Using WiGLE Wireless: Settings

click an element of the UI to learn more about WiGLE Wireless settings and controls.

identity controls authentication anonymous upload allow commercial use of uploaded data general application controls play a sound when a network is seen for the first time since launch play a sound when a network never seen before is detected display only networks visible as of the last scan in the main "list" view display distances in metric units instead of imperial allow global positioning to use location from Google's(tm) terrestrial signal database as well as satellites prevent WiGLE from displaying temporary notifications over itself or other applications start WiGLE automatically when the device is started cleanly stop WiGLE if the device battery drops below this percentage override your system default language to show WiGLE in your preferred translation map display controls display summary "circles" scaled by the number of networks they represent instead of trying to draw a pin for every recent network overlay tiles on the Map screen, showing known networks from WiGLE overlay the current route since application launch on the Map screen, helping to see where you've been save the current route since application launch to the database for export or future cool features network scanning controls scan for bluetooth as well as cell and WiFi networks control how frequently to scan for WiFi when standing still control how frequently to scan for WiFi when moving at a leisurely pace control how frequently to scan for WiFi when moving at a fast pace control how frequently to refresh geoposition how long to wait between updates before deciding your radio is malfunctioning and try to restart it how long between updates indicates a satellite location problem how long between updates indicates a terrestrial signal location problem allow the animated scanning indicator on the main List screen to act as a pause/resume button as well as providing status launch a special activity to control speech-based notifications
  • Identity tools: login, upload, and data management.
  • If you're unauthenticated, this section will allow you to register, manually enter your credentials from wigle.net. If you already have a WiGLE account, on modern android phones you can activate by selecting the link and pointing the phone camera at the QR code provided at https://wigle.net/activate
  • If you're unauthenticated, or if you're authenticated but don't wish to upload in your own name, this control toggles anonymous upload.
  • This toggle allows you to specify that your data may be used for commercial purposes to support WiGLE.net as a project. WiGLE's commercial use of data requires explicit opt-in - we never license your data without your permission. The standard terms of use for WiGLE data is are located at https://wigle.net/eula.html
  • General configuration: configure the way the application behaves during scanning and interaction.
  • If selected, the application will emit a tone whenever a network not seen since launch is detected.
  • If selected, the application will emit a tone whenever a network not seen before on this device (since application installation/data reset).
  • If selected, the main List display will update dynamically, showing only the signals detected in the most recent scan. If not selected, the main list will continue to grow for the course of the application's lifetime (not recommended)
  • If selected, the application will display measured information in metric units; if not selected, the application will display measured information in imperial units (hey, we're US developers).
  • If selected, the application will use global positioning enhancements from Google's wireless network database. If not selected, only satellite signals will be used in determining location. Users may make this choice based on concerns regarding privacy privacy, position on contribution to the Google database, or concerns that the existing network database may compound positioning errors.
  • WiGLE presents transient notifications as overlays during the course of it's run for upload status, location status changes, error conditions, and numerous other events. If you don't wish to show the overlays, simply disable this toggle.
  • Select this item if you'd like to automatically start the application when the phone starts. Since stumbling can run down your battery, this option is recommended for in-car/permanent stumbling platforms, and extremely serious users only.
  • Set this number to automatically, cleanly stop the application when power drops below a certain lever. This can help you conserve battery if you like to leave the application running, but don't want to keep stumbling if you're getting low on power.
  • If you don't want to use your phone's default language for WiGLE, or if WiGLE lacks a translation for your language of choice, this menu will allow you to set the display language for WiGLE. Our translations may be incomplete, but improvements are gratefully accepted at https://github.com/wiglenet/wigle-wifi-wardriving
  • Map configuration: control the display and options for the mapping functionality of the application. Since WiGLE relies upon Google maps, the FOSS branch of the application (which does not use Google Maps) does cannot honor most of these settings.
  • Since individual blue "pins" can complicate map viewing and slow application performance, some users prefer to see "summary" bubbles which are scaled based on the number of detected network in a area in place of individual pins. The bubbles are scaled based on the number of networks they summarize, and are condensed according to the zoom level of the map.
  • This item will allow the overlay of map "tile" images from the WiGLE server on your existing map, which can serve as a useful tool to avoid duplication of effort and explore the network world around you. This menu will allow you to select "All" (all points on WiGLE), "Mine" (only networks you account discovered) and "Others" (networks detected by users other than you). When any of these options are selected, You'll also be able to select from a "Since" menu will will time-bound the networks overlayed based on a "freshness" year. While often useful, this option is disabled by default because it may have privacy implications for application users.
  • Show the route travelled since the application was launched superimposed on the map view. This can help users determine their route and maximize coverage. Logging begins once this option is set (it cannot retroactively display a route)
  • Select this option to log the route to your local database. Current route can be exported to GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files in the "Database" tab, and we look forward to providing access to historical routes in future releases. All routes can be accessed from sqlite database backups in the current version.
  • Scanning settings: how WiGLE Wireless manages the various radios in your device.
  • Enable scanning for bluetooth networks as well as WiFi and Cellular networks This can result in a cluttered display. It's important to note that since Bluetooth often implements MAC randomization (unlike WiFi), the utility of this data is more for aggregate statistics, local survey, and entertainment, rather than unique point detection.
  • How rapidly you wish to scan for WiFi networks when not moving. Setting this to a larger value will help you conserve battery when not moving. The correct setting depends upon your phone radio, battery life, and how dynamic your usual WiFi environment is. Experimentation is recommended. Android Pie, and Android 10 and up without disabling scan throttling cannot scan more quickly than 4x/2minutes (a 30s delay per scan)
  • How rapidly you wish to scan for WiFi networks when moving slowly - generally a walking or running pace. Setting this to a lower number than still, but higher than "moving fast" can help conserve battery. As above, experimentation is recommended to find the right number for your device and intended use. Android Pie, and Android 10 and up without disabling scan throttling cannot scan more quickly than 4x/2minutes (a 30s delay per scan)
  • How rapidly you wish to scan for WiFi networks when moving quickly - generally a driving/bicycling/flying pace. Setting this to a lower number will increase the number of networks you detect, but will drain your battery more quickly. As above, experimentation is recommended to find the right number for your device and intended use, especially since not all phones can scan as quickly as desired. Android Pie, and Android 10 and up without disabling scan throttling cannot scan more quickly than 4x/2minutes (a 30s delay per scan)
  • Use this item to set how frequently to update geo-position. The right setting varies by device.
  • How long the application should wait between successful scans without interpreting the gap as a radio problem and attempting to reset the WiFi device.
  • How long the application should wait between satellite position updates without interpreting the gap as a device problem and attempting a reset.
  • How long the application should wait between terrestrial signal-based position updates without interpreting the gap as a device problem and attempting a reset.
  • Configure whether or not tapping the scanning indicator on the main List screen should behave as a pause/resume scanning control. Useful for folks who want to be able to quickly start and stop scanning without exiting the application. When not scanning, the indicator will be displayed as a static "X" instead of an animated "dradis."
  • Voice prompt settings are complicated, and have their own settings screen.