original launch. Choosing the right variant matters for your projects:

Model	Wireless	Headers	Price (USD)	Best For
Pico	No	No	$4	Cost-sensitive embedded projects
Pico H	No	Pre-soldered	$5	Beginners avoiding soldering
Pico W	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth	No	$6	IoT and wireless projects
Pico WH	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth	Pre-soldered	$7	IoT beginners
Pico 2	No	No	$5	Enhanced performance projects
Pico 2 W	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth	No	$7	Advanced wireless applications

For this raspberry pi pico tutorial, I recommend starting with the Pico H or Pico WH. The pre-soldered headers eliminate the need for soldering equipment while still providing full access to all GPIO pins. The wireless variants add flexibility for IoT projects down the road without significantly increasing cost.

Raspberry Pi Pico Technical Specifications

Understanding the hardware capabilities helps you plan projects appropriately. The RP2040 microcontroller packs impressive specifications for its price point:

RP2040 Microcontroller Specifications

Specification	Details
Processor	Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ @ 133MHz
SRAM	264KB on-chip
Flash Memory	2MB external QSPI
GPIO Pins	26 multi-function pins
ADC	3 channels, 12-bit resolution
PWM	16 channels
Communication	2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C
Special Features	8 PIO state machines
Operating Voltage	3.3V (1.8V to 5.5V input range)
Dimensions	51mm x 21mm

The dual-core architecture deserves special attention. Unlike single-core microcontrollers where complex tasks can block sensor readings or communication, the RP2040 lets you dedicate one core to time-critical operations while the second handles everything else. This makes the rpi pico particularly effective for robotics and real-time control applications.

GPIO Pinout Reference

The Pico provides 26 GPIO pins with flexible functionality. Each pin can serve multiple roles depending on your project requirements:

Pin Type	Quantity	Notes
Digital I/O	26	All GPIO pins support digital in/out
PWM Capable	16	Hardware PWM on GP0-GP15
ADC Inputs	3	GP26 (ADC0), GP27 (ADC1), GP28 (ADC2)
I2C Buses	2	Multiple pin options per bus
SPI Buses	2	Multiple pin options per bus
UART	2	TX/RX pairs on multiple pins
Internal ADC	1	Temperature sensor on ADC4

One critical note from experience: the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic, not 5V like many Arduino boards. Connecting 5V signals directly to Pico pins can damage the RP2040. Use level shifters when interfacing with 5V components.

What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into the pico getting started process, gather these essential items:

Required Components

Item	Purpose	Approximate Cost
Raspberry Pi Pico (H/WH recommended)	The main microcontroller board	$5-7
Micro USB Cable	Programming and power	$3-5
Computer (Windows/Mac/Linux)	Development environment	Existing

Recommended Accessories for Learning

Item	Purpose	Approximate Cost
Breadboard (400+ points)	Prototyping without soldering	$3-5
Jumper Wire Set	Connections between components	$3-5
LED Assortment	Visual feedback projects	$3-5
Resistor Kit (220Ω, 10kΩ)	Current limiting, pull-ups	$5-8
Push Buttons	Input detection projects	$2-3
Potentiometer (10kΩ)	Analog input testing	$2-3

Many retailers offer starter kits bundling all these components with a Pico board. These kits typically provide better value than purchasing items separately and ensure component compatibility.

Installing MicroPython Firmware

MicroPython provides the gentlest introduction to rpi pico programming. It’s a full implementation of Python 3 optimized for microcontrollers, letting you execute commands interactively and see immediate results.

Step 1: Download the MicroPython UF2 File

Navigate to the official Raspberry Pi MicroPython download page (micropython.org/download/RPI_PICO/ for standard Pico or micropython.org/download/RPI_PICO_W/ for Pico W). Download the latest stable .uf2 firmware file.

Important distinction: Pico and Pico W require different firmware files. The wireless functionality won’t work if you flash standard Pico firmware onto a Pico W.

Step 2: Enter BOOTSEL Mode

This is where beginners often get confused. The Pico has a small white button labeled BOOTSEL. To enter programming mode:

1. Disconnect the Pico from USB if currently connected
2. Press and hold the BOOTSEL button
3. While holding the button, connect the USB cable to your computer
4. Release the button after connecting

The Pico will appear on your computer as a removable drive named “RPI-RP2”. This is the bootloader mode that accepts firmware updates.

Step 3: Flash the Firmware

Simply drag and drop the downloaded .uf2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive. The Pico will automatically:

1. Copy the firmware to its flash memory
2. Verify the installation
3. Reboot into MicroPython mode
4. Disconnect the RPI-RP2 drive

The entire process takes about 10 seconds. If the drive disappears and doesn’t return as RPI-RP2, the firmware installed successfully. The Pico is now running MicroPython and ready for programming.

Setting Up Thonny IDE

While you can program the Pico using any text editor and command-line tools, Thonny provides an integrated development environment specifically designed for Python on microcontrollers. The Raspberry Pi Foundation recommends it for beginners, and after using various alternatives, I agree with that recommendation.

Installing Thonny

Download Thonny from thonny.org and install it for your operating system. The installation process is straightforward on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Accept the default options unless you have specific preferences.

Configuring Thonny for Pico Development

After installation, configure Thonny to communicate with your Pico:

1. Launch Thonny
2. Connect your Pico via USB (no need to hold BOOTSEL this time)
3. Click the interpreter selector in the bottom-right corner
4. Select “MicroPython (Raspberry Pi Pico)”
5. If prompted for a port, choose “Try to detect port automatically”

The Shell panel at the bottom should display something like:

MicroPython v1.22.0 on 2024-01-05; Raspberry Pi Pico W with RP2040

Type “help()” for more information.

>>>

This prompt indicates the REPL (Read-Evaluate-Print Loop) is active. You can type Python commands directly and see immediate results.

Testing the Connection

Type the following in the Shell panel and press Enter:

print(“Hello from Pico!”)

If “Hello from Pico!” appears, your development environment is correctly configured. This command executed on the Pico itself, not your computer. Every command you type in this Shell runs directly on the microcontroller.

Your First Raspberry Pi Pico Project: Blinking the Onboard LED

Every raspberry pi pico tutorial starts with the blink example, and for good reason. It confirms your hardware works, your development environment is configured correctly, and introduces fundamental programming concepts with visible feedback.

Understanding the Code

The Pico has an onboard LED connected to GPIO pin 25 (or controlled via the wireless chip on Pico W models). Here’s the complete blink program:

from machine import Pin

import utime

# Setup: Configure GPIO 25 as output for the onboard LED

led = Pin(25, Pin.OUT)

# Loop: Blink forever

while True:

    led.value(1)      # Turn LED on (HIGH)

    utime.sleep(1)    # Wait 1 second

    led.value(0)      # Turn LED off (LOW)

    utime.sleep(1)    # Wait 1 second

For Pico W users, the LED connects through the wireless chip, requiring slightly different code:

from machine import Pin

import utime

# Pico W onboard LED uses the “LED” designation

led = Pin(“LED”, Pin.OUT)

while True:

    led.toggle()      # Switch LED state

    utime.sleep(0.5)  # Wait 0.5 seconds

Running and Saving Your Program

In Thonny, type or paste the appropriate code into the editor panel (the large area above the Shell). Click the green Run button or press F5.

Thonny will ask where to save the file. Choose “Raspberry Pi Pico” and name it something descriptive like “blink.py”. If you name it “main.py”, the program will run automatically whenever the Pico powers on, useful for standalone projects.

The LED should now blink rhythmically. Congratulations, you’ve completed your first pico getting started milestone!

Working with External Components

The onboard LED provides quick verification, but real projects involve external components. Let’s expand with a simple circuit using an external LED and button.

Wiring an External LED

Components needed:

• 1x LED (any color)
• 1x 220Ω resistor
• 2x jumper wires
• Breadboard

Connection schematic:

1. Connect Pico GP15 to the LED’s anode (longer leg) through the 220Ω resistor
2. Connect the LED’s cathode (shorter leg) to Pico GND

The resistor limits current through the LED, preventing damage to both the LED and the GPIO pin. Never connect LEDs directly to GPIO pins without current limiting.

External LED Blink Code

from machine import Pin

import utime

# External LED on GP15

external_led = Pin(15, Pin.OUT)

while True:

    external_led.toggle()

    utime.sleep(0.3)

Adding Button Input

Components needed:

• 1x tactile push button
• 1x 10kΩ resistor (pull-down)
• Additional jumper wires

Connection schematic:

1. Connect one button leg to Pico GP14
2. Connect the same leg to GND through the 10kΩ resistor
3. Connect the opposite button leg to Pico 3V3

This creates a pull-down configuration where the pin reads LOW normally and HIGH when pressed.

Button-Controlled LED Code

from machine import Pin

import utime

led = Pin(15, Pin.OUT)

button = Pin(14, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)

while True:

    if button.value() == 1:  # Button pressed

        led.value(1)

    else:

        led.value(0)

    utime.sleep(0.01)  # Small delay for debouncing

Alternatively, use the internal pull-down resistor to simplify wiring:

button = Pin(14, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)

This eliminates the need for the external 10kΩ resistor.

Reading Analog Sensors

The Pico’s three ADC channels open up possibilities for analog sensors like potentiometers, light sensors, and temperature probes.

Potentiometer Example

Connect a 10kΩ potentiometer:

1. Left leg to GND
2. Right leg to 3V3
3. Middle leg (wiper) to GP26 (ADC0)

from machine import ADC, Pin

import utime

potentiometer = ADC(26)  # GP26 = ADC0

while True:

    raw_value = potentiometer.read_u16()  # 0-65535

    voltage = raw_value * 3.3 / 65535

    percentage = raw_value * 100 / 65535

    print(f”Raw: {raw_value}, Voltage: {voltage:.2f}V, Position: {percentage:.1f}%”)

    utime.sleep(0.2)

The ADC provides 12-bit resolution internally but MicroPython scales values to 16-bit (0-65535) for compatibility with other platforms.

Reading the Internal Temperature Sensor

The RP2040 includes an internal temperature sensor connected to ADC4:

from machine import ADC

import utime

temp_sensor = ADC(4)  # Internal temperature sensor

while True:

    raw = temp_sensor.read_u16()

    voltage = raw * 3.3 / 65535

    temperature_c = 27 – (voltage – 0.706) / 0.001721

    temperature_f = temperature_c * 9/5 + 32

    print(f”Temperature: {temperature_c:.1f}°C / {temperature_f:.1f}°F”)

    utime.sleep(1)

This sensor measures chip temperature rather than ambient temperature. It’s useful for monitoring board conditions but won’t replace a dedicated environmental sensor.

Communication Protocols: I2C, SPI, and UART

Real-world projects often involve communicating with external devices using standard protocols. The rpi pico supports all major embedded communication interfaces.

I2C Communication Example

I2C is a two-wire protocol commonly used for sensors, displays, and other peripherals. Here’s how to scan for connected I2C devices:

from machine import Pin, I2C

# Initialize I2C bus 0 on GP0 (SDA) and GP1 (SCL)

i2c = I2C(0, scl=Pin(1), sda=Pin(0), freq=400000)

# Scan for devices

devices = i2c.scan()

if devices:

    print(f”Found {len(devices)} I2C device(s):”)

    for device in devices:

        print(f”  Address: {hex(device)}”)

else:

    print(“No I2C devices found”)

Common I2C Sensors and Their Addresses

Sensor	Function	Typical Address
BME280	Temperature, humidity, pressure	0x76 or 0x77
MPU6050	Accelerometer, gyroscope	0x68 or 0x69
SSD1306	OLED display	0x3C or 0x3D
BH1750	Light intensity	0x23 or 0x5C
DS3231	Real-time clock	0x68

Popular Beginner Projects for Raspberry Pi Pico

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these projects provide excellent next steps:

Project Ideas by Difficulty

Project	Difficulty	Key Learning
LED traffic light	Beginner	Timing, multiple outputs
Temperature logger	Beginner	ADC, data collection
Servo motor control	Beginner	PWM signals
LCD character display	Intermediate	I2C communication
Ultrasonic distance sensor	Intermediate	Pulse timing
Web-controlled LED (Pico W)	Intermediate	Networking basics
Weather station	Advanced	Multiple sensors, data logging
MIDI controller	Advanced	USB HID, real-time input

Useful Resources and Downloads

Official Documentation

• MicroPython Firmware Download: micropython.org/download/RPI_PICO/
• Pico Datasheet: datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/pico-datasheet.pdf
• RP2040 Datasheet: datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/rp2040-datasheet.pdf
• Pico Python SDK: datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/raspberry-pi-pico-python-sdk.pdf
• Getting Started Guide PDF: datasheets.raspberrypi.com/pico/getting-started-with-pico.pdf

Development Tools

• Thonny IDE: thonny.org
• VS Code with Pico Extension: marketplace.visualstudio.com
• Raspberry Pi Pico C/C++ SDK: github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk

Community Resources

• Raspberry Pi Forums (Pico Section): forums.raspberrypi.com
• MicroPython Documentation: docs.micropython.org
• Random Nerd Tutorials: randomnerdtutorials.com
• The Pi Hut Tutorials: thepihut.com/blogs/raspberry-pi-tutorials

Recommended Books

• “Get Started with MicroPython on Raspberry Pi Pico” (Official, free PDF available)
• “Programming the Raspberry Pi Pico in MicroPython” by Harry Fairhead
• “Raspberry Pi Pico Workshop” by Juniper

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pico Not Detected by Computer

If your Pico doesn’t appear when connected:

1. Try a different USB cable (some cables are power-only without data lines)
2. Test a different USB port
3. On Windows, check Device Manager for driver issues
4. Enter BOOTSEL mode to verify the board responds

“Device is busy” Error in Thonny

This occurs when another program is accessing the serial port:

1. Close any other serial terminal programs
2. Check if another Thonny instance is running
3. Disconnect and reconnect the Pico
4. Restart Thonny

Code Runs Once Then Stops

If your program executes but doesn’t continue:

1. Ensure you have an infinite loop (while True:)
2. Check for exceptions crashing the program
3. Add try/except blocks to catch errors
4. Use print() statements to debug execution flow

Frequently Asked Questions

What programming languages can I use with Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Pico officially supports MicroPython and C/C++. MicroPython offers the gentlest learning curve with its Python syntax and interactive development capability. C/C++ provides maximum performance and is preferred for production applications requiring precise timing or minimal code size. Additionally, CircuitPython (Adafruit’s MicroPython variant), Arduino IDE support, and Rust are available through community efforts.

Do I need to solder headers onto the Raspberry Pi Pico?

Not necessarily. The Pico H and Pico WH variants come with pre-soldered headers, ready for breadboard use immediately. If you purchase the standard Pico or Pico W without headers, you’ll need soldering equipment to attach pins. For absolute beginners, the pre-soldered versions eliminate this barrier and cost only about $1 more.

Can the Raspberry Pi Pico connect to Wi-Fi and the internet?

Only the Pico W and Pico 2 W variants include wireless connectivity. These models feature the Infineon CYW43439 chip providing 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2. The standard Pico and Pico 2 lack wireless hardware. If internet connectivity matters for your project, choose a W variant from the start.

What’s the difference between Raspberry Pi Pico and Arduino?

The Pico uses a more powerful dual-core ARM processor running at 133MHz with 264KB RAM, compared to the Arduino Uno’s single-core 16MHz processor with 2KB RAM. The Pico costs approximately $4 versus $20+ for genuine Arduino boards. However, Arduino benefits from a larger ecosystem of shields, libraries, and beginner tutorials. The Pico excels for users comfortable with Python or seeking more processing power at lower cost.

How do I make my program run automatically when the Pico powers on?

Save your program as “main.py” in the Pico’s root directory. MicroPython automatically executes main.py on boot. In Thonny, when prompted to save your file, select “Raspberry Pi Pico” as the destination and name it “main.py”. The program will then run whenever power is applied, without needing a computer connection.

Next Steps in Your Pico Journey

This raspberry pi pico tutorial covered the fundamentals, but the Pico’s capabilities extend far beyond blinking LEDs. Consider exploring:

Intermediate Topics:

• PWM for motor control and LED dimming
• Interrupt handling for responsive input detection
• State machines for complex behavior
• Multiple file projects with imported modules

Advanced Topics:

• Programmable I/O (PIO) for custom protocols
• Dual-core programming with _thread module
• USB device emulation (HID, MIDI)
• Direct Memory Access (DMA) operations

Wireless Projects (Pico W):

• Web server hosting
• MQTT for IoT messaging
• Bluetooth sensor integration
• Over-the-air updates

The Raspberry Pi Pico democratizes embedded development in ways that weren’t possible a few years ago. A board that costs less than a coffee can run real-time control systems, communicate wirelessly, and interface with countless sensors and actuators. Whether you’re building your first LED circuit or designing production-ready IoT devices, the rpi pico provides a solid foundation.

The best way to learn is to build. Pick a project slightly beyond your current skill level, break it into smaller problems, and solve them one at a time. The Pico community is remarkably helpful, and chances are someone has already documented solutions to the challenges you’ll encounter.