📶 WIFI DONGLE COMPATIBILITY
R36S has no built-in WiFi. You can use WiFi dongle with USB OTG adapter.
You can add internal WiFi to your R36S with a hardware modification. This eliminates the need for external dongles and OTG adapters.
INTERNAL WIFI MOD GUIDE| Model | Chipset | Status | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic RTL8188 💰 Budget Pick | RTL8188 | ✓ Working | Buy Now |
| TP-Link TL-WN725N | RTL8188 | ✓ Working | Buy Now |
| Tenda W311MI | RTL8188 | ✓ Working | Buy Now |
| Comfast CF-WU810N | RTL8188 | ✓ Working | Buy Now |
| TP-Link Archer T2U Nano | AR9002U | ✓ Working | Buy Now |
| TP-Link T2U Plus 5GHz | RTL8821AU | ✓ Working | - |
| Most 5GHz Dongles | Various | ✗ Not Supported | - |
R36S uses Type-C port. You need a Type-C to USB-A OTG adapter to connect WiFi dongles.
Buy Type-C to USB-A OTG AdapterSource: R3XS Compatibility Table
📘 WIFI SETUP GUIDE
Follow this comprehensive guide to set up WiFi on your R36S/R36H device using a USB WiFi adapter.
- Update ArkOS firmware
- Download games via Port Master
- Install themes with Theme Master
- Transfer ROMs wirelessly
- Use online features (RetroAchievements, multiplayer)
📋 Requirements
RTL8188FTV or MT7601 based adapter recommended (see compatibility table above)
Required to connect the WiFi dongle to R36S USB-C port
Make sure you're running the latest ArkOS version
- Avoid "WiFi 6" or "Free Driver" adapters - they won't work
- Most 5GHz WiFi adapters are NOT supported - use 2.4GHz. Exception: RTL8821AU-based adapters (e.g. TP-Link T2U Plus) work with 5GHz
- Left USB-C port is charging only - use right port for OTG
- Low battery may cause WiFi connection issues
🔧 Driver Installation
If your WiFi adapter requires drivers (RTL8188FTV/MT7601), follow these steps:
Download driver from: RTL8188FTV-MT7601 Driver
Extract and copy driver files to Ports folder on your SD card
On R36S: Navigate to Ports → Select "Install Driver" → Choose your adapter model → Confirm "Yes"
Device will reboot automatically after installation
📡 Connecting to WiFi
Plug WiFi adapter into OTG adapter, then connect to R36S right USB-C port
Go to: Options → WIFI (or RetroPie → WIFI)
Select "Connect to new WiFi Connection"
Wait for network scan (10-20 seconds)
Select your network, enter password, and connect
🔍 Troubleshooting
- Unplug and replug the WiFi adapter
- Reboot R36S with adapter plugged in
- Try a different OTG adapter
- Test WiFi adapter on a PC to verify it works
This is a hardware design issue caused by poor power filtering near the audio circuit. R36H has much less noise.
- Use R36H instead (best solution)
- Try different WiFi adapters
- Use headphones
- Don't use WiFi while charger is plugged in
WiFi adapter needs stable 5V power. When battery is low, the internal step-up converter can't provide enough power.
Solution: Keep device plugged into charger while using WiFi
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use 5GHz WiFi?
A: Most adapters only support 2.4GHz. However, RTL8821AU-based adapters (e.g. TP-Link T2U Plus) can connect to 5GHz networks.
Q: Does R36S support Bluetooth?
A: No, there is no Bluetooth support.
Q: What WiFi speed can I expect?
A: RTL8188FTV typically gives 5-15 Mbps, sufficient for ROM downloads and updates.
Q: Will TP-Link TL-WN725N work?
A: v1 and v2 may work, but v3 does NOT work. RTL8188FTV is recommended instead.
📱 PHONE TETHERING (Alternative)
You can share your phone's internet via USB instead of WiFi dongle: