30 Best Raspberry Pi Pico Projects for Beginners to Experts (2025)

The Raspberry Pi Pico has changed how makers work on microcontroller projects. This tiny board offers a powerful chip and low-cost features. You can use it for both simple and advanced projects. In this guide, you will find 30 projects for every skill level. Here are some key points:

• Experiment with simple LED circuits.
• Build smart home devices with ease.
• Tinker with robotics and interactive gadgets.

I remember my first blink project with the Pico. It was fun and full of surprises. You may laugh at my early mistakes and learn from them. I will show you how to set up, code, and build many projects. My aim is to make building with the Pico feel enjoyable and clear.

What You’ll Learn

• How to set up and program the Pico.
• Step-by-step guides for various projects.
• Tips on wiring, coding, and troubleshooting.

Getting Started with Raspberry Pi Pico

What is the Raspberry Pi Pico?

The Pico is a small board from the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It uses the RP2040 chip. This board has many pins for input and output. It is easy to use for beginners. The Pico comes in different models:

• Raspberry Pi Pico (without headers)
• Raspberry Pi Pico H (with pre-soldered headers)
• Raspberry Pi Pico W (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Raspberry Pi Pico WH (Wi-Fi with pre-soldered headers)

Essential Tools and Setup

Before you start these projects, gather your tools:

• Raspberry Pi Pico board
• A micro USB cable
• A computer with coding software
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• Basic electronic parts like LEDs, resistors, and buttons

For your software, install Thonny IDE. This editor makes coding with MicroPython simple. Download the MicroPython firmware from the official Raspberry Pi site. Press the BOOTSEL button while plugging in your Pico. Then transfer the firmware file to the Pico. After a quick reboot, you are ready to go.

Beginner Projects (No Soldering Required)

1. Blinking LED – The Hello World of Hardware

This classic project teaches you to blink an LED. You use a built-in LED on pin 25. The project introduces simple loops and digital output. Components:

• Pico board
• LED
• 220-ohm resistor
• Breadboard and cables

Code Example: “`python import machine import time led = machine.Pin(25, machine.Pin.OUT) while True: led.toggle() time.sleep(0.5) “`

Tip: Test the blink code to check your setup.

2. Interactive Button Controls

Upgrade your LED project by adding button input. The LED will light up when you press the button. Components:

• LED circuit from project 1
• Pushbutton switch
• 10K resistor for pull-down
• Extra wires

Note: A common mistake is to forget the resistor, which may cause erratic behavior.

3. Temperature Display with Built-in Sensor

Use the Pico’s built-in sensor to show temperature. Display the reading on the console or an OLED screen. Components:

• Pico board
• Small OLED display (I2C)
• Jumper wires

Code Example: “`python import machine import time sensor_temp = machine.ADC(4) conversion_factor = 3.3 / 65535 while True: reading = sensor_temp.read_u16() * conversion_factor temperature = 27 – (reading – 0.706) / 0.001721 print(“Temperature: {:.2f} C”.format(temperature)) time.sleep(2) “`

Moment: Seeing live temperature data is very satisfying.

4. RGB LED Color Mixer

Mix colors with an RGB LED controlled by PWM. The Pico will create an array of soft glows. Components:

• Pico board
• Common cathode RGB LED
• Three 220-ohm resistors
• Breadboard and cables

Quick Win: Experiment with different PWM values for varied color effects.

5. Simple Music Box with Piezo Buzzer

Turn your Pico into a tiny music maker. Use a piezo buzzer to play simple tunes. Components:

• Pico board
• Piezo buzzer
• Optional pushbuttons for control
• Breadboard and wires

Fun Fact: You can program tunes and have a mini concert at home.

Home Automation Projects

6. Smart Plant Watering System

Build a system that checks soil moisture and waters your plant. This project adds a bit of nature and tech together. Components

• Pico W board for Wi-Fi alerts
• Soil moisture sensor
• Water pump or solenoid valve
• Relay module
• Tubing and a power supply

Pro Tip: Set a moisture threshold to avoid overwatering.

7. Motion-Activated LED Stair Lights

Light your stairs when someone walks by. Use a PIR sensor and LED strips to bring light on demand. Components:

• Pico board
• PIR motion sensor
• Addressable LED strip (WS2812B)
• 5V power supply and level converter if needed

Idea: Customize the light patterns to suit your style.

8. Environmental Monitoring Station

Create a mini weather station with data logging. Monitor temperature, humidity, and pressure. Components:

• Pico W board for network connectivity
• BME280 sensor (temp, humidity, pressure)
• OLED display
• Optional sensors like a light sensor

Check: Display real-time data and upload records online.

9. Voice-Controlled Home Automation Hub

Control home devices with voice commands. Use a microphone module connected to your Pico. Components:

• Pico W board
• Microphone module
• Speakers or buzzer
• Relay modules for appliances

Fun Note: Use simple voice commands to switch lights or fans on.

10. Custom Doorbell with Camera Notification

Make a doorbell that grabs images and sends alerts. This project is perfect for a smart home system. Components:

• Pico W board
• Camera module
• Pushbutton for the doorbell
• LEDs and buzzer for alerts
• Enclosure for protection

Hot Tip: Integrate with a messaging service to get instant alerts.

Educational and Fun Projects

11. Interactive Pong Arcade Game

Build the classic Pong game with physical controls. Use a small display and buttons for player input. Components:

• Pico board
• Small SPI or I2C display
• Potentiometers or buttons
• Buzzer for sound effects

Remember: Simple game physics and responsive controls bring fun to the project.

12. Digital Pet (Picotamachibi)

Create a digital pet that needs attention and care. The pet reacts to inputs and displays playful animations. Components:

• Pico board
• OLED display
• Buttons for interaction
• Speaker for sound effects

Insight: This project is both entertaining and instructive for learning programming basics.

13. LED Matrix Animation

Craft scrolling messages and animations on an LED matrix. Show off your creativity with light effects. Components:

• Pico board
• 8×8 LED matrix or similar display
• Resistors and wiring

Fun Fact: Program a custom message for special events or holidays.

14. Home Ambient Lighting System

Control room lighting with a Pico and Bluetooth module. Change light colors with an app or voice. Components:

• Pico board
• RGB LED strip
• TIP122 transistors
• Bluetooth module HC-05
• Power supply and resistors

Pro Tip: Adjust light schemes based on mood and time of day.

15. Automated Room Fan Controller

Make a fan that activates with motion. This project helps you stay cool with minimal effort. Components:

• Pico board
• PIR sensor
• Relay module to control the fan
• Optional temperature sensor

Quick Note: Use minimal code to get the fan to start and stop automatically.

16. Wireless Weather Station

Show temperature, humidity, and pressure on a web page. Use the Pico W to send data to a server. Components:

• Pico W board
• BME280 sensor
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• OLED display for local readouts

Remember: Sharing live weather data adds a modern touch to your house.

17. Mini Drone Controller

Learn basic drone controls with the Pico. Use it to manage motors and sensors on a mini drone. Components:

• Pico board
• Micro coreless motors
• Propellers and battery
• Speed controllers and MPU6050 accelerometer

Momentum: Start with a simple design and then add more features.

18. Remote-Controlled Car

Build a small robot car using the Pico. Use it as a base for more advanced robotics projects. Components:

• Pico board
• Motor driver (like L298N)
• DC motors with wheels
• Bluetooth remote control

Word of Advice: Test individual modules before assembling the complete car.

19. Smart Alarm Clock

Create an alarm clock that wakes you gently with light. The Pico can manage time and control an LED ring. Components:

• Pico board
• Real-time clock module (DS3231)
• OLED display for time
• RGB LED ring for gentle lighting

Bright Idea: Set multiple alarms with custom light patterns.

20. Motion Sensing Security System

Build a simple security system with sensors and alarms. Detect movement and trigger alerts. Components:

• Pico board
• PIR motion sensor
• Buzzer or siren
• Optional camera module

Tip: A basic alarm system can add a layer of safety at home.

21. Remote Data Logger

Record sensor data and store it on an SD card. This project is great for field experiments. Components:

• Pico board
• SD card module
• Various sensors (temperature, humidity, etc.)
• Breadboard and cables

Good to Know: Keeping logs helps with later analysis and tweaking your projects.

22. Interactive Touch Pad

Create a touch-based controller for various inputs. Use capacitive sensing with the Pico. Components:

• Pico board
• Capacitive touch sensor module
• LED indicators

Fun Note: This project makes DIY electronics feel like a futuristic gadget.

23. Digital Compass

Build a digital compass that shows direction. Use a magnetometer with the Pico for data. Components:

• Pico board
• Magnetometer sensor (like HMC5883L)
• OLED display for the compass needle

Handy Tip: Calibrate the sensor well for accurate readings.

24. Smart Door Lock

Develop a door lock that uses a keypad and feedback LEDs. Program the Pico to check codes. Components:

• Pico board
• Keypad module (12-channel touch keypad)
• LED indicators and buzzer
• Servo motor for the lock mechanism

Advice: Keep the code simple and test all door operations.

25. Wireless Game Controller

Create a custom game controller using a Pico. Use buttons and wireless modules for gaming. Components:

• Pico board
• Multiple push-buttons
• Bluetooth or RF module

Tip: Map each button to clear functions for fun gameplay.

26. Plant Growth Monitor

Monitor plant conditions with sensors for light and moisture. Report data on a smartphone. Components:

• Pico W board
• Light sensor
• Soil moisture sensor
• Wi-Fi for data transfer

Idea: The monitor helps you know when your plant needs care.

27. Custom LED Clock

Make a clock that displays time in a fun light pattern. Use LED strips and creative coding. Components:

• Pico board
• LED strip
• Real-time clock module (DS3231)
• Breadboard and wires

Note: This project is a mix of art and electronics.

28. Digital Picture Frame

Display images from an SD card. Use the Pico to manage the display transitions. Components:

• Pico board
• Small LCD or OLED screen
• SD card module
• Power supply

Fun Fact: Change images based on the time of day.

29. Interactive Art Installation

Build a simple art piece that reacts to sound or touch. Use sensors to trigger light patterns. Components:

• Pico board
• Sound sensor or touch sensor
• Addressable LED strip
• Optional speaker for effects

Creative Note: This project mixes art and tech in a playful way.

30. Mini Weather Balloon

Launch a small balloon with the Pico to measure weather. Collect data during the flight. Components:

• Pico board
• Sensors (temperature, pressure, etc.)
• Lightweight battery pack
• Balloon and protective casing

Final Thought: This project is a fun way to see your code work in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I build with the Pico?

You can build many projects. From simple LED blinkers to smart home devices, the Pico is very flexible.

Do I need special tools?

Basic tools like a breadboard, jumper wires, and a micro USB cable are enough for many projects.

Can beginners use the Pico?

Yes, the Pico is great for beginners and experts. Start with simple projects and move to advanced ones.

What programming language is used?

MicroPython is common. You can also use C/C++ through Arduino IDE.

Do I need soldering skills?

Many projects are solder-free. As you progress, you might need to solder for permanent setups.

Can I connect the Pico to the Internet?

Yes, if you use the Pico W. This lets you create Wi-Fi enabled projects.

Conclusion

The projects in this guide give you a strong starting point. They cover a range of ideas from simple to advanced. Each project teaches you new skills and builds your confidence. I hope you have fun making your Pico projects. I can’t wait to hear your results and see what you build next. Try one of these projects and share your success story!