How to Install Bitfocus Companion on Raspberry Pi | Full Installation & Stream Deck Setup
Bitfocus Companion enables the reasonably priced Elgato Stream Deck to function as a professional shotbox surface for a wide range of presentation switchers, video playback tools, and broadcast equipment—like vMix, OBS, ATEM switchers, and more.
In this video, we show you how to install Bitfocus Companion on a Raspberry Pi and set it up with a Stream Deck, so you can build a dedicated control surface without needing a full PC or Mac running in the background.
You’ll learn two methods to install Companion:
👉 Method 1: Using the CompanionPi OS Image – the fastest and easiest way
👉 Method 2: Manual Installation on Raspberry Pi OS – more control and flexibility
We cover everything step-by-step, including flashing the OS, updating your Pi, installing Companion, and connecting the Stream Deck to Companion. Once set up, your Raspberry Pi becomes a dedicated control server—perfect for studios, live production, and AV workflows!
🔧 Method 1: Using the CompanionPi OS (Official Image)
This is the simplest and quickest way to get started.
Steps covered:
✅Step 1- Download the companion OS image
🔗 Useful Links:
🔹Companion Software installation packages download: https://user.bitfocus.io/download
🔗 Useful Video Links :
🔹Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Installing the Operating System on a Micro SD Card: • Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Inst...
✅Step 2- Flash the image to a Micro SD Card
🔗 Useful Links:
🔹Download Balena Etcher: https://etcher.balena.io/
✅Step 3- First Boot and Setup
🔗 Useful Video Links :
🔹How to Connect to Raspberry Pi: • How to Connect to Raspberry Pi: SSH, VNC, ...
🌐 Access the Companion Web Interface
Open a browser and go to:
http://"your-pi-ip":8000
(Replace "your-pi-ip" with your Raspberry Pi’s actual IP address.)
💡 Ideal for beginners or those looking for a plug-and-play Companion setup.
💻 Method 2: Manual Installation on Raspberry Pi OS (Advanced)
This method gives you full control and is great if you're already running other software on your Raspberry Pi.
Steps covered:
✅Step 1- Install Raspberry Pi OS (Lite or Full)
🔗 Useful Links:
🔹Download Raspberry Pi Imagerhttps://www.raspberrypi.com/software/
🔗 Useful Video Links :
🔹Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Installing the Operating System on a Micro SD Card: • Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Inst...
✅Step 2- Update system packages
📋 Commands: Run the following commands in your terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
✅Step 3- Download and install Bitfocus Companion manually via GitHub
📋 Commands: Run the following commands in your terminal:
🔹Run the Installation Script:
curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/bit... | bash
🔹Automatically Start Companion as a service on boot:
sudo systemctl start companion
sudo systemctl enable companion
✅Access the web UI just like in Method 1
📋 Commands: Run the following commands in your terminal:
🔹To find IP address of your Raspberry Pi:
hostname -i
🔹To restart Companion:
sudo systemctl restart companion
🌐 Access the Companion Web Interface
Open a browser and go to:
http://"your-pi-ip":8000
(Replace "your-pi-ip" with your Raspberry Pi’s actual IP address.)
💡 Perfect for users who want more flexibility or prefer to run Companion alongside other tools.
📺 Watch Related Videos:
🔹 Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: • Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Inst...
🔹 How to Connect to Raspberry Pi (SSH, VNC, etc.): • How to Connect to Raspberry Pi: SSH, VNC, ...
🔹 Podcasting Gear & Setup Playlist: • Podcasting Gear & Setup – Best Mics, Stand...
🛒 Purchase Links:
Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB): https://amzn.to/40PzDB8
NVMe M.2 Enclosure: https://amzn.to/3VJI53s
EVM 256GB M.2 NVMe (2230) SSD: https://amzn.to/4gtBguU
PoE M.2 HAT+ Adapter: https://rarecomponents.com/store/poe-...
Argon ONE V2 Case: https://amzn.to/3WLwn8Q
Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB): https://amzn.to/414soqG
Digitek DHMA-101 Adapter: https://amzn.to/43x3txv
Digitek DCL-150WBC Light: https://amzn.to/4hZrj8H
TONOR Mic Arm Stand: https://amzn.to/4l0JAFm
Rode PodMic Microphone: https://amzn.to/4iVXNCd
🔗 Useful Video Links :
Our Other Raspberry Pi Videos:
🔹Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Installing the Operating System on a Micro SD Card
• Raspberry Pi OS Installation Guide: Inst...
🔹How to Connect to Raspberry Pi: SSH, VNC, Pi Connect, Wi-Fi, LAN, Terminal, Physical Access & More
• How to Connect to Raspberry Pi: SSH, VNC, ...
🔹Podcasting Gear & Setup – Best Mics, Stands & Audio Tips
• Podcasting Gear & Setup – Best Mics, Stand...
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