Works with ThingSIM
Netgear Routers and Gateways: SIM Setup Guide
Netgear's LTE modems and Orbi routers are often used as a 4G broadband backup, and Nighthawk M mobile routers travel with kit. A ThingSIM connects once its APN is set in the mobile settings, and roams across the Irish networks.
Last updated
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.
- Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal, then insert it.
- Open Settings → Mobile → APN. On the Orbi LBR20 go to Advanced → Setup → Internet Setup → Mobile Broadband Settings.
- Add a profile named ThingSIM with the APN from the portal and no authentication, username or password.
- Save, and on the LM1200 select the new profile to make it active.
- Turn data roaming on. A ThingSIM always connects as a roaming SIM.
- 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 takes a standard SIM or eSIM and works with ThingSIM. Older models no longer sold are marked; plenty are still in service and work the same way.
Nighthawk M-series hotspot
Works with ThingSIM
Works with ThingSIM
Nighthawk M7 Pro (MR7400)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Carrier (AT&T) Wi-Fi 7 5G hotspot/router.
Works with ThingSIM
Nighthawk M6 Pro (MR6550)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Unlocked 5G mmWave hotspot/router with Ethernet.Nighthawk M7 (MH7150)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot + eSIM Wi-Fi 7 5G travel hotspot with global eSIM data.
Works with ThingSIM
No longer sold
Nighthawk M1 (MR1100)
4G LTE Cat 16 · 1 SIM slot Gigabit LTE hotspot/router, still widely deployed.
Works with ThingSIM
No longer sold
Nighthawk M5 (MR5200)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot 5G hotspot/router, still widely deployed.LTE modem
Works with ThingSIM
LM1200
4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot LTE modem (Ethernet out) for primary or failover internet behind an existing router. LM1200 setup guide
Works with ThingSIM
LB1120
4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot LTE modem with Ethernet for failover/primary.Orbi LTE
Works with ThingSIM
Orbi LBR20
4G LTE Cat 18 · 1 SIM slot Orbi mesh router with built-in 4G LTE, extendable with Orbi satellites.LTE router
Works with ThingSIM
Nighthawk LAX20
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, on the strongest of Vodafone, Three and eir.
Is ThingSIM right for a Nighthawk hotspot?
For kit such as cameras, self-service kiosks or event equipment, yes. ThingSIM plans go up to 5 GB a month, so for laptops and streaming a consumer mobile broadband plan with a larger allowance fits better.
A good place to start
Ireland multi-network, 5 GB a month
Roams across Vodafone, Three and eir and uses whichever is strongest where the device is.
About this plan5 GB
Ireland multi-network
€8.99a month per active SIM, ex VAT
Order 5 GBSetup Guides
All guides
Activating, pausing and moving SIMs
Use the ThingSIM portal to activate an IoT SIM at installation, pause or cease it, move a physical SIM to another device and change its plan.
APN settings: how to set up the APN on a device
Find the APN for your ThingSIM IoT SIM and enter it in a router, camera or tracker, then check that mobile data is working.
Improving 4G signal for a fixed device
Compare positions, check the enclosure and test antenna options before mounting a fixed 4G device, from rural sites in the West to the border counties.
Setting up a 4G router with a data SIM
Install a 4G router SIM in a compatible router, enter the APN, choose a data allowance and test the mobile broadband connection where it will run.