How to Connect to Wifi (WEP, WPA) for first-time users of Nintendo 3DS technology​

[*]Go to System HOME menu

This is the menu that is first shown when you boot up your Nintendo 3DS Console by pressing the power button located on the bottom right of the console, printed with a circle and a line going through it (

)[*]Tap on "System Settings, Nintendo"

Icon with a spanner. Grey in colour.[*]Tap on "Internet Settings"

Top Left Icon, with a blue spanner and globe superimposed on each other. Spanner in bottom of globe.[*]Tap on "Connection Settings"

Big Blue Button at the top of the menu[*]Tap on "New Connection"

Grey box with "New Connection" on the middle of it[*]Tap on "Manual Setup"

Left option[*]Tap on "Search for Access Point"[*]Select your Wifi Access Point

If mine was "Linksys" with WPA Connection, I will tap on "Linksys" with the Golden Lock beside it,

and type in my WPA Key, for instance. If "Linksys" was unsecured, the Golden Lock would be unlocked.

[*]Type in your WPA or WEP key, if you are prompted for one.

You can find yours using "WirelessKeyFinder" for Windows if you have forgotten and use this connection on a regular basis for your computer[*]Wait for the test to pass[*]If Test does not pass, try these steps again, or select the "Tutorial" Button instead of "Manual Setup" at Stage 6 and follow instructions

Spoiler

Credits:
Nintendo for screenshots from step 2-9
TheSpeedGamers for screenshot 1
tigris for oversimplifying connection process

Technologically-savvy GBAtemp users may ignore this FAQ. It is intended for less tech-savvy members and guests.

 

[adriande2]

Ah, so the 3DS supports WPA, that's good for me.

 

[ViviOrnitier]

Yeah, I'm so happy they fixed that, I was never able to connect to the internet on my DS Lite cause it doens't support WAP.

 

[Penguin]

I've researched this a bit, and I've seen that I'm not the only one with the issue of trying to setup the connection for regular DS games. I've triple-checked my settings, as I have a WEP key and hidden SSID; 3DS internet works fine, but no NDS - just an error code of '51300' which the Nintendo Support describe as 'incorrect settings'. Is this a confirmed issue that is soon to be fixed? I still have a regular DS which works with Wi-Fi smoothly, but being able to use the 3DS alone would be awesome.

Great guide there, this will be sure to provide assistance to those in need

 

[Luigi2012SM64DS]

how did you take those pics?

 

[Giga_Gaia]

Ah, so the 3DS supports WPA, that's good for me.

The DSi and 3DS support it. However, the DS and DS Lite don't. So if you're using a DS flashcart on 3DS and DSi, since the DS didn't support it, then because it's a DS flashcart, you're not gonna be able to use the WPA encryption in your DS roms on 3DS/DSi. Unless of course, your flashcart is a flashcart that can run on DSi mode, but lets face it, the only one is the cyclo ievo and lets face it, it's crap in DSi mode.

 

[Deleted-236924]

I like how the 3DS allows me to go on Wi-Fi with Pokémon White, but too bad the GTS in White is crap.
The GTS was way better in Diamond and Pearl. This feeling was enhanced by the fact I couldn't use any kind of hack to get event Pokémon back in the days, so I used to stay in the GTS for ages looking for event Pokémon.
Once got a Lv. 50 Saikyou Milotic. Best. Day. Ever.
I spent all night levelling it up and got it to Lv. 100.
Too bad Black and White don't let me have the same feel as Diamond/Pearl do.

 

[Bladexdsl]

getting a 3ds soon (limited edition zelda console) is there a way to download dsiware and vc games with a wired connection?

 

[Penguin]

getting a 3ds soon (limited edition zelda console) is there a way to download dsiware and vc games with a wired connection?

I'm sure that as long as you are connected to the internet, and that you have the right firmware, the Nintendo eShop is available for DSiWare, 3DSWare and Virtual Console games. Unfortunately, the 3DS doesn't have an ethernet port, and so it only accepts a wireless connection...
Most require some form of payment, but at the moment, you could get the Zelda: Four Swords Adventures for free; it won't be around for long though! Also, Pokedex 3D is pretty awesome if you are into Pokemon Black/White, which is a free download. Have fun with your 3DS - the Zelda edition looks really nice

 

[Janthran]

My 3DS can't connect properly to my WEP network, but my DS could.
Guide for that anywhere?
(I mean in DS mode. 3DS mode works fine. >_>)

 

[TheDreamLord]

Ah, so the 3DS supports WPA, that's good for me.

The DSi and 3DS support it. However, the DS and DS Lite don't. So if you're using a DS flashcart on 3DS and DSi, since the DS didn't support it, then because it's a DS flashcart, you're not gonna be able to use the WPA encryption in your DS roms on 3DS/DSi. Unless of course, your flashcart is a flashcart that can run on DSi mode, but lets face it, the only one is the cyclo ievo and lets face it, it's crap in DSi mode.

Not to mention Wi-Fi is nonexistant on the ievo.

 

[kodelz]

is it possible that the 3ds connect to an adhoc wifi connection ?
does anyone here have tried this ?

 

[Deleted User]

is it possible that the 3ds connect to an adhoc wifi connection ?
does anyone here have tried this ?

nope.

 

[stephysanrio]

So any Ds game on a flashcart won't be able to connect to use online features as it is not supported on a 3ds? Someone was asking me about this today, and I'm trying to help.

I mean I have played pokemon black / white for a few before and I was able to connect buy maybe this is a more recent game that's why.
Whoever asked me was using pokemon heart gold

 

[DiabloStorm]

So any Ds game on a flashcart won't be able to connect to use online features as it is not supported on a 3ds? Someone was asking me about this today, and I'm trying to help.

I mean I have played pokemon black / white for a few before and I was able to connect buy maybe this is a more recent game that's why.
Whoever asked me was using pokemon heart gold

inb4 necrobump comments

My DSTWO runs online games fine on my 3DS.

 

[stephysanrio]

inb4 necrobump comments

My DSTWO runs online games fine on my 3DS.

Inb4...? Huh you lost me there T_T
Well dstwo is awesome ;b
This person was using an r4i gold I will test it myself and see but I remember being able to on those other games with an r4 dual core

 

[DiabloStorm]

Inb4...? Huh you lost me there T_T
Well dstwo is awesome ;b
This person was using an r4i gold I will test it myself and see but I remember being able to on those other games with an r4 dual core

In before. As in, I'm predicting something is about to happen. (In this case, someone else pointing out that the last poster in here was from over a year ago.)

Even Japanese DS games that have the ROM edited (translated) connect fine through my 3DS via wifi.