R36S Internal WiFi Mod: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "{{#seo: |image=R36S wiki logo 1000x1000.png |title=R36S Internal WiFi Mod |description=Comprehensive info about different R36S/K36 clones. How to spot a clone, stores to avoid, custom firmware, troubleshooting and more! |keywords=R36S, K36, clone, clones, AliExpress, buying, cheap, handhelds, R36S alternatives, emuelec, arkos, rocknix}}{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=3}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}} == Overview == If your R36S has the WiF..."
 
Troubleshooting and fixing issues
 
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  |image=R36S wiki logo 1000x1000.png
  |image=R36S wiki logo 1000x1000.png
  |title=R36S Internal WiFi Mod
  |title=R36S Internal WiFi Mod
  |description=Comprehensive info about different R36S/K36 clones. How to spot a clone, stores to avoid, custom firmware, troubleshooting and more!
  |description=R36S Internal WiFi Mod - Compatible chips and short tutorial
  |keywords=R36S, K36, clone, clones, AliExpress, buying, cheap, handhelds, R36S alternatives, emuelec, arkos, rocknix}}{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=3}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}}
  |keywords=R36S, R36H, wifi, wi-fi, mod, chip, solder, RTL8188ETV, RTL8723BU}}{{R36S Handheld Wiki page navigation new}}{{TOC|limit=3}}{{Movetotop}}{{SectionStyleStart}}


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


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 [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFLohvJ 001 Ali Choice Store], [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_om5MhjF BOYHOM Store] and [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFD0X9X Factory Game Direct Store].  
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 [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFLohvJ 001 Ali Choice Store], [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_om5MhjF BOYHOM Store] and [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFD0X9X Factory Game Direct Store].  
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<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36S mainboard wifi pad.jpg|thumb|none|400px|R36S mainboard wifi pad]] </li>
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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.
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.


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<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:|thumb|none|400px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:R36H mainboard wifi pad.jpg|thumb|none|400px|R36H mainboard wifi pad]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:|thumb|none|400px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:|thumb|none|400px]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: top;"> [[File:|thumb|none|400px]] </li>
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== Compatible WiFi Chips ==
== Compatible WiFi Chips ==
* [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c32IevxN RTL8188ETV] - [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3U7nwwn direct link]  
* [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c32IevxN RTL8188ETV] - [https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3U7nwwn direct link]  
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== Tutorial ==
== Tutorial ==


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== Troubleshooting and fixing issues ==
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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[[Category:R36S Handheld Wiki]]
[[Category:R36S Handheld Wiki]]
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Latest revision as of 13:20, 7 March 2026

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.

  • R36S mainboard wifi pad

    • 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.

  • R36H mainboard wifi pad

    • Compatible WiFi Chips[edit]

  • RTL8188ETV front - got 5 pieces for 7€
  • Back of the RTL8188ETV chip
  • Size comparison with microSD cards
    • RTL8723BU - direct link
      • A little bit more expensive but this one also has bluetooth capabilities and faster transfer speeds.
  • RTL8723BU wifi chip

    • 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.
  • Cheap 25-in-1 screwdriver set from aliexpress for 2€
    • 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.
  • JCD9085S 80W 908S KIT4 for 9€

    • 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.

    Load video
    YouTube
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    YouTube
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    YouTube
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    YouTube

    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.

  • Prepare your handheld and work space. Use a cloth to protect your screen. Remove SD cards from your device. Remove the battery cover and unplug the battery.
  • Remove the backplate and disconnect cables that could get in the way.
  • R36H mainboard
  • Closer look at the WiFi pad.
  • This is how it's supposed to be soldered on.
  • Preparing my soldering iron.
  • Choosing the right tip? I have no idea and went with the smallest one.
  • Worst solder points ever.
  • Worst solder points ever.
  • Worst solder points ever.
  • Time for re-assembling
  • Testing WiFi.
  • Downloaded Portmaster Update.
  • WiFi is up.
  • My desk and the tools I used. The cute Pikachu drawing from my nephew helps me emotionally deal with how bad my solder joints turned out.
  • Possible future projects?

    • 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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