How to Set up the Wii U for the First Time

Complete these steps

Place the Wii U and connect it to your TV

1. Connect the Wii U GamePad to its AC adapter and allow it to charge.
2. Find an area to set up the Wii U console.
3. While the Wii U GamePad is charging, connect the Wii U console to its AC adapter.
4. Connect the Wii U console to your television.
5. Power on the television and Wii U console.
6. Find the correct input channel for the Wii U console.

Continue set up using the Wii U GamePad

1. Power on the Wii U GamePad.
2. Press the sync button on the front of the Wii U console.
   
3. Use the Wii U GamePad stylus to press the sync button on the back of the Wii U GamePad.
   
4. On the Wii U GamePad, tap the symbols in the order they appear on the television from left to right.
   
5. Tap the Wii U GamePad screen to continue.

Select the system language and country of residence

1. Select the correct language and tap OK to confirm or Back to select a different language.
2. Tap OK.
3. Select your country of residence.
4. Tap Next or Back to change the setting.

Set the date and time

1. Set the date by tapping the up and down arrows and then tap Next.
2. Set the time by tapping the up and down arrows and then tap Confirm.
3. Tap OK.

Set your TV connection type, configure the TV Remote function, and connect the Sensor Bar

1. The Wii U will automatically detect the best settings for your television.
   • If you would like to change the settings, tap TV Display Settings.
   • Tap Next.
   • Tap Set up to set up the TV Remote Function.
     • If you'd like to skip setting this feature up, tap Not Now.
     • Tapping TV Remote will set up the feature for your television only.
     • Tapping Other Remote will set up the feature for your set-top box and your television.
   • Tap OK to continue.
   • If you are using a Sensor Bar, connect it and tap Set Up.
     • Select where the Sensor Bar is currently positioned, then tap OK.
   • Tap Next.

Accept the EULA, set up an Internet connection, and update the system

1. Read the EULA and tap Agree.
   • You can change the language by tapping Language.
2. Tap OK to set up an Internet connection.
   • The connection type will default to Wi-Fi, but can be changed by tapping Connection types.
3. Tap OK after your connection test has completed.
   • If your connection test was not successful, you can configure the Internet settings from System Setting on the Wii U Menu once you have finished.
4. Tap OK.
5. Tap Update to install the latest system update, or tap Cancel to skip installing the system update.
   • If you do not update the system, you will not be able to link a Nintendo Network Account.

Create a new user or link a Nintendo Network Account

1. Select Add New User to create a new user. If you did not update your system, you will automatically be brought to this screen.
   • If you already have an existing Nintendo Network ID, you can link it to the user account.
2. Create your Mii.
3. If you'd like to link a Nintendo Network ID, click Link a Nintendo Network ID, otherwise, choose Later.
4. Tap Next to confirm the new user.

Set up Parental Controls and finish

1. Set up Parental Controls or tap Wii U Menu.
   • You may find our information on what you can block with Parental Controls helpful.
2. You can now use the Wii U console.
   • If you own a Wii and would like to transfer its content to your Wii U, you may find our information on transferring content helpful.