Use PiClone on Raspberry Pi OS to Clone Raspberry Pi
Upgrade storage capacity on your Raspberry Pi SD Card. Clone Raspberry Pi OS with PiClone on Raspberry Pi. Copy Image to Larger Micro SD Card without data loss. Use the PiClone, SD Card Copier, while Raspberry Pi OS is running in one easy step!
Upgrading Raspberry Pi SD Card:
In fact, most Raspberry Pi Kits include 16GB to 32GB Micro SD Cards which is a good starting point. However, it will not be long before many Raspberry Pi owners will need more space. Thankfully, there are more options available, and affordable. For example, upgrading the Raspberry Pi SD Card to 64GB, 128GB or 256GB currently costs between $20.00 and $50.00.
In addition, the PiClone SD Card Copier comes free with the Raspberry Pi OS. In fact, PiClone has a GUI (Graphical User Interface), and is included in the Raspberry Pi Desktop. PiClone, SD Card Copier is also easy to use and recommended for beginners. However even experienced Raspberry Pi users will appreciate being able to upgrade Micro SD Cards in one easy step. All that is needed, is a new Micro SD Card.
I Feel the Need for Speed!
Generally speaking, many of the newer Micro SD Cards are faster. In fact, there are some Micro SD Cards that have an application rating of 2. The application rating for SD Cards is relatively new. However, increases in speed when loading applications such web browsers and office applications are notable. In general, the application 2 type Micro SD Cards have faster read and write speeds. By and large, even a good quality class 10, application 1 Micro SD Card will be faster than most cards found in starter kits.
Cloning on Macbook Pro, Mac PC or Windows:
As can be seen, using a Raspberry Pi with PiClone SD Card Copier is simpler than using a Windows PC or Mac PC. On the whole, using a Windows PC or Macbook Pro, Mac PC requires multiple steps and software packages. Consequently, using the Raspberry Pi is recommend for beginners. However, there are benefits to using a Windows PC or Macbook Pro, Mac PC. In fact, both the Windows PC and Mac PC provide a great way to backup your Raspberry Pi SD Card to an alternate safe location. For these reasons, if you wish to use a Macbook Pro, Mac PC to clone Raspberry Pi and Upgrade SD Card, please see my page:
Clone Raspberry Pi Upgrade SD Card with Mac PC
In addition, if you would prefer to use a Windows PC to clone Raspberry Pi and Upgrade SD Card, please see my page:
Clone Raspberry Pi Upgrade SD Card with Win PC
Upgrade Example:
This example will demonstrate how to clone a Raspberry Pi OS from a 16GB SD Card to a 128GB SD Cad on the Raspberry Pi in one easy step!
Clone Raspberry Pi SD Card Upgrade Requirements:
- Raspberry Pi running Raspberry Pi OS with Desktop including PiClone SD Card Copier.
- A shiny new 128GB Micro SD card of your choice.
- A USB Micro SD Card Adapter for new Card.
Clone Raspberry Pi – Launch PiClone SD Card Copier:
Insert the new 128GB Micro SD card into Raspberry Pi USB port using Micro SD Card to USB adapter. Consequently, open PiClone SD Card Copier application from Raspberry Pi Desktop Menu as shown below:
Clone Raspberry Pi – Configuring PiClone SD Card Copier:
Generally speaking, after inserting new Micro SD card, there should now be two Micro SD Cards in the Raspberry Pi. As a result, the smaller 16GB SD Card should be selected as the device to copy from. Select the larger new Micro SD Card as the device to copy to as shown below:
Consequently, select the start button and a confirmation will be presented as shown below:
PiClone SD Card Copier – Copy Micro SD Card and Partitions:
In short, this is a good time double check you have selected the right from and to devices. Select the Yes button to proceed forward, cloning or coping smaller SD Card to larger SD card. Once the process starts you will see a progress bar as shown below during copy process:
Clone Raspberry Pi – Verify Results:
As a result, once the copy process has completed, you now have a clone copy of the Raspberry Pi on a new larger Micro SD Card. Power down the Raspberry Pi. Consequently, remove Micro SD cards and carefully insert new larger Micro SD Card into Raspberry Pi Card Slot. Power up the Raspberry Pi. Notably, open the Terminal application from the Raspberry Pi Desktop and enter the following df shell command:
df -lThe df -l shell command will display the new disk space as shown below:
Congratulations:
Congratulations, your Raspberry Pi is now upgraded to a larger Micro SD Card. In addition, you have a backup clone on your original Micro SD Card.
Summary:
There are many ways to upgrade your Raspberry Pi. In fact, one of the most useful is increasing the size the Micro SD Card used by the Raspberry Pi Operating System, applications, and your data. Using the Raspberry Pi and PiClone SD Card Copier application make the process simple and cost effective.
Depending on what Micro SD card you could now have the most powerful Raspberry Pi in the Galaxy. Just remember to not be too proud of this technological terror you have created. Its powers are insignificant to that of the Force…
May the Raspberry Pi be With You,
Regards,
Vic