Pocket WiFi
With a Pocket WiFi you can share your mobile broadband internet connection with multiple devices over Wi-Fi. If you need help setting yours up, changing settings or troubleshooting your connection, check out the step-by-step guides below.
User guides
For information on how to set up your Pocket WiFi 4G R216, check out the Quick start guide.
For more detailed information on how to set up, change settings or troubleshoot your connection, see the device guide.
For information on how to set up your Pocket WiFi 4G R215, check out the Quick start guide.
Popular topics
Step 1
Pocket WiFi 4G
Use your fingernail to unclip the back cover from the bottom corner.
Pocket WiFi/II/Pro
Push the release button on the back to unclip the back cover.
Step 2
Make note of the Wi-Fi details (these are case-sensitive):
- The secure network password (WiFi Key)
- Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
Pocket WiFi 4G/Pocket WiFi/II/Pro
You'll find the details on a label underneath the battery.
Pocket WiFi Extreme
You’ll see the WiFi Key and SSID engraved on the back of the device.
Step 3
Pocket WiFi 4G
Pocket WiFi Extreme
Pocket WiFi/II/Pro
Insert the SIM (1), then insert the battery (2) and replace the back cover (3).
Note: All pocket WiFi models take a full-size SIM (the larger SIM you can push out). Be careful not to push out the smaller SIM, it can cause damage to your Pocket WiFi if you attempt to use it.
Step 4
Plug it into the wall socket and charge it fully before switching it on. You’ll see a charge indicator on the screen.
Step 5
Once charged, turn it on by holding down the power button until it lights up.
Step 6
Connect your Wi-Fi devices to the Pocket WiFi, as you would any other Wi-Fi signal, using your device’s Wi-Fi setting/application. Remember to look for the network name and use the security key from Step 2, above.
Check out the guide below for connecting devices to your Pocket WiFi if you run into trouble.
Note: You can also connect a computer to it using the Micro USB cable included. You’d be using a Local Area Network (LAN), instead of Wi-Fi, so it should automatically connect.
Pocket WiFi 4G
With the device on, press the menu button and then select info. The password will appear on the screen.
The default network name (SSID) and network key are also on a label under the battery.
Pocket WiFi Extreme
Just double tap the power button and the password will be displayed on-screen.
The default network name (SSID) and secure network key are also engraved on the back of the device.
Pocket WiFi Pro
Just double tap the power button and the password will show up on-screen.
If you’re still using the default password that came with the Pocket WiFi, you can also find this on the reminder card that was in the box, or by removing the battery.
Step 1
Using the web browser on a device connected to the Pocket WiFi, enter https://pocket.wifi or https://192.168.0.1 into the address bar to open the online dashboard.
If you’re connected to the Pocket WiFi using the Micro USB cable from your PC, you can also open the dashboard by clicking on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
Step 2
Enter your administrator password in the top right hand corner of the page and press the ‘Login’ button. If you haven’t set up a password before, enter 'admin'.
Step 3
From the ‘Pocket WiFi’ tab select ‘Wi-Fi’ and then click ‘Security’.
Step 4
Choose a password and type it in the ‘Key’ field. If you want to change the name of your Pocket WiFi network, enter a new one in the ‘SSID’ field.
Step 5
Click ‘Save’ when you’re done.
Important info
If you’ve changed the admin password but don’t remember it, you can reset it by restoring factory settings on the device.
Step 1
Make sure your Pocket WiFi is on. If it isn’t, hold down the power button for 3 seconds.
The screen on the front will light up and display the Vodafone logo. It’ll then go through its start-up sequence, connecting to the mobile network and starting Wi-Fi. Allow up to 90 seconds for all this to happen.
Step 2
Check the Pocket WiFi screen and make sure you see ‘Voda AU’, ‘Vodafone AU’ or Vodafone AU R’ as this indicates you’ve got service. The coverage bars on the top left of the screen show how strong the mobile network signal is.
Step 3
Search for available Wi-Fi networks on the device you’re connecting.
If you're connecting a phone or tablet you bought from us, check our device guides for Wi-Fi instructions. If you're connecting a Windows or Mac computer, try these links:
Step 4
Select the network name (SSID) for the Pocket WiFi from the list.
Step 5
If your device asks for a network security setting, select ‘WPA’ if using the Pocket WiFi or ‘WPA2’ if you’re using the Pocket WiFi Pro, Extreme or 4G. These are the default security settings that the device comes with.
Step 6
Enter your Pocket WiFi's network password/key in the password field.
Step 7
Your device should now be connected and ready for use. You can repeat steps 3 to 8 connect additional devices if needed.
When you’ve finished using your Pocket WiFi, press and hold the power button until the display clears to switch it off.
If your Pocket WiFi has been sent an SMS, the message indicator on the front of the device will display a green light. On older models, you’ll see an envelope icon on the screen.
How to get your messages
Step 1
Open the Pocket WiFi online dashboard. There are two ways to do this:
- Go to the web address https://192.168.0.1 in the web browser of a device connected via Wi-Fi to your Pocket WiFi; or
- Connect the Pocket WiFi to your computer using the Micro USB cable and then click on the short cut icon on your desktop
Step 2
Enter your admin password in the top right hand corner of the page and press the ‘Login’ button. If you’ve never changed the password, enter ‘admin’ which is the default.
Step 3
Once you’ve logged in, click the ‘SMS’ tab.
Step 4
Click ‘Inbox’ to view your text messages.
More info
- There’s only space to store 20 messages (both sent and received). If you reach this limit you won’t receive any more until you’ve freed up some space.
- If the message indicator light on the Pocket WiFi flashes, this means the inbox is full. Log into the online dashboard and delete any unwanted messages.
More help topics
Pocket WiFi 4G
Step 1
With the Pocket WiFi on, take off the back cover and find the reset button.
Step 2
Using a paper clip end (or something similar), press the rest button and hold it down for 5 seconds, until it restarts.
Step 3
Put the battery cover back on.
Once it restarts, it’ll be restored to factory settings, including the network name (SSID) and passwords (Wi-Fi Key).
Pocket WiFi Extreme
Step 1
Find the reset button.
Step 2
With it switched on, use a paper clip end (or something similar) to press and hold the button until the Vodafone logo appears on-screen (takes about 5 seconds).
Once the device has restarted, it’ll be restored to factory settings, including the network name (SSID) and passwords (Wi-Fi Key).
Pocket WiFi and Pocket WiFi Pro
Step 1
Make sure the Pocket WiFi is on.
Remove the back cover, but not the battery itself.
Step 2
Find the master reset button on the side.
Use a paper clip end (or something similar) to push and hold the button down until the screen switches off and restarts.
Step 3
Put the back cover on.
When it restarts it’ll be restored to factory settings, including the network name (SSID) and passwords (Wi-Fi Key).
Changing the Vodafone Pocket WiFi's APN can be a useful troubleshooting step if you're having trouble with your connection. It's also required if you are using your device with a different provider.
Important
Don't change your APN unless you've been asked to by customer care. Changing this setting can cause difficulties with your connection.
If you need general assistance with your Pocket WiFi, check out the Pocket WiFi user guides above.
Changing your APN
Step 1
Using the web browser on a device connected to the Pocket WiFi, enter https://pocket.wifi or https://192.168.0.1 into the address bar to open the online dashboard.
If you’re connected to the Pocket WiFi using the Micro USB cable from your PC, you can also open the dashboard by clicking on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
Step 2
Enter your administrator password in the top right hand corner of the page and press the ‘Login’ button.
If you haven’t set up a password before, enter the default: admin
Step 3
Click 'Mobile Broadband' from the top menu, and then 'Connection' on the left-hand side.
Step 4
If you're changing the setting with Vodafone:
Choose your APN and enter it into the 'APN' field shown below:
- 'live.vodafone.com' (this is the default for all Vodafone mobile devices. Use this, unless instructed otherwise by customer care)
- 'vfinternet.au' (this should only be used under instruction)
Leave everything else as it appears. For example the 'username', 'password' and 'DNS' fields should all be blank.
Click 'Save' at the bottom of the screen.
If you're using your Pocket WiFi with another provider:
Get the settings from your new provider, select 'custom', and enter them in the appropriate fields.
Step 5
Click 'OK' when prompted to disconnect, it'll restart, and your connection will be restored within a few seconds.
Things to check
Power
Check that your Pocket WiFi is on. If you’re using it on battery power, check that it has sufficient charge and isn’t in sleep mode. If it’s in sleep mode, press the power button once to wake it up and then try connecting devices to it again.
Restart
Turn the Pocket WiFi off and on and then try reconnecting your device. If this doesn’t work, turn the device you’re trying to connect off and back on and then try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi signal.
Account
If your Pocket WiFi is on prepaid mobile broadband, make sure you’ve got credit to access the internet. If you’re on a monthly billed plan, check your account isn’t overdue and that there’s no barring active.
Wi-Fi security key/password
Make sure you’re entering the correct Wi-Fi network security password for your device. If you’re using the Pocket WiFi Pro, Extreme or 4G, double tap the power button and the password will appear on the screen. If you're not sure how to find or reset the password, see above for help.
Coverage
Check the status display on your Pocket WiFi to see how many bars of coverage you're getting. If you’re inside a building and receiving poor coverage, try placing the Pocket WiFi near a window. Also take a look at our coverage maps to make sure your area is covered.
Number of devices connected
How many devices are connected to your Pocket WiFi? The Pocket WiFi and Pocket WiFi Pro can handle a maximum of 5 simultaneous connections while the Pocket WiFi Extreme and 4G can handle a maximum of 10. Check the Wi-Fi icon on the display to make sure you haven’t already reached the maximum.
‘No SIM’ or ‘SIM invalid’
If the status display on your Pocket WiFi says ‘No SIM’ or ‘SIM invalid’, follow our troubleshooting guide to fix it.
‘Enter PIN’ or ‘SIM Blocked’
If the status display on your Pocket WiFi says ‘Enter PIN’ or ‘SIM Blocked’, follow our troubleshooting guide to fix it.
Wi-Fi turned on
Make sure the device you’re connecting has Wi-Fi turned on so it can locate the Pocket WiFi network. You‘ll find Wi-Fi instructions for many phones and tablets we sell in our device guides.
AEMOther networks
Check that the device you’re trying to connect is not already connected to another Wi-Fi network. If it is, you’ll need to disconnect from this network first and then try connecting to your Pocket WiFi.
Network visibility
Can you find the Pocket WiFi in the Wi-Fi network list on the device you’re trying to connect? If not, check out the troubleshooting guide below.
Firewall
Does the device you’re trying to connect have an internet firewall in place? You may need to change firewall settings so its applications can connect to the Pocket WiFi.
Changed settings
Have you changed any settings from the Pocket WiFi’s default configuration that could be stopping your device from connecting? (Eg. APN settings, MAC address filtering, NAT settings, etc.) Depending on what you’ve set up, you may need to alter your settings through the online dashboard to allow the device to connect.
If you’ve changed something and don’t know how to undo it, you could try backing up your current configuration and then restoring the Pocket WiFi to its factory settings.
Contact us
If you've run through all the steps above and are still having issues with your connection, get in touch.
If your Pocket WiFi is on but it's not showing up on your phone, tablet or computer, run through this guide for troubleshooting.
Try this first
Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective:
- Restart - Turn your Pocket WiFi and the device that won't connect, off and on. Then give it another try
- Number of connections - The Pocket WiFi has limited spots for other devices. Check the Pocket WiFi's screen to see if you're at the limit
o Pocket WiFi, Pocket WiFi 2 and Pocket WiFi Pro can connect up to 5 devices
o Pocket WiFi Extreme and 4G can connect up to 10 devices
- Error messages - Check the Pocket WiFi's screen to see if there's an error with your Pocket WiFi
If you’re still having problems finding the network, you can check your Pocket WiFi’s settings through the online dashboard. Check the step-by-step instructions for the Pocket WiFi Pro, Extreme and 4G below.
Pocket WiFi Pro, Extreme and 4G
Step 1
Open up a web browser on a device that's connected to your Pocket WiFi.
Enter https://pocket.wifi or https://192.168.0.1 into the browser address bar, and press the ‘Enter’ or ‘Return’ key.
If you can't connect via Wi-Fi, connect using the Micro USB cable to a computer, and click on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
The Vodafone Pocket WiFi™ Pro online dashboard will then be displayed.
Step 2
Log in using your password.
If you haven’t changed it, the default password is 'admin'.
Step 3
From the ‘Pocket WiFi’ tab, select ‘Wi-Fi’ and then click ‘Wi-Fi Settings’.
Check that ‘Broadcast SSID’ is on. This will make sure that the name of your Wi-Fi connection can be seen.
Step 4
Refresh the Wi-Fi network list on your Wi-Fi device. If you still can’t see the Pocket WiFi network, shorten the network name.
Some devices can't see a network if its name is too long.
To do this, select ‘Security’ from the left-hand side menu. Change the SSID to something shorter like "VF" and click ‘Save’.
Step 5
Refresh the Wi-Fi network list on your device. If you still can't see the network, you can try restoring the Pocket WiFi to its factory settings.
Note: You'll lose any settings you’ve set up. You can back up your configuration settings and restore factory settings by clicking ‘Router’ and then ‘Advanced’ from the left-hand side menu.
What error are you getting?
- Insert - if there isn’t a SIM inserted in the device or the SIM card is inserted incorrectly, you’ll see an ‘Insert SIM’ message on the status display
- Invalid SIM - if you see an ‘Invalid SIM’ message the SIM card you’re using is either inactive or it’s not a Vodafone Australia SIM. Some Pocket WiFi devices are locked to Vodafone so will need to be unlocked to use a SIM from another carrier. If your Pocket WiFi is locked, visit our unlocking site.
Checking the SIM card
Turn off your Pocket Wifi
Press and hold the power button until the display switches off.
Remove and reinsert the SIM – Pocket WiFi 2 and Pocket WiFi Pro
If you’re using a Pocket WiFi, Pocket WiFi 2 or Pocket WiFi Pro, push the back cover release button to unclip the back of the device (1), remove and reinsert the SIM (2), then insert the battery (3) and replace the back cover (4). Try not to touch the contact points when handling the SIM card.
Remove and reinsert the SIM – Pocket WiFi Extreme
If you’re using a Pocket WiFi Extreme, open the SIM card slot on the side, remove the SIM and reinsert it, then close the slot.
Remove and reinsert the SIM – Pocket WiFi 4G
If you're using the Pocket WiFi 4G, remove the back cover and battery, remove and reinsert the SIM, put the battery back in and then put the cover back on.
Turn the device back on
Turn the Pocket WiFi back on and check whether the ‘Insert SIM’ message appears. If the error message still shows, contact us for assistance.
If ‘Enter PIN’ or ‘SIM Blocked’ show up on the display of your Pocket WiFi, it means the SIM card you're using in the device is protected by a PIN. Here's how to manage your PIN settings on your Pocket WiFi.
How it works
- If your Pocket WiFi display shows 'Enter PIN’, it means the SIM card you’re using is protected by a PIN. You’ll need to enter it before you'll be able to connect to the internet
- If the wrong PIN is entered three times, you’ll see a ‘SIM Blocked’ message on the display of your Pocket WiFi. You’ll need to enter your PUK code to unblock the SIM card before you're able to use it
- The PIN or PUK can be entered through the online dashboard
- For some models you can choose to store the PIN, saving you from re-entering it each time you connect
- The instructions to change your PIN settings vary depending on the model of Pocket WiFi you’re using:
Pocket WiFi Pro, Extreme and 4G
Step 1
You’ll need to know the PIN or PUK code for your SIM before you begin.
If you haven't changed your PIN, try the default PIN '0000' in step 5. Otherwise, follow our ‘How-to’ guide to retrieve your PUK code from My Vodafone or contact customer care for assistance.
Step 2
Open up a web browser on a device connected via Wi-Fi to the Pocket WiFi. Enter https://pocket.wifi or https://192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press ‘Enter’/‘Return’.
If you don’t have a device connected via Wi-Fi, connect the Pocket WiFi using the Micro USB cable from your PC and then click on the short cut icon on your desktop.
The Pocket WiFi online dashboard will be displayed.
Step 3
Log in to the online dashboard by entering your administrator password in the top right hand corner of the page and press the ‘Login’ button.
If you haven’t set up a password before, the default password is 'admin'.
Step 4
From the ‘Pocket WiFi’ tab, select ‘Mobile Broadband’ and then click ‘SIM PIN’.
Step 5
Enter the PIN or PUK code for your SIM card as requested by the system.
Note: If you’re asked to enter a PIN and enter the wrong code 3 times, you’ll be prompted to enter your PUK code.
Step 6
If you want to turn off the PIN feature for the SIM, untick the ‘PIN code required’ box.
If you want to keep a PIN but want the system to automatically enter it for you when you connect, tick both the ‘PIN code required’ and ‘Store my PIN’ boxes.
Step 7
Click the ‘Save’ button. The ‘Enter PIN’ or ‘SIM Blocked’ message should be cleared from the display of the Pocket WiFi, allowing you to connect to the internet.