How do I connect my generator to a Wi-Fi network if I have an iPhone

To connect a generator that came with factory-installed Wi-Fi, use the Mobile Link app and choose the Connect a Device option on the Sign in or Sign up screen. The Mobile Link app guides users through the complete process of connecting a generator.

Apr 23, 2024•Knowledge

Title
How do I connect my generator to a Wi-Fi network if I have an iPhone
URL Name
How-Do-I-Connect-My-Generator-to-a-WI-FI-Network-if-I-have-an-iPhone

Public Content

Connect a generator with the Mobile Link app (iPhone)

Generator owners can connect their generators to their home Wi-Fi network using a setup wizard within the Mobile Link for Generators mobile app. This app can also monitor the generator and change certain settings once the generator is connected. 

Note: If the generator owner has an Android device, or does not have a smartphone, they can reference the How do I connect my generator to a home Wi-Fi network? article for alternative connection methods.


Does my generator need to be connected to Mobile Link to function as an automatic backup system?

A Mobile Link account is not required for the generator to operate as an automatic backup generator. See the Do I Need to Sign Up for and Use Mobile Link in Order to Operate My Generator? article for more information.
 

Do I need to create an account and sign up for a Mobile Link subscription?

Creating a Mobile Link account is not required to connect the generator through the app. The connection wizard is available without signing in. Generac support recommends attempting the connection process first to confirm reliable network connectivity before subscribing to a paid Mobile Link plan.


Environment

 

This article will include:


To prepare the generator for the connection to a Wi-Fi Network:

1. Go to the generator, unlock it, and raise the cover to the generator.
2. Locate the control panel located on the right side of the open generator, then press the OFF button on the control panel. 
 
image.png
Note: This step will ensure the generator does not start or run during the Wi-Fi connection process.  The Final Steps section of this article will ensure the generator is returned to a Ready to Run state after connecting.
 
3. Press the ESCAPE button, to access the control panel's main menu.
 
image.png
4 Using the arrow keys on the control panel, Press the down arrow to select the WIFI or SET UP WIFI menu item, then press the ENTER button.
 
 
WiFi Flashing on Controller.gif or SETUP WiFi Flashing on Controller.gif
 
5. The screen may display multiple options:
 
  • If SETUP WIFI? is displayed on the control panel screen, use the arrow keys to select YES if YES is not already displayed, then press the ENTER button.
  • If something other than SETUP WIFI? is displayed on the control panel, use the arrow keys to scroll until REDO WIFI SETUP? is displayed. Then, press the ENTER button and use the arrow keys to scroll until YES is displayed, and then press the ENTER button one more time.
 
6. The generator's control panel may display SET TO AP for up to 3 minutes, then display SETUP WIFI NOW!
 
SETUP WiFi now.gif
 
Note: A timer and a number beginning with MLG will alternate on-screen.  This is normal.  The MLG number will be referenced later in this process and it may be helpful to write down. See How Do I Find the WI-FI SSID on My Generator's Control Panel? for more information.

7. The generator is now prepared for connection.
 

To connect a generator that came with factory-installed Wi-Fi using an Apple Device:

 
1. Download, Install, and open the Mobile Link for Generators App from the Apple App Store.  The Mobile Link welcome screen will be displayed.
 
Note: If the Mobile Link for Generators App is already installed and has already been logged into, please see the How Do I Reconnect My Generator to a Wi-Fi Network if It Has Become Disconnected? article.
 
image.png

2. Tap the Get Started button.
 
image.png
 
3. Tap the I need to connect a Home Standby Generator to Wi-Fi option.

image.png

4. Tap the Connect Now button.

image.png

5. Tap the Integrated Wi-Fi option.
 
image.png

6. A prompt will appear request permission to enable phone location data, Tap the Enable phone location button.

image.png
 
Note: This permission is required by the device to connect to a Wi-Fi network, due to the app's need to automatically identifying available networks.  Without this permission, connecting the generator to Wi-Fi will not work.

7. A prompt will appear, choose the While using the app option.

image.png
 
8. A What does the display on your generator say? screen will appear.  Select the Setup WIFI Now! option.
 
image.png

9. A Wait until you see a timer... screen will appear.  Verify that a timer and MLGXXXXX is rotating on the generator's controller screen.  If this is displayed, tap the Yes, connect now button.

image.png
 
10. Mobile Link will begin searching for a nearby MLG network  This may take a few seconds.  Please wait for the screen to proceed.

image.png

11. A prompt will appear, requesting permission to connect to a temporary network.  Verify the MLG number listed on the prompt matches the MLG number shown on the controller's display, then click Connect.

image.png

12. The app will indicate when the connection to the temporary MLG network is successfully completed.

image.png

13. The app will request confirmation of the MLG network name. Verify the displayed MLG network name is correct, and the tap Continue.

image.png

14. A list of available Wi-Fi networks should be displayed.  Choose the Wi-Fi network name to which the generator should be connected.
 
image.png
 
Note: If a list does not automatically appear, tap the Refresh list of available networks option, the app will rescan for available networks in the area.
 
15. Enter the password for the Wi-Fi network that was selected in the previous step, then press the Submit button.
 
image.png
 
Note: To ensure accuracy, the password must be entered twice.  This is to validate the entered password before submitting it to the generator, as incorrect password entry can greatly increase the complexity and failure rate of connections.
   
16. The app may take a few additional moments to send the configuration to the generator.  The Configuration sent screen will then appear.  The generator has now been successfully connected to the selected Wi-Fi Network, however, it may take up to 15 minutes for information to update in the Mobile Link app.  Next steps are provided, these additional steps are also described in higher detail in the Final Steps section provided below.
 
image.png
 

Final Steps

1. The generator's control panel will now display NOW CONNECTED, press the ENTER button to continue.

image.png

2. The generator's connection signal strength is displayed, verify the signal strength is acceptable then press the ENTER button.

WIFI Signal.gif
 
Note: Signal strength of 30% or higher is recommended.  If lower than 30% signal strength is observed, consider adding a Wi-Fi booster or Extender to your network to improve connection reliability.

3. The automatically determined Timezone information may be displayed, verify the information to be accurate, then press the ENTER button to continue.
 
Note: If PLEASE SELECT HOUR is displayed, please wait a few moments. The timezone information should be displayed 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 the SYSTEM menu item, then press the ENTER button.

Systems Selected.gif


5. The screen will display SWITCHED TO OFF. Press the AUTO button.

image.png


6. The generator should return to the READY TO RUN.

image.png
 
Was this article helpful?
Upload Files


Need more help? Get in touch with our support team.


Contact Support