How to Get Connected to a DSi

The Nintendo DSi is a hand held video gaming device that is capable of connecting to the Internet. The DSi connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or wireless Internet. The DSi is Internet ready when purchased; no additional software or hardware is required. The larger version, the Nintendo DSi XL, is also Internet ready. You must have a working wireless Internet connection and a broadband router in order to connect a DSi to the internet.

Things You'll Need

• WEP and WPA key (if using a secured network)

Instructions

Unsecured or WEP Secured Network

1. Power on the DSi; do not insert a game into the game slot. The main menu will be shown.

2. Tap the wrench icon with the stylus pen to access the "System Settings" menu.

3. Tap the arrow pointing to the right until you access the third page of the settings; you should see "Internet" as one of the settings.

4. Tap "Internet."

5. Tap "Connection Settings."

6. Tap "None" next to "Connection 1."

7. Tap "Search for Access Point." The DSi will search for wireless networks. All detected networks within range will be shown on the bottom screen after a few moments.

8. Locate your wireless network in the search results. Tap your network.

9. Enter the WEP key in the provided box if you have a secured network. Tap "Ok" when finished. You will not be prompted to enter a password if your network is unsecured.

10. Tap "Ok" and then "Save Settings."

11. Tap "Yes" to begin a connection test. The DSi will test the Internet connection and make sure there are no problems. A green screen will appear informing you the test was successful if the connection is good. A red screen will appear along with an error code informing you the test was unsuccessful if there was a problem. Go to Nintendo's DSi Error Code Lookup website if you receive an error code and enter the error code to view instructions on how to fix the problem.

WPA Secured Network

1. Power on the DSi; do not insert a game into the game slot. The main menu will be shown.

2. Tap the wrench icon with the stylus pen to access the "System Settings" menu.

3. Tap the arrow pointing to the right until you access the third page of the settings; you should see "Internet" as one of the settings.

4. Tap "Internet."

5. Tap "Connection Settings."

6. Tap "Advanced Setup."

7. Tap "None" next to "Connection 4."

8. Tap "Search for Access Point."

9. Enter the WPA key. Tap "Ok" when finished.

10. Tap "Ok" and then "Save Settings."

11. Tap "Yes" to begin a connection test. You can browse the DSi shop and other online features using a WPA network, but you can't play Nintendo DS games online.

References

• Nintendo: Connect Your Nintendo DSi or DSi XL to the Internet

Resources

• Nintendo: Customer Service -- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection -- Error Code Lookup