Why Your Nintendo DSi Says Access Points Are "Locked"

When your DSi reports that Wi-Fi access points are "locked," it's not a hardware fault—it's a service shutdown. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (the backend that matched DSi consoles to online games, the DSi Shop, and friend services) was discontinued on May 20, 2014. The servers are gone; your DSi can still see Wi-Fi networks, but it has nowhere to connect through Nintendo's infrastructure.

What's Permanently Offline

• Online multiplayer in all DS/DSi titles (Mario Kart DS, Pokémon trades/battles, etc.).
• DSi Shop—no new DSiWare purchases or re-downloads.
• System updates, friend roster sync, and Nintendo Channel.

What Still Works

• Already-downloaded DSiWare—games and apps stored on your system or SD card run perfectly.
• Local wireless multiplayer (DS Download Play, local trade/battle) — uses direct console-to-console connection, no internet required.
• System settings, camera, sound, calendar, and other offline apps.

Your DSi hardware is fine. The online ecosystem simply ceased to exist. For modern online Nintendo gaming, a 3DS, Switch, or Wii U is required.