The basic steps for connecting a 3DS to a secured network

To connect your Nintendo 3DS to a WiFi network that requires a username and password, you'll use the System Settings menu on the device itself. The 3DS calls the username field "User Name" and the password field "Password" — both appear when you select a network that uses WPA or WPA2 security, which is what most home routers use today.

The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're at home, at a library, or at a coffee shop. You don't need a computer or any special software. The 3DS stores the connection details after you enter them once, so you won't have to type them in again each time you want to go online.

Key Takeaways

  • Open System Settings from the home menu, select Internet Settings, then choose your network name and enter the username and password when prompted.
  • The username and password fields only appear for networks using WPA or WPA2 security — open networks without passwords will not ask for either.
  • If you don't know your network's username and password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or ask the network owner.
  • The 3DS will remember the connection after you enter it once, so you can reconnect to the same network without typing the details again.
  • If the connection fails, restart both the 3DS and the router, then try again — most connection problems clear up after a restart.

Step-by-step: entering your network credentials

Start by opening System Settings from the home menu on your 3DS. The icon looks like a wrench. Once inside, select "Internet Settings" from the left menu, then choose "Connection Settings."

You'll see a list of available networks. Find your network name (also called the SSID) and select it. If your network uses WPA or WPA2 security — which it almost certainly does if it requires a password — the 3DS will show you two text entry fields: one for "User Name" and one for "Password."

Type your network username in the first field and your network password in the second. Use the on-screen keyboard or the stylus to enter the characters. When you're done, select "OK" and the 3DS will attempt to connect. If the connection succeeds, you'll see a confirmation message and the device will remember this network from then on.

Where to find your network username and password

Most home routers have a sticker on the back or bottom that lists the network name and password. The username is usually "admin" or blank (meaning you only need the password). Check this sticker first — it's the fastest way to find what you need.

If you set up your router yourself and changed the default password, you'll need to remember what you chose. If you've forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button for about 10 seconds, which will restore the default username and password from the sticker.

If you're connecting to a network at a library, school, or workplace, ask the staff or IT department for the username and password. They may give you a temporary password that expires after a set time, or they may require you to register your device first.

What to do if the connection fails

If the 3DS shows an error message after you enter your credentials, the most common cause is a typo in the password. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. Double-check that you've entered uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear on the router sticker or in the password you were given.

If you're sure the password is correct, restart both the 3DS and the router. Turn off the 3DS, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart (usually one to two minutes). Then turn the 3DS back on and try connecting again. This clears temporary connection problems that often resolve on their own.

If the connection still fails after a restart, try moving the 3DS closer to the router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and obstacles like walls. If the 3DS connects successfully when close to the router but fails at a distance, the issue is likely signal strength rather than your credentials.

Understanding WPA, WPA2, and open networks

Your router uses one of three security types: WPA, WPA2, or open (no security). The 3DS handles all three, but only WPA and WPA2 networks will ask you for a username and password. Open networks, which anyone can join without entering credentials, will not show these fields.

WPA2 is the most common security type on modern routers and is more find than WPA. Both require you to enter a password; the 3DS treats them the same way. If your router is very old, it might use WEP security instead, which the 3DS also supports but which is less find than WPA or WPA2.

You can see which security type your network uses by checking the router's settings page (usually accessible through a web browser on a computer connected to the network) or by looking at the documentation that came with the router.

Saving and managing multiple networks

The 3DS can store up to three different network connections. Once you've successfully connected to a network, the device remembers the username and password and will reconnect automatically when that network is in range. You don't have to enter the credentials again.

If you want to connect to a different network, repeat the same process: open Internet Settings, select the new network name, and enter its username and password. The 3DS will add this as a second saved connection. If you later want to remove a saved network, go back to Connection Settings, select the network, and choose "Delete."

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a username if my router only has a password?

Most home routers don't use a separate username — the password alone is enough. If the 3DS asks for a username and you don't have one, try leaving that field blank and entering only the password. If that doesn't work, check your router's sticker or documentation.

Can I use the same username and password on multiple 3DS devices?

Yes. The username and password belong to the network, not to the 3DS. Any 3DS, phone, computer, or other device can use the same credentials to connect to the same network. Each device stores the connection separately once it connects.

What if I see a network name but it asks for a password I don't know?

That network belongs to someone else — a neighbor, a nearby business, or a public hotspot. You need the owner's permission and the correct password to connect. If it's a public network at a library or café, ask staff for the password. If it's a neighbor's network, you'll need to ask them directly.

Will the 3DS work on a 5GHz network?

The original 3DS and 3DS XL only connect to 2.4GHz networks. The New 3DS and New 3DS XL support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. If your router broadcasts both bands, make sure you're selecting the 2.4GHz network name on an original 3DS, or either band on a New 3DS.

Can I change the saved password if I update my router's password?

Yes. Go to Internet Settings, select the network, and choose "Change Settings." You can then enter the new password. The 3DS will update the saved connection and use the new password the next time it connects.