Manjaro Linux is one of the leading Arch-based distros in the Linux market. One of the main reasons for its popularity is; even though it’s an Arch-based distro, it’s fairly easy to use. The huge developer and user base have also led to the OS’s development for various platforms like smartphones and Raspberry Pi. In this article, let’s look at how to install Manjaro ARM on Raspberry Pi 4 B.
We have also made guides about how to install Android on Raspberry Pi 4, how to install Ubuntu-Mate on Raspberry Pi 4 B, and how to install Raspbian/Raspberry Pi OS using NOOBS on Raspberry Pi 4 B so, do make sure to check them out.
Install Manjaro ARM Linux On Raspberry Pi 4
Prerequisites:
- A fast MicroSD card with an SDHC adapter/USB Reader
- A Windows or a Linux machine
- Raspberry Pi Imager Software
- Manjaro ARM Linux XFCE For Raspberry Pi Image file
- A Raspberry Pi 4 with at least 4GB RAM
- A monitor, keyboard, micro HDMI to full-size HDMI cable, official Raspberry Pi charger, and a Type-C cable.
- Patience.
If you don’t have an SD card but a USB drive to boot from it, you’ll need to enable USB boot on Raspberry Pi and then proceed to flash Manjaro on Raspberry Pi 4 using USB boot.
- Extract the Manjaro ARM Linux image
To extract the image, use the following command.
$ unxz “name of the image”.xz - Download the Raspberry Pi Imager
For starters, the Raspberry Pi imager is a tool used to flash OS images onto the SD card to be used in the Pi. You can download the tool for both Linux and Windows from the official Raspberry Pi downloads website.
You can also use the command “sudo apt install rpi-imager” to install it on Ubuntu. On Windows, all you need to do is download the .exe file and double-click on it to install RPI Imager
- Install the Raspberry Pi Imager
Once the download's complete, double click to install the software.
- Open Raspberry Pi Imager
Find the “Imager” app in your app list with the Raspberry logo and open it.
- Flashing the SD card.
Now, insert the SD card into an SDHC adapter or a USB card reader and connect it to your PC. In the Raspberry Pi imager, select the SD card that you want to flash. You can also use other flashing tools like Balena Etcher.
- Use the “Choose a custom image” option
In the long menu that appears when you click on the “Choose OS” option, scroll all the way down and select the “Choose a custom Image” option.
- Final step
Now, choose the Manjaro Linux images, and finally, click on the “Write” button in the imager. The flashing process might take 15-20 minutes or longer, depending on the speed of your SD card.
- Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi 4
Before powering the Pi, make sure you've connected the Micro HDMI cable to the first micro HDMI port and accessories like keyboard and mouse. Refrain from touching the board and use the provided case or buy if you don't have one. By touching it with bare hands, you might end up short-circuiting the board.
You can also install Manjaro ARM Linux by just using the Raspberry Pi Imager, without downloading the image from the official Manjaro website. All you need to do is:
- Click on the Choose OS option in the Raspberry Pi Imager, as shown in the images below.
- Then find and click on the “Other general-purpose OS” option in the list.
- Click on Manjaro ARM Linux and install the XFCE variant among the other variants. More on “Why XFCE?” later.
- Finally, click on the write button. The flashing process might take around 25-30 minutes, depending on your internet speed.
If you want to learn more about what is Raspberry Pi, check out our in-depth guide here!
Why Manjaro ARM Linux XFCE Edition?
One major reason why you should choose XFCE is that:
- It consumes very few system resources and feels smooth (Only 1 GB of RAM out of 4 GB was being used)
- Comes with a good amount of useful pre-loaded apps.
- XFCE is easy to use for beginners. Other variants with Desktop environments like I3 take time to get used to.
Set Up Manjaro
Once you’re done with the installation process, setting it up is a piece of cake. Here are the things you need to do to set it up successfully.
- After booting up, you’ll first need to select the keyboard layout.
- Then you’ll be asked to enter the username.
- Then add additional groups, if any, or else, just press enter to select OK.
- Now, set the full name of the computer and press enter.
- Enter a new password to create a new login password for your PC.
- Now enter the Root password. It can be the same as the login password.
- Finally, choose your timezone and hostname for your system. Set the default hostname as raspberrypi.
- Confirm the entered information is correct and hit the enter key if Yes.
- Welcome to Manjaro ARM Linux for Raspberry Pi!
That’s pretty much it in the installation process. If you want to read more Raspberry Pi articles, we’ve got a whole series in the making so, stay tuned for it.
Let us know in the comments section below if you found this tutorial helpful. Do let us know if you’re stuck and need help, and we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.
