How to set up a MikroTik hotspot that sells WiFi

What you need

• A MikroTik router (RouterOS v7 recommended) connected to the internet.
• Access to the router's terminal — through WebFig (Terminal) or Winbox (New Terminal).
• A NetPortal account. For mobile money sales, a Fapshi merchant account and the Pro plan.

1. Create your account

Sign up with your email and confirm it. We review and activate new accounts — message us on WhatsApp if you want it done faster, and we'll help you through the next steps.

2. Add your router

In Routers, click to add a router and give it a name and location, like “Hotel lobby”. NetPortal gives you two commands:

1. Open the MikroTik terminal.
2. Run the first command and wait for it to finish, then run the second. Don't paste both at once.
3. Keep the NetPortal page open — it updates by itself when the router is connected.

NetPortal then reads the router's model, RouterOS version and interfaces.

3. Turn on the hotspot

Open the router and choose the interface your customers connect to. NetPortal configures the hotspot for you: DHCP pool, login methods and accounting. You can also turn on anti-tethering so one voucher can't be shared through a phone hotspot.

4. Create your plans

In Plans, create the products you sell — for example 1 hour, 1 day or 1 week. For each plan set:

• Duration or data quota
• Download and upload speed
• Number of devices per voucher
• Price, in XAF or your currency

5. Brand your login page

In Template, upload your logo, pick your accent colour and add your WhatsApp number for support. Click Publish to router and your customers will see it the next time they connect.

6. Start selling

With vouchers: in Vouchers, generate a batch for a plan and print it on A4 sheets to sell at the counter.

With mobile money (Pro): add your Fapshi credentials in Settings. Customers then choose a plan on your login page, pay with MTN Mobile Money or Orange Money, and get their code instantly — even at 2 a.m.

7. Watch your network and revenue

The dashboard shows routers online, active sessions and today's revenue. Sessions lists who is connected, and Reports shows revenue over 30 days and by plan.