Mobile Link Wi-Fi setup: why do I see captive portal and “no internet” prompts?

If your generator Wi-Fi setup fails right after you connect your phone or computer to the generator’s MLG setup network, the cause is often not the generator. It is usually the device prompt you see next.

Because the MLG network is a temporary setup network, your device may warn No internet, show Sign in to network / Action required, or open a captive portal page. If you dismiss or close the prompt, or do not choose Keep Trying Wi-Fi (or Use Without Internet), your phone may disconnect from the generator’s temporary MLG network. If your phone disconnects from MLG, Wi-Fi setup can fail. This article explains what those prompts mean and what to do so setup can finish successfully.

Environment

• This article applies to the Wi-Fi setup for Guardian Series generators with the Onboard Wi-Fi module

Sections

• Symptoms
• Why this happens
• Fix the captive portal or “no internet” prompt
• Next steps

Symptoms

• Setup stops after you join the MLG network.
• A browser will not load 192.168.51.1.
• Your device displays prompts such as No internet, Use Without Internet, Keep Trying Wi-Fi, Sign in to network, or Action required.
• Your phone switches back to cellular data or another saved Wi-Fi network during setup.

Why this happens

During Wi-Fi setup, the generator broadcasts a temporary Wi-Fi network that begins with MLG. Your device connects to this network so it can pass Wi-Fi settings to the generator.

The MLG network is a setup-only network and does not provide internet access. Because of that, many phones and computers display a warning or open a captive portal screen. If you ignore the prompt, close the portal, or your device switches networks, setup may stop and 192.168.51.1 may not load.

For more background on the MLG network, see What Is the MLG Network?

Fix the captive portal or “no internet” prompt

Important: Stay connected to the MLG network during setup. If a captive Wi-Fi portal appears, complete the prompts in the portal. Ignoring the portal can disconnect your device from MLG and cause setup to fail.

iPhone (iOS)

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network that begins with MLG and remain connected.
2. If the iPhone warns that the network has no internet connection, choose Keep Trying Wi-Fi (or Use Without Internet).
3. If a captive Wi-Fi portal appears, complete the prompts in the portal to continue.
4. If 192.168.51.1 will not load, temporarily turn Cellular Data off, then try again.

Note: If your iPhone keeps switching networks, disable Auto-Join on nearby saved Wi-Fi networks during setup.

Android

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network that begins with MLG and remain connected.
2. If Android shows Connected, no internet, Sign in to network, or Action required, choose to stay connected to the MLG network.
3. If a captive Wi-Fi portal or sign-in screen opens, follow the on-screen prompts. Do not close or ignore the portal.
4. If 192.168.51.1 will not load, temporarily turn Mobile data off, then try again.

Windows computer

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network that begins with MLG and remain connected.
2. If Windows shows No internet or Action needed, stay connected to MLG and complete any prompt if it opens.
3. Retry 192.168.51.1 in your web browser.

Next steps

• Return to your setup instructions and continue after your device stays connected to MLG and the setup page loads.
• Setup options:
  • How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network?
  • How Do I Reconnect My Generator to a Wi-Fi Network if It Has Become Disconnected?
  • Connect a generator to a home Wi-Fi network using a web browser (legacy method)
• If you still cannot connect, see:
  • Is My Wi-Fi Network Compatible With Mobile Link?
  • How do I troubleshoot Mobile Link Wi-Fi connection errors?
  • How do I find my generator’s Wi-Fi SSID or “MLG” network name?
  • The MLG network will not broadcast on the generator, how can I fix this?
• Device-specific setup guides:
  • How do I connect my generator to a Wi-Fi network if I have an iPhone?
  • How do I connect my generator to my Wi-Fi network if I have an Android?