Set Up Raspberry Pi Wi-Fi Over Bluetooth with the upaHome App

Setting up a headless Raspberry Pi usually means plugging in an Ethernet cable, connecting a keyboard and monitor, or pre-configuring network files on an SD card. With upaHome, you can configure your Raspberry Pi's Wi-Fi connection directly from your smartphone over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in seconds.

How it works

The upaHome controller runs a dedicated background BLE provisioning service that automatically broadcasts a secure Bluetooth Low Energy GATT service on boot. Using the upaHome companion app on iOS or Android, your phone discovers the nearby Raspberry Pi, establishes an encrypted Bluetooth connection, and sends your local Wi-Fi credentials.

The Raspberry Pi applies the configuration via NetworkManager, joins your 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless network, acquires an IP address, and verifies internet connectivity. It then sends real-time status and the assigned local IP back to your phone over Bluetooth.

What you need

• A Raspberry Pi 4 Model B or Raspberry Pi 5 with onboard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, running the upaHome controller software (included in our Starter Kit).
• The upaHome companion app installed on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone/tablet.
• Bluetooth enabled on your mobile device.
• Your home Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and WPA2/WPA3 password.

Step-by-step Wi-Fi setup

1. Power on your Raspberry Pi: Connect power to your controller. The BLE provisioning service starts automatically and begins advertising.
2. Open the upaHome app: On the setup or login screen, select "Set Up Wi-Fi over Bluetooth".
3. Scan and connect: Allow Bluetooth permissions when prompted. The app scans for nearby upaHome controllers and lists your Raspberry Pi. Tap to connect.
4. Enter Wi-Fi details: Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and network passphrase, then tap Connect.
5. Automatic verification: The Pi connects to your Wi-Fi access point, receives an IP address, and confirms connectivity back to the app within seconds.

After connecting

Once connected to Wi-Fi, your Raspberry Pi controller is ready to manage your smart home devices. You can start pairing Zigbee temperature and humidity sensors, configuring door, window, and leak security sensors, or controlling heating circuits and garage door relays.