3

I want to power down my Pi, but I don't have console access... I'm just logged in via ssh.

So I issue sudo shutdown now and it drops my connection almost instantly. How long should I wait to unplug the device? Are there any clues I can watch for with the on-board lights?

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4

You can wait for all the LED's to go off. Only the red LED(power LED) stays on. That's when the Pi has shutdown

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    If you don't have the ethernet plug connected, only the red is on while running too. The green OK flickers when it shuts down tho, and it does seem to be finished when it returns to just the red PWR.
    – goldilocks ♦
    Apr 25, 2013 at 14:45
3

The Raspberry Pi does not allow you to shut it down completely, unless you unplug the power. The best way to turn it off is by running sudo shutdown -h now and waiting until everything has been unloaded properly and then unplugging the device.

If you have no display I would recommend that you run the command and then wait a few minutes until you unplug the device.

Improve this answer
2
  • I don't usually have to wait that long on mine until the root prompt pops up - whenever the red LED is the only one on, it's usually safe. 30 seconds, tops.
    – JamesTheAwesomeDude
    Apr 26, 2013 at 5:48
  • Yea, for sure. Unless there is an issue with the OS it shouldn't take long at all.
    – eandersson
    Apr 26, 2013 at 12:07

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.