How to Connect to MiFi

Last Updated: May 14, 2024

A MiFi is a mobile wireless hotspot device that allows computers and other devices to connect to the Internet through a cellular data network. The MiFi device is activated automatically by your wireless service provider and can be connected to your computer or device via Wi-Fi.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Connecting to MiFi

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

The MiFi can be turned on by pressing the power button at the front of the device.

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

This indicates that the MiFi is now connected to your wireless service provider’s cellular network.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

The Wi-Fi menu is displayed in the system tray on Windows computers, at the top right corner in Mac OS X, and in the Settings menu on mobile devices powered by iOS and Android.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

In most cases, the network name / SSID features the name of your wireless service provider, and is printed on the sticker at the back of your MiFi device.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

6
Enter the password for the MiFi device. The password should be printed on the label below the SSID, or provided to you by your wireless service provider.
- Try using “admin” as the default password if no password is provided to you by your wireless service provider.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Your connection status will display in the Wi-Fi list as “Connected,” and you can now browse the Internet from your computer or device.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting MiFi Setup

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

In most cases, problems with power failure are associated with the battery.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

In some cases, structures such as walls and large furniture can block or weaken the cellular signal.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Refresh the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your computer or device if the MiFi device fails to show up in the list of Wi-Fi networks. In some cases, it may take up to 15 seconds for the MiFi device to display in the list of networks.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

Contact your wireless service provider to verify that your MiFi device was activated successfully if you are unable to connect to the MiFi. In some cases, your wireless service provider may have failed to add the MiFi service plan to your account or activate the device properly.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Connect-to-MiFi-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid6913984-v4-728px-Connect-to-MiFi-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\">\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. \n<\/p> \n<\/p><\/div>"}

5
Reset your MiFi device if you experience frequent connection problems or you forget the password. Resetting the MiFi device restores the device’s original default settings. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Remove the battery cover and battery from the MiFi device.
- Locate the reset button, which is a tiny button located underneath the battery and labeled “Reset.”
- Use a pin to press and hold the reset button for approximately five seconds. The MiFi will automatically restart, and default settings will be restored.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

My MiFi is slow even if it’s right beside my device. What can I do?

Community Answer

Move the MIFI device itself. Keep moving it until the connection is strong.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 12
Question

What steps should I follow after inserting a new battery in the MiFi?

Community Answer

Your Mobile WiFi battery will last for about four hours. The battery loses power even when it's not being used. So if you haven't used your Mobile WiFi for a while, you'll need to recharge it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 10
Question

Can any phone from any service provider connect to WiFi?

Community Answer

Rest assured that your phone will operate just fine without active service from a carrier, leaving it as a WiFi-only device.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 22

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

Log in

How to Connect to MiFi

Steps

Connecting to MiFi

Troubleshooting MiFi Setup

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories