Meshly Hotspot Setup Guide
Thank you for being a Meshly Host. When you receive your hotspot, follow these steps to set it up. Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for joining us on this exciting journey.
Setup Instructions
- Attach the antenna to the hotspot. This is important to do before you connect power to the hotspot.
- Connect the power supply to the hotspot. The hotspot will boot up – this takes about a minute.
- Download the app “Helium Hotspot Utility” on your phone from either the iPhone App Store or Android App Store.
- Press the pairing button on the side of the hotspot to enable Bluetooth pairing mode. The hotspot will remain in pairing mode for ~5 minutes.
- Open the “Helium Hotspot Utility” app on your phone and follow the instructions to connect to the hotspot. If the app cannot find the hotspot make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. If that does not work, it’s likely the pairing window ended – press the pairing button on the hotspot and try again.
- Use the app to configure the Wi-Fi Network. Select the wireless network name and enter the password. NOTE: If the hotspot is near your router, you can connect the hotspot directly to your router using an Ethernet cable instead of connecting over Wi-Fi.
- Reboot the hotspot. This step is important to ensure everything is working properly.
That’s it! Congrats your hotspot is now online!
Hotspot Placement Options
Good placement is key and will significantly impact earnings – it could be the difference between earning $10 a month versus earning $100 a month. Ideally, you will place the hotspot at the highest point in your house/apartment. The signal will travel much farther if it has a direct line of sight outside and doesn’t have to pass through walls, etc. Below are a few examples to give you some ideas.
Window
A window with a great view is a great location for a hotspot. You can use 3M velcro tape to attach the hotspot to a window. Ensure the antenna is oriented vertically and that the window you choose does not have bug screens – the metal in the bug screen will substantially reduce the signal. Try to get it as high up as possible and above any obstructions such as balcony railings.
Attached to the center of the window using the 3M velcro tape
Placed on a window sill and secured with 3M velcro tape
Balcony / Patio
If you have a balcony or patio, you can install the hotspot there.
We are happy to provide a weatherproof outdoor enclosure and cable — just drop us a line at [email protected] and we can get those on order for you.
Troubleshooting Hotspot Issues
This information will help you troubleshoot issues and maximize the rewards you earn.
How do I fix an offline hotspot?
If the status of the hotspot is offline, check the following:
- Power. It sounds basic, but this is the number one reason for a hotspot being offline. Make sure it is plugged in!
- Connected to the Internet. The hotspot needs to be connected to the Internet for it to work. Follow the setup instructions to check the status of the network connection and reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings if necessary!
How do I improve RF coverage?
RF Coverage is critical to maximizing rewards. If the hotspot is not able to talk to or hear other hotspots, earnings will be minimal. Ideally, you should place the hotspot at the highest point in your house/apartment. The signal will travel much farther if it has a direct line of sight outside and doesn’t have to pass through walls, etc. Please also ensure that the antenna is oriented vertically and that the window/location you choose does not have bug screens (the metal in the bug screen will substantially reduce the signal) or window film.