MikroTik RouterOS offers flexible configuration options for everything from home routers to ISP-grade hotspots.
When setting up your MikroTik device, you’ll see a Device Mode option in Quick Set — allowing you to choose between Home, Basic, or Advanced modes.
These modes define how much control you have over the router’s features and directly affect your ability to create and manage a Hotspot network.
In this guide, we’ll explain each mode, show you how to check and change device mode using terminal commands, and discuss how it impacts Hotspot setup.
mikrotik router device mode configuration
🔹 What Are MikroTik Device Modes?
MikroTik introduced Device Modes to make RouterOS easier for users at different technical levels.
They determine which menus and options are visible in Winbox, WebFig, or the RouterOS CLI.
The three available modes are:
- Home Mode – for beginners and home users
- Basic Mode – for small networks or offices
- Advanced Mode – for professionals and ISPs
🏠 Home Mode
Purpose: Designed for simple home networks and plug-and-play use.
Features:
- Automatic DHCP, NAT, and firewall setup.
- Hides most advanced menus including Hotspot, Radius, and Scripts.
- Easy for home users, but limited for customization.
Hotspot Impact:
- Hotspot setup is disabled or hidden in this mode.
- Not suitable for public Wi-Fi or user authentication.
👉 Best for: Home users who just need internet sharing.
⚙️ Basic Mode
Purpose: Balanced mode for small business or office networks.
Features:
- Access to key settings like IP, DHCP, NAT, and Firewall.
- Some advanced menus remain hidden for simplicity.
- Offers basic network control.
Hotspot Impact:
- Hotspot setup is available under
IP → Hotspot. - Suitable for cafés, schools, or small office Wi-Fi login systems.
- Some limitations on Radius or automation tools.
👉 Best for: Small networks needing simple Hotspot features.
🧠 Advanced Mode
Purpose: Full professional access — ideal for ISPs, WISPs, or managed Hotspot networks.
Features:
- Enables all RouterOS menus and tools.
- Includes Hotspot, Radius, User Manager, Scripting, VLANs, and VPNs.
- Works seamlessly with automation platforms like GalaxyRAD.
Hotspot Impact:
- Full control of Hotspot settings, including:
- Custom login pages
- Bandwidth profiles
- RADIUS authentication
- Logging and session monitoring
👉 Best for: Professional Hotspot networks or ISPs.
🧩 How to View and Change Device Mode via Terminal
You can easily check and change your MikroTik RouterOS device mode using these terminal commands.
🖥️ View Current Mode
✅ Example output:
⚙️ Change Device Mode
Replace advanced with your preferred mode:
homebasicadvanced
After updating, reboot the router:
- Changing modes does not erase your current configuration, but it may hide advanced menus.
- Always create a backup before switching modes:
/export file=backup_config - Some features like Hotspot or RADIUS won’t appear unless the router is in Advanced Mode.
🔍 Device Mode Comparison Table
| Feature / Mode | Home | Basic | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration Access | Minimal | Moderate | Full |
| Hotspot Menu | ❌ Hidden | ✅ Available | ✅ Full |
| RADIUS Support | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| VLAN / Scripts | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partial | ✅ Yes |
| Best Use | Home | Small Office | ISP / Hotspot Network |
🚀 Best Mode for Hotspot Setup
For any professional Hotspot — whether at a school, business, or ISP — always switch your MikroTik to Advanced Mode.
It provides complete access to Hotspot configuration, RADIUS, and User Management, ensuring secure and efficient network operation.
Quick setup path:
- Switch to Advanced Mode
- Configure your WAN and LAN interfaces
- Run Hotspot Setup Wizard under
IP → Hotspot - Customize your login page and bandwidth rules
🧭 Conclusion
Choosing the right Device Mode in MikroTik RouterOS determines how much control you have over your network.
While Home Mode is beginner-friendly and Basic Mode works for small networks, only Advanced Mode unlocks the full Hotspot potential — perfect for ISPs, WISPs, and managed Wi-Fi providers.
If you’re setting up a Hotspot system or using automation tools like GalaxyRAD, make sure your router is running in Advanced Mode for full compatibility and performance.