Skip Navigation

How to Connect a Wii U Console to the Internet

Wii U

In this article, you'll learn how to connect the Wii U to a home network.

Complete these steps

  1. From the Wii U Menu, select System Settings.
  2. Using the Left Stick, select the Internet icon and press the A Button.
    Internet Icon being selected within the Wii U System Settings menu
  3. Select Connect to the Internet.
  4. The Wii U will search for available Wi-Fi networks in your area.
  5. Once the search completes, use the Right Stick to scroll up and down through the list of networks and select the name of your Wi-Fi network.
    • If your wireless network is not in the list, or if no wireless networks are displayed, our information about being unable to find a wireless access point may be helpful.
    • If you have no free space in the connection list, you will be asked to delete a connection not being used. If this occurs, select OK at the prompt, and then select the connection you wish to delete followed by Delete.
  6. If prompted, use the on-screen keyboard to enter your Wi-Fi network's security key (wireless password) and select OK when finished.
    • If you receive an error message stating "The security key you entered is incorrect," the security key you entered was not a valid security key.
    • If you do not know your Wi-Fi network's security key, you may find our information on locating it helpful.
  7. The Wii U will now perform a connection test.
    • If the connection test fails, select OK to receive an error code and detailed information on why the connection test failed. You can search our support site for the error code you receive to get information on how to resolve it.
  8. If the connection test is successful, select OK to continue.
  9. When asked if you would like to make this your default connection, select Set if you wish this to be your default connection or No if you do not.
  10. If you have not previously updated your Wii U console, you may be asked to perform a system update. Select Update to perform the system update, or select Cancel to skip this process.
    • We recommend performing the system update as this will ensure you have access to recently released applications and services.

Was this helpful?