How to Connect Nintendo Wii to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you to connect your Nintendo Wii to Wi-Fi.

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.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

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 Wi-Fi

Press the A Button on the Wii Remote to reach the Wii main menu. Use the Wii Remote to select the Wii button.

Select Wii Settings.

Go to page 2 of Wii Settings and select Internet.

system settings with internet highlighted

Select Connection Settings.

internet menu with connection settings highlighted

Select a Connection Slot.

connection settings with connection 1 highlighted

Note: If anything other than â€œNoneâ€ appears next to a Connection slot, you may select that option and choose Clear Settings to remove the saved network, then repeat this process.
Select Wireless Connection.

menu with wireless connection highlighted

Select Search for an Access Point.

menu with search for an access point highlighted

Select OK.

choose access point you want to connect to with ok highlighted

Select your network from the list.

list of available networks with one of them highlighted

Tap on the password box.

example wifi network asking for Wi-Fi password which is highlighted

Enter your Security Key and select OK.

virtual keyboard with example password typed in and ok button is highlighted

Select OK.

example wifi network showing stars where password field is located and ok button is highlighted

Select OK.

do you want to save these settings? with the ok button highlighted

Select OK.

A connection test will be performed. If successful you will be shown a message indicating a successful connection was made. You may have an update available. To complete the setup click yes to download any available system updates.

update notification with prompt to update system software and the yes button is highlighted

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

Routers in 5GHz only mode are not compatible with the Nintendo Wii.

The vast majority of routers operate on 2.4GHz. The Nintendo Wii operates on 802.11 b/g 2.4GHz networks and won't be able to find your network if your router is set to operate in 5GHz only mode.
If you are having issues connecting, check with your router's documentation to verify you are not using it in 5GHz only mode.

The following Protocols are not supported on the Nintendo Wii:

WPA2- PSK (TKIP)

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

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

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.