rpi-imager v2.0 requires JSON (url or file) to be able to set WiFi, hostname etc for custom images

[guysoft]

Just heads up, this was broken on rpi-imager v2.0
raspberrypi/rpi-imager#1302

[davidzwa]

Issue can be closed as the problem is solved by the following steps:

Using Custom Distro with Raspberry Pi Imager v2

Overview

Raspberry Pi Imager v2 introduced changes that affect custom OS images. While the image will flash successfully, OS customization options (WiFi, user settings, etc.) may not be available unless you configure a custom content repository.

This guide shows you how to enable full customization support for your custom distro in Raspberry Pi Imager v2.

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Solution: Configure Custom Content Repository

Follow these steps to enable Your Distro customization options:

1. Open App Options

Click App Options in the bottom right corner of Raspberry Pi Imager.

2. Edit Content Repository

Click EDIT next to "Content Repository".

3. Add Custom URL

Select Use Custom URL and paste the JSON URL. Example from MonsterPi:

https://github.com/fdm-monster/MonsterPi/releases/download/1.0.1/monsterpi-rpi-imager.json

4. Apply and Restart

Click Apply & Restart to reload the content repository.

5. Select Your Distro

Choose Your Distro from the OS list (look for "Your Distro x.y.z").

6. Configure OS Customization

You should now see the full OS customization settings available:

✅ You can now configure WiFi, hostname, user credentials, and other settings before flashing!

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Troubleshooting

Missing Customization Options

If customization options don't appear after selecting your distro, you'll see a limited settings screen like this:

Solution: Follow the steps above to configure the custom content repository.

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Technical Background

The issue stems from Raspberry Pi Imager v2's requirement for custom OS images to provide metadata in a specific format. The JSON includes the required "init_format": "systemd" field, which tells the imager that the OS supports advanced customization.

Related Issues

This problem has been encountered by other custom OS projects:

• raspberrypi/rpi-imager#1302 - Initial report of the customization issue
• AllStarLink/asl3-pi-image#26 - Solution with init_format field
• guysoft/CustomPiOS#266 - CustomPiOS-specific discussion

Alternative: Custom File

Instead of using a URL, you can download the JSON file and use the Use Custom File option in the Content Repository settings.