Content everywhere, even without internet access.
Content everywhere, even without internet access.
In a world where digital connection is paramount, we often face the challenge of limited internet access. Kiwix Empower Seamless Connectivity and Unleash Content Everywhere, Anytime, Regardless of Internet Access. You can explore a world of information and knowledge at your fingertips, wherever you go, even offline
Your own private Wikipedia copy
If you own a Raspberry Pi you can use it to power a local wi-fi network that can broadcast content to up to 25 devices at the same time. You can literally serve an entire classroom with it.
Access the cardshop and pick which book libraries, encyclopedias or videos you want to take, and let our servers prepare the image for you. When it is ready you will receive a download link so you can flash it on a microSD card.
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
Kiwix is a fully open-source software: you can review the code here.
Using your hotspot
Using your hotspot
- Pick your hotspot’s network name (SSID) and use it as default URL (e.g. http://yourname.hotspot)
- Add your homepage logo if you want
- Pick from thousands of websites, and browse Wikipedia, read ebooks or watch cool videos even without internet access
- Create and download as many configurations as you need with up to 200 Gb of data on each
Frequently asked questions
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How do I use the image I just downloaded?
- Flash your .img file onto a microSD card (we recommend Etcher, but there are many ways).
- Insert your card into the Raspberry and power it up.
- After 20-30 seconds a “kiwix” or “wikipedia” network (or whatever name you chose on the dashboard) will appear. Connect to it.
- Follow the instructions from the captive portal that appears after a few seconds, or if it is too slow to show up simply type “http://goto.kiwix.hotspot” (or http://network_name.hotspot) in your favourite browser. Beware to type the full address with http://, and not https!
- That’s it. Browse, and enjoy!
Which Raspberry Pi model does this work with?
All of them – from 1A all the way to 4B, and even the W (zero). All it needs is to handle wi-fi (meaning an extra antenna for the older versions up to 3A).
Can I plug my Raspberry to a screen?
No, it’s not a desktop computer but a wi-fi hotspot. If you were to plug it to a screen you would probably see a command line screen (and no content).
The only way at this stage to access your content is to connect to the wi-fi network created by the Raspberry.
Can I add other zim files to an existing image?
Drag-and-drop does not work on these Raspbian configurations. You will need to create a new card from the dashboard.
I get an error message or warning when trying to connect to the hotspot
Check that you have entered http:// instead of https:// as the URL. Some extensions (such as DuckDuckGo privacy or https everywhere) will also force encrypted connections and may need to be disabled.
I created a configuration and launched a card creation, which fails no matter the content I put in.
Make sure that you did not add a special character in your hotspot’s name (e.g. “Matt’s hotspot” or “Hello!”). The installer really is not happy with those.
Can I simply order a preloaded card or device?
We are working on finding local distributors. Until then, if you are in Europe or the US/Canada, contact us and we’ll see what we can do.
