Ubiquiti UniFi routers and gateways, tested with ThingSIM.

UniFi's mobile units plug into a UniFi gateway as a primary or backup internet connection. A ThingSIM goes in the device and the APN is set in the UniFi Network application.

Setting up a ThingSIM in the UniFi Network application

The APN goes in UniFi Devices → the cellular unit → Settings. 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 and insert it in the unit (the 5G Max takes a nano SIM, or use eSIM).
  2. Connect the unit to a PoE port and adopt it in the UniFi Network application.
  3. Choose how it is used, as backup internet over the LAN or, on the 5G Max and 5G Backup, as a primary WAN on WAN1 or WAN2.
  4. Open UniFi Devices, select the unit and open its settings. Enter the APN from the portal as a custom APN and allow roaming.
  5. Set a data limit and warning to match your ThingSIM plan.
  6. The device panel then shows signal and connection state.

Two SIMs for failover

These units take one SIM. Failover happens at the UniFi gateway, which switches to the cellular link when the main line drops.

Checking it works

The unit's panel in UniFi Devices shows signal and connection state, and its data counter can warn before the plan's allowance is used.

Ubiquiti UniFi 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.

UniFi 5G

Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi 5G Max (U5G-Max) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi 5G Max (U5G-Max)

Failover router 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot + eSIM PoE-powered 5G WAN for UniFi gateways, primary or failover.
Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi 5G Backup (U5G) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi 5G Backup (U5G)

Failover router 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Compact 5G failover WAN for UniFi gateways.
Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi 5G Max Outdoor (U5G-Max-Outdoor) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi 5G Max Outdoor (U5G-Max-Outdoor)

Outdoor unit 5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot + eSIM Weatherproof (IP67 with gland kit) 5G WAN for UniFi sites.

UniFi Mobile Router

Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi Mobile Router (UMR) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi Mobile Router (UMR)

Vehicle router · Wi-Fi 4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Cloud-managed LTE router for vehicles and remote sites.
Ubiquiti UniFi Mobile Router Industrial (UMR-Industrial) Tested with ThingSIM

Mobile Router Industrial (UMR-Industrial)

Industrial router · Wi-Fi 4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot IP66 rugged LTE router for industrial/outdoor deployments.
Ubiquiti UniFi Mobile Router Ultra (UMR-Ultra) Tested with ThingSIM

Mobile Router Ultra (UMR-Ultra)

Vehicle router 4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Compact cloud-managed LTE router.

UniFi LTE Backup

Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi LTE Backup (U-LTE) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi LTE Backup (U-LTE)

Failover router 4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Original LTE failover unit for UniFi (US carrier-tied).
Ubiquiti UniFi UniFi LTE Backup Pro (U-LTE-Pro) Tested with ThingSIM

UniFi LTE Backup Pro (U-LTE-Pro)

Failover router 4G LTE · 1 SIM slot LTE failover WAN for UniFi gateways (often bundled with carrier data plan in US).

Questions people ask

Does a ThingSIM work in a UniFi 5G Max?

Yes. Insert the SIM, set the APN from the portal in UniFi Network and the unit connects as a primary or failover WAN.

Which plan suits a UniFi backup connection?

A unit that only carries traffic during an outage usually fits in 1 GB or 5 GB a month. 5 GB on UK 4-network is £8.85 a month.