Connect a generator to Wi-Fi using a web browser

If the Mobile Link app setup fails, try connecting your generator to Wi-Fi using a web browser. This method can bypass app issues and still allows monitoring through the Mobile Link app or Mobile Link 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?

Environment

• This article applies to Generac Guardian series home standby generators with the Mobile Link Onboard Wi-Fi module. See the Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide for more information.

Note: This process will not work for the aftermarket Wi-Fi/Ethernet device or the Connectivity Cellular Accessory. For information about the cellular device, see What is the Generac Connectivity Cellular Accessory?

Before you begin

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 networks are not supported by the onboard Wi-Fi module.
• Setting up a separate network name (SSID) for your 2.4 GHz network is strongly recommended to maintain a stable connection.

Check connectivity before subscribing

Before purchasing a subscription, ensure the generator has a reliable cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Refunds are not available for issues caused by poor connectivity. A compatible Mobile Link device is required. For details, see the Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide.

Struggling to connect or stay connected?

Meeting the network requirements outlined in this article can resolve many connectivity issues.

However, upgrading to the Connectivity Cellular Accessory may be an option for users who wish to add connectivity or experience ongoing connectivity issues. This accessory uses cellular networks and supports optional Wi-Fi backup. Basic and Premium cellular plans are available. See the Connectivity Cellular Accessory overview for more information.

How does this process work?

This setup connects your device to the generator's temporary Wi-Fi network (MLG XXXXX) and uses a web browser to configure the generator's connection to the home Wi-Fi network. After setup, the generator can be monitored using the Mobile Link for Generators app or Mobile Link website.

Sections

• Prepare the generator control panel for connection to Wi-Fi
• Continue setup with an iPhone
• Continue setup with an Android device
• Continue setup on a Windows computer
• Final setup (return the generator to auto mode)

Connection process

Prepare the generator control panel for connection to Wi-Fi

Before connecting to the internet, the generator control panel must be placed in Wi-Fi pairing mode.

1. Go to the generator, unlock it, and raise the cover.
2. Locate the control panel on the right side of the open generator, then press the OFF button.

Note: The control panel is the display screen and series of buttons pictured below.

Important: The generator must be switched to OFF to access Wi-Fi pairing mode and prevent the generator from attempting to start during setup. Return the generator to AUTO after completing the connection process. Follow the Final setup section to ensure the generator returns to a READY TO RUN state.

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, select WIFI or SETUP WIFI, then press ENTER.

Note: If you do not see a WIFI option in the menu, confirm the generator and connectivity device are compatible with this procedure using the connectivity device compatibility guide.

Or:

5. After selecting WIFI or SETUP WIFI, the screen will display one of the following:
   • If SETUP WIFI? is displayed, use the arrow keys to select YES, then press ENTER.
   • If something other than SETUP WIFI? is displayed, use the arrow keys to scroll until REDO WIFI SETUP? NO is displayed, then press ENTER. Select YES and press ENTER again.
   • If SEARCHING is displayed, use the arrow keys to navigate back to the option for redoing Wi-Fi setup.

6. The control panel should display SET TO AP - PLEASE WAIT. After approximately two to three minutes, the screen should display SETUP WIFI NOW!

Note: If SET TO AP - PLEASE WAIT remains displayed for more than three minutes, verify that the Mobile Link Wi-Fi device is connected to the control panel. The device may need to be reconnected or the control panel may require a reset.

7. Once SETUP WIFI NOW! appears, proceed to the section for your device:
   • Continue setup with an iPhone
   • Continue setup with an Android device
   • Continue setup on a Windows computer

Note: A timer and a number beginning with MLG will alternate on the generator's screen. This is normal. The MLG number is used later in the connection process. For more information, see Where can I find the MAC address, SSID, and Wi-Fi connectivity device information for my generator?

Continue setup with an iPhone

Note: Continue only after the generator displays SETUP WIFI NOW!. Otherwise, return to Prepare the generator control panel for connection to Wi-Fi.

For best results, temporarily disable VPNs, cellular data, Bluetooth, and personal hotspots on the iPhone during setup. Some devices require this for a successful connection.

1. From the iPhone home screen, open Settings.
2. Tap Wi-Fi.
3. From the list of available networks, select the Wi-Fi network beginning with MLG.
4. Verify the connection by checking for a blue checkmark next to the MLG network name.

Important: Stay connected to the MLG network during setup. If a captive Wi-Fi portal appears or a message indicates there is no internet connection, follow the prompts to remain connected. If prompted, select Keep Trying Wi-Fi or Use Without Internet.

Configure the generator Wi-Fi connection using Safari

1. Open Safari and enter 192.168.51.1 in the address bar.

Note: If the page does not load, disable automatic connection to nearby saved networks and verify that the iPhone is still connected to the MLG network. If a captive network prompt appears, select Use Without Internet or Keep Trying Wi-Fi, then retry the IP address. If issues persist, temporarily turn off cellular data.

2. Select the country and time zone.

3. Choose one of the following setup options.

Option A: Quick setup (recommended)

Start with this option. It is the simplest method and works in most cases.

1. From the drop-down list, select the home Wi-Fi network (SSID).

2. Enter the home Wi-Fi password.
3. Tap Connect.

Note: If the Wi-Fi network is not listed or the connection fails or is inconsistent, try Option B: Advanced manual configuration.

4. When finished, continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Option B: Advanced manual configuration (try if Quick setup fails)

This option can help if Quick setup fails or the connection keeps disconnecting. It allows you to manually enter network information and select the appropriate WPA/WPA2 security setting.

1. Select Manual Configuration.

2. Under SSID, enter the Wi-Fi network name using the exact characters, capitalization, and spacing.
3. For Channel, select Any. Under Security, select WPA/WPA2 Personal.

4. Enter the Wi-Fi network password.
5. Check the Advanced Options checkbox.
6. Select Acquire IP Address Automatically (DHCP).

7. Tap Connect.

Note: A notification indicating that the connection failed may appear. If the generator subsequently displays NOW CONNECTED, the connection was successful and you can proceed.

Continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Continue setup with an Android device

Note: Continue only after the generator displays SETUP WIFI NOW!. Otherwise, return to Prepare the generator control panel for connection to Wi-Fi.

For best results, temporarily disable VPNs, cellular data, Bluetooth, and personal hotspots on the Android device during setup. Some devices require this for a successful connection.

1. Open the device's Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet, then Internet.
3. From the list of available networks, select the network beginning with MLG.
4. Verify the connection by looking for Connected near the MLG network name.

Important: The Android device may indicate that the network has no internet access, display a Sign in to network message, or open a captive Wi-Fi portal. If prompted, choose to remain connected to the MLG network. Complete any captive portal prompts to maintain the connection.

Configure the generator Wi-Fi connection using a browser

1. Open a web browser and enter 192.168.51.1 in the address bar.

Note: If the page does not load, disable automatic connection to nearby saved networks and verify that the device remains connected to the MLG network. If Android displays Sign in to network, Action required, or Connected without internet, choose to remain connected and complete any prompts. Retry the IP address. If issues persist, temporarily turn off mobile data.

2. Select the country and time zone.

3. Choose one of the following setup options.

Option A: Quick setup (recommended)

Start with this option. It is the simplest method and works in most cases.

1. From the network list on the generator configuration page, select your home Wi-Fi network (SSID).
2. Enter the home Wi-Fi password.
3. Tap Connect.

Note: If the home Wi-Fi network is not listed or the connection fails or is inconsistent, try Option B: Advanced manual configuration.

4. When finished, continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Option B: Advanced manual configuration (try if Quick setup fails)

This option can help if Quick setup fails or the connection keeps disconnecting. It allows you to manually enter network information and select the appropriate WPA/WPA2 security setting.

1. Select Manual Configuration.

2. Under SSID, enter the Wi-Fi network name using the exact characters, capitalization, and spacing.
3. For Channel, select Any. Under Security, select WPA/WPA2 Personal.

4. Enter the Wi-Fi network password.
5. Check the Advanced Options checkbox.
6. Select Acquire IP Address Automatically (DHCP).

7. Tap Connect.

Note: A notification indicating that the connection failed may appear. If the generator subsequently displays NOW CONNECTED, you can proceed.

Continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Continue setup on a Windows computer

Note: Continue only after the generator displays SETUP WIFI NOW!. Otherwise, return to Prepare the generator control panel for connection to Wi-Fi.

For best results, temporarily disable VPNs, Bluetooth, and personal hotspots on the computer during setup. Some computers require this for a successful connection.

1. Click the network icon in the Windows system tray.
2. Select the Wi-Fi network beginning with MLG and connect to it.

Configure the generator Wi-Fi connection using a web browser

1. Open a web browser and enter 192.168.51.1 in the address bar.

Note: If the page does not load, verify that the computer remains connected to the MLG network. If Windows displays No internet or Action needed, remain connected, complete any prompts, and retry the IP address.

2. Select the country and time zone.

3. Choose one of the following setup options.

Option A: Quick setup (recommended)

Start with this option. It is the simplest method and works in most cases.

1. From the drop-down list, select the home Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
2. Enter the home Wi-Fi password.
3. Select Connect.

Note: If the Wi-Fi network is not listed or the connection fails or is inconsistent, try Option B: Advanced manual configuration.

4. When finished, continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Option B: Advanced manual configuration (try if Quick setup fails)

This option can help if Quick setup fails or the connection keeps disconnecting. It allows you to manually enter network information and select the appropriate WPA/WPA2 security setting.

1. Select Manual Configuration.
2. Under SSID, enter the Wi-Fi network name using the exact characters, capitalization, and spacing.
3. For Channel, select Any. Under Security, select WPA/WPA2 Personal.
4. Enter the Wi-Fi network password.
5. Check the Advanced Options checkbox.
6. Select Acquire IP Address Automatically (DHCP).

7. Select Connect.

Note: A notification indicating that the connection failed may appear. If the generator subsequently displays NOW CONNECTED, you can proceed.

Continue to Final setup (return the generator to auto mode).

Final setup (return the generator to auto mode)

1. The generator's control panel will display NOW CONNECTED. Press ENTER to continue.
2. The generator's connection signal strength will be displayed. Verify that the signal strength is acceptable, then press ENTER.

Note: Signal strength of 30% or higher is recommended. If the signal strength is below 30%, consider adding a compatible Wi-Fi extender to improve connection reliability.

3. The automatically determined time zone information may be displayed. Verify that the information is correct, then press ENTER.

Note: If PLEASE SELECT HOUR is displayed, wait a few moments. The time zone information should appear 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 SYSTEM, then press ENTER.
5. The screen will display SWITCHED TO OFF. Press the AUTO button.
6. Verify that the generator returns to READY TO RUN.

Important: Do not leave the generator in OFF mode after completing setup. Verify that the generator is returned to AUTO and displays READY TO RUN so it can respond to a utility power outage.

Next steps

• Install the Mobile Link for Generators app to monitor the connected generator. See How do I download the Mobile Link app to my iPhone or Android device?
• If you prefer not to use the mobile app, supported generators can be monitored using the Mobile Link website.

See also

• How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network?
• Is my Wi-Fi network compatible with Mobile Link?
• Mobile Link Wi-Fi, Cellular, and LTE device compatibility guide
• Where can I find the MAC address, SSID, and Wi-Fi connectivity device information for my generator?