Format the SD card & write the WPSD image  [↑ Contents]

What this step is. You'll put the WPSD software onto a microSD card. Good news: the writing tool formats the card for you as part of the process, so there's no separate “format” step — you just flash the image and it wipes and sets up the card automatically.

What you'll need. A microSD card (8 GB minimum; 16 GB is cheap and more than enough), the SD-card-to-USB adapter from the purchases list, and a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Use a blank card or one you don't mind erasing — flashing wipes everything on it.

1. Download the WPSD image. Go to w0chp.radio/wpsd and download the disk image that matches your hardware (for example, Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Pi 3/4, or Pi 5). It's a .xz file — leave it compressed; the flashing tool unpacks it for you.

2. Get a flashing tool. Download and install balenaEtcher — the WPSD team recommends it for beginners. (Raspberry Pi Imager also works.)

3. Write the image:

1. Insert your microSD card into the computer using the USB adapter.
2. Open Etcher, click Flash from file, and choose the WPSD .xz you downloaded.
3. Click Select target and choose your microSD card. Double-check it's the card — not another drive.
4. Click Flash and wait. It writes, then verifies. (This is also where the card gets formatted.)
5. When it finishes, eject the card.

One caution if you use Raspberry Pi Imager: do not use its “advanced options” to set a username or password. WPSD already has the built-in “pi-star” user it needs, and changing it will break things. You can change the password later from the dashboard.

Your card is now ready to drop into the hotspot and boot.