Choose your topic
Or did you want to Troubleshoot?
Kiwix Reader
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.
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.
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.
Kiwix is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
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
Yes. Kiwix offers portable versions, server deployments (Kiwix-serve), and containerised images for advanced setups.
Open Kiwix, choose “Open file,” and select your downloaded ZIM archive.
Use Kiwix-serve to host ZIM files and make them available to other devices via a web browser.
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.
No. Kiwix does not track users or display ads. All usage is local and private.
Kiwix Server
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.
kiwix-serve is multiplatform (Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, Windows) and is very lightweight: it runs on Raspberry Pi Zero and NAS appliances.
Indirectly. kiwix-serve only speaks HTTP/1.1 without SSL but we recommend you use it behind a reverse-proxy for any serious deployment.
Yes, the Kiwix Catalog is backed by kiwix-serve.
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
While technically feasible, it is not possible to create and maintain quality Store pages with accurate titles, descriptions and screenshots, etc…
Absolutely. Those are two separate apps, you can add more content to the Kiwix app but not to the Branded app.
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.
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 contact us.
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 contact us.
Yes! The code is on Github. You’ll need some technical skills as well as account for the platforms you wish to submit to.
Catalog
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.
No. Incremental updates for ZIM files (such as Wikipedia) are not currently available, but this feature is being explored for the future.
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).
Hotspot general queries
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Kiwix Hotspot system is built on top of Debian.
If you know what you’re doing and want to access the OS, connect your device to a keyboard and screen and use the following credentials:
Username: user
Password: raspberry
You can also log-in via SSH if you enable it, either manually on the console, or via the Admin dashboard.
Kiwix Hotspot
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.
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.
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.
Your device will be shipped via Swiss Post and we will send you a tracking link to trace it all its voyage.
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, contact us so that we can look into the details, and the cost!
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Kiwix Hotspot system is built on top of Debian.
If you know what you’re doing and want to access the OS, connect your device to a keyboard and screen and use the following credentials:
Username: user
Password: raspberry
You can also log-in via SSH if you enable it, either manually on the console, or via the Admin dashboard.
Content Bundles
Not yet. It will require extra work due to its limited memory.
Here is the quick setup guide. For more detailed information and potential troubleshooting, please check the more detailed guidelines further down.
- 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
http://goto.kiwix.hotspot(orhttp://network-name.hotspotif you changed it in Imager service) in your favourite browser. Beware to type the full address withhttp://, and not https! - That’s it. Browse, and enjoy!
———
Downloading and flashing the image file
- We highly recommend that you download via torrent as it checks again file corruption. Make sure to use Transmission (4.11+) or another webseed client so it does not wait for other peers before starting to download.
- When flashing your image onto the microSD card with the Raspberry Pi imager, make sure you have enough space on your card to allow for the instsallation (image size listed at the top of this webpage) and let it go through the full verification step so as to make sure the image is copied correctly.
- Do not change any of the settings (network name or whatnot) as it bricks the system.
- If your card isn’t new then maybe try with another one. These things are pretty fragile and tend to wear off over time, might be worth checking out. See also below for hardware testing.
Running the Raspberry Pi
- Remember: the Raspberry Pi zero 2W is not supported yet.
- You need to give it 5-8 minutes for the first boot to unpack everything and show a network, after that it’ll be much smoother.
Check your hardware
- Download the Free Image from the Content Bundles Page. It’s a smaller download that speeds up testing. Please use the torrent link to ensure there is no issue with the download (it downloads from the same HTTPs location but it ensures it’s not corrupt).
- Insert your SD-card onto your computer (again, ensure you have sufficient space on the card).
- Launch the Raspberry Pi Imager software.
- Don’t use the Choose device button
- Select the downloaded image file via Choose OS -> Use custom (filename should be
demo_yyyy-mm_xxxxxxxx.imgor similar)
- Select the SD-card using Choose storage button
- Click Next button
- Select No when asked about OS customisation
- Select Yes at the warning to confirm your SD-card will be erased
- Let the process complete, including the verification part.
-
- Insert the card in the Pi.
- Make sure the power supply is appropriate:
- 12.5W (2.5A) for Pi Zero2W, Pi3B and Pi 3B+.
Pi3B accepts 2.1A but we recommend the more common 2.5A. - 15W (3A) for Pi 4 and Pi 400
- 27W (5A) for Pi 5.
- 12.5W (2.5A) for Pi Zero2W, Pi3B and Pi 3B+.
- Plug the power cord, lights should turn on.
- Wait 15 good minutes (to be safe), so 900 seconds.
- Using another device, look for an SSID named “Kiwix Hotspot”. It’s an open network and it is not providing Internet access so depending on your testing system, it may not be a suggested SSID.
Follow the instructions from the captive portal that appears or simply type http://goto.kiwix.hotspot (or http://network-name.hotspot if you changed it in Imager service) in your favourite browser. Beware to type the full address with http://, and not https!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Kiwix Hotspot system is built on top of Debian.
If you know what you’re doing and want to access the OS, connect your device to a keyboard and screen and use the following credentials:
Username: user
Password: raspberry
You can also log-in via SSH if you enable it, either manually on the console, or via the Admin dashboard.
Imager Service
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.
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.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
We offer a paid-option for this. Contact us if interested.
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 contact us, we’ll can arrange billing of the fee monthly.
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.
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.
Your query remains unanswered?
Please ensure that you have viewed our Troubleshooting page before contacting us for a technical issue.
