How to Connect a Raspberry Pi 5B to an SPI Display for GUI Output

The Raspberry Pi 5B introduces new challenges when connecting to SPI displays for GUI output. This guide explores the modern solutions to achieve seamless integration.

Current Challenges with Raspberry Pi 5B and SPI Displays

Users have reported issues when attempting to connect SPI displays to the Raspberry Pi 5B:

• Traditional methods like fbcp fail completely on Pi 5
• Displays may initialize (backlight turns on) but show no content
• Error messages like "failed to open vchiq instance" appear when attempting legacy methods

Why Legacy Methods No Longer Work

The Raspberry Pi 5B represents a significant architectural shift:

1. Deprecated Legacy Stack: The legacy display stack was removed in Pi 5
2. No DispmanX Support: Tools like fbcp relied on this deprecated system
3. Driver Changes: Many SPI display drivers are being phased out in favor of modern alternatives

Modern Solutions for SPI Display Connectivity

1. TinyDRM Drivers

The recommended approach uses TinyDRM drivers and panel-mipi-dbi:

• GPU/DRM/Tiny: The successor driver for small SPI displays
• Panel-mipi-dbi: Allows configuration via device tree and firmware files
• DRM Compatibility: Emulates framebuffer API while providing modern features

2. Configuration Steps

To set up your SPI display:

1. Identify your display model (ST7789VW, ILI9341, etc.)
2. Obtain the appropriate firmware file

3. Configure device tree overlays:

   dtoverlay=mipi-dbi-spi,speed=32000000
   dtparam=compatible=yourdisplay\0panel-mipi-dbi-spi
   dtparam=write-only,cpha,cpol
   dtparam=width=240,height=240
   dtparam=reset-gpio=23,dc-gpio=25,backlight-gpio=24

3. Rotation and Orientation

For display rotation:

• Configure through screen settings rather than firmware
• Avoid firmware-level rotation for better performance

Performance Considerations

Modern drivers offer excellent performance:

• Wayfire handles display composition efficiently
• Video playback is smooth with proper configuration
• 3D acceleration available for GUI elements

👉 Discover more Raspberry Pi display solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my SPI display work with Raspberry Pi 5B?

The Pi 5 removed the legacy display stack that older methods relied on. You need to use modern DRM-based drivers instead.

What's the best alternative to fbcp?

The TinyDRM drivers (gpu/drm/tiny) are the official replacement, offering better performance and integration with the modern graphics stack.

Can I still play videos on SPI displays?

Yes, with proper configuration. Modern drivers support efficient video playback through hardware acceleration.

How do I rotate my SPI display?

Use the display settings in your desktop environment rather than trying to rotate at the firmware level for best results.

Where can I find firmware files for my display?

Check manufacturer resources or community repositories. Many common displays have pre-made configuration files available.

👉 Explore advanced Raspberry Pi configurations

Conclusion

While the Raspberry Pi 5B requires new approaches for SPI display connectivity, the modern solutions provide better performance and integration than legacy methods. By using TinyDRM drivers and proper configuration, you can achieve excellent results with your SPI display projects.

Remember to:

• Always identify your specific display model
• Use the correct firmware configuration
• Configure rotation at the desktop level
• Take advantage of hardware acceleration features

With these steps, your Raspberry Pi 5B and SPI display will work together seamlessly for all your GUI needs.