# GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX) SIM Card Setup > Set up a ThingSIM data SIM in a GL.iNet GL-X3000 Spitz AX: SIM size and plan, inserting the nano SIM, the APN and roaming settings, SIM failover and troubleshooting. Device setup · Published 3 November 2026 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](/sim-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](/connecting-event-kit) - [4G broadband backup](/4g-broadband-backup) - [GL.iNet routers](/devices/gl-inet) - [APN settings: how to set up the APN on a device](/apn-settings) - [How much data does my device need?](/how-much-data-does-my-device-need) - [The best IoT and M2M SIM cards in the UK](/best-iot-sim-card-uk) - [The UK 4-network 5 GB plan](/plans/uk-4-network-5gb) - [Compare every ThingSIM plan](/plans) ## Sources Checked on 3 November 2026. - GL.iNet GL-X3000 product page, bands and variants: [www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x3000](https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x3000/) - GL.iNet GL-X3000 user guide: [docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/user_guide/gl-x3000](https://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](https://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](https://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](https://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](https://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...](https://docs.gl-inet.com/router/en/4/faq/problem_notification_and_solutions_for_x3000_x2000_failure_to_work_with_ee_sim_cards/) ## Recommended plan 5 GB, UK 4-network: £8.85 a month per active SIM, ex VAT. Source: https://thingsim.com/gl-inet-gl-x3000-sim-setup