Local Mode Setup
This guide walks through setting up a Wifi Porter or Porter Hospitality device in local mode — the fastest option, with Wi-Fi credentials written directly to the device. If you're not sure this is the right mode for you, see Local or Cloud: Choosing How to Set Up Your Wifi Porter first.
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
1. Open the Porter Setup App and Tap "Get Started"
- Hold your phone against the Porter when prompted to read it for the first time
2. Choose "Standard Setup"
- Select the local/standard option (labeled "Standard setup" or "Set up without Cloud access" depending on whether you're signed in)
3. Enter Your Wi-Fi Info
- Type in your network name and password exactly as they appear on your router, or tap "Load name" to pull in the network your phone is currently connected to
- Choose the correct security type, and whether the network is hidden
4. Review
- ⚠️ Double-check the network name and password on the review screen. Capitalization and spelling matter — a single typo here is the most common reason a Porter fails to connect guests later
5. Porter Security
- Choose whether to lock the Porter to your account, preventing other phones from reconfiguring it later
- Yes — requires signing in (or creating a free account). The Porter can only be reset or reconfigured by signing into that same account. See Unlocking a Locked Wifi Porter if you ever need to undo this
- No — anyone with the app can reconfigure this Porter later
6. Name Your Location (Optional Branding)
- Give the Porter's landing page a name, and optionally customize the button label, header image, and colors
- Tap "Show config" for these advanced options — most people can skip straight to Continue
7. Program the Porter
- Tap Start, then hold your phone against the Porter when prompted ("Ready to Scan — Hold your iPhone near your Porter")
- Keep the phone steady against the device until it confirms the write succeeded
8. Print, Share, or Email the QR Code
- The app generates a printable card ("It Worked!") with a QR code and installation instructions
- If you don't have a printer handy, use the Email or Share option instead of closing the app — closing out before finishing this step means starting the whole setup over
9. Test It
- Before you walk away, open your phone's camera and point it at the printed QR code
- You should be prompted to join the network. If you see an error, go back a few screens and double-check the password
Screenshot: Step 2 — choosing "Standard setup"
Screenshot: Step 6 — naming your location
Screenshot: Step 7 — "Ready to Scan," holding your phone against the Porter
Screenshot: Step 8 — "It Worked!" print/share/email screen
Screenshot: Step 9 — "Let's test it out!"
✅ Setup complete. You can program another Porter with the same Wi-Fi info right away, or tap Done.
Screenshot: The "All done!" confirmation screen
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| QR code doesn't prompt a Wi-Fi join when scanned | See QR Code or Tap-to-Join Won't Connect to Wi-Fi |
| Wi-Fi password changed since setup | The printed QR code and card are now out of date. You'll need to reprogram the Porter with the new password — local mode credentials live only on the device itself. |
| Setup was interrupted (e.g. no printer available) | Reopen the app and select the Porter again from the app menu to pick up where the QR/print step left off, rather than restarting from scratch. |
| "Porter is locked" message appears during setup | See Unlocking a Locked Wifi Porter |
Need Additional Help?
If you run into trouble during setup, contact our support team (info@tenonedesign.com) with the Porter's ID (found in the app's device list) and what you've already tried.
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