How to Set Up AnyDesk Nighttime Access Password on a Headless Raspberry Pi

In this article, we will address a common issue that users of AnyDesk face when utilizing a headless Raspberry Pi: configuring a nighttime access password without a display server such as X11 or Wayland.

What is the Problem?

Many users implementing Raspberry Pi as a relay in their local networks encounter the display_server_not_supported error when trying to set up unattended access. This is particularly frustrating for those using lightweight operating systems like Raspberry Pi OS Lite, which lacks a graphical interface. However, there are ways to tackle this situation.

Solution to the Problem

1. Using the Command Line: Although some users have reported that the command echo "MYPASSWORD" | sudo anydesk --set-password may not work effectively in a headless configuration, it is crucial to ensure that the version of AnyDesk being used is the latest one. It’s worth checking for available updates through official repositories.

2. Is a Password Necessary?: If the sole purpose of the Raspberry Pi is to send Wake-on-LAN (WoL) packets and it is configured to reject incoming connections, some users question whether it is really necessary to establish a password. From a security standpoint, while not all experts agree on the necessity of setting a password in this particular case, it is still advisable to do so if there is any possibility of unwanted access through the network.

Conclusion

Operating the application in headless mode can often present challenges, but with the right tools and commands, it is possible to configure the desired level of security without a graphical interface. So, although setting up a password may not be as straightforward on a headless Raspberry Pi, exploring various commands and staying updated with the latest versions of AnyDesk will be crucial for overcoming these hurdles.

We hope these suggestions prove helpful and that you successfully configure your Raspberry Pi securely using AnyDesk.