How to Connect LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The LeapFrog LeapPad Ultimate is a kid-tough and kid-safe tablet designed entirely for kids that includes preloaded content to help kids develop skills in mathematics, reading and science as well as music, puzzles, logic and creativity to prepare kids for preschool and beyond. This guide will take you through the steps necessary to get your LeapPad Ultimate connected to your home Wi-Fi network.

2. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

• Wireless Network Name (SSID)
• Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

1. Power on your LeapFrog device.
2. At the bottom of the Sign In screen, select the Parent Child icon.
   

1. You will be prompted to enter your 4 digit Parent Lock code to access Parent Mode. Enter your code.
2. This will bring you to the Parent Settings menu. Click Wireless Setup.
   

1. Verify the On/Off toggle switch at the bottom of the screen is set to On.
   

1. You should see all available Wi-Fi networks within range.
2. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you wish to join and enter the corresponding password if the network requires one.

4. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

5. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

6. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

7. Incompatible Routers

A small number of routers are not compatible with LeapFrog or may require additional steps to connect.

1. Routers in 5GHz only mode are not compatible with LeapFrog.
2. The vast majority of routers operate on 2.4GHz. LeapFrog's Wi-Fi operates on 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz networks and won't be able to find your network if your router is set to operate in 5GHz only mode.
3. If you are having issues connecting, check with your router's documentation to verify you are not using it in 5GHz only mode.
4. Secondary Guest networks available on some routers may not be compatible with LeapFrog.
5. Some routers such as the Linksys E series have a secondary guest network in addition to the primary network. On these routers, you must use the primary network to connect your LeapFrog device.

8. What's next?

9. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

• In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
• From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
• Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

10. What's next?

11. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

Bad Placement

12. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

13. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

14. What's next?