Before connecting a device to Wi-Fi:
- Make sure that you have the latest software version installed on your device. If you have a Helix Fi 2 gateway, we recommend that you check for updates to your computer’s network card drivers, and run these updates to be able to establish a good Wi-Fi connection.
- Also make sure that you have your Wi-Fi network's name and password ready.
Find your Wi-Fi network's name and password
Good to know
Write down your network’s name and password–they will come in handy when you connect your devices or when guests want to connect to your network.
Connecting an iOS mobile device to Wi-Fi
To connect an Apple iOS device, like an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch:
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is enabled. To enable the Wi-Fi, tap the Settings icon and then Wi-Fi.
- If the Wi-Fi is disabled, enable it.
- Wait a few seconds. A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear.
- Under Choose A Network, select the name of your local wireless network.
- Wait a few seconds while your device acquires an IP address from the network.
- A check mark will appear next to the network name to confirm that the device is connected.
Connecting an Android device to Wi-Fi
To connect an Android device, like a Samsung, Nexus, Sony or Huawei mobile phone, to your Wi-Fi:
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is enabled. To enable the Wi-Fi, tap the Settings icon and then Wi-Fi.
- If the Wi-Fi is disabled, toggle the button to enable it.
- Wait a few seconds. A list of available Wi-Fi networks will appear.
- Under Choose A Network, select the name of your local wireless network.
- Wait a few seconds while your device acquires an IP address from the network.
- A check mark will appear next to the network name to confirm that the device is connected.
Connecting a Windows computer to Wi-Fi
To connect your Windows desktop computer or laptop to your local Wi-Fi network:
- Go to the task bar and click on the Windows icon to open the Windows menu and click on Settings.
- In Settings, click on Network & Internet.
- Click on Wi-Fi to bring up the list of available wireless networks.
- Select your network. A message will notify you that you're trying to connect to an unsecured network. Click on Connect.
- Wait a few seconds while your computer acquires an IP address from the network.
- The word Connected will appear to confirm that your computer is connected to the network.
Connecting a MAC OS X computer to Wi-Fi
To connect your MAC desktop computer or laptop to your local Wi-Fi network:
- Make sure the Wi-Fi is enabled. To enable it, click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and select Turn On.
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon to bring up the list of available networks.
- Find the name of your network and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds while your computer acquires an IP address from the network.
- A check mark will appear next to the name of your network in the Wi-Fi menu to confirm that your computer is connected.
Connecting various smart devices to Wi-Fi
In addition to your phones and computers, you can connect other smart devices to your Helix Fi Gateway, like a smart TV, a wireless printer, a gaming console or home automation equipment. See how to link lights, thermostats and other home automation items to the Helix Fi app.
Good to know
It's always recommended to check your device's manufacturer's site to get personalized support.
Connecting your smart TV
- In the Network Settings menu, select Wi-Fi or Wireless and wait for the device to find the available networks.
- Select your Wi-Fi network name (also called SSID) from the list of available networks.
- If your home Wi-Fi network doesn't appear, enter its name or search for it manually.
- When prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password (also called a Network Key).
For more information about security configurations or for troubleshooting tips, read the user manual provided by the TV's manufacturer.
Connecting your wireless printer
- Access your printer’s control panel.
- Select Setup, which is usually a wrench icon.
- Select the name of your network (also called SSID) from the list of available networks.
- If your home Wi-Fi network doesn't appear, enter its name or search for it manually.
If you can't connect the printer, print out a wireless network test report to troubleshoot the issue.
Good to know
- Printers often have a Wireless Setup Wizard that walks you through the Wi-Fi setup.
- Follow the instructions. For more information about security configurations or for troubleshooting tips or detailed instructions, read the user manual provided by the printer's manufacturer.
Connecting a gaming console
To connect a gaming console, you may have to adjust some settings on your Helix Gateway, like:
You can also go to your console's manufacturer's website for more details.
FAQ about connecting devices to Wi-Fi
With the Helix Fi app, you can name devices, link them to a profile, delete, pause, and reactivate them according to your preferences. See how to do it.
A simple restart of the Helix Fi gateway can fix most problems. See how to do it.
A number of things can affect the quality of your Wi-Fi signal, such as a far distance from the gateway, physical obstacles, the age and quality of your devices, etc. See how to get around these factors by choosing the best place for your Helix Fi gateway.
You can install Wi-Fi pods to get better coverage when needed, for example in a very large house. Combined with the Helix Fi gateway, they provide improved stability and better connectivity throughout your home. See how to install your Wi-Fi pods.