How to Hook Up a Wii to Wireless Internet

by Matt Skaggs
A wireless router is a great way to get your Wii online.

A wireless router is a great way to get your Wii online.

Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

The Wii is a Nintendo gaming system that utilizes movement-based input for its games. Tons of video games are available for the Wii, and the console provides plenty of online features for you to enjoy, like multiplayer games, the Wii store, Internet browsing, and checking the news and weather. Getting your Wii online with a wireless network requires a few steps to set up, but afterward it should connect automatically every time you turn it on.

Step 1

Power on your Wii and get to the main menu, if you're not there already. You can reach the main menu by pressing the "A" button on your Wii Remote.

Step 2

Click "Wii Settings," and then scroll over and view the second set of options for your system. You do this by clicking the arrow you see on in the middle-right section of your screen.

Step 3

Click the "Internet" option, and then click "Connection 1." If you've already used "Connection 1" for another Internet connection, select whichever connection option has the word "None" beside it.

Step 4

Click "Wireless Connection," and then "Search for an Access Point." You should see a message informing you that your Wii is going to search for an access point and that you'll need to choose which one to connect to. Click the "OK" button on your screen.

Step 5

Click your wireless network. The name of your network should be displayed on your TV.

Step 6

Type your network password, if you have one.

Step 7

Click "OK," "Save Settings" and "Yes" in response to the system prompts.

Step 8

Wait for your Wii to do a connection test. Afterward it should tell you that you're online, and you'll be ready to enjoy the console's Internet features.

Tip

  • If you get an error code when you try to connect, refer to the list of error codes in "Resources."
  • If your Wii is too far away from your wireless router, your Internet connection speed may be reduced. You might not be able to connect to the router at all.

Warning

  • You shouldn't use a network that is open access. An open-access network does not require a password, and that can be a major security risk.

About the Author

A self-professed nerd who can't get enough of geeky gadgets, technology blogs and product reviews, Matt Skaggs began writing professionally in 2010. His work has appeared on various websites. In 2008 Skaggs graduated from Bob Jones University with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities.

Photo Credits

  • Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images