# Install the Raspberry Pi OS image (easy)

Prepare a Raspberry Pi as a dedicated Lumicast player by flashing an SD card with our OS image, then configuring Wi-Fi.

## Preparing the SD card

### Recommended SD card

We test on Sandisk Extreme SD cards. The SD card is critical for Raspberry Pi performance and Lumicast playback.

### Preparation

Before starting, make sure you can connect the Raspberry Pi's microSD card to your computer — either with an SD adapter or a USB adapter.

1. Download the latest Raspberry Pi OS image from the [Lumicast downloads page](https://lumicast.com/downloads). You'll get a `.img.gz` file.
2. Install [Etcher](https://etcher.balena.io/) and open it. Select the downloaded `.img.gz` file:

   ![Etcher select image](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/etcher-select.png)

3. At **Select target**, pick the SD card to flash:

   ![Etcher select target](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/etcher-target.png)

4. Click **Flash!** and wait for Etcher to finish.
5. Remove the SD card and insert it into the Raspberry Pi.
6. Boot the Raspberry Pi — it will automatically restart once to finish initial configuration.

## Using the player

### Configuring Wi-Fi

If you're not on wired internet, you'll need Wi-Fi to reach Lumicast.

**Recommended — through Lumicast**

Connect a USB keyboard (and optionally a mouse) to the Raspberry Pi. Press `M` on the keyboard, then select **Wi-Fi configuration**:

![Wi-Fi menu](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/wifi-menu.png)

Use the arrow keys to find your network, press **Enter**, enter the password and confirm with **Enter** or **Connect**. A checkmark appears next to the network when connected:

![Wi-Fi connected](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/wifi-connected.png)

Press `Esc` to return to the player.

::: tip
Don't see any networks? Click **Connect manually** and enter your network name and password.
:::

**Alternative — through the terminal**

Connect a keyboard and press:

```
Ctrl + Alt + N
```

A terminal opens showing nearby networks. Pick one, enter the password, then navigate to the quit button. Your player is back in focus and should be connected.

### Once you have an internet connection

Press `M` on the keyboard to open the service menu. Both status dots should be green, indicating a good connection to Lumicast:

![Service menu](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/service-menu.png)

### Keep the device up to date

The image might contain an older Lumicast player version. To update:

1. Press `Ctrl + R` on your keyboard to manually refresh the Lumicast player. The latest version gets installed (requires internet).
2. Open the service menu and click **Reboot**. The device restarts and finalises updates.

If you've added the player to your workspace and still see the "player version outdated" icon:

![Outdated version icon](/img/articles/player-installation/raspberry-pi-os/outdated-icon.png)

…refresh the player to bring it up to date.