It's a beautiful day, isn't it? Whether you're planning your next fishing trip, cruising the coastline, or simply want to have all your essential marine data at your fingertips, connecting your Raymarine Axiom to your iPad is a game-changer. Imagine having a second display of your chartplotter right where you need it, controlling your sonar, radar, and navigation without being glued to the helm. Sounds good, right? Let's dive in and get you set up!
Connecting Your Raymarine Axiom to Your iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Raymarine Axiom series boasts built-in Wi-Fi, allowing seamless integration with your mobile devices. This connectivity opens up a world of convenience, letting you mirror your MFD's screen and even control it remotely. Here's how to make that happen:
Step 1: Prepare Your Raymarine Axiom
Before you even touch your iPad, we need to ensure your Axiom display is ready for the connection. This involves a few crucial checks and settings adjustments.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Axiom Software is Up-to-Date
It's paramount to have the latest software installed on your Axiom MFD. Raymarine regularly releases updates that improve connectivity, add features, and fix bugs. Outdated software is often the culprit for connection issues.
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Check Current Software Version:
- From the Axiom Home screen, tap Settings (the gear icon).
- Navigate to the This Display tab.
- Look for the software version information displayed there.
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Update Software (if necessary):
- Visit the official Raymarine support website (
raymarine.com/en-us/support - Download the latest LightHouse software for your specific Axiom model.
- Carefully follow Raymarine's instructions for transferring the update file to a microSD card and then installing it on your Axiom. Do NOT interrupt the update process, as this can corrupt your MFD's software. Ensure a stable power supply during the update.
- Visit the official Raymarine support website (
Sub-heading: Configure Axiom Wi-Fi Settings
Your Axiom MFD acts as a Wi-Fi access point for your iPad. We need to set up its network name (SSID) and a password (passphrase).
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Access Wi-Fi Settings on Axiom:
- From the Axiom Home screen, tap Settings.
- Go to the This Display tab.
- Look for Wi-Fi Connection Settings and tap on Configure.
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Set Your Network Name (SSID) and Passphrase:
- You'll see options to configure the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and a passphrase.
- Choose a unique and easily identifiable network name for your Axiom (e.g., "MyBoatAxiom" or "RaymarineHelm").
- Create a strong, memorable passphrase (password) for your network. Write this down somewhere safe! A common recommendation for troubleshooting is to temporarily set a simple passphrase like "1234567890" to rule out password entry issues, then change it back to something more secure once connected.
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Enable Wi-Fi on Axiom:
- Ensure the Wi-Fi feature on your Axiom is turned ON within these settings.
Step 2: Prepare Your iPad
Now, let's get your iPad ready to connect to your Axiom.
Sub-heading: Download the Raymarine App
To mirror and control your Axiom, you'll need the official Raymarine app.
- Open the App Store: On your iPad, locate and tap the App Store icon.
- Search for "Raymarine": Use the search bar at the bottom of the screen to search for "Raymarine."
- Download "The Raymarine App": Look for "The Raymarine App" by Raymarine UK Ltd. It's usually a free download. Tap the "Get" or cloud icon to download and install it.
- Note: Historically, Raymarine had separate "RayControl" and "RayView" apps. "The Raymarine App" is now the unified companion and offers both viewing and control functionalities for Axiom.
Sub-heading: Ensure iPad Wi-Fi is Enabled
This might seem obvious, but it's a fundamental step!
- Open iPad Settings: Tap the Settings app on your iPad's home screen.
- Go to Wi-Fi: Tap on Wi-Fi in the left-hand menu.
- Toggle Wi-Fi ON: Make sure the Wi-Fi toggle switch is in the green (ON) position.
Step 3: Establish the Connection
This is where the magic happens! We'll connect your iPad to your Axiom's Wi-Fi network.
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Connect iPad to Axiom's Wi-Fi Network:
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On your iPad, in the Wi-Fi settings, you should now see the network name (SSID) you configured on your Axiom (e.g., "MyBoatAxiom") appear in the list of available networks.
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Tap on your Axiom's Wi-Fi network name.
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When prompted, enter the passphrase (password) you set on your Axiom MFD.
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Tap Join.
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Your iPad should now indicate that it's connected to your Axiom's Wi-Fi network (a blue checkmark will appear next to the network name).
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Important Note: When connected to your Axiom's Wi-Fi, your iPad will likely not have an internet connection, as the Axiom's Wi-Fi is a local network for marine electronics. If you need internet for other apps, you'll have to switch back to another Wi-Fi network or use cellular data (if available).
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Launch "The Raymarine App" on Your iPad:
- Once your iPad is successfully connected to the Axiom's Wi-Fi network, open "The Raymarine App" that you downloaded earlier.
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Connect within the App:
- The app should automatically detect your connected Axiom MFD.
- Follow any on-screen prompts within the app to connect to your Axiom. You might see a list of detected MFDs if you have multiple. Select your Axiom.
- Success! Your iPad screen should now mirror your Axiom display, and you should be able to interact with it using your iPad's touchscreen.
Step 4: Explore and Utilize the Connection
You're connected! Now, let's see what you can do.
Sub-heading: Screen Mirroring and Remote Control
The primary benefit of connecting your Axiom to your iPad is the ability to mirror your MFD's screen. This is incredibly useful for:
- Viewing from Anywhere: See charts, sonar, or radar from the cockpit, flybridge, or even down below, without needing to be at the helm.
- Situational Awareness: Have a secondary display for critical information, enhancing your overall awareness of the boat's surroundings and performance.
- Convenience: Easily zoom in on charts, mark waypoints, or adjust sonar settings from a comfortable position.
The Raymarine App typically provides:
- Full Touchscreen Control: Interact with the mirrored Axiom screen on your iPad just as you would on the MFD itself.
- Virtual Control Pad (Optional): For some users or older Axiom models, the app might offer a virtual control pad or buttons that mimic physical controls, which can be helpful for precise adjustments or if you prefer button navigation.
- Switching Displays: If you have multiple Axiom displays on your network, you might be able to switch between them within the app to mirror different screens.
Sub-heading: LightHouse Charts Management (with Subscription)
The Raymarine App is becoming increasingly powerful for managing your LightHouse Charts.
- Download Charts: Depending on your region and subscription, you may be able to download chart data to your iPad and then transfer it to an SD card for your Axiom, or even directly to compatible Axiom MFDs.
- Chart Updates: Receive alerts when new chart updates are available, making it easier to keep your navigation data current.
- Account Management: Manage your Raymarine user account directly from the app.
Sub-heading: Remote Monitoring with YachtSense Link (Premium Feature)
For a more advanced, remote monitoring experience, consider integrating with a Raymarine YachtSense Link mobile router. This requires a subscription to Raymarine Premium Features.
- GeoFence Alerts: Set up a geofence around your vessel and receive notifications on your iPad if your boat moves outside this safe zone.
- Real-time Data: Monitor instrument and navigation data from your boat even when you're off the vessel.
- Digital Control: If you have a YachtSense Digital Control system, the app can provide mobile control of various onboard systems.
Troubleshooting Tips
While the connection process is generally straightforward, sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:
- Restart Everything: The classic IT solution! Restart your Axiom MFD and your iPad. This often resolves minor glitches.
- Check Wi-Fi Password: Double-check that you're entering the correct Wi-Fi passphrase on your iPad. It's case-sensitive.
- Forget Network on iPad: If you're having persistent issues, go to your iPad's Wi-Fi settings, tap the "i" next to your Axiom's network, and choose "Forget This Network." Then try to connect again from scratch.
- Change Wi-Fi Channel on Axiom: In rare cases, Wi-Fi interference (especially in crowded marinas) can cause connection problems. Your Axiom's Wi-Fi settings might allow you to change the Wi-Fi channel it uses. Try a different channel to see if it improves stability.
- Update All Software: Ensure both your Axiom MFD and "The Raymarine App" on your iPad are running the absolute latest software versions.
- Reset Network Settings on iPad: As a last resort on the iPad side, you can reset your iPad's network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Network Settings). Be aware this will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords on your iPad.
- Consult Raymarine Support: If all else fails, don't hesitate to reach out to Raymarine's official support channels or consult their online forums.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to update my Raymarine Axiom software?
You update your Axiom software by downloading the latest LightHouse software from the Raymarine website to a microSD card, inserting the card into your Axiom, and following the update prompts from the Axiom's settings menu.
How to find my Raymarine Axiom's Wi-Fi password?
You can find or change your Raymarine Axiom's Wi-Fi password (passphrase) by going to Settings > This Display > Wi-Fi Connection Settings > Configure on your Axiom MFD.
How to switch between different Axiom displays on my iPad?
Within "The Raymarine App," if you have multiple Axiom displays networked together, the app typically provides an option to select which MFD's screen you wish to mirror or control. Look for a device selection option within the app's interface.
How to use my iPad as a remote control for my Axiom?
Once "The Raymarine App" is connected and mirroring your Axiom, you can use your iPad's touchscreen to interact with the MFD's interface, effectively using it as a remote control.
How to get internet access on my iPad while connected to Axiom Wi-Fi?
Generally, when your iPad is connected directly to your Axiom's Wi-Fi, it will not have internet access as the Axiom's network is local. To get internet, you would need to disconnect from the Axiom's Wi-Fi and connect to a different Wi-Fi network with internet access or use your iPad's cellular data.
How to improve Raymarine Axiom Wi-Fi connection stability?
To improve stability, ensure both your Axiom and iPad have the latest software, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your Axiom (if available in settings), and minimize physical obstructions between the devices.
How to troubleshoot if "The Raymarine App" won't connect?
If the app won't connect, first ensure your iPad is correctly connected to the Axiom's Wi-Fi network. Then, try restarting both devices, forgetting the network on your iPad, and making sure your Axiom's software is up to date.
How to use Raymarine LightHouse Charts on my iPad?
"The Raymarine App" allows you to manage and sometimes download LightHouse Charts to your iPad (with a subscription), which can then be transferred to your Axiom MFD. The app itself is not a standalone navigation app but a companion for your MFD.
How to enable remote monitoring of my boat with my Axiom and iPad?
Remote monitoring capabilities with your Axiom and iPad typically require a Raymarine YachtSense Link mobile router and a Raymarine Premium Features subscription, which enables features like GeoFence alerts and remote data viewing.
How to calibrate my Axiom's touchscreen from my iPad?
Touchscreen calibration is typically performed directly on the Axiom MFD itself, not through the iPad app. Check your Axiom's user manual for instructions on calibrating its touchscreen.
