Netgear routers and gateways, tested with ThingSIM.

Netgear's LTE modems and Orbi routers are often used as a backup line, and Nighthawk M mobile routers travel with kit. A ThingSIM connects once its APN is set in the mobile settings.

How to set it up See the 8 models

Setting up a ThingSIM in the Netgear device web page or app

The APN goes in Settings → Mobile → APN (Orbi LBR20: Advanced → Setup → Internet Setup). Copy it from the SIM's page in the ThingSIM portal; there is no username or password.

  1. Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal, then insert it.
  2. Open Settings → Mobile → APN. On the Orbi LBR20 go to Advanced → Setup → Internet Setup → Mobile Broadband Settings.
  3. Add a profile named ThingSIM with the APN from the portal and no authentication, username or password.
  4. Save, and on the LM1200 select the new profile to make it active.
  5. Turn data roaming on. A ThingSIM always connects as a roaming SIM.
  6. The home screen or dashboard then shows the connection and signal.

Two SIMs for failover

These models take one SIM. The LM1200 and Orbi LBR can act as a backup line behind your main router.

Checking it works

The device's home screen or web dashboard shows signal and connection state, and the ThingSIM portal shows usage.

More help

APN settings, signal but no data and setting up a 4G router.

Netgear models that work with ThingSIM

Every model below is compatible and tested with ThingSIM. Older models no longer sold are marked; plenty are still in service and work the same way.

Nighthawk M-series hotspot

Netgear Nighthawk M6 (MR6150) Tested with ThingSIM

Nighthawk M6 (MR6150)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 5G NR sub-6 + LTE · 1 SIM slot Unlocked 5G hotspot/router, popular for temporary sites and failover.
Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro (MR7400) Tested with ThingSIM

Nighthawk M7 Pro (MR7400)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Carrier (AT&T) Wi-Fi 7 5G hotspot/router.
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6550) Tested with ThingSIM

Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6550)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Unlocked 5G mmWave hotspot/router with Ethernet.
Tested with ThingSIM

Nighthawk M7 (MH7150)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot + eSIM Wi-Fi 7 5G travel hotspot with global eSIM data.
Netgear Nighthawk M1 (MR1100) Tested with ThingSIM No longer sold

Nighthawk M1 (MR1100)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 4G LTE Cat 16 · 1 SIM slot Gigabit LTE hotspot/router, still widely deployed.
Netgear Nighthawk M5 (MR5200) Tested with ThingSIM No longer sold

Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)

mobile hotspot · Wi-Fi 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot 5G hotspot/router, still widely deployed.

LTE modem

Netgear LM1200 Tested with ThingSIM

LM1200

Failover router 4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot LTE modem (Ethernet out) for primary or failover internet behind an existing router.
Netgear LB1120 Tested with ThingSIM

LB1120

Failover router 4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot LTE modem with Ethernet for failover/primary.

Orbi LTE

Netgear Orbi LBR20 Tested with ThingSIM

Orbi LBR20

Office router · Wi-Fi 4G LTE Cat 18 · 1 SIM slot Orbi mesh router with built-in 4G LTE, extendable with Orbi satellites.

LTE router

Netgear Nighthawk LAX20 Tested with ThingSIM

Nighthawk LAX20

Office router · Wi-Fi 4G LTE-Advanced · 1 SIM slot Unlocked 4G LTE router with Wi-Fi 6 for home/office.

Questions people ask

Does a ThingSIM work in a Netgear LM1200?

Yes. Set the APN from the portal in the mobile settings, allow roaming, and the modem connects as a backup line behind your router.

Is ThingSIM right for a Nighthawk hotspot?

For kit such as cameras, card machines or event equipment, yes. ThingSIM plans go up to 5 GB a month, so for laptops and streaming a consumer plan with a larger allowance fits better.

Other manufacturers

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