Connect a generator to Wi-Fi using a web browser
Users experiencing Wi-Fi connection issues can try manually connecting their generator to a home Wi-Fi network using a web browser. This legacy method bypasses the Mobile Link application for the connection process. It works on iPhone, Android, Windows, and may also work on other devices. It can help overcome application errors if the standard Mobile Link app setup fails. Once connected, owners can monitor their generator and manage certain settings through the Mobile Link app or website.
Note: For best results, use the recommended Wi-Fi setup process in the Mobile Link for Generators app before trying this method. For instructions, see How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network?
Struggling to connect or stay connected?
Meeting the network requirements outlined in this article will resolve most connectivity issues. However, upgrading to the Connectivity Cellular Accessory is recommended for users who wish to add connectivity to their generator or users experiencing ongoing connectivity issues. It is compatible with more generators, and uses multiple carrier networks to offer greater coverage. Basic (free) and Premium cellular plans are available for this device. See here to upgrade: Connectivity Cellular Accessory.
Environment
Note: This process will not work for the Wi-Fi/Ethernet aftermarket accessory device. If you are trying to connect the discontinued Wi-Fi/Ethernet device see here instead: Connecting the Wi-Fi/Ethernet Mobile Link device to your home network
Connectivity requirements
Before purchasing a subscription, homeowners should ensure that their generator has a reliable cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Refunds are not available for issues caused by poor connectivity. A Mobile Link device is required. For details, see the Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide.
Wi-Fi requirements
- A dedicated 2.4 GHz network that supports 802.11b/g/n protocols is required. For more information, see Is My Wi-Fi Network Compatible With Mobile Link?
- 5 GHz or dual-band networks are not supported.
- Setting up a separate SSID for your 2.4 GHz network is strongly recommended to maintain a stable connection.
How does this process work?
Instead of installing the Mobile Link app and following the setup wizard, this procedure guides the user through activating the generator's MLG network and connecting directly to it via an IP address in a web browser.
Note: To monitor the generator from a phone, the Mobile Link for Generators app will still need to be downloaded and installed after completing the procedure described in this article.
This process mimics what the Mobile Link for Generators application connection process does behind the scenes. Users connect a smartphone, tablet, or computer to the generator's temporary network (MLG XXXXX). This connection is then used to provide the generator with access to the owner's Wi-Fi network. Once connected, the generator can communicate over the internet and send generator information to Mobile Link, allowing users to monitor and manage their generator remotely through the Mobile Link for Generators app or website.
Sections
Prepare the generator control panel for connection to a Wi-Fi network
Before connection to the internet, the generator control panel must be put in Wi-Fi pairing mode.
1. Go to the generator, unlock it, and raise the cover to the generator.
2. Locate the control panel located on the right side of the open generator, then press the OFF button on the control panel.
Note: The control panel is the display screen and series of buttons pictured below.
Note: The generator needs to be in the off mode (SWITCHED TO OFF) to access the Wi-Fi pairing mode and to ensure that the generator does not attempt to start during this process. The Final steps section of this article will ensure the generator is returned to a READY TO RUN state after connecting.
3. Press the ESCAPE button to access the control panel's main menu.
4. Using the up and down arrow keys above and below the ENTER button, press the down arrow to select the WIFI or SET UP WIFI option, then press the ENTER button.
Note: If you don't see a WIFI option in your menus, see the note in the Environment section above.
or
Note: If your control panel display is not flashing, see Why is my control panel display not flashing or blinking to indicate the selected menu? for more information.
5. After pressing the ENTER button on WIFI or SETUP WIFI, the screen will display one of the following:
- If SETUP WIFI? is displayed, use the arrow keys to select YES and then press the ENTER button.
- If something other than SETUP WIFI? is displayed, use the arrow keys to scroll until REDO WIFI SETUP? NO is displayed, and press the ENTER button. Next, use the arrow keys to scroll until YES is displayed, and press the ENTER button again.
- If SEARCHING is displayed on the control panel, follow the steps in the sentence above to scroll up and redo the Wi-Fi setup.
Note: If the generator screen seems frozen or unresponsive, see: How Do I Perform a Hard Reset on a Home Standby System?
6. The generator's control panel should now display SET TO AP - Please Wait... After two to three minutes, the screen should change and display SETUP WIFI NOW!
Note: If the control panel displays SET TO AP - PLEASE WAIT for more than 3 minutes or fails to advance to SETUP WIFI NOW!, verify that the Mobile Link Wi-Fi device is plugged into the control panel. The Wi-Fi device may need to be reconnected or the control panel may need to be reset. See What do I do when my Mobile Link Wi-Fi is stuck on "Set to AP, please wait..." during connection? for more information.
7. Once the screen displays SETUP WIFI NOW! the generator is ready for connection. Click the link appropriate link for your device:
Note: A timer and a number beginning with MLG will alternate on the generator's screen. This is normal. The MLG number will be referenced later in this process, and it may be helpful to write it down. See How do I find my generator's Wi-Fi SSID or "'MLG" network name? for more information.
Note: The procedure below assumes the user has just completed the steps to prepare the generator for connection to a Wi-Fi network.
1. From the home screen of the Apple device, open the device settings page by tapping the small gear icon.
2. The settings page is displayed. Tap the Wi-Fi menu item.
3. A list of available Wi-Fi networks will be displayed. Tap the Wi-Fi Network that begins with MLG.
Note: The procedure below assumes the user has just completed the steps to prepare the generator for connection to a Wi-Fi network.
1. Open the device's Settings app.
2. Tab Network & internet > Internet.
3. Tap the network that begins with MLG to connect to it.
1. Launch any browser on the device and type in the address 192.168.51.1
2. Select the country and time zone.
3. From the dropdown, select the Wi-Fi network for the home.
4. Enter the home's Wi-Fi password.
Click this link to navigate to the final setup steps.
Note: This procedure assumes the user has just completed steps to prepare the generator for connection to a Wi-Fi network.
1. Click the network icon in the system tray.
2. Click the network that begins with MLG to connect to it.
1. Launch a web browser and enter 192.168.51.1 into the address bar.
2. Select the country and time zone.
3. From the dropdown, select the Wi-Fi network for the home.
4. Enter the home's Wi-Fi password.
Proceed to the next section to complete the setup.
1. The generator's control panel will now display NOW CONNECTED. Press the ENTER button to continue.
2. The generator's connection signal strength is displayed; verify the signal strength is acceptable then press the ENTER button.
Note: Signal strength of 30% or higher is recommended. If lower than 30% signal strength is observed, consider adding a Wi-Fi booster or Extender to your network to improve connection reliability: How to Determine If an Extender is Compatible with Mobile Link Wi-Fi
3. The automatically determined Timezone information may display, verify the information to be accurate, then press the ENTER button to continue.
Note: If PLEASE SELECT HOUR is displayed, please wait a few moments. The timezone information should be displayed shortly, alternatively, date and time information can be entered manually using the arrow keys.
4. The display should return to the Main Menu. Using the arrow keys, select the SYSTEM menu item, then press the ENTER button.
5. The screen will display SWITCHED TO OFF. Press the AUTO button.
6. The generator should return to the READY TO RUN.
Next steps
