JioFi is Reliance Jio’s portable 4G Wi-Fi hotspot: a pocket-sized, battery-powered device that takes a Jio SIM and shares its 4G LTE connection over Wi-Fi with phones, laptops and tablets. According to Jio, a JioFi can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi devices plus one over USB, with download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It works only on Jio’s 4G network, not 5G.
Key Takeaways
- JioFi is a 4G LTE pocket router that works on Jio’s 850, 1800 and 2300 MHz bands; it does not use Jio’s 5G network.
- Jio’s current business listing for the JioFi M2S gives up to 150 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload, 10 Wi-Fi devices plus 1 USB device, and a 2,300 mAh battery rated for 5-6 hours.
- Models sold over the years include the original JioFi, JioFi M2/M2S, JMR540, JMR541 and JMR1040.
- You need one Jio SIM per JioFi, activated with proof of identity and address or Aadhaar-based eKYC.
- As of September 2026, Jio’s consumer devices page does not list a JioFi, so availability and prices depend on the retailer.
If you need Internet access for several devices while travelling, a phone hotspot is one option, but it drains the phone’s battery and ties the connection to one handset. A dedicated portable hotspot such as the JioFi is the alternative this guide covers.
Reliance JioFi Portable 4G Wi-Fi Router at a Glance
Many mobile carriers sell portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices. In India, the best known is the JioFi, a 4G Wi-Fi device from Reliance Jio that Jio describes as being brought to customers by Reliance Digital.
1) What is the JioFi device?
This article originally dated the first JioFi to August 2016; Jio’s 4G service itself launched commercially on 5 September 2016, according to Wikipedia. With a JioFi, people (including those with 3G and 2G phones) can access the Internet at 4G speeds. The device is small enough for a pocket or bag, and some models have been sold in more than one color; the JMR1040, for example, came in black and white, according to TelecomTalk.
When this article was first published in 2017, the JioFi range had three models – the JioFi, the JioFi M2S, and the JioFi JMR540. Later models such as the JMR541 and JMR1040 are compared further down. The chart below compares the original three.
| JioFi | JioFi M2S | JioFi JMR540 | |
| Dimensions (in cm) | 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.6 | 1.6 x 5.5 x 8.5 | 1.5 x 6.52 x 9.66 |
| Maximum users | 32 | 11 | 11 |
| Maximum users on Wi-Fi | 31 (Though 10 are recommended) | 10 | 10 |
| Maximum users on USB tethering | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Battery capacity | 2,300 mAh | 2,300 mAh | 2,600 mAh |
The following features are common among all the three devices:
- The LTE band of all three devices is at 2300/1800/850MHz.
- All devices let 2G and 3G phones make voice and video calls over the JioFi connection using Jio’s calling app (then called Jio4GVoice; Jio’s help pages now refer to JioCall for this).
- The devices have an LED indicator, nano SIM and microSD card slots, and a micro USB port.
- All devices came with a 12-month warranty when this article was first published; check the warranty terms of any unit you buy today.
2) How much does the JioFi cost?
In November 2017, when this article was written, the maximum retail price (MRP) of the JioFi, JioFi M2S, and JioFi JMR540 was INR 2,499, INR 2,329, and INR 2,499 respectively. By May 2019, TelecomTalk listed the JMR1040 and JMR541 at Rs 999 each; as of September 2026, prices vary by retailer, so check current listings. However, Jio offers regular discounts on these devices, which is why you may get them for a much lesser price. The company also offers bundled data plans that let you browse the Internet without having to keep a constant eye on the number of MBs or GBs you use.
3) How do I get a JioFi device?
Getting a JioFi device takes three steps:
- Visit your nearest Jio Store, Reliance Digital or Digital Xpress Mini store, or a Jio retailer, to buy the device, or order it online where it is listed. As of September 2026, Jio’s own consumer devices page does not list a JioFi, so stock varies.
- Get a Jio SIM for the device and activate it. According to Jio, you can bring original proof of identity and proof of address (for example Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport or driving license), or use Aadhaar-based eKYC, which needs only your fingerprint and Aadhaar details.
- Insert the SIM into your new device and enjoy high-speed Internet!
The JioFi arrived as Jio’s cheap 4G data pushed up data use across India. Its small size, simple setup and 4G speeds made it a popular way to share one connection among several devices. Before buying one, compare it with the alternatives below. 🙂
Which JioFi Models Have Been Sold?
JioFi has been sold in several hardware versions. The table below uses figures from Jio’s own business listing for the M2S and from a May 2019 TelecomTalk comparison for the other models.
| Model | Battery | Wi-Fi users | Price reported |
|---|---|---|---|
| JioFi M2S | 2,300 mAh (5-6 hours, per Jio) | 10 + 1 USB | Not listed by Jio |
| JioFi M2 | 2,300 mAh | 10 + 1 USB | Rs 1,999 (May 2019) |
| JioFi JMR540 | 2,600 mAh | 10 + 1 USB | Rs 1,999 (May 2019) |
| JioFi JMR541 | 2,600 mAh | Up to 31 + 1 USB | Rs 999 (May 2019) |
| JioFi JMR1040 | 3,000 mAh | 10 | Rs 999 (May 2019) |
The JMR1040, JMR541 and M2S are listed for LTE bands 2300/1800/850 MHz and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n); none of the models is a 5G device.
What Are the JioFi M2S Specifications?
The JioFi M2S is the model Jio currently lists for its Corporate JioFi business service. Jio gives these specifications:
- Speed: up to 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload.
- Connections: 10 Wi-Fi devices plus 1 USB tethering connection.
- Battery: 2,300 mAh, rated for 5-6 hours of continuous use.
- Size: 85 x 55 x 16 mm.
- Network: LTE 2300/1800/850 MHz; Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz.
- Ports: microSD card slot, micro-USB, nano SIM.
- Power: AC 100-240V adapter; DC 5V, 1A.
Real speeds depend on Jio’s 4G signal where you are and on how many devices share the connection; Jio notes that speed drops as more devices connect. You can check what you are actually getting with the free internet speed test.
How Do You Set Up a JioFi?
Jio’s help pages describe the setup like this:
- Insert the battery and the activated Jio SIM, then switch the JioFi on.
- Turn on Wi-Fi on the device you want to connect (laptop, tablet, phone, smart TV and so on).
- Search for Wi-Fi networks and pick the JioFi’s network name.
- Enter the password. The default password is printed on the inside of the battery cover.
Because anyone who opens the battery cover can read the default password, it is sensible to change it after setup. The secure password generator can create a strong one, and the Wi-Fi name generator can suggest a new network name.
Useful JioFi Tips From Jio’s Help Pages
- Forgot the JioFi number: Jio says you can find the number by texting the device’s IMEI to 199 from a Jio number, or to 7021799999 from any other number. The IMEI is under the battery and on the original box.
- One SIM per device: Jio says you are eligible for one Jio SIM per JioFi device, to the extent regulation allows.
- Using the SIM elsewhere: once verified and activated, the JioFi SIM can be used in other compatible 4G LTE devices, according to Jio.
- Travelling within India: Jio says JioFi services work anywhere on its national network.
JioFi vs Phone Hotspot vs Jio AirFiber
| Option | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| JioFi | Sharing 4G with several devices on the move without draining your phone | 4G only; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; separate SIM and recharge |
| Phone hotspot | Occasional use; a 5G phone can share 5G data | Drains the phone battery; phone must stay nearby |
| Jio AirFiber | Home or office internet over Jio’s 5G network | Fixed plug-in unit, not a pocket device |
Jio launched 5G on 5 October 2022 and completed its nationwide 5G rollout in August 2023, according to Wikipedia. Jio AirFiber, a fixed wireless service, went on sale on 19 September 2023. Since JioFi is a 4G device, it cannot use Jio’s 5G network, so a 5G phone hotspot may be faster where 5G coverage is good.
Is a JioFi Worth Buying Now?
A JioFi still makes sense if you want a separate hotspot for a laptop or tablet, want to keep your phone’s battery free, or use a 2G or 3G phone. It makes less sense if you have a 5G phone and good 5G coverage, or if you need fast home broadband.
Before buying, check that the seller is reputable, that the unit is a genuine Jio device, and what warranty applies. Plan prices change often, so compare current Jio data plans in the MyJio app; the guide on choosing a mobile recharge for unlimited data explains what to look for. If you also use public or shared networks, read how to know if Wi-Fi is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many devices can connect to a JioFi?
Jio says a JioFi can connect up to 10 devices over Wi-Fi plus one over USB. Some models such as the JMR541 were advertised for up to 31 Wi-Fi users, but speed drops as more devices share the connection.
Does JioFi support 5G?
No. JioFi models are 4G LTE devices using Jio’s 2300, 1800 and 850 MHz bands. They cannot use Jio’s 5G network.
What is the maximum speed of JioFi?
Jio lists the JioFi M2S at up to 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. Actual speeds depend on the local 4G signal and network load.
Where is the JioFi password?
The default Wi-Fi password is printed on the inside of the JioFi’s battery cover, according to Jio. Changing it after setup is a good idea.
Can I use the JioFi SIM in a phone?
Yes. Jio says that after verification and activation, the JioFi SIM can be used in any other compatible 4G LTE device.
What documents do I need for a JioFi SIM?
Jio asks for original proof of identity and proof of address, such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport or driving license. With Aadhaar-based eKYC, only your fingerprint and Aadhaar details are needed.
