HTC Hidden Wi-Fi Tool – How To Make It Work
Back on April 14th I wrote about a new app from HTC, Hidden Wi-Fi, that allows a user to define up to three hidden Wi-Fi Access Points. Problem is when you open the app an error pops up stating, “This application requires the latest Wi-Fi software. Please update your phone to the latest system software”. Well carlcamera in the HTC HD7 Forum has posted a workaround and by golly, it works. I don’t have a hidden network to fully test it, but I had no problem defining a hidden network. I think the app still needs some work (like all HTC software) because after creating an entry you can’t actually see it, even though there is a “delete” button at the bottom of the screen to remove entries.
So if you need this free app, simple follow the below steps. Nothing to lose.
Wow. I saw this hack (workaround is really too generous a term here) in the comments of the Hidden WiFi app in the Windows Phone app store. This actually worked!
1. Launch the HTC Hidden Wifi app
That infuriating "latest Wi-Fi software" error message appears — DON’T tap OK
2. Tap the Windows Key at the base of the phone (Windows Logo)
Nasty error dialog about navigation appears briefly (Note: I didn’t see any error dialog)
Then Home Page appears. Stay with me.
3. Tap the <– Back button at the base of the phone
If successful, you will see a fairly blank screen with "settings" and "hidden wi-fi" displayed. click the plus (+) icon in the toolbar and add your hidden wi-fi name. It won’t appear on this page after you enter it. Then go to Settings|WiFi and look for the name of that hidden Wi-fi SSID. Good Luck!
Thanks carlcamera for the tip. You can find the app in Marketplace here. Oh, and HTC, please get your shit together and fix this app or at least read your own Forum. You would be amazed what you could learn about your products.
UPDATE: As Brianna reported below, the HTC Firmware Update, which came bundled with the NoDo(March) Update on my Surround does in fact remove the error message and make this app functional. That’s a good thing.
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Why don’t you just install the firmware update from HTC and avoid all the hassle?
What firmware update from HTC? And if there is a firmware update, does it make this app work?
Just checked the app and out of 89 comments about 69 say it doesn’t work or left 1 or 0 stars (still don’t know how to leave 0 stars). Of the remaining 20, about half said it worked with the above workaround (and some have NoDo) while the other 10 just state the app works, with no other explanation.
So if it will work hassle free on my Surround with the pending updates, great. But I am not gonna hold my breath just yet.
I have an HD7 from T-Mobile. I also have the NoDo update. The “workaround” specified above still doesn’t work for me.
It does get me to the point where I can enter the name of a wireless network. As mentioned above, it does not show the name of the network that I entered on the page after I’ve entered it. However, it also does not show up in Settings/WiFi. All I get is Searching… which never goes away.
Hmm, that’s odd. Several app comments suggest it does work so I wonder why. I assume you are within range of the “hidden” network and you used the exact syntax for the SSID. The name you entered won’t just show up on the list.
@Jim Szymanski
Yes, there is a firmware update from HTC and it makes this app works.
Do you know where is the update?
I can’t find it. My HD7 doesn’t detect it with the workaround and there is no update on HTC’s HD7 support section.
Exact ‘syntax’ for the SSID? I thought it was just the name. Is there some special syntax I need to use?
I am definitely within range. It’s my office network and you can’t get much closer than right next to the wireless router. The name is spelled correctly. I’ve used it thousands of times on laptops to setup their wireless connection.
@Brianna
How does one go about getting this firmware update? It certainly hasn’t been offered through my Zune software. I’ve heard rumors of one, but no one has posted a firmware number so I can’t tell if I have it or not. Perhaps T-Mobile hasn’t released it yet.
@John: Sorry, syntax was probably a poor choice. I really meant making sure you entered the SSID correctly, which you obviously did and fully understand.
I got a firmware update on my Surround bundled with my NoDo update earlier this week. And yes this app is now working the way it should. I thought I have read in blogs that HD7 users around the world were getting updated firmware. What method did you use to get NoDo? Debranding, etc., or did you wait for it. Some users reported needing to rebrand before getting the carrier sanctioned update, including firmware and radio updates. You may need to check around to find out what the original/updated firmware numbers are. Maybe HTC’s Support Forum. If you post a question there on firmware numbers someone will answer. Being anal as I am, I recorded my old firmware, radio & bootloader numbers prior to updating. Hope you get it worked out.
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