How to Use Screen Configuration on Raspberry Pi 5: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Raspberry Pi 5, with its advanced capabilities and dual micro-HDMI support for 4K displays, offers exciting possibilities for screen configuration. Whether you’re setting up a media center, a multi-display workstation, or simply customizing your Raspberry Pi experience, understanding screen configuration is essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore how to configure screens on the Raspberry Pi 5, covering everything from connecting displays to adjusting settings for resolution, orientation, and dual-screen setups.

1. Understanding the Raspberry Pi 5 Screen Configuration Features

The Raspberry Pi 5 is equipped with:

• Dual micro-HDMI ports: Support for two 4K displays at 60fps.
• VCM Display Controller: Enhances multi-screen performance.
• GPIO Display Compatibility: Support for DSI (Display Serial Interface) screens via the GPIO header.

These features make the Raspberry Pi 5 versatile for both single and multi-screen setups.

2. Preparing for Screen Configuration

a. Required Hardware

Before setting up your screen, ensure you have:

• One or two micro-HDMI to HDMI cables (for external monitors).
• Compatible HDMI or DSI displays.
• A reliable power supply (5V, 5A for Raspberry Pi 5).
• A keyboard and mouse for input.

b. Software Requirements

The Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit version recommended) comes pre-installed with the Screen Configuration Tool, making setup straightforward.

3. Connecting Screens to the Raspberry Pi 5

a. Single Display Setup

1. Connect your monitor to the HDMI 0 port (the port closest to the USB-C power input).
2. Power on your Raspberry Pi. By default, it will detect the display and configure the resolution automatically.

b. Dual Display Setup

1. Connect the first monitor to HDMI 0 and the second monitor to HDMI 1.
2. Power on the Raspberry Pi. Both displays should activate, with one set as the primary display.
3. Use the Screen Configuration Tool to adjust the layout and resolution (explained in the next section).
   
   

4. Using the Screen Configuration Tool

The Screen Configuration Tool is a graphical utility included in Raspberry Pi OS. It allows you to manage connected screens, adjust resolutions, set orientations, and configure multi-screen layouts.

a. Accessing the Screen Configuration Tool

1. Boot into Raspberry Pi OS.
2. Open the main menu and navigate to Preferences > Screen Configuration.
3. The tool will display a graphical representation of your connected screens.

b. Configuring a Single Display

1. Click on the display icon in the tool to select your screen.
2. Adjust Resolution: Choose your desired resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 or 3840x2160 for 4K) under Resolution.
3. Orientation: Set the screen orientation to Normal, Left, Right, or Inverted.
4. Click Apply to save the settings.

c. Configuring Dual Displays

1. Both screens will appear in the layout view.
2. Drag and position the screens to reflect your physical setup (e.g., side-by-side or stacked).
3. Set Primary Display: Right-click a display and select Make Primary to choose the screen for the taskbar and desktop icons.
4. Customize Each Display: Adjust the resolution and orientation for each screen individually.
5. Click Apply to confirm the changes.
   
   

5. Configuring Displays Using Terminal

If you prefer command-line tools, you can configure displays using the xrandr utility.

a. Checking Connected Displays

Open a terminal and type:

xrandr

This will list connected displays (e.g., HDMI-1, HDMI-2) and their supported resolutions.

b. Setting Resolution and Orientation

To set the resolution for a display:

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080

To rotate a display:

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --rotate left

c. Arranging Dual Displays

To position HDMI-2 to the right of HDMI-1:

xrandr --output HDMI-2 --right-of HDMI-1

Save these settings permanently by adding the commands to your startup script (~/.xprofile or ~/.bashrc).

6. Configuring a Touchscreen Display

 

The Raspberry Pi 5 supports official DSI touchscreen displays via the GPIO interface. Here’s how to configure one:

1. Connect the Touchscreen: Attach the ribbon cable from the display to the DSI port on the GPIO header.
   
   
2. Enable Touchscreen Support:
   
   

• Open a terminal and edit the boot configuration file

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

• Add the following line if not already present
  
  dtoverlay=vc4-kms-v3d

3. Calibrate the Touchscreen: Use tools like xinput to fine-tune the touchscreen responsiveness.
   
   

7. Troubleshooting Common Screen Configuration Issues

 

a. No Signal Detected

• Ensure the display is connected to the correct HDMI port. Use HDMI 0 for single-screen setups.
• Verify that your micro-HDMI to HDMI cable is functional and securely connected.

b. Wrong Resolution

• Open the Screen Configuration Tool and manually select the desired resolution.
• Update your Raspberry Pi OS to ensure compatibility with your display.

c. Touchscreen Not Working

• Check the ribbon cable connection and ensure it is properly seated in the DSI port.
• Verify that the vc4-kms-v3d overlay is enabled in the /boot/config.txt file.
  
  

8. Advanced Screen Configuration

For advanced setups, such as rotating screens for vertical layouts or enabling a virtual display, you can use configuration files.

a. Rotating the Display via config.txt

1. Edit the boot configuration file:

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

2. Add the following line for a 90° rotation:

display_hdmi_rotate=1

b. Setting Up a Virtual Display

Virtual displays can simulate a second screen for headless setups. Use tools like VNC or virtual display utilities to enable this feature.

Applications for Multi-Screen Setups

• Media Centers: Use one screen for playback and another for browsing content.
  
  
• Programming Workstations: Run code editors on one screen and terminal or browser on the other.
  
  
• Gaming and Emulation: Extend gameplay or create a control panel on a second screen.
  
  
• IoT Dashboards: Display real-time data on multiple screens for better visualization.
  
  

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi 5’s enhanced display features make it a powerful tool for single or dual-screen setups. With the Screen Configuration Tool, configuring resolution, orientation, and multi-display layouts is easier than ever. For users comfortable with the command line, xrandr offers a versatile way to customize screen settings. Whether you’re building a media center, programming station, or creative project, mastering screen configuration on the Raspberry Pi 5 ensures a seamless experience.

Frequently asked questions

1. What should I do if my display shows no signal?
   
   Check the HDMI cable, use the correct port (HDMI 0 for single screens), and ensure the Raspberry Pi is powered correctly.

2. Can I rotate the screen orientation on Raspberry Pi 5?
   
   Yes, use the Screen Configuration Tool or the xrandr command to rotate the display.
   
   
3. How do I configure screen settings using the terminal?
   
   Use the xrandr command to adjust resolution, orientation, and screen placement.
   
   
4. Can Raspberry Pi 5 power two screens simultaneously?
   
   Yes, with its dual micro-HDMI ports, it can power two screens at up to 4K resolution each.
   
   
5. How do I troubleshoot resolution issues on Raspberry Pi 5?
   
   Use the Screen Configuration Tool to manually set the resolution, or update the OS for better compatibility.