Troubleshooting Internet Issues with Zyxel LTE and 5G Routers: The Importance of Entering Your PIN
When using Zyxel LTE or 5G routers, some customers need help with their internet connection due to a simple, yet often overlooked, issue: forgetting to enter the SIM card's PIN on the device. This article explains why this issue occurs, how it affects your internet connection, and how you can resolve it using your mobile phone or directly on the router.
Understanding the Issue
Zyxel LTE and 5G routers are designed to work seamlessly with SIM cards, providing reliable internet access in various locations. However, many SIM cards come with a default PIN code that needs to be entered upon first use. If this PIN code is not entered when setting up your Zyxel router, the device may be unable to connect with your mobile network, resulting in a lack of internet access.
How to Check If the PIN Is the Problem
If you're experiencing issues with your Zyxel router, such as the inability to connect to the internet, one of the first things to check is whether the SIM card’s PIN has been entered correctly. You might notice the router attempting to connect but failing repeatedly, or you might receive a notification on the device's interface asking for the PIN.
Note: If your SIM card has a PIN code, the simplest way to remove it is to insert it into a mobile device and disable the PIN. Once done, insert the SIM card into the Router. This should prevent any SIM card locking issues, and your internet should work immediately, assuming the SIM card is functioning correctly. Instructions on how to disable the SIM PIN using a cell phone can be found in the section below.
Note: Entering the wrong PIN exceeding a set number of times will lock the SIM card
Enter or Disable SIM PIN via Router Web GUI in NR2301
- Connect your NR2301 to your computer with a USB cable to access the web interface, OR use your mobile phone and connect via WIFI.
- You can Login to the Zyxel router’s web interface by entering the router’s IP (http://zyxel.home/login.html or 192.168.1.1) address into your web browser.
- The default username is “admin,” and the password can be found on the device menu screen. Go to “About” and select “Next.” Your password will appear on the screen, as in the example below.
- Enter the username and password in the device's web interface, as shown in the picture below.
- In the upper right corner, click on “PIN Locked”
- Enter the PIN code in the window that appears and click “Apply”.
- The connection status in the upper right corner should change if the PIN code is entered correctly and the SIM card is not in trouble. You can now disable the PIN code on this card or change it if necessary.
Disabling SIM PIN via Router Display (NR2101)
You can do this directly on the screen of some devices, such as the NR2101, which has its own screen.
Note: This option may not be available on some devices with screens, so check your device's manual to find out.
Turn on the device using the prompts on the screen, select “Settings” then “PIN Management”. In the “PIN Management” menu section, you can activate and deactivate the PIN code. It is essential to know the PIN code.
Disabling the SIM PIN Using Your Mobile Phone
- Insert the SIM card into a mobile phone.
- Access the SIM card settings in the phone's settings menu.
- Look for the option to disable the SIM PIN. You will need to enter the current PIN to do this.
- Once the PIN is disabled, reinsert the SIM card into the Zyxel router. The device should now connect to the network without requiring a PIN.
For more information, see your device manufacturer's website.