Download the most useful tools for your Pi onto the device you carry the most
Mostly, our tutorials are about completing a specific project and reaching a particular goal. However, this time we’re doing something a bit different. We are showing you some Android apps that you can use along with your Ras Pi. These apps aren’t tied to particular projects - you can use them whenever and as often as you like - but we think they can add something to your whole experience with the Pi.
Some of the apps in our list are Pi-specific, while others are more general but have a Pi relevance. Chances are you might already know or use one or two, but we hope к that you can discover something new from the selection on offer. If you have an Android phone or tablet and have not explored the range of apps available for your Raspberry Pi, you might be missing out on some cool and very useful options.
RaspiCam Remote
If you are into apps that use the Pi camera then here’s a neat free app that lets you access it remotely. You can save images to your Android device so you can access them later and it will run a video mode based on single-frame capture.
RasPi Check
When you want to check bits of information like the free memory of your Pi or its network status, processes and such, set up SSH login and use the free RasPi Check on your Android tablet or phone. The app can also restart and stop the Pi, as well as send custom commands if you so wish.
AndFTP (your FTP client)
Sometimes you might need to transfer files onto your Pi, and for this you may appreciate AndFTP. It can serve more devices than the Pi and could be useful if your Pi is a web server. The free version is competent, while the Pro version at £3.89 adds in features like folder sync.
Raspi-R
This is a well-featured remote control app that can accommodate more than one Pi. As well as monitor the status of your Pi, you can execute Linux commands, remotely control and reboot the Pi, and handle Python 3 scripts. A free app with in-app purchases available.
Fing – Network Tools
Fing is a general network scanning app that identifies everything on your network by name and delivers both their IP and MAC addresses. You can also send a ping if you feel the need. It really is useful because we all forget our Pi’s IP address from time to time.
Raspberry Pi Remote
If you want to be able to control services from afar then the £0.66 Raspberry Pi Remote could be the app for you. Install it and you can control things like the camera moduleat long range, as long as your Pi is Internet-enabled.
JuiceSSH - SSH client
If you are using SSH to control your Pi from another device, why not add your Android tablet or phone into the mix? There are a number of terminal clients for Android and for SSH with multiple devices - we like the free JuiceSSH because it has a nice, clear interface.
RPiREF
This app is probably better suited to a larger-screened tablet than a smaller handset because it is a reference guide to the GPIO pinout, covering the A, В and B+, (the A+ and Pi 2 layouts are identical to the B+). The info is all really clearly set out, and it’s free.
VNC Viewer
For even more direct remote control of your Ras Pi, we recommend checking out VNC Viewer. This is an excellent VNC client that enables you to view and control your Pi’s desktop GUI if you’ve got a VNC server running on it. RealVNC, makers of the VNC Viewer app, have an open source version of their VNC software available to download on their website, and you can also get hold of a free license for the main VNC software, which is only for personal use and does not include encryption.
GPIO Tool For Raspberry Pi
Some people have a list of Pi projects they want to complete, but lots of us are always looking for inspiration. Download GPIO Tool For Raspberry Pi and you can do a few simulations. It is a mixed bag but worth a look. It’s free, with in-app purchases.