Your device's internal Wi-Fi communication between the Smartphone (DriveSmarter) and device is automatically managed by the app; you will only need to confirm the connections that the app requests. This is not an internet connection, but rather a direct link between your device and phone/app.
Separately, some of our products including our connected radar detectors (models with a "c" after the 360) or our newer connected series dash cams (SC 110/120, 220C, and 250R) can also connect to external Wi-Fi networks such as the vehicle's Wi-Fi, some hotspots, or home Wi-Fi networks. (We do not recommend using the phone's own Wi-Fi hotspot) This Wi-Fi connection is convenient for performing updates to firmware and the Defender Database. In addition, once connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can receive Live Alerts and speed limit data directly to the device, as well. (No need to use the app during your drive, if you prefer not to.)
It's important to note that a data package for the Wi-Fi source is necessary for these features to function properly. If you connect to a hotspot with no data, these features will not work.
When adding a connected device to your Drive Smarter account under a Vehicle, you will have the option to indicate whether you would like to connect the device to a Wi-Fi hotspot. If so, the Drive Smarter App will show you a list of available Hotspot SSIDs nearby. Select the hotspot you want your device to directly connect to in the future and add password information if needed.
To connect to your Wi-Fi network:
- When you connect add the device to your vehicle, you will be asked whether you intend to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot. Click YES.
- Choose the desired hotspot from the populated list.
- You will be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi network's password.
- Once your device connects to the Wi-Fi network, all connected features are enabled.
**Note that not all devices have the ability to connect to an external Wi-Fi network. If you do not see this prompt in Drive Smarter or have the option in settings, your device does not have this feature.