I rarely post here but recently had some issues with my iFi Zen stream. I own two of the units and one had been put away for a while. When trying to "get it going" again I had to try to remember how it all worked. I made a cheat sheet for next time and wanted to share it here. I was back and forth with iFi on a support ticket and used some of their input here. Feel free to pass along. If it seems too simple it's because I Beta tested the instructions on my girlfriend and then dumbed it down until she could do it all herself. ( sorry to the ladies here who are easily smarter than myself but she is technically illiterate )
IfI Zen Stream
-This is to set up wi fi connection for Zen stream/ NOTE once the Zen Stream is set up there is no need to use the hot spot again and best not to use it. Once your Zen stream set up then just turn the selector dial to position no. 1 and in a smart phone use the link
http://ifi.local to get to the setting page. Make the changes needed and turn the select back to the position it was at.
-Switch selector on the back of the unit to position no .1 (AIO) (All in one)
FYI. You cannot properly connect if the Zen stream is not on selector position no1 .
-Push hot spot button (right side) for 3 seconds and release when white light flashes.
On a smart phone or cellular enabled iPad go Settings and go wi fi settings and look in the networks section below and select the iFi network that will appear.
-On a browser on smart / cell enabled iPad phone go
http://ifi.local
-Go settings (small gear icon on bottom right)
-Go sources
Turn off all streaming services that you will not be using. Save.
-Go networks
Select your wi fi network and enter password
Be patient. The unit often renders the wifi setting 2x
Save.
Go playback options
Go out put device
Use dropdown menu to select either SPDIF or USB. If your Dac is plugged in your device will show up by product name Select it.
Save
-Go system
Check updates. Also there is an option for auto update which is probably a good idea to select.
Save
Important **if updating under no circumstances allow the power cord to be unplugged or you will likely be buying another streamer as it will likely be bricked. Sorry.
Turn selector back to no. 2 Roon only, or the selection you need (i.e. Tidal only no. 3) etc.
Remember to re connect to your smart phone or iPad to your home network on your wi fi settings if it has not already automatically re connected