Works with ThingSIM
Ubiquiti UniFi Routers and Gateways: SIM Setup Guide
UniFi's mobile units plug into a UniFi gateway as a primary or backup internet connection. A ThingSIM goes in the device, the APN is set in the UniFi Network application, and the unit roams across the Irish networks.
Last updated
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.
- Activate the SIM in the ThingSIM portal and insert it in the unit (the 5G Max takes a nano SIM, or use eSIM).
- Connect the unit to a PoE port and adopt it in the UniFi Network application.
- 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.
- Open UniFi Devices, select the unit and open its settings. Enter the APN from the portal as a custom APN and allow roaming.
- Set a data limit and warning to match your ThingSIM plan.
- 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.
More help
APN settings, signal but no data and setting up a 4G router.
Ubiquiti UniFi 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.
UniFi 5G
Works with ThingSIM
Works with ThingSIM
UniFi 5G Backup (U5G)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot Compact 5G failover WAN for UniFi gateways.
Works with ThingSIM
UniFi 5G Max Outdoor (U5G-Max-Outdoor)
5G NR + LTE · 1 SIM slot + eSIM Weatherproof (IP67 with gland kit) 5G WAN for UniFi sites.UniFi Mobile Router
Works with ThingSIM
UniFi Mobile Router (UMR)
4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Cloud-managed LTE router for vehicles and remote sites.
Works with ThingSIM
Mobile Router Industrial (UMR-Industrial)
4G LTE Cat 4 · 1 SIM slot IP66 rugged LTE router for industrial/outdoor deployments.
Works with ThingSIM
Mobile Router Ultra (UMR-Ultra)
4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Compact cloud-managed LTE router.UniFi LTE Backup
Works with ThingSIM
UniFi LTE Backup (U-LTE)
4G LTE · 1 SIM slot Original LTE failover unit for UniFi (US carrier-tied).
Works with ThingSIM
UniFi LTE Backup Pro (U-LTE-Pro)
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 Ireland multi-network is €8.99 a month.
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.