How do I get started with my unlocked NETGEAR mobile hotspot?

To get started with your unlocked NETGEAR mobile hotspot, you need the following:

• A SIM card with a compatible active mobile data plan
• A fully charged battery in your mobile hotspot

Data plan information

If you already have a SIM card and mobile data plan, it might be compatible. Contact your carrier to confirm if your plan is compatible. For information about compatible carriers, see Which mobile carriers are compatible with my NETGEAR mobile hotspot or fixed wireless device?.

If you live in the US and you have a mobile data plan from AT&T or T-Mobile, you can use the following resources to confirm compatibility:

• AT&T: Use the AT&T Certified Devices page by entering your model number to verify compatibility. Show the results to an AT&T representative if needed.
• T-Mobile: Use the T-Mobile Bring Your Own Phone page and enter your IMEI number. Show the results to a T-Mobile representative if needed.
  Note: If your T-Mobile SIM card isn't working with your NETGEAR mobile hotspot, it might be for a TAC/IMEI restricted plan. For more information, see Why is my T-Mobile SIM card not working with my NETGEAR mobile hotspot?.

If you live in the US and don’t already have a mobile data plan, we recommend that you purchase an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card and data plan. For more information, see How do I buy an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card or data plan for my unlocked NETGEAR mobile hotspot?.

If you plan to use your hotspot outside the US, contact a major carrier in the country you'll be in to get started.

APN setup information

APNs (Access Point Names) are used on mobile devices to configure connection settings for carriers. Unlocked devices sometimes require manual input of the correct APN, while carrier-specific devices have this information locked. APN settings must be configured for your specific carrier so that your mobile hotspot works correctly.

With most carriers, your NETGEAR unlocked mobile hotspot automatically completes APN settings based on the carrier SIM card that you use. However, some carriers might require you to manually complete the APN settings.

If your mobile hotspot doesn't automatically find the APN for your SIM card, use the following APN lookup tool and watch the video for a visual walkthrough of how to change your APN settings:

To find the APN for your carrier, enter your country and carrier.

For worldwide carriers with M6 series devices, see How do I set up an Access Point Name (APN) on my Nighthawk M6 or M6 Pro with worldwide carriers?