How Does MiFi Work: Everything You Need To Know

Mark Dalio March 9, 2023 2 0

Mobile WiFi, popularly known as MiFi, lets you get online and helps you create a WiFi hotspot that doesn’t include a traditional home broadband connection. How does MiFi work?

MiFi is a portable battery-powered device that can be easily used while travelling. MiFi doesn’t use fibre or copper cabling to connect to the internet. Instead, it uses the 4G or 5G network to go online, similar to your phone.

In this article, you’ll learn how MiFi works, the pros and cons of using MiFi, the cost of MiFi, and many more things. Read on to learn more!

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions) On How Does MiFi Work

1. How much does MiFi cost per month?

Three sells the most affordable MiFi plans at this moment. With a data plan, you pay about £15-£25 per month for their MiFi device. At the same time, other MiFi providers charge more for their MiFi packages or offer a low data limit for the same per-month cost.

2. Is MiFi as good as Wi-Fi?

MiFi is not as good as WiFi. MiFi is a WiFi device that utilises cellular networks to keep Wi-Fi-enabled devices connected. WiFi is used in WLAN networks that link WiFi devices to the internet. Traditional routers are fixed to one location.

3. What are the disadvantages of MiFi?

The disadvantages of MiFi are as follows:

You have a data usage limit
Your latency is higher on using MiFi
You will be restricted to 4G speeds. You need to pay more for a 5G MiFi device.

What You’ll Need

Here are the steps to install MiFi:

First, insert the SIM card
Then, turn on the router
Start the setup
Now, adjust the settings
Set the WiFi settings
Now, it’s time to connect to the internet
Set the data limit

How Does MiFi Work: Introduction

MiFi is a small, wireless device allowing multiple users and mobile devices to share a broadband internet connection.

Most providers sell MiFi devices on a monthly contract or pay-as-you-go basis. You need to select a plan that suits your needs. MiFi devices can be rented abroad, saving money on data charges.

How Does MiFi Work: Complete Process

If you want to use MiFi online, buy a MiFi device and data plan from a mobile carrier. Then, you must set it up once it arrives in your mail.

Pop the back cover of the MiFi device. There’s a gap in the corner so you can lift the cover.

Now, insert the SIM card. You’ll find a slot for the SIM and then push the SIM into it. Alternatively, you can find a cover you’ll need to lift. You’ll receive a small card with the shipment. You need to push the SIM card out. Make sure to push out the right size SIM from the card. Otherwise, it won’t be able to fit in the device. Generally, you’ll need the smallest “Nano” SIM.

Now, you have to insert the battery into the MiFi device. Then, put back the cover. You don’t need to follow this step if the battery is integrated into the device.

Hold the power button for 3 to 5 seconds until the lights illuminate the device. Your MiFi device starts up, and you’ll observe a signal light (ordinarily green) once the device connects to the mobile network. If the device doesn’t get on, it needs charging.

Now, you’re ready to get online. You can link to the MiFi device’s Wi-Fi hotspot using your phone, computer, tablet, or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Normally, the Wi-Fi network password is printed on a label on the back of the MiFi device, or there might be a card with the login details included with the device.

How Does MiFi Work: Going Online With MiFi

If you get online using MiFi, it will connect you to the internet using the 4G or 5G network. Mostly, MiFi devices use 4G instead of 5G. This is because 5g MiFi devices are quite expensive to buy.

If you want to use the internet on your MiFi device, you’ll require a constant connection to the mobile network. You can also use a MiFi device while travelling if you get a signal. In addition, if you go overseas, enable roaming before you travel, and roaming charges may apply, depending on the mobile carrier you’re using.

Mobile broadband connectivity varies on the position of your MiFi device. If you use mobile Wi-Fi at home, test the device in different parts of the house to get the best speeds. You can also use speedtest.net to measure your speeds in different locations.

Consider the position of the devices you plan to go online with relative to the position of your MiFi device. You can put the MiFi device in the corner of your house to receive the best 4G signal. However, you might get a better signal if your computer is on the other side of the property.

How Does MiFi Work: Buying A MiFi Device

If you’re buying a MiFi device, you will need to choose the following:

MiFi device you like – Most mobile networks sell 4G MiFi devices made by Huawei or ZTE, which are similar in terms of Wi-Fi performance, battery capacity, & ease of use. Some networks now offer 5G MiFi for a high monthly cost.

Contract length you want – You can choose a 12, 18, or 24-month contract. In addition, month-to-month MiFi plans are also available, although they are available at a high monthly cost.

Mobile network to use – Check the network coverage map of different companies to identify which offers the best signal at your address. Also, compare networks based on pricing because some are more affordable than others.

Data you require monthly – You can buy MiFi devices with a 4 GB monthly data allowance to unlimited data usage. If you use MiFi for data-intensive activities like watching videos or downloading large files, paying more for a high data limit is excellent.

Ensure that the data SIM you’re using is not limited to use with mobile phones. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use it on your MiFi device.

How Does MiFi Work: Pros & Cons Of MiFi

Here are the pros and cons of MiFi:

Pros

You can go online almost anywhere as long as you receive a mobile network signal

You don’t need to commit to a long-term contract. Cuckoo allows you to join on a month-to-month agreement

MiFi devices are quite simple to set up, & are easy to use.

Cons

You get a data usage limit.

MiFi signal isn’t as good as with an excellent wireless router.

You will be restricted to 4G speeds unless you pay for a 5G MiFi.

How Can You Get MiFi?

You can receive monthly contract tariffs from UK companies like Three mobile and EE. In addition, you can get a pay-as-you-go deal.

If you wish to get pay as you go, plan then pay for the MiFi device upfront. But if you need to utilise MiFi regularly, it might be your best option.

How Does MiFi Work: Speed Of MiFi

MiFi offers speeds up to 25 Mbps depending on the location & the type of MiFi tariff you have signed up to.

Now, 4G is becoming more common in the UK, so MiFi speeds are anticipated to increase. EE says that its dongle & MiFi devices deliver speeds up to 80 Mbps.

If you’re renting a MiFi device abroad, you may be shocked at the speeds you can receive. MiFi speeds can reach up to 165 Mbps in countries like South Korea and Japan. This is faster than some fibre optic connections in the UK!

How Does MiFi Work: Battery Life Of MiFi

MiFi devices are sleek & portable. You can take it anywhere. Their battery life tends to be between 4 and 8 hours.

Recent MiFi devices offer 16 hours of battery life, so you might see those that can provide a full day’s use.

How Does MiFi Work: Is MiFi Hard To Set Up?

MiFi is relatively easy to set up. All you need to do is to switch on the unit & wait for your devices to detect the signal. Once you’ve got your MiFi switched on, this doesn’t take a long time. You can use it within seconds.

You don’t require to install any software on your devices. In addition, you’ll be able to use MiFi with VPN programs. You can also use MiFi devices for storage purposes.

If you have a microSD card, insert it into a compatible MiFi device to boost the storage space.

How Does MiFi Work: Why Should You Get MiFi?

You should get a MiFi device if you travel a lot and don’t like being offline. MiFi offers you more flexibility than standard mobile broadband.

MiFi lets you connect multiple devices, such as your phone, tablet, and laptop. It is excellent for people who work on the move.

You can use MIFi as an alternative to fixed-line broadband for students living in short-term shared accommodation. It can be costly, but some MiFi deals have flexible 30-day contracts.

Companies like Three and EE are the leading MiFi providers in the UK & they both provide contracts and pay-as-you-go tariffs. One of the best parts of EE is that it gives an in-car MiFi device that is useful for keeping entertained passengers.

However, if you don’t feel the need to be online all the time, getting a MiFi device is probably not worth the extra cost.

How Does MiFi Work: Devices You Can Connect To Your MiFi

You can connect 10 devices on a mobile MiFi device. But, the devices need to be within 10-metres distance from the MiFi.

Speeds vary, but you can expect connected devices to achieve up to 25 Mbps speed.

How Much Does MiFi Cost?

Mainly all UK networks provide MiFi (or mobile WiFi) contracts.

Vodafone offers MiFi tariffs that consist of 12 months or 30 days. Three provides MiFi in 1 or 24-month contracts. At the same time, EE offers pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go options.

Remember to watch data usage caps on any deal you sign up for. 30-day or 1-month contracts have relatively low data limits. So, if you use a lot of data, go for 12-month tariffs.

O2 provides MiFi devices on a pay & go basis from £25.00.

Which Is Better: MiFi Or Wi-Fi?

Choosing MiFi or WiFi depends entirely on your needs. If you are working from home, want to connect multiple devices, and are making a lot of music and video streaming, go for a fixed-line broadband (fibre) with a wireless router included in the package.

Consider a MiFi router for your home if you have an excellent 4G connection but cannot get fixed-line broadband.

One of the benefits of MiFi is that it still works during a power outage as it has its battery power, unlike a Wi-Fi router, which can go down.

MiFi is great for travellers. It has battery power and offers 6 hours of battery life. Some companies claim that their MiFi devices last all day.

You can free up a USB port & connect more than one device. Some MiFi devices offer their storage too.

MiFi is preferable in connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot because sending any information via the device goes via the 4G network and is therefore encrypted.

How Does MiFi Work: Best MiFi Deals

There are plenty of MiFi deals, and you can check online to find the offers that represent the best value.

Different networks provide MiFi dongles as an alternative option for getting online. That means there’s healthy competition around and better prices for consumers.

So, always compare MiFi deals because it’s worth finding what you can receive, which applies to both the cost of the MiFi device & the price of the tariff.

Conclusion: How Does MiFi Work

If you get online using MiFi, it will connect you to the internet using the 4G or 5G network. Mostly, MiFi devices use 4G instead of 5G. This is because 5g MiFi devices are quite expensive to buy.

If you use mobile Wi-Fi at home, test the device in different parts of the house to get the best speeds. You can also use speedtest.net to measure your speeds in different locations.

MiFi offers speeds up to 25 Mbps depending on the location & the type of MiFi tariff you have signed up to.

I hope this article on how does MiFi work was helpful!

Mark Dalio

Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.