# Raspberry Pi GPIO is 3.3 V only: do not feed it 5 V

> Raspberry Pi GPIO pins are 3.3 V tolerant only and cannot supply much current. Use level shifters and drivers for 5 V parts and motors.

Canonical: https://roboticsengineering.in/fix/raspberry-pi-gpio-5v-input-damage/ | Published: 2026-11-03 | Updated: 2026-11-03

**Raspberry Pi GPIO pins work at 3.3 V and are not 5 V tolerant.** A 5 V signal can damage the board.

## What the message means

The pins connect directly to the processor. They give only a few milliamps per pin, so they cannot drive motors or relays directly.

## Fix it in this order

1. Use a level shifter or a resistor divider for any 5 V output going into a GPIO.
2. Drive motors, relays and large LEDs through a driver or transistor, not from the pin.
3. Power sensors from the 3.3 V or 5 V pins as the sensor requires, and join the grounds.
4. Check the pin numbering mode in your code: BCM numbers or physical board numbers.
5. Disconnect power before changing wiring.

## If you see this, do this

| You see | Do this |
| --- | --- |
| Pi restarts when a motor starts | Separate the motor supply and add a driver. |
| Pin reads wrong level | Check the numbering mode. |

## Related

[wiring checker](https://roboticsengineering.in/wiring-checker/), [relay module active low](https://roboticsengineering.in/fix/relay-module-always-on-active-low/).

Last reviewed: November 2026. These are the usual causes and the order that finds them fastest. Test on your own board; clones and cables differ.