Wii:Introduction to Wii Softmodding

Softmodding a Wii can be daunting at first, but you will soon realize it is one of the easiest consoles to install homebrew on thanks to its SD Card slot. When you softmod your Wii, you will install The Homebrew Channel, your gateway to all your homebrew apps.

Requirements

• An SD card OR the Internet Channel installed on your Wii
  • The card must be formatted to FAT32.
  • The SD Card is recommended to have at least 1 GB of space.
    • This is only required if you're going to take a backup from your Wii's NAND, which is highly recommended.
• A computer to transfer all the installer files to the card.

Note: If, for whatever reason, you don't have access to an SD card, you will still be able to install the homebrew channel. However, you won't be able to install any homebrew apps without an SD card.

(Method 1) SD Card Method

The exploit that you will be using is named "Letterbomb".

1. First, you will need to get the Wii's MAC address and version.
   • The MAC address can be found under Settings > Internet > Console Information.
   • The Wii's version can be found on the top right corner in the settings menu.
   • Note: If your Wii's version is NOT 4.3, first update your console, then continue softmodding.
2. Navigate to the Letterbomb website and input your Wii's MAC address and version. Ensure "Bundle the HackMii Installer for me" is checked, then click "Cut the blue/red wire". No matter which one you choose, you will be prompted to download the exploit.
3. Extract the zip file to the root of the SD card, safely eject the SD card, and plug it into your Wii.
4. From the main menu of the Wii, select the mail icon (Wii Message Board) in the bottom right corner.
5. You should see a red envelope with a bomb in it. If you do not, scroll to the previous day (or whatever day you downloaded the Letterbomb files) to find it.
6. Press the A button on the letter and the exploit will start.
7. Wait approximately 30-60 seconds and the option "Press (1) to continue" will appear. Press the 1 button to enter the HackMii installer.
8. Press D-Pad Up three times to highlight "Install the Homebrew Channel" and press A and then "Yes, continue".

Success! Your console is now softmodded. You can now start installing homebrew apps to your SD Card. However, many require custom IOSes.

(Method 2) Cardless Method

If you don't have access to an SD Card, you can still softmod your Wii through the FlashHax method.

Note: Your console needs the Internet Channel installed and an internet connection.

1. First, you will need to get the Wii's MAC address and version.
   • The MAC address can be found under Settings > Internet > Console Information.
   • The Wii's version can be found on the top right corner in the settings menu.
   • Note: If your Wii's version is NOT 4.3, first update your console, then continue softmodding.
2. From your Wii, launch the Internet Channel and navigate to flashhax.com on your console.
3. You will be greeted with 3 buttons with a letter each. This letter corresponds to the console's region, which is the letter on the version number (e.g. 4.3U would be the letter "U"). Select the button corresponding to your console's region and it will take you to a page asking you to bookmark the page.
4. Select the star icon (Favorites) at the bottom of the screen, followed by the Plus icon (Add Favorite).
5. Press the Home button and close the Internet Channel.
6. Relaunch the Internet Channel, choose Favorites, then FlashHax. When the progress bar finishes, it should boot into a black screen with text.
   • If it hangs at 99% for more than 5 seconds, hold the power button on the console to turn it off and attempt this step again until it works. It may take 5 or more tries.
7. From the black screen, wait approximately 30-60 seconds and the option "Press (1) to continue" will appear. Press the 1 button to enter the HackMii installer.
8. Press D-Pad Up three times to highlight "Install the Homebrew Channel" and press A and then "Yes, continue".

Success! Your console is now softmodded, but you won't be able to add any homebrew apps without an SD Card.