> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wifipadi.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # MikroTik hotspot billing: sell WiFi from a MikroTik router > Turn a MikroTik on RouterOS 7.3 or newer into a paid WiFi hotspot. Guests pay by card, transfer or mobile money and get online on their own. One pasted command, no public IP. A MikroTik router has a built-in hotspot. On its own, it can show a login page and check usernames, but it cannot take a payment. Billing software adds that part: plans, a payment page, and letting a guest online the moment they pay. This guide shows how to turn a MikroTik into a paid hotspot with WifiPadi. Setup takes about 5 minutes once your account is ready. [How to Turn Any MikroTik Router into a Paid WiFi Business in 5 Minutes](https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z6Fzu8VV6Fc) ## How it works 1. A guest joins your WiFi and the router shows your login page. 2. The guest picks a plan and pays by card, bank transfer or mobile money. 3. WifiPadi confirms the payment and tells the router to let that phone online. 4. The router cuts the guest off when the plan's time or data runs out. You do not need a public IP address. The router connects out to WifiPadi through a secure tunnel, so it works behind Starlink, 4G and most home fibre. ## What you need * A **MikroTik on RouterOS 7.3 or newer**. RouterOS 6 does not work. * An **internet connection** plugged into the MikroTik. * A **WifiPadi account** with at least one location and one plan. ### Check your RouterOS version In Winbox, open **System → Resource** and read **Version**. | Version shows | What to do | | - | - | | 7.3 or newer | Ready. | | 7.0 to 7.2 | Upgrade in **System → Packages**. | | 6.x | Upgrade to the latest 6.49 first, then switch the channel to **stable** and install version 7. Take a backup first in **Files → Backup**. | Use a factory-default router where you can. A router set up earlier for User Manager or Mikhmon may need a reset, because the setup replaces the hotspot configuration. ## Set it up **1. Create your account and first plan** [Create a WifiPadi account](https://docs.wifipadi.com/create-account.md). It is free for 21 days, with no card needed. Then [add a location and your plans](https://docs.wifipadi.com/account-setup.md). **2. Add the router in your dashboard** Go to **Gateways → Add Router Gateway**. Enter a name, choose the location, and select **MikroTik RouterOS (v7+)**. Select **Provision Gateway**. **3. Paste the command into the router** Copy the command your dashboard shows. Open a terminal in Winbox, or connect by SSH, paste it and press Enter. The command sets up the secure tunnel, the RADIUS client and the hotspot. You do not change anything else in RouterOS by hand. **4. Wait for Online** Your dashboard shows each stage as the router finishes it. It takes 1 to 2 minutes to reach **Online**. **5. Test it with a phone** Join the WiFi on a phone. Your login page should open. Buy your cheapest plan and check that the phone gets online. If anything stops partway, see [Troubleshooting](https://docs.wifipadi.com/gateway-setup.md#troubleshooting). ## What you can sell | | | | - | - | | **Time plans** | One hour, one day, one week, or any length you choose. | | **Data plans** | A set number of gigabytes. | | **Speed limits** | A different speed on each plan. | | **Vouchers** | Printed codes for guests who pay cash. | | **Agents** | Resellers who buy codes and sell them on for you. | | **WhatsApp sales** | Guests pick a plan in WhatsApp and pay a link. | ## Access points behind the MikroTik Plug each access point into a LAN port on the MikroTik. Set it to **access point** or **bridge** mode and turn off its own DHCP. The MikroTik stays in charge of the login page and plans, and guests stay online as they move between access points. ## Frequently asked questions > [accordion] Does it work with RouterOS 6? > > No. Upgrade to RouterOS 7.3 or newer first. The table above shows how. > [accordion] Do I need a public IP or port forwarding? > > No. The router connects out to WifiPadi, so it works behind Starlink, 4G and most fibre connections. > [accordion] Can I keep my own MikroTik configuration? > > The setup replaces the hotspot configuration. A router that ran another hotspot system, such as User Manager or Mikhmon, may need a reset first. > [accordion] Which countries does it work in? > > Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda, with each country's own payment methods, such as M-PESA in Kenya and mobile money in Ghana and Uganda. > [accordion] How much does it cost? > > Free for 21 days. Then one monthly price per location, with unlimited routers and guests. See the price for your country on [wifipadi.com](https://wifipadi.com). This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.