---
title: "DIY"
description: "How to install Volumio on your own Raspberry Pi or PC, set it up with the app, and unlock Premium features."
url: https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/192-diy
collection: "Getting started"
updated: 2026-11-13
language: en
---

# DIY

How to install Volumio on your own Raspberry Pi or PC, set it up with the app, and unlock Premium features.

Besides Volumio devices, you can install Volumio on a Raspberry Pi or on a PC (x86/x64). Volumio is free on these, and you can add [Premium features](https://help.volumio.com/articles/205-volumio-free-vs-premium) with a MyVolumio plan.

The guides in this help center use Nova, Volumio's new interface, which on Raspberry Pi and PC is a Premium feature. To see what changes without it, see [Nova and Volumio 4](https://help.volumio.com/articles/172-nova-and-volumio-4).

[**DIY** - Quick start guide (EN)](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/cef2547564.html)

## What you need

-   A Raspberry Pi with its power supply, or a PC.
    
-   A microSD card for the Raspberry Pi, or a USB drive for the PC.
    
-   A computer to prepare the card or the drive.
    
-   [balenaEtcher](https://etcher.balena.io/), to copy Volumio onto the card or the drive.
    

## Install Volumio

1.  Download Volumio for Raspberry Pi or PC from [volumio.com/get-started](https://volumio.com/get-started/).
    
2.  Open balenaEtcher and press `Flash from file`, then choose the `.zip` file you downloaded.
    
3.  Press `Select target`, choose your microSD card or USB drive, then press `Flash!`.
    
4.  Put the card into the Raspberry Pi, or the USB drive into the PC, and turn it on.
    

> **Warning:** Writing Volumio erases everything on the card or the drive. Check that you picked the right one.

> **Tip:** If the PC doesn't start from the USB drive, open its boot menu right after turning it on (often with `F12`, `F11` or `Esc`) and choose the USB drive.

The first start takes a few minutes.

## Set up Volumio

1.  Open the [Volumio app](https://help.volumio.com/articles/173-volumio-app).
    
2.  Tap `Setup` on the card of your new device and follow the steps.
    

If you have no Ethernet cable and the app doesn't find the device, connect it to Wi-Fi through its own hotspot: tap `⊕` → `Device not found?` → `Connect directly to device`.

You can also set it up [from a browser](https://help.volumio.com/articles/174-volumio-in-a-browser).

## Use a DAC

-   USB DAC: plug it in, then choose it in `Settings` → `Playback options` → `Output device`.
    
-   I2S DAC board (HAT) on a Raspberry Pi: during setup, in `Outputs`, tap `I have an I2S DAC board` and choose yours. Later, you can change it in `Settings` → `Playback options`, with `I2S DAC` and `DAC model`.
    

If the DAC doesn't work, see [DAC issues](https://help.volumio.com/articles/203-dac-issues).

## Premium features

On Raspberry Pi and PC, Premium features need a Premium plan on your MyVolumio account. [Sign in to MyVolumio](https://help.volumio.com/articles/204-myvolumio-account) on the device.

## Get help

-   With Premium: you get help from our support team, like on Volumio devices.
    
-   Without Premium: ask other Volumio users on the [community forum](https://community.volumio.com).

## Related

- [Nova and Volumio 4](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/172-nova-and-volumio-4.md)
- [Volumio app](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/173-volumio-app.md)
- [Volumio in a browser](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/174-volumio-in-a-browser.md)
- [Inputs and outputs](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/175-inputs-and-outputs.md)
- [Power and standby](https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/176-power-and-standby.md)