R36S Internal WiFi Mod
Overview[edit]
If your R36S has the WiFi pad on the mainboard, you can solder a WiFi board on it. Known R36S types with the WiFi pad are R36S-V21 2024-12-18 and R36S-V22 2024-12-18 which are often sold by 001 Ali Choice Store, BOYHOM Store and Factory Game Direct Store.
This also applies to similar devices like the R36H, R36XX, R46H, R45H, R40XX, R40XX Pro Max. Some of these devices already come with a wifi chip pre-soldered on the mainboard.
Compatible WiFi Chips[edit]
- RTL8188ETV - direct link
- Usually the cheapest chip that can be found on aliexpress.
- RTL8723BU - direct link
- A little bit more expensive but this one also has bluetooth capabilities and faster transfer speeds.
Tools Needed[edit]
- Screwdriver
- Most of the Game Console handhelds can be disassembled with a small phillips screwdriver
- Get one of the iFixit sets on amazon or one of the cheap sets on aliexpress if you're looking for a budget option.
- Most of the Game Console handhelds can be disassembled with a small phillips screwdriver
- Soldering iron and supplies
- A good high quality soldering iron with a small tip is recommended. But it's also possible to do this with one of those cheap JCD soldering irons for around 10€ like the JCD9085S 80W.
Video Guides[edit]
These video guides from various youtubers are very helpful. If you are new to soldering, it's also adviced to watch/read a few beginner and basic soldering tips.
Tutorial[edit]
Here is my version of how to solder a wifi chip to the mainboard. I never soldered in my life before, but I managed to sucessfully install a RTL8188ETV chip in the first try. Device used was a R36H with a partially broken screen (nephew dropped it a couple of months ago). Perfect for testing.
Note: It's usually adviced to fully remove the mainboard from the shell.
Troubleshooting and fixing issues[edit]
If you can't find networks after soldering the wifi module, there's a chance your device is missing some resistors and capacitors. Reddit user andxang has shared a fix here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/R36S/comments/1r8rlit/v21_wifi_chip_installation_problem_solved/
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