Parrot OS on Raspberry Pi: Install, Setup and Useful Tools

Parrot OS is an open-source Linux distribution based on Debian. It is designed for security experts and penetration testers and focuses on privacy-related tools. Parrot OS can be easily installed on your Raspberry Pi, here’s how.

Parrot OS comes in three versions: Core, Home, and Security. Images for all the versions can be downloaded from their official website and installed using the Raspberry Pi Imager.

In this article, I’ll share easy, step-by-step instructions for installing Parrot OS on your Raspberry Pi! I’ll also guide you through the setup process and introduce you to its amazing tools and features. Let’s get started!

If you’re new to Raspberry Pi or Linux, I’ve got something that can help you right away!
Download my free Linux commands cheat sheet – it’s a quick reference guide with all the essential commands you’ll need to get things done on your Raspberry Pi. Click here to get it for free!

Introducing Parrot OS

Before we proceed with the installation and configuration process, let’s first understand Parrot OS and what it offers.

Parrot OS is an open-source Debian-based Linux distribution. It is specialized for people interested in IT security and digital forensics and has several features focusing on information privacy.

Parrot OS comes with many tools from privacy/ anonymity tools like AnnonSurf to pen-testing/ network sniffing tools like NMap, Wireshark, and AirCrack-NG.

Editions/ Flavors

Parrot OS comes in three different editions:

• Core Edition: This edition only contains the base packages. You can configure and install individual packages separately or during installation.
• Home Edition: A lightweight version that is more suitable for everyday use. Tools regarding privacy and anonymity are included. However, security and pen-testing tools are not included.
• Security Edition: Comprehensive Parrot OS edition, which includes all security, pen-testing as well as privacy and anonymity tools.

Parrot OS vs Kali Linux

Parrot OS offers functionality that is very similar to Kali Linux. However, the following are the key differences between the two:

	Kali Linux	Parrot OS
Penetration Testing	Offers a large, specialized toolkit for penetration testing out of the box.	Includes similar testing tools with added features for privacy and forensics.
Privacy & supports	Supports privacy tools like Tor but doesn’t include them by default.	Excels in privacy with built-in tools like Tor, I2P, and Anonsurf for secure browsing.
Forensics and Digital Security	Focuses on penetration testing, not forensics or data recovery.	Offers tools for forensics and secure data management, in addition to testing.
Resource Usage and Performance	Recommended for advanced users; lightweight and specialized.	More resource-intensive due to added privacy and forensic tools.
System Installation and Size	Smaller installation with minimal tools and a lightweight XFCE desktop.	Focused on offensive security, ideal for testers targeting vulnerabilities.
Security Focus	Purely offensive security-focused, ideal for vulnerability testing.	Broader focus with tools for communication, encryption, and privacy.
Community and Documentation	Larger community, used widely in certifications and formal training.	Smaller, privacy-focused community, popular with forensic users.
Ease of Use for Beginners	Best for experienced users familiar with penetration testing.	Slightly more beginner-friendly with a broader toolset and traditional desktop.

In conclusion, I recommend Kali Linux if you are looking for a Linux distribution solely for penetration testing. This detailed guide will show you how to get started with Kali Linux on your Raspberry Pi.

However, suppose you are looking for something more beginner-friendly with additional privacy-related features at the cost of a slightly heavier operating system. In that case, Parrot OS is the right choice for you. You can read this guide on how to get started with it.

How to Install Parrot OS on Raspberry Pi

If you have decided that Parrot OS is your choice, let’s install it on your Raspberry Pi.

Preparing for Installation

Before installing Parrot OS on your Raspberry Pi, make sure you have the following items. I’ve also included some recommendations based on my experience to help you get the best results:

• Raspberry Pi: Any recent model (3B, 4B, 400, or 5) is supported, but I recommend the Raspberry Pi 5 for a smoother experience with Parrot OS. If you don’t have one yet, check out this perfect kit on Amazon with all the necessary accessories to get started.
• Micro SD Card (16GB or Larger): My favorite is this one on Amazon, which I found very reliable and fast. If you’re interested, I also compared other models in this article.
  If you don’t have an SD card slot on your computer, you’ll also need a card reader (here is a cheap one on Amazon).
• Raspberry Pi Imager: The tool we’ll use to prepare the SD card with the operating system files (You can read my beginner’s guide here for more details).
• Display, keyboard, and mouse: You’ll need these for the initial setup, any model will do. After the first boot, you can enable SSH and VNC and continue using Parrot OS without them.
  I’m currently using the CrowView Note (tested here) and you can also find the other accessories I recommend on this page.

Once everything is ready, you can get started with Parrot OS installation.

Downloading the Image File

Unfortunately, Parrot OS is unavailable through the official Raspberry Pi Imager software. Follow these steps to download the Parrot OS image file:

• Visit the official Parrot OS Download Page.
  
• Scroll down and select the correct category. Since we are downloading for Raspberry Pi, choose the IoT category.
  
• Next, select Raspberry Pi.
  
• Next, choose the right edition. Since we want to test all the functionality that Parrot OS offers, we decided on the Security Edition.
  
• Click on the Download button to start your download.
  

This should start the download of your Parrot OS Image file for Raspberry Pi.

Installing Parrot OS

To install your downloaded Image file on your Raspberry Pi, follow these steps:

• Plug in your MicroSD Card using a Card Reader.
• Open Raspberry Pi Imager.
• Click on Choose Device.
  
• Select your Raspberry Pi Device (I was working with a Raspberry Pi 400, so I chose a Raspberry Pi 4).
  
• Next, click on Choose OS.
  
• Scroll to the bottom of the list and choose “Use custom”.
  
• Browse to where you have downloaded the Parrot OS image file, select it, and click open.
  
• Now, click on Choose Storage.
  
• Select your memory card from the list.
  
• Click Next.
  
• Click No to customization.
  
• Click Yes to Confirm.
  
• The installation will take some time to complete. Once completed, you will be greeted with this message.
  

Parrot OS Installation is now complete. To get started with Parrot OS, remove the memory card from your PC and plug it into your Raspberry Pi.

Getting Started with Parrot OS on Raspberry Pi

Once Parrot OS is installed on your memory card, you can put this memory card in your Raspberry Pi. Connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and power it up.

Now, you have to wait for the login screen to appear.

First Boot

Upon first booting, you will be greeted with this login screen.

You can log in using the default username and password for Parrot OS. Once logged in, you will be greeted with the Mate desktop.

• Default Username = pi
• Default Password = parrot

Now, we can begin customizing Parrot OS for our use.

Keyboard Layout

The first thing you might need to do is change the keyboard layout. The default keyboard layout is set to UK. If you are using any other keyboard, then follow these steps to change the layout:

• Select “System” -> “Preferences” -> “Hardware” -> “Keyboard” from the top left menu.
  
• Go to the “Layouts” tab and click “+Add”.
  
• Select the “Country” and “Variant” and click “Add”.
  

You will now be able to use your keyboard layout on Parrot OS.

Create User

Another important thing we need to do before anything else is to create our username and password instead of using the default one.

To do so, open a terminal and do the following:

• Enter this command to create a user. You will be prompted for additional optional details regarding the user:
  sudo adduser <username>
  
• To execute commands as Super User or Root, add this user to the sudo group. To do so, run this command in the terminal:
  sudo adduser -aG sudo <username>
  
• When you sign out, you will see the option to log in as your newly created user.
  

Creating your user is an essential step to improving the privacy and security of your system. Additionally, you can remove the default user or change its password.

Are you a bit lost in the Linux command line? Check this article first for the most important commands to remember and a free downloadable cheat sheet so you can have the commands at your fingertips.

Connect To Network

The next step is to connect our system to the Internet so that we can download and install packages.

DHCP

The simplest method of connecting to the Internet is to use your router’s DHCP server and connect to it (like you would connect to any of your other PCs).

To do this, follow these steps:

• Click on the Networking Icon at the top right of your screen. Then click “Available Networks” and choose your Wi-Fi SSID from the list.
  
• You will be prompted to enter the password for your Wifi.
  
• Once connected, you can open a terminal and enter the following command to check your system’s dynamically allocated IP address.
  sudo ifconfig
  

Following these steps, you successfully connected your system to the Internet. If that is all you want, skip the next part and go directly to “Update Your System.” However, you can read the following section to configure your system with a Static IP.

Static IP

To configure your system with a Static IP (IP address that will remain the same every time you connect to a network), follow these steps:

• From the top left menu, navigate to “System” -> “Internet and Network” -> “Advanced Network Configuration”.
  
• Select your network connection and click on the little gear icon.
  
• Navigate to “IPV4 Settings” and change the method from “Automatic (DHCP)” to “Manual”.
  
• Now click on “Add,” enter your IP Configuration, and click “Save.”
  
• We need to restart the Network Manager for these changes to take effect. To do so, open a terminal and enter the following command:
  sudo service NetworkManager restart
• Now, you can run this command to verify the changes have taken effect:
  sudo ifconfig
  

Update Your System

Now that we are connected to the internet, the first thing we need to do before installing anything is update our system. To get your system up to date, open a terminal and enter this command:
sudo apt update

Next, run this command to complete the update:
sudo apt upgrade

Now, our system is up-to-date and ready for further use and configuration.

Enable SSH & VNC

If you prefer to use your system in a headless environment (without a display, keyboard, or mouse), you must enable SSH and VNC on your Parrot OS. To do so, follow these steps:

SSH

• First, we need to enable SSH on Parrot OS. To do so, open a terminal and enter the following command:
  sudo systemctl enable ssh
  
• You can now either restart for the SSH to get enabled on the next boot or start the service manually using the command:
  sudo systemctl start ssh
• You can verify the status of SSH using the command:
  sudo systemctl status ssh
  
• Now, to SSH into your Parrot OS from your other Laptop, open a Terminal/ Command Prompt and enter:
  ssh <user name>@<host nam/ IP address>
  

I have a full guide on how to use SSH here, it’s for Raspberry Pi OS but most of the steps are the same if you need help.

VNC

• To enable VNC on your Parrot OS, we first need to install a VNC Server. You can install Tight VNC using the command:
  sudo apt install tightvncserveer
  
• Now, to enable the VNC, use this command (you will be prompted to enter a password to access the VNC):
  vncserver
  
• Now, on your remote laptop/ PC, install TightVNC Client.
• Run the TightVNC Client, enter the IP and Port of your Parrot OS, and click “Connect”.
  Note: Port Number = 5900 + Desktop Number(1 in our case).
• You will be prompted to enter the password that you set previously (when enabling the VNC Server).
  
• You can now access the display and control of your Parrot OS from your remote laptop/ PC.
  
  Check my guide about VNC here for more details.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and configured the Parrot OS for our Raspberry Pi. We can now access it using SSH and VNC.

Parrot OS Tools

After installing and configuring Parrot OS, let’s explore its tools and functionalities. Parrot OS offers several tools and features. We will cover only a few, which are the most useful.

AnonSurf – Anonymous Browsing

AnonSurf is a tool that allows anonymous network browsing using Tor. Unlike Tor/ Onion Browser, which only works within a browser, AnonSurf implements the Tor network systemwide for all traffic.

AnonSurf can be used both graphically and via CLI.

Note: Unfortunately, my image of Parrot OS Security did not contain AnonSurf out of the box. However, it is straightforward to install. All you have to do is run this command in a terminal:
sudo apt install anonsurf anonsurf-gtk anonsurf-cli

You can run Anonsurf from the “Applications” -> “Privacy” -> “Anon Surf” -> “AnonSurf GUI”.

You can then enable or disable the service by toggling the start button.

Alternatively, you can use AnonSurf from CLI as well using this command:
anonsurf

AnonSurf is an excellent tool for privacy-conscious people like me. It can be used in addition to a VPN to make network browsing completely anonymous.

NMap – Network Auditing

NMap, or Network Map, is a powerful network analysis utility and a network scanning tool penetration testers use. It can scan your network to find connected IPs, open ports, and software being used on them.

NMap is straightforward to use. You can type nmap into your terminal to see a list of all available command line options.

You can run a ping scan to find all IPs connected to your network with this command:
sudo nmap -sn <IP Range>

This command can be used to check all ports open on one of the IPs connected to our network:
sudo nmap -n -NP -sT -sU <IP Address>

Using this command, we can run an OS scan to conduct a deeper analysis of a machine connected to our network:
sudo nmap -O <IP Address>

As you can see, it correctly figured out that my laptop is running Windows 11.

NMap is a robust network auditing and mapping tool. It can carry out many network scanning techniques to accurately map the nodes connected to your network.

Wireshark – Network Sniffing

Wireshark is another tool that comes pre-packed with the installation of Parrot OS. It is a well-known network sniffing tool that can detect all incoming and outgoing network messages, which can help you debug your network configuration.

Wireshark can be found in the “Applications” -> “Pentesting” -> “Most Used Tools” -> “Wireshark”.

To start network sniffing, go to “Capture” -> “Start.” You will now see all network traffic in the Wireshark GUI.

Wireshark is the go-to tool for penetration testers for network debugging and sniffing.

By default, Wireshark only shows traffic directed toward your IP address. However, if your Wi-Fi card supports monitor mode, it can also capture network data that is not directed toward your PC.

AirCrackNG – Cracking WiFi Passwords

AirMon-NG and AirCrack-NG are tools for cracking any Wi-Fi connection’s WPA/ WPA2 keys. They also come pre-packed with Parrot OS.

Note: To use these tools, you must ensure your WiFi device is compatible with monitor mode. At the time of my testing, my Raspberry Pi 400 did not have the monitor mode option available. If this is the case for you, you might have to use a USB WiFi card that supports monitor mode.

To check all the devices listed on your device, run this command:
sudo airmon-ng

You can use this command to start monitoring:
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0

Now we can finally see all the wireless networks available using the command:
sudo airodump-ng wlan0mon

This post explains how to get started with WPA/ WPA2 WiFi password hacking. While it is more geared toward Kali Linux users, the same should also apply to Parrot OS.

Whenever you’re ready, here are other ways I can help you:

Test Your Raspberry Pi Level (Free): Not sure why everything takes so long on your Raspberry Pi? Take this free 3-minute assessment and see what’s causing the problems.

The RaspberryTips Community: Need help or want to discuss your Raspberry Pi projects with others who actually get it? Join the RaspberryTips Community and get access to private forums, exclusive lessons, and direct help (try it for just $1).

Master your Raspberry Pi in 30 days: If you are looking for the best tips to become an expert on Raspberry Pi, this book is for you. Learn useful Linux skills and practice multiple projects with step-by-step guides.

Master Python on Raspberry Pi: Create, understand, and improve any Python script for your Raspberry Pi. Learn the essentials step-by-step without losing time understanding useless concepts.

You can also find all my recommendations for tools and hardware on this page.