What is Airtel SmartConnect 5G Home & Office WiFi?

Airtel SmartConnect can support up to 64 devices simultaneously. However, for optimal performance, we recommend connecting up to 32 devices at a time.

What you can connect: You can connect all your devices to the WiFi network created by the indoor router - smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart home devices, and more. Each device connects wirelessly to the router, just like connecting to any WiFi network.

Why 32 is recommended: While the router can technically handle 64 devices, connecting 32 or fewer devices ensures better performance for each device. When more devices share the connection, the available internet speed is divided among them. For example, if many devices are streaming videos or downloading files simultaneously, each device will get a smaller portion of the total speed. Keeping it to 32 devices or fewer ensures everyone gets good speeds.

Wired connections: The indoor router also has 3 LAN ports for wired connections. Wired connections (using Ethernet cables) are typically faster and more stable than WiFi, so you can connect computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly via cable for the best performance. Learn about router ports

Performance tip: If you experience slow speeds with many devices connected, see our slow internet troubleshooting guide for solutions.

No, Airtel SmartConnect is not a signal booster or amplifier. It's a complete internet access solution that works independently.

The difference: A signal booster takes an existing weak signal and makes it stronger. Airtel SmartConnect is different - it's a complete system that connects directly to Airtel's cellular network (like your phone does) and creates a WiFi network in your home or office. It doesn't need an existing internet connection to work.

How it works: The outdoor unit connects to Airtel's 5G/4G network using a SIM card, receives internet signal from cell towers, and sends it to the indoor router. The indoor router then creates a WiFi network for all your devices. It's a standalone internet solution, perfect for areas where cable internet isn't available. Check the LED indicators guide to understand device status.

Airtel SmartConnect is a complete, standalone router system - it works on its own and doesn't need another router. However, if you want to use it alongside an existing router, you can.

How to connect: You can connect Airtel SmartConnect to your existing router using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end into one of the LAN ports on the Airtel SmartConnect indoor router, and the other end into your existing router. This allows you to expand your network or use both routers together. See router ports guide

Most common use: Most people use Airtel SmartConnect as their main router, replacing or supplementing their existing internet connection. You don't need another router - Airtel SmartConnect creates its own WiFi network that all your devices can connect to. If you have WiFi connection issues, see our WiFi troubleshooting guide.

Each month, you get 1TB (1,000 GB) of high-speed data. That's a lot - enough for hundreds of hours of video streaming, online gaming, working from home, and more.

After reaching 1TB: Once you've used all 1TB for the month, your internet speed automatically slows down to 2 Mbps. This happens automatically - you don't need to do anything. At 2 Mbps, you can still browse websites, check email, and use social media, but video streaming and large downloads will be slower.

Getting faster speeds again: If you need faster speeds before the next month starts, you can purchase additional data bundles. Once you buy extra data, your speeds return to normal immediately. You're not cut off from the internet - it just runs at a slower speed until you add more data or the new month begins.

Monthly reset: Your 1TB allowance resets at the start of each new month, so you get a fresh 1TB to use again.

Yes! Airtel SmartConnect is portable, which is one of its big advantages over cable-based internet.

Moving to a new location: Unlike fiber or DSL internet that's tied to a specific address, you can uninstall Airtel SmartConnect and take it with you when you move. This makes it perfect for renters, people who relocate frequently, or those who need internet at multiple locations.

Important requirement: The new location must be within Airtel network coverage. Before moving, make sure Airtel has good signal strength in the new area. The device needs to connect to Airtel's cell towers, so if there's no Airtel coverage, it won't work.

Reinstallation: When you move, you'll need to reinstall the outdoor unit at the new location (preferably outside, at a high point for best signal). The indoor router can be placed anywhere inside the building. You may want to contact Airtel for professional reinstallation to ensure optimal setup. If you experience signal issues after moving, see our no signal troubleshooting guide.

No, there is no long-term contract required with Airtel SmartConnect. This gives you complete flexibility and freedom.

What this means: You're not locked into a 12-month or 24-month contract. You can use the service month-to-month, and if your needs change or you want to cancel, you have that option without penalty fees.

Flexibility: You can add extra data bundles whenever you need them, change your data plan, or adjust your service based on your usage. There's no commitment - you pay for what you use, when you use it.

Perfect for: This flexibility makes Airtel SmartConnect ideal for renters, temporary locations, seasonal use, or anyone who doesn't want to be tied to a long-term contract.

Professional Installation: Don't worry about installation - your first installation is done by a properly trained Airtel installer. They'll mount the outdoor unit in the best location, connect everything properly, and make sure it's working before they leave.

If you have problems: If something isn't working or you have questions, help is available:

• Visit our comprehensive troubleshooting guide - it covers common issues like no signal, slow speeds, WiFi problems, and more, with step-by-step solutions
• Contact Airtel customer care at 0733 100 500 for personalized assistance
• Check the LED indicators on your devices - they show you what's working and what might need attention

Most issues can be resolved quickly using the troubleshooting guide, which includes visual guides, step-by-step instructions, and solutions for all common problems.

Device cost: The Airtel SmartConnect device itself is provided at no cost. You only pay for the installation service and your chosen data package.

Warranty status: No warranty is currently provided on the device. However, Airtel support is available to help with any issues you might encounter.

Support available: Even without a warranty, you can get help through Airtel customer care (0733 100 500) or by using the troubleshooting guide for common problems and solutions.

You can renew, resubscribe, top up, or buy a new data bundle for your Airtel SmartConnect 5G router using two methods. Method 1 (USSD) requires an Airtel phone line, while Method 2 (My Airtel App) works on any phone - even without an Airtel SIM card. Choose the method that works best for you:

Method 1: Using USSD Code (*400#) - Requires Airtel Phone Line

⚠️ Important: This USSD method requires an Airtel phone line. You must use an Airtel SIM card in your phone to dial *400#. If you don't have an Airtel line, use Method 2 (My Airtel App) below.

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Dial the USSD Code

Open your phone dialer and enter *400#, then press the green Call button.

Step 2: Select 5G Smart Connect

From the Airtel Home menu, select option 1 for "5G Smart Connect".

Step 3: Choose Unlimited Plans

Select option 1 for "5G Smart Connect Unlimited Plans".

Step 4: Enter Your Router Number

Enter your 5G Smart Connect Router Number. This is the SIM card number that was inserted into your router during the first installation. The number was provided to you when the device was set up. If you can't remember it, check your Airtel SMS messages - Airtel typically sends this number in confirmation messages after installation or when your plan is active.

Example: Check your Airtel SMS messages to find your router number

Step 5: Select Your Plan

Choose your preferred data plan:

• • Option 1: 15Mbps at 1,999 KES/month
• • Option 2: 30Mbps at 2,999 KES/month
• • Option 3: Booster Pack (300GB) at 1,000 KES
• • Option 4: Check Plan status

Step 6: Choose Payment Method

Select your preferred payment method:

• • Option 1: Airtime
• • Option 2: Airtel Money
• • Option 3: M-Pesa

Step 7: Complete Payment (M-Pesa)

If you selected M-Pesa:

1. 1. Enter your M-Pesa phone number when prompted
2. 2. A payment prompt will be sent to your M-Pesa number
3. 3. Enter your M-Pesa PIN to complete the payment
4. 4. Your resubscription is complete!

Note: Payment steps may vary slightly for Airtime and Airtel Money. Follow the on-screen prompts for your selected payment method.

Method 2: Using My Airtel App - Works Without Airtel Line

This method works on any phone - you don't need an Airtel SIM card or Airtel phone line. Perfect if you don't have an Airtel line or want to resubscribe, renew, top up, or buy data bundles from any phone. Download the app from Google Play Store.

Step 1: Install My Airtel App

Download and install the My Airtel app from Google Play Store.

Step 2: Open Airtel 4G/5G WiFi

Open the My Airtel app and tap "Airtel 4G/5G WiFi" in the Quick Actions section on the home screen.

Step 3: Open Menu

Tap the MENU icon (hamburger menu) on the right side of the screen.

Step 4: Navigate to Data Bundle

In the menu, navigate through: Tap "Pay & Recharge" → Tap "Prepaid" → Tap "Data Bundle".

Step 5: Enter Router Number

Enter your 5G Smart Connect Router Number in the mobile number field. This is the SIM card number that was inserted into your router during the first installation. The number was provided to you when the device was set up. If you can't remember it, check your Airtel SMS messages - Airtel typically sends this number in confirmation messages after installation or when your plan is active. See Step 4 above for detailed explanation on finding your router number.

Example: Check your Airtel SMS messages to find your router number

Step 6: Select Your Bundle

Choose your preferred data bundle:

• • 5G_15Mbps_30days: 15.0 MBPS, 30 Day validity - KES 1,999
• • 5G_30Mbps_30days: 30.0 MBPS, 30 Day validity - KES 2,999
• • 5G_Boosterpack: 300.0 GB - KES 1,000

Step 7: Choose Payment Method

Select your preferred payment method:

• • Airtel Money: Enter your Airtel Money phone number
• • Debit/Credit Card: Select payment gateway and enter email
• • M-Pesa: Enter your M-Pesa phone number

Step 8: Complete Payment (M-Pesa)

If you selected M-Pesa:

1. 1. A payment confirmation dialog will appear
2. 2. Enter your M-Pesa PIN when prompted
3. 3. Tap "Send" to complete the payment
4. 4. Your resubscription is complete!

Note: Payment steps may vary slightly for Airtel Money and Debit/Credit Card. Follow the on-screen prompts for your selected payment method.

Airtel SmartConnect is currently available in selected areas where Airtel has adequate network coverage.

Coverage requirement: The device needs to connect to Airtel's cellular network, so it only works in areas where Airtel has good signal strength. Availability depends on Airtel's network deployment in your specific location. Check signal strength using the LED indicators guide.

Check before ordering: It's important to check availability in your area before placing an order. You can contact us or Airtel to verify if your location has coverage. The service works best in areas with strong Airtel 5G or 4G signal. If you experience signal problems, see our signal troubleshooting guide.

Network fallback: Even if 5G isn't available in your area, the device can still work using 4G or 3G networks, as long as Airtel has coverage there. This makes it available in more areas than 5G-only services.