This article walks you through setting up a script to run Geckoboard in kiosk mode, ensuring your dashboard or loop launches in full-screen mode every time the Pi boots up. The script also adds support for color emojis.
Our script supports any Raspberry Pi that runs the latest Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) version, Trixie. However, we only recommend the Pi 4 Model B and Pi 5.
If you’re new to the Raspberry Pi, we recommend buying it as part of a starter kit. These include a case, power supply, micro SD card, and an appropriate HDMI cable.
For setup, you will also need a USB keyboard, mouse, and micro SD card reader.
Step 1: Set up Raspberry Pi OS
First, you'll need to install the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS on your Micro SD card. This must be done on a separate PC or Mac with a Micro SD port or adapter.
Download and install the Raspberry Pi Imager application: https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
Open the Raspberry Pi Imager application, select your Raspberry Pi device, and choose Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) as the OS. Select the SD card connected to your computer, then click Next.
At this point, you can click Edit Settings to set up the Pi's Wi-Fi during the installation process, or do it later on the Pi itself.
Click Install. This can take 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Launch your Raspberry Pi
Remove the SD card from your PC and place it in the Raspberry Pi.
Connect the Pi to its power supply, screen, keyboard, and mouse.
Follow any configuration steps and make sure your Pi is connected to the internet (either via Wifi or Ethernet)
Step 3: Run the Geckoboard kiosk script on your Raspberry Pi
Open the Terminal on your Raspberry Pi by clicking on the terminal icon at the top of the desktop.
Write the following in your terminal window:
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/geckoboard/device-scripts/master/raspberrypi -o kiosk_script; bash kiosk_script
Then press Enter. You will be asked to confirm whether you’d like to install updates. Overall, this step will take around 5 minutes. There may be a few pauses when it appears nothing is happening. After a time, you’ll see a progress bar.When it’s finished, you’ll be prompted to reboot. Type sudo reboot into your terminal, then enter to reboot.
After your Raspberry Pi reboots, you should see a passcode on the screen.
Step 4: Connect Geckoboard using Send to screen
To use Send to screen to display your Geckoboard dashboard, follow these steps:
On a device other than your Raspberry Pi, log in to Geckoboard and click Send to screen in the top-right corner.
Enter your passcode in the window that appears under Step 3. If you already have screens paired, you'll need to click Add new screen first.
Click Connect.
The screen is now connected and should be displaying the dashboard you’re currently on.
To exit Geckoboard on your Pi, right-click or press F11.