# UniFi 5G and LTE backup SIM cards, 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**.

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:** 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.

## UniFi 5G

- **UniFi 5G Max (U5G-Max)**: Failover router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot + eSIM. PoE-powered 5G WAN for UniFi gateways, primary or failover.
- **UniFi 5G Backup (U5G)**: Failover router, 5G NR + LTE, 1 SIM slot. Compact 5G failover WAN for UniFi gateways.
- **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

- **UniFi Mobile Router (UMR)**: Vehicle router, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. Cloud-managed LTE router for vehicles and remote sites.
- **Mobile Router Industrial (UMR-Industrial)**: Industrial router, 4G LTE Cat 4, 1 SIM slot, Wi-Fi. IP66 rugged LTE router for industrial/outdoor deployments.
- **Mobile Router Ultra (UMR-Ultra)**: Vehicle router, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot. Compact cloud-managed LTE router.

## UniFi LTE Backup

- **UniFi LTE Backup (U-LTE)**: Failover router, 4G LTE, 1 SIM slot. Original LTE failover unit for UniFi (US carrier-tied).
- **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

### 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.

Suggested plan: 5 GB, UK 4-network, £8.85 a month per active SIM, ex VAT.

Source: https://thingsim.com/devices/ubiquiti