Winegard Connect: How to Change Cellular Providers (Easy Steps)

Winegard Router: Configuring Cellular Provider Settings

Winegard Connect products offer the flexibility to switch between compatible cellular providers, allowing you to take advantage of different data plans, network coverage, or potentially lower costs. This article will guide you through changing cellular providers on your Winegard Connect device (Winegard Connect 2.0, Winegard Connect 2.0+, and Gateway/Gateway 5G).

Before you begin:

  • Choose your new cellular provider: Ensure the new provider is compatible with your Winegard Connect model. Certified providers include: AT&T, Verizon(4G only), and T-Mobile.
  • Obtain a SIM card from your new provider: Contact your chosen provider to activate a data plan and acquire a compatible SIM card. Must be standard Mini SIM card size.
  • Gather additional information (optional): Some providers may require you to know the Access Point Name (APN) for their network. Standard APN for certified providers are as follows:
    • AT&T - broadband
    • Verizon - vzwinternet
    • T-Mobile - fast.Tmobile.com

Things you'll need:

  • Your Winegard device
  • A device connected to the current WiFi network of your Winegard Connect (phone, laptop, tablet)
  • New SIM card from your chosen provider
  • (Optional) Access Point Name (APN) for the new cellular provider

Steps:

  1. Power off your Winegard device.

  2. Replace the old SIM card with the new one: Check our article on swapping SIMs for instructions. Winegard ConnecT 2.0: Swapping the SIM Card or Winegard Gateway: Swapping the SIM Card

  3. Power on your Winegard device.

  4. Access the Winegard web interface:

  • Open a web browser on a device connected to the current WiFi network of your Winegard device .
  • In the address bar, type 10.11.12.1 and press Enter.
  1. Login to the web interface:
  • The default username is admin.
  • The default password is typically admin (though it may be printed on a label on your device). It's strongly recommended to change the password for security reasons.
  • If you've previously changed the login credentials, enter your custom username and password.

    Steps vary from this point depending on software version. If your login looks like the first image below proceed with the section labeled New OS, if it looks like the second image use the section labeled Original OS section.

         

New OS
Original OS
New OS
  1. Change the cellular provider settings:
  • Once logged in, select Settings in the cellular box from the main page.



  • In the Provider field select the provider that matches your SIM.



    • Some models have multiple SIM slots, select the proper SIM from the SIM selection drop down before setting the cellular provider.
  • Locate the APN field. The system will use the standard APNs listed previously by default. If a custom APN is required select the APN field, then select ENTER APN to enter the customer APN.
  1. Save the changes:
  • Click the Change Provider button to apply the new settings.
  1. Restart your Winegard device (optional):
  • While not always necessary, restarting your device can sometimes help ensure the new settings take effect. 
  1. Verify the connection:
  • After applying the new settings and restarting (if done), set the internet source to cellular.
  • You can check the connection status on the Winegard web interface in the Internet field. It should display "Connected" and indicate your new cellular provider's name.

Original OS
  1. Change the cellular provider settings:
  • Once logged in, navigate to the Change Provider menu using the navigation drop down at the bottom of the page.



  • In the Cellular Provider field select the provider that matches your SIM.



    • Some models have multiple SIM slots, select the proper SIM from the SIM selection drop down before setting the cellular provider.
  • Locate the Cellular APN field. The system will use the standard APNs listed previously by default. If a custom APN is required select the APN field, then select ENTER APN to enter the customer APN.
  1. Save the changes:
  • Click the Change Provider button to apply the new settings.
  1. Restart your Winegard device (optional):
  • While not always necessary, restarting your device can sometimes help ensure the new settings take effect. 
  1. Verify the connection:
  • After applying the new settings and restarting (if done), set the internet source to cellular.
  • You can check the connection status on the Winegard web interface under the Status field. It should display "Connected" and indicate your new cellular provider's name.

Troubleshooting:

  • If your device fails to connect to the new cellular network after following these steps, ensure the SIM card is inserted correctly and compatible with your device model.
  • Double-check that the APN information you entered is accurate for your new cellular provider.
  • You may need to contact your new cellular provider to verify the data plan is properly activated for your SIM card.

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