How to Set up Wi-Fi on Nintendo DSi
Nadia Oxford is a former Lifewire writer with 10+ years’ experience. Her articles have appeared in Pocket Games Magazine, Play Magazine, Game Pro, IGN and others.
What to Know
- Turn on the DSi and go to System Settings >Internet >Connection Settings >None >Search for an Access Point and select the network.
- For a locked or encrypted connection, select Change Security Settings to enter a WPA key.
This article explains how to connect a Nintendo DSi to a Wi-Fi network.
How to Connect the DSi to Wi-Fi
The DSi has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so setting up a connection isn’t too difficult. Like with laptops and mobile devices, once you set up your wireless connection, the DSi automatically connects whenever you’re in range.
If you have trouble with your Wi-Fi setup, follow these steps.
Most Nintendo DS and DSi owners can get online by searching for an access point, but some might have to resort to a manual setup. Visit the Nintendo manual setup guide if you have a unique situation and need help.
The Nintendo DSi can go online with a WPA connection, but playing DSi games online requires a WEP connection.
If you need help with the router settings, visit the Nintendo router FAQ.
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Connecting using a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector
By connecting a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector to the USB port of a computer with a broadband Internet connection, you can use the computer as an access point.
- The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is no longer on sale.
- Before performing the following settings, install the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Registration Tool on the computer and ready it for use. Refer to the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Operations Manual for details.
- Your computer must be powered on whenever you want to connect your Nintendo 3DS system to the Internet.
- The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is compatible with Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems. Click here to download the latest software for the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.
Follow the steps described in the step-by-step description above and tap Manual Setup. Then follow the steps below.
1. Touch NINTENDO WI-FI USB CONNECTOR
2. Confirm that the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is connected to the PC and touch NEXT.
3. On the computer, click on the icon in the notification area of the taskbar. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Registration Tool will appear.
4. On your Nintendo 3DS, touch NEXT.
5. On the computer, select the user name of the Nintendo 3DS system from the on-screen list, then select GRANT PERMISSION TO CONNECT from the displayed menu.
6. On your Nintendo 3DS, touch OK to perform a connection test.
- If the test is successful, setup is complete.
- If connection fails and an error appears, follow the information in the error message.
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector
The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector can be used to connect online with the Nintendo DS if you do not have a wireless network in your home, or are unable to connect to the Nintendo DS with your current wireless network. Multiple Nintendo DS systems can be registered to the USB Connector and up to 5 can enjoy online gameplay at the same time.
The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is for use with the Nintendo DS only. It will not work with other wireless devices. In order to use the USB connector, you will need:
- PC (The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is not Macintosh-compatible)
- Windows XP
- A high-speed internet connection (such as DSL or cable)
- A Wi-Fi compatible Nintendo DS game
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Setup
1. Start Windows, and insert the enclosed CD-ROM into the PC.
2. When the USB Connector setup window appears, click «Ok» to begin the installation process.
3. If the setup window doesn’t appear, click the «Start» button, choose «Run», then click on the «Browse» button. Click on the CD drive that the setup disc is in, then locate the Setup.EXE file and double-click it.
4. Select the language, then click «Ok». The software will begin to install.
Note: If you receive the error, «You are not connected to the internet», this means that the setup utility is not able to detect an active internet connection. If you are using a laptop computer with Wi-Fi access, you must first connect to the internet before you can finish setup.
5. When directed to, insert the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector into any open USB slot on the PC.
6. If the warning, «Hi-speed USB device plugged into non-hi-speed USB hub» appears, click OK. This just means the USB port is an older 1.1 USB port version.
Once the software is installed, you must register your Nintendo DS using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connector Registration Tool.
7. Turn the Nintendo WFC-compatible game on and enter the Setup Utility menu.
This is a standard menu, shared by all games.
8. Choose «Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings.»
9. Do not choose a file. Instead, tap «Connect to your Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.»
10. Make sure the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is attached to the PC, then click on the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector Registration Tool icon in the lower-right corner of the Windows XP task bar.
A list of currently-connected Nintendo DS systems will appear.
11. Tap «Ok» on the Nintendo DS to continue.
In the Windows XP registration tool, the Nintendo DS’s nickname will appear. There will be a small, yellow «?» next to it.
12. Click on the Nintendo DS’s nickname and select «Grant permission to connect.»
A blue, standing man icon will appear next to the DS’s nickname. The Nintendo DS will now have permission to connect to the USB connector. Up to five Nintendo DS systems can connect to the adapter at a time.
Complete installation procedures are provided in the Instruction Booklet included with the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.