Kiwix - FAQ

Kiwix - FAQ
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WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T12:24:53+00:00
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Troubleshoot
Hotspot general queries
Can I get this solution for free?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:17:31+00:00
Can I get this solution for free?
Kiwix Hotspot is made entirely of free software. We sell ready-made versions to help support the development of the solution and pay for our infrastructure though it’s possible to achieve similar results with just time and effort. Check out our
Github repositories
If you’re interested in testing the product, there’s a free, content-less version available for download in
Content Bundles
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:27:26+00:00
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
Yes! Content Bundles are regular Kiwix Hotspot, with a pre-selected collection of content. On a running Hotspot, head over to the Admin Panel to access the ZIM Manager or the File Manager.
Transferring large files over the Hotspot’s network can be frustrating because of its speed. That is why most people choose to build large Hotspots with the Imager Service instead.
What hardware is supported?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:44:10+00:00
What hardware is supported?
Kiwix Hotspot currently supports the following models:
Raspberry Pi 3B
Raspberry Pi 3B+
Raspberry Pi 4B
Raspberry Pi 400
Raspberry Pi 5
Raspberry Pi 500
We currently
don’t support Raspberry Pi Zero2W
due to its limited memory, but we plan to.
Drop us a message
if you’d like it to happen sooner rather than later.
Kiwix Hotspot
How do I choose a different charger with my Hotspot when ordering?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:11:42+00:00
How do I choose a different charger with my Hotspot when ordering?
When placing your order, we’ll automatically assign a power-plug type (EU, UK or US) based on your shipping address country. If you require a different charger,
drop us a note quickly after completing your order
and we will swap the correct one in the package.
Can I plug my Hotspot device onto a screen?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:15:37+00:00
Can I plug my Hotspot device onto a screen?
You can, but you shouldn’t. The Hotspot is a WiFi hotspot that is to be accessed using a web browser, over a WiFi network.
If you plug it to a screen, you’ll see the console login prompt.
If you wish we offered a Kiosk mode (being able to also access it from the device itself using a monitor), let us know on the
related ticket
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:27:26+00:00
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
Yes! Content Bundles are regular Kiwix Hotspot, with a pre-selected collection of content. On a running Hotspot, head over to the Admin Panel to access the ZIM Manager or the File Manager.
Transferring large files over the Hotspot’s network can be frustrating because of its speed. That is why most people choose to build large Hotspots with the Imager Service instead.
Is the package trackable?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:46:10+00:00
Is the package trackable?
Your device will be shipped via Swiss Post and we will send you a tracking link to trace it all its voyage.
My country is not listed in the shipping destinations
WikiWanderer
2025-09-30T16:38:28+00:00
My country is not listed in the shipping destinations
We’ve limited our shipments to countries where Swiss Post can provide full tracking from our offices to your doorstep. The list of available countries is available
here
. Shipping takes around 10 working days but this varies largely depending on the country where the delivery takes place.
Swiss Post can ship worldwide but some countries don’t offer tracking within their borders. If you’re happy to take the risk or non-tracking your end, or if you have the budget for a DHL or other shipment,
so that we can look into the details, and the cost!
Can I run a different system on the Kiwix Hotspot?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:46:41+00:00
Can I run a different system on the Kiwix Hotspot?
Yes, it’s an unmodified Raspberry Pi 5 and it’s your device. You can use it as you please but we only support using it with Kiwix Hotspot software.
Can I upgrade the hard disk drive?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:47:13+00:00
Can I upgrade the hard disk drive?
It’s your device, once you’ve received it, you can swap the NVMe disk for a larger one. You’ll have to flash an image on it or transfer from the previous disk though.
How do I set it up?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T12:52:21+00:00
How do I set it up?
It’s plug and play, no setup is required. If you bought the hardware-only option, it still comes with the complete Kiwix Hotspot OS and a sample content.
Use the ZIM Manager to add more content manually. You can also buy Content Bundles or create your own images via Imager Service and flash the result onto the NVME disk.
What’s the warranty?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:47:31+00:00
What’s the warranty?
See our
Terms & Conditions
Imager Service
Can I get this solution for free?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:17:31+00:00
Can I get this solution for free?
Kiwix Hotspot is made entirely of free software. We sell ready-made versions to help support the development of the solution and pay for our infrastructure though it’s possible to achieve similar results with just time and effort. Check out our
Github repositories
If you’re interested in testing the product, there’s a free, content-less version available for download in
Content Bundles
How do I use the image I just downloaded?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:21:53+00:00
How do I use the image I just downloaded?
Flash your .img file onto a microSD card using
Raspberry’s Pi imager
. Do not edit parameters at it locks the boot system.
Insert your card into the Raspberry and power it up.
First run: after 1-8 minutes (depending on the device and disk) a “Kiwix Hotspot” network (or whatever name you chose on Imager service) will appear. Connect to it. A captive portal will appear.
Follow the instructions from the captive portal that appears or simply type
(or
if you changed it in Imager service) in your favourite browser. Beware to type the full address with
, and not https!
That’s it. Browse, and enjoy!
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:27:26+00:00
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
Yes! Content Bundles are regular Kiwix Hotspot, with a pre-selected collection of content. On a running Hotspot, head over to the Admin Panel to access the ZIM Manager or the File Manager.
Transferring large files over the Hotspot’s network can be frustrating because of its speed. That is why most people choose to build large Hotspots with the Imager Service instead.
What hardware is supported?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:44:10+00:00
What hardware is supported?
Kiwix Hotspot currently supports the following models:
Raspberry Pi 3B
Raspberry Pi 3B+
Raspberry Pi 4B
Raspberry Pi 400
Raspberry Pi 5
Raspberry Pi 500
We currently
don’t support Raspberry Pi Zero2W
due to its limited memory, but we plan to.
Drop us a message
if you’d like it to happen sooner rather than later.
What’s the difference with the Content Bundles?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:24:19+00:00
What’s the difference with the Content Bundles?
We use Imager Service to create the Content bundles!
A Content bundle is one Imager Service configuration that we imagine many people would be satisfied with… but
we selected the content
(English only) and the admin credentials.
The Imager Service is more flexible because you build your image from scratch, choosing from the complete Kiwix Catalog (in ~350 languages!).
How long does it take to build an image?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T06:19:47+00:00
How long does it take to build an image?
Our policy is
within
24 hours
but it’s usually a lot faster. It depends on the size of content and the waiting line (we currently only build one image at a time). From 10 minutes to a few hours for the large 1TB images.
How many images can I make within a month?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:28:41+00:00
How many images can I make within a month?
The Imager service allows you to create
Configurations
(like recipes for a Hotspot). Those are your content collections and you can create as many of them as you want up to the very last minute of your 30 day access.
Any configuration can be
ordered
, triggering a build. You can also request as many as you want but it’s only possible to do so one at a time.
How long can I download the result images for?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:51:24+00:00
How long can I download the result images for?
Built images are automatically deleted two weeks after we send you the download link. Contact us if you need to extend one particular file’s lifespan.
Can I replace the Kiwix Hotspot logo on my images?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T06:22:09+00:00
Can I replace the Kiwix Hotspot logo on my images?
We offer a paid-option for this.
if interested.
Is this a single month access or a monthly access?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T06:23:23+00:00
Is this a single month access or a monthly access?
It is a single-month, 30 day access. Experience shows that a month is plenty of time to discover, experiment and refine a project’s configuration. Many users buy another access later on to update their images for instance. If you really want permanent access please
, we’ll can arrange billing of the fee monthly.
How can I update my images?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T06:24:31+00:00
How can I update my images?
We keep your data for a couple years so you feel right at home when you buy another access in 12 or 18 months. There is also the possibility to export your configurations to a JSON file for you to import later.
Can I create a custom image myself without this service?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T06:29:16+00:00
Can I create a custom image myself without this service?
Sure! We have no easy-to-use tool for that though (it’s in our roadmap). If you are a power-user or akin to programming, head over to the
offspot repository
on Github. All the building blocks, including Imager Service source code, are there.
Content Bundles
Does it work on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:37:32+00:00
Does it work on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W?
Not yet. It will require extra work due to its limited memory.
Can I plug my Hotspot device onto a screen?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:15:37+00:00
Can I plug my Hotspot device onto a screen?
You can, but you shouldn’t. The Hotspot is a WiFi hotspot that is to be accessed using a web browser, over a WiFi network.
If you plug it to a screen, you’ll see the console login prompt.
If you wish we offered a Kiosk mode (being able to also access it from the device itself using a monitor), let us know on the
related ticket
How do I use the image I just downloaded?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:21:53+00:00
How do I use the image I just downloaded?
Flash your .img file onto a microSD card using
Raspberry’s Pi imager
. Do not edit parameters at it locks the boot system.
Insert your card into the Raspberry and power it up.
First run: after 1-8 minutes (depending on the device and disk) a “Kiwix Hotspot” network (or whatever name you chose on Imager service) will appear. Connect to it. A captive portal will appear.
Follow the instructions from the captive portal that appears or simply type
(or
if you changed it in Imager service) in your favourite browser. Beware to type the full address with
, and not https!
That’s it. Browse, and enjoy!
What is the difference between the Hotspot and the Hotspot OS only?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:36:20+00:00
What is the difference between the Hotspot and the Hotspot OS only?
We offer both
Content Bundles
marked OS-only and Kiwix Hotspot.
The difference is OS-only versions are downloadable image files for you to download and flash onto a microSD card for your own Raspberry device.
The Kiwix Hotspot is a plug-and-play hardware device with that same image already installed and tested.
If ensure what you need, check out the
comparison chart
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:27:26+00:00
Can I add more content to an Hotspot?
Yes! Content Bundles are regular Kiwix Hotspot, with a pre-selected collection of content. On a running Hotspot, head over to the Admin Panel to access the ZIM Manager or the File Manager.
Transferring large files over the Hotspot’s network can be frustrating because of its speed. That is why most people choose to build large Hotspots with the Imager Service instead.
What hardware is supported?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:44:10+00:00
What hardware is supported?
Kiwix Hotspot currently supports the following models:
Raspberry Pi 3B
Raspberry Pi 3B+
Raspberry Pi 4B
Raspberry Pi 400
Raspberry Pi 5
Raspberry Pi 500
We currently
don’t support Raspberry Pi Zero2W
due to its limited memory, but we plan to.
Drop us a message
if you’d like it to happen sooner rather than later.
How long can I download the result images for?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:51:24+00:00
How long can I download the result images for?
Built images are automatically deleted two weeks after we send you the download link. Contact us if you need to extend one particular file’s lifespan.
Catalog
What do mini, nopic and maxi mean in the Wikipedia ZIM files?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:41:51+00:00
What do mini, nopic and maxi mean in the Wikipedia ZIM files?
File size is always an issue when downloading such big content, so we always produce each Wikipedia file in three flavours:
mini
only the introduction of each article, plus the infobox. Saves about 95% of space vs. the full version.
nopic
full articles, but no images. About 75% smaller than the full version.
maxi
the default full version.
Where can I find ZIM files?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:50:31+00:00
Where can I find ZIM files?
ZIM files are available through the Kiwix app’s (Kiwix reader) built-in catalog or can be downloaded from the official Kiwix
library
. One can also generate custom ZIM files with tools like
Zimit
Can I update ZIM files incrementally?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:48:48+00:00
Can I update ZIM files incrementally?
No. Incremental updates for ZIM files (such as Wikipedia) are not currently available, but this feature is being explored for the future.
Does Kiwix make or sell content?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T12:01:56+00:00
Does Kiwix make or sell content?
Kiwix developed a way to highly compress content and package it for easy online access, the ZIM format. We don’t sell content but make it freely available to download from
library.kiwix.org
. We offer apps to read the data (Kiwix Reader) and pre-selected apps for direct access to the type of information you may require (the Branded apps available from your apps stores), or turn your own Raspberry Pi into an offline network (Kiwix Server).
What we do sell
is the online service of building an image (Hotspot Imager Service) and hardware (Kiwix Hotspots).
Kiwix Reader
What do mini, nopic and maxi mean in the Wikipedia ZIM files?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:41:51+00:00
What do mini, nopic and maxi mean in the Wikipedia ZIM files?
File size is always an issue when downloading such big content, so we always produce each Wikipedia file in three flavours:
mini
only the introduction of each article, plus the infobox. Saves about 95% of space vs. the full version.
nopic
full articles, but no images. About 75% smaller than the full version.
maxi
the default full version.
How does Kiwix work?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:58:35+00:00
How does Kiwix work?
Kiwix uses ZIM files, highly compressed archives of web content developed by our own team and open-source for all to use. Users download ZIM files and open them in Kiwix to browse offline.
Is Kiwix free and open-source?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:58:44+00:00
Is Kiwix free and open-source?
Yes. Kiwix is completely free to use, open-source, and does not display ads or collect user data. Funding comes from donations and grants. Only our Hotspot packages and custom services come at a price due to the cost of hardware or manual work putting the packages together.
Where can I find ZIM files?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:50:31+00:00
Where can I find ZIM files?
ZIM files are available through the Kiwix app’s (Kiwix reader) built-in catalog or can be downloaded from the official Kiwix
library
. One can also generate custom ZIM files with tools like
Zimit
Which platforms does Kiwix support?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:55:48+00:00
Which platforms does Kiwix support?
Kiwix is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
How do I install Kiwix on Windows or Linux?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:59:08+00:00
How do I install Kiwix on Windows or Linux?
Windows
: Available via the Microsoft Store, Winget, or as a standalone installer
Linux
: Downloadable packages or via Snap/Flatpak.
PWA
: Visit pwa.kiwix.org and install directly from the browser
Are there portable or server versions?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:45:46+00:00
Are there portable or server versions?
Yes. Kiwix offers portable versions, server deployments (Kiwix-serve), and containerised images for advanced setups.
How do I open a ZIM file?
WikiWanderer
2025-05-28T07:25:54+00:00
How do I open a ZIM file?
Open Kiwix, choose “Open file,” and select your downloaded ZIM archive.
How can I access Kiwix content on my local network?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:59:22+00:00
How can I access Kiwix content on my local network?
Use Kiwix-serve to host ZIM files and make them available to other devices via a web browser.
Can I use Kiwix on a Raspberry Pi?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:57:36+00:00
Can I use Kiwix on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. Kiwix can be installed and run on Raspberry Pi.
We support both the Desktop App (
kiwix
package in Debian) and the
kiwix-serve
command-line one for use in a server scenario (
kiwix-tools
package).
See
Download options
Does Kiwix collect any user data?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T09:59:53+00:00
Does Kiwix collect any user data?
No. Kiwix does not track users or display ads. All usage is local and private.
Kiwix Server
Can I use Kiwix on a Raspberry Pi?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:57:36+00:00
Can I use Kiwix on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes. Kiwix can be installed and run on Raspberry Pi.
We support both the Desktop App (
kiwix
package in Debian) and the
kiwix-serve
command-line one for use in a server scenario (
kiwix-tools
package).
See
Download options
What are the technical requirements?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T13:58:41+00:00
What are the technical requirements?
kiwix-serve
is multiplatform (Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, Windows) and is very lightweight: it runs on Raspberry Pi Zero and NAS appliances.
Does it work via HTTPS?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:00:34+00:00
Does it work via HTTPS?
Indirectly.
kiwix-serve
only speaks HTTP/1.1 without SSL but we recommend you use it behind a reverse-proxy for any serious deployment.
Can I run it on an Internet-connected server?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:01:58+00:00
Can I run it on an Internet-connected server?
Yes, the
Kiwix Catalog
is backed by
kiwix-serve
How many requests can it serve in parallel?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:03:52+00:00
How many requests can it serve in parallel?
kiwix-serve
is very capable but we recommend you use it behind a reverse-proxy for any serious deployment. The
Kiwix Catalog
which serves thousands of ZIMs with thousands of visits per day uses a Varnish cache for instance.
Branded Apps
Why aren’t there branded apps for all ZIMs in the catalog?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T07:24:33+00:00
Why aren’t there branded apps for all ZIMs in the catalog?
While technically feasible, it is not possible to create and maintain quality Store pages with accurate titles, descriptions and screenshots, etc…
I already have the Kiwix App, can I install a Branded App?
WikiWanderer
2025-06-18T07:26:06+00:00
I already have the Kiwix App, can I install a Branded App?
Absolutely. Those are two separate apps, you can add more content to the
Kiwix app
but not to the
Branded app
Can you make an App from any ZIM file?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:11:52+00:00
Can you make an App from any ZIM file?
Yes, if the ZIM file works fine with Kiwix app, we can make a custom app of it. We do so based on interest and popularity.
Can you make an App from any Website?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:11:29+00:00
Can you make an App from any Website?
Maybe. Our generic website offliner,
Zimit
is quite versatile but there are many cases where its output is not usable. Place a request for the
Catalog
if the content is compatible, otherwise take a look at our
Pro solutions
or
Can you make an App from my own content?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:10:07+00:00
Can you make an App from my own content?
If we can turn your content into a ZIM, sure! We’ve made a few
private
Branded Apps already. Take a look at our
Pro solutions
or
Can I make an App myself?
WikiWanderer
2026-03-03T14:11:05+00:00
Can I make an App myself?
Yes! The code is on
Github
. You’ll need some technical skills as well as account for the platforms you wish to submit to.
Your query remains unanswered?
Please ensure that you have viewed our
Troubleshooting
page before contacting us for a technical issue.
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each day.
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