GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX) SIM Card Setup

The GL.iNet GL-X3000 Spitz AX is a dual-SIM cellular router with Wi-Fi 6, popular for vans, boats, events and backup lines. It takes two nano SIMs, one active at a time, and a ThingSIM connects once its APN is set in the admin panel.

Specifications and menu paths checked against GL.iNet's own documentation on 3 November 2026; sources are listed at the end. Menus can move between firmware versions, so if yours differs, follow the manual for your version.

What the GL-X3000 Is

A Wi-Fi 6 cellular gateway in two versions: the GL-X3000NR with a 5G module and the GL-X3000C16 with a 4G Cat 16 module. Both have two nano SIM slots, used one at a time with the other as a backup.

Which ThingSIM Suits the GL-X3000

Compatible. GL.iNet lists LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8 and 20 among many others, covering the 4G bands used by all four UK networks. ThingSIM plans use 4G, so the 5G version connects on 4G. Order a physical ThingSIM and push out the nano size. The router has no built-in eSIM; GL.iNet's separate removable eSIM card can take an eSIM profile from a QR code, under Applications → eSIM Management, but a physical SIM is the simpler route.

For a van, a site cabin or a backup line, UK 4-network 5 GB at £8.85 a month is the usual starting point; watch the first month's usage in the portal.

Insert the SIM

1. Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal when you are ready to test; billing starts that day.
2. Power the router off. GL.iNet notes that some models do not support hot-swapping SIMs.
3. Push out the nano SIM and insert it in SIM slot 1, then power the router on.

Set Up Mobile Data in the GL.iNet Admin Panel

These steps are for firmware 4.10 and later. On firmware 4.8 and 4.9 the same settings are under Internet → Cellular → SIM Card Settings.

1. Open the admin panel and go to Internet → Cellular → Details & Configuration → Network Settings.
2. In the APN field, enter the APN shown in your ThingSIM portal when you activate the SIM. Set Authentication to None and leave the username and password blank.
3. Leave International Data Roaming switched on (it is on by default). GL.iNet warns that switching it off can lose the connection, and a ThingSIM always connects as a roaming SIM.
4. Save, then connect the cellular interface from the Cellular page.

Two SIMs and Failover

Two SIMs are used one at a time. Set failover from the gear icon on the Cellular page under SIM Failover: switch on Auto Switch, drag the SIMs into priority order, and optionally schedule a daily switch back to the preferred SIM. Data caps per SIM are under Data Usage → SIM Limit Settings. One UK 4-network ThingSIM already uses all four UK networks, so a second SIM mainly helps where a different provider is wanted.

Check It Is Working

The Cellular page shows the carrier, signal strength, band and data usage; Details & Configuration → Cellular Information adds the network type, cell ID and signal history. Then check usage in the ThingSIM portal.

Troubleshooting

• Connects on some networks but not others: GL.iNet has published a notice that some UK EE SIMs are IPv4-only and fixed it in firmware that defaults to IPv4. Keep the firmware up to date.
• PIN prompt: GL.iNet's guides do not document PIN management, so use a SIM without a PIN lock.
• Signal but no data: check the SIM is activated in the ThingSIM portal, the APN matches the one shown in the portal exactly with no spaces, and data roaming is allowed. Then work through signal but no data in order.
• It worked, then stopped: look at the SIM's usage in the portal. A ThingSIM pauses when it reaches its monthly allowance; upgrade the plan straight away or wait for the reset.

Common Questions

Does a ThingSIM work in a GL.iNet GL-X3000?

Yes. Insert the nano SIM, enter the APN shown in your ThingSIM portal under Network Settings and keep International Data Roaming on.

Can the GL-X3000 use an eSIM?

Only through GL.iNet's removable eSIM card, which installs a profile from a QR code. There is no built-in eSIM, so a physical ThingSIM is the simpler choice.

Will the GL-X3000 use 5G with a ThingSIM?

No. ThingSIM plans use 4G, so the 5G version connects on 4G.

Related Guides

• Connecting event kit
• 4G broadband backup
• GL.iNet routers
• APN settings: how to set up the APN on a device
• How much data does my device need?
• The best IoT and M2M SIM cards in the UK
• The UK 4-network 5 GB plan
• Compare every ThingSIM plan

Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026.

• GL.iNet GL-X3000 product page, bands and variants: www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x3000
• GL.iNet GL-X3000 user guide: docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-x3000
• GL.iNet cellular interface guide (firmware 4.10+): docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/internet_cellular_v4.10
• GL.iNet cellular interface guide (firmware 4.8–4.9): docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/internet_cellular
• GL.iNet cellular troubleshooting guide: docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/faq/cellular_network_troubleshooting_guide
• GL.iNet eSIM management: docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/interface_guide/esim_management
• GL.iNet notice on EE SIMs: docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/faq/problem_notification_and_solutions_for_x3000…