# Do You Need a USB Wi-Fi Adapter for Raspberry Pi?

DevFeed: [Do You Need a USB Wi-Fi Adapter for Raspberry Pi?](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/do-you-need-a-usb-wi-fi-adapter-for-raspberry-pi-39829.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://raspberrytips.com/raspberry-pi-usb-wi-fi/>)

Author: Karen Rangi

Published: 2026-09-17T02:03:01Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [RaspberryTips](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/raspberrytips.md>)

Topics: [Raspberry Pi](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/raspberry-pi.md>), [Wi-Fi](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/wi-fi.md>), [USB](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/usb.md>), [Dongle](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/dongle.md>)

Tags: [beginner-s-guides](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/beginner-s-guides.md>), [dongle](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dongle.md>), [pi-4](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pi-4.md>), [raspberry-pi](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/raspberry-pi.md>), [raspberry-pi-5](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/raspberry-pi-5.md>), [usb](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/usb.md>), [wi-fi](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/wi-fi.md>)

## AI overview

This guide explains when a Raspberry Pi needs a separate USB Wi-Fi adapter. Most models have built-in wireless, while boards without Wi-Fi require a dongle; adding one may also improve wireless performance.

## Source excerpt

A common question when you first get a Raspberry Pi is whether you have to purchase a separate USB adapter for Wi-Fi. If so, should you get one? I'll help you figure out whether you need one and what to look for if you do. Most Raspberry Pi models have built-in wireless and don't need...