How to Set Up Your Pocket WiFi: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pocket WiFi is an excellent way to connect to the internet while traveling. A pocket WiFi device connects to the internet over a mobile network and provides a WiFi network for you and your WiFi-enabled devices.

Pocket WiFi is small, convenient, fast, and reliable, and setting up your device is incredibly easy. It allows travelers to maintain fast and reliable internet connections for several devices at once and is often preferable to paying the international roaming charges offered by domestic mobile carriers.

Here’s how to get started with a pocket WiFi device (like Hippocketwifi) and how to troubleshoot common setup issues.

Summary

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• Understanding Your Pocket WiFi Device
• 1. Inserting the SIM Card
• 2. Powering On
• 3. Connecting to the Internet
• Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
• My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Turn On
• My Pocket WiFi Doesn't Charge
• I Cannot See the Pocket WiFi Network on my Device
• I Am Connected to the Pocket WiFi but I Cannot Access the Internet
• My Internet Connection Speed is Very Slow
• My Pocket WiFi Says It's Out of Coverage

Understanding Your Pocket WiFi Device

A pocket WiFi device is essentially a portable wireless router that connects to the internet via a mobile connection (much like a smartphone) and creates a WiFi network.
Though the device is very small, hence the “pocket”, a lot is going on inside so you’ll want to know how to use it properly.

Before using the device, familiarise yourself with it and read any documentation you’ve been provided for the device.

You’ll see that the device has a display, buttons, and a SIM card slot. Make sure that you know where these are, what they’re for, and, in the case of the SIM card slot, how you access the slot without damaging the device.

Luckily for you, setting up a pocket WiFi device is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Inserting the SIM Card

For a pocket WiFi device to work, it needs a SIM card. The device uses a SIM card to connect to the mobile network.

When you rent a pocket WiFi device, the SIM card is usually already inserted. However, if it isn’t, then there’s normally a slot or drawer where you can insert one.

You can refer to the specific manual for your device for how to insert the SIM card, but most are very similar to smartphones.

2. Powering On

If your pocket WiFi already has a SIM card, it’s pretty much ready to go.

The device will have a power button for turning the device off and on. Press the button for 3 seconds.

Most devices require you to press the on/off button for an extended time so that you don’t accidentally turn off the device by pressing the button quickly.

When you press the on/off button for 3 seconds, the device will turn on.

Please wait while the device starts up, establishes its mobile connection, and creates the WiFi network. This process is similar to a home router.

3. Connecting to the Internet

Your pocket WiFi device should automatically connect to the mobile network, but you still have to connect your devices to it.

This is easily done in much the same way as you’d connect your devices to a WiFi network at home, work, or in public.

Find the network’s SSID (or name). This is often provided with the pocket WiFi documentation or manual or on the device itself.

From the device you wish to connect to the network (such as a smartphone or tablet), select the pocket WiFi network.

You’ll be asked to enter a network key or password. You can also find this with the SSID either on the device or in the manual.

Once you’ve entered the password, your device will connect to your pocket WiFi network and you’re ready to start browsing the internet.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Most pocket WiFi issues are easily fixed. Here are some of the more common setup issues and how you can fix them.

My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Turn On

If your pocket WiFi device doesn’t turn on, make sure that it’s charged.

Charge the device using the charger provided for a few minutes before trying to turn on the device again.

Remember, that you need to keep the on/off button pressed for a few seconds to turn on the device.

My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Charge

If your pocket WiFi doesn’t charge, check that the charging cable or charger is working.

With a standard charger, you can likely use it on other devices so test this with a smartphone or tablet that uses the same kind of charger.

If another device charges but not your pocket WiFi, you may need to contact the manufacturer or provider for technical assistance.

I Cannot See the Pocket WiFi Network on my Device

Check that the device is turned on. See the My Pocket WiFi Doesn’t Turn On part of the article for help with this issue.

If the device is turned on, press the on/off button quickly. The screen or light on the device should blink to indicate that the device is turned on.

If not, follow the steps for turning on the device and trying again.

Refer to the manual or documentation for the network name (SSID).

I Am Connected to the Pocket WiFi but I Cannot Access the Internet

Ensure that you’re connected to the right WiFi network. Refer to the device or manual for the network name.

Turn the device off and on again. This is a common solution for technical problems on most devices, including the devices that you’re using to connect to the pocket WiFi.

Your device might be struggling to connect to the mobile network. Ensure the device is free of obstacles that may block the mobile network signal. Try to place the device

ear a window or door away from walls and metal objects.

My Internet Connection Speed is Very Slow

There are multiple solutions to increase the connection speed of a pocket WiFi device.

Try moving the device to somewhere away from obstacles.

Limit the number of devices connected to the pocket WiFi. The more devices connected, the slower the connection will be on each device.

My Pocket WiFi Says It’s Out of Coverage

If your pocket WiFi cannot connect to the mobile network. Try the other troubleshooting solutions (turn the device off/on, relocate the device, etc.).

On some devices, you can also take out the SIM card and reinsert it. Do this while the device is turned off.