Getting started: T-Mobile 5G Gateway (G5AR and G5SE)

Check out the details below to help you get started using your gateway.

In the box

  • T-Mobile 5G Gateway
  • Pre-installed SIM card
  • Power adapter
  • SIM tool
  • Set up Information Guide
  • T-Mobile Terms and Conditions
  • Safety and Regulatory Notice

Tech specs

AC Adapter

  • AC 100 – 240V
  • 50/60 Hz

Dimensions (H x W x D)

  • Height 9.25 in x Width 7.36 in x Depth 2.59 in
  • G5AR: 3.24 lbs
  • G5SE: 2.69 lbs

Operating Temperature Range

0°C-40°C (32°F-104 °F)

IoT/GPS

  • G5AR: Bluetooth 5.1
  • G5SE: Bluetooth 5.4
  • GPS

Wi-Fi Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi 7 (11ax/11be 4x4 –  2.4Ghz/5Ghz/6Ghz)
  • Seamless roaming

Security

WPA/WPA2/WPA3

Connections (physical interfaces)

  • USB Type C x 1 for Regular Power Source
  • USB Type C x 1 for Data and other USB Port purposes
  • Buttons: Reset; for LCD: left/right arrow keys, select
  • SIM card slot x 1 (4FF only)
  • Maximum recommended connected devices: 256

Network/Bands

  • 5G NR: n25, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77 (DoD & C-Band)
  • G5AR: 4G LTE: B2, B4, B5, B12, B48, B66, B71
  • G5SE: 4G LTE: B2, B4, B5, B12, B66, B71

Broadcast Range

  • One gateway is enough to cover all areas of most average size homes.
  • The Wi-Fi signal travels about the same distance as any other Wi-Fi signal, which ranges depending on interference and obstructions, but we estimate it will be approximately 30 feet.

Display

  • TFT LCD Non-Touch Panel
  • 2.4 Inches
  • 240x320 resolution

LCD indicators/SMS/alerts

  • The gateway displays up to five bars, indicating signal strength. 
  • The number of bars shown represents the strength of the gateway's current connection to the cellular network.
  • An 'X' indicates the gateway is not connected to the cellular network.

  • The number displayed indicates the number of devices currently connected to the gateway (including wireless and wired devices).
  • Use the T-Life app to see and manage each connected device.

The Internet Line Number screen displays the internet number of the SIM card installed.

The Messages screen allows you to view the message contents by pressing < and > to scroll between messages. Messages come from the T-Mobile network and may provide outage information or other important updates.

To delete a message:

  1. Press O (OK) on the panel to select VIEW MESSAGES and view unread messages.
  2. Select NEXT and read next message.
  3. Select DONE when you have read all messages.
  4. Select DELETE to delete a message.
  5. When prompted, a message asking you to confirm deletion, select YES to confirm.

The gateway supports both English and Spanish on the LCD screen. To adjust this setting:

  1. From the Languages screen, select Change.
  2. Select English or Español. 
  3. Press the O (OK) button to set the language.

AlertDescriptionAction
Internet connection issue. Restart the device by unplugging the power cable. If the issues persists, contact Customer Support.  [Error Code CEL001 or CEL002]Cellular Radio was disconnected due to network condition.Follow steps in The Fix for Speed test tool results BELOW 25Mbps: T-Mobile Network data speeds, signal, and registration issues.
Wi-Fi issue. Restart the device by unplugging the power cable. If the issues persists, contact Customer Support. [Error Code WLN202 or WLN502]Wi-Fi radio error detected.
  • If unable to detect the T-Mobile Wi-Fi network, use T-Mobile Home Internet: Connected device cannot DETECT Wi-Fi network/SSID.
  • If able to detect, but unable to connect to the T-Mobile Wi-Fi network, use T-Mobile Home Internet: Connected device unable to CONNECT to Wi-Fi network/SSID.
SIM error detected. Please remove and insert an active SIM card into the SIM slot. If the issue persists, contact Customer Support. [Error Code SIM001 or SIM002]SIM card is not detected by this device.
  1. Confirm that the number on the SIM card matches Atlas/Samson and it's been updated for 2+ hrs.
  2. Remove and inspect the SIM card's gold plating. If it is chipped or discolored, replace the SIM.
  3. Perform a factory reset.
  4. Replace the SIM card.
  5. If SIM card replacement doesn't fix the issue, replace the gateway. 
Unsupported SIM detected. Please remove and insert an active supported SIM card into the SIM slot. If the issues persists, contact Customer Support. [Error Code SIM003]Unsupported SIM detected (Non T-Mobile).
  1. Insert a T-Mobile supported SIM card.
  2. If one is not available, order a replacement.
Device connection issue. Restart the device by unplugging the power cable. If the issues persists, contact Customer Support.  [Error Code LAN003]

LAN DHCP Error

Devices may experience issues connecting to the gateway. 

Follow steps in The Fix for Speed test tool results ABOVE 25Mbps: In-Home connected devices/service data speeds and Wi-fi signal issues.

Internet connection issue. Restart the device by unplugging the power cable. If the issues persists, contact Customer Support.  [Error Code WAN001, WAN002, or WAN005]

WAN Error Detected

The gateway is experiencing T-Mobile network connection issues. 

Follow steps in The Fix for Speed test tool results BELOW 25Mbps: T-Mobile Network data speeds, signal, and registration issues.

Low temperature alert. Please move the device to a warmer location. [Error Code TEM001]Unexpected Temperature DetectedUnplug and move to a warmer place.
High temperature alert. Please move the device to a cooler location. [Error Code TEM002]Unexpected Temperature Detected

Unplug and move to a cooler place.

  • Not in direct sunlight
  • Allows circulation

Set up

Download the T-Life app to set up the gateway. The T-Life app helps find the ideal location for the gateway, check signal strength, monitor connected devices, update your network name/password, and more.

T-Life App

  • The first time you setup your gateway, How to navigate this interface displays on the LCD panel.
  • Select OK to continue the start up.
  • Download the T-Life app and follow the on-screen prompts in app to complete first time setup.
  • The app establishes communication and connects to the gateway.

Position

  • Set up your Gateway in as little as 15 minutes.
  • Position the 5G Gateway on an elevated surface for getting the best signal strength.
  • Near a window where the signal strength is strongest. Low-e glass windows may weaken signal strength. If possible, avoid placing the 5G Gateway near low-e glass windows.
  • In an open space, away from:
    • Basements
    • Devices that may cause interference such as other Wi-Fi routers
    • Behind TVs or monitors
    • Walls or obstructions
    • Heavy-duty appliances or electronics such as microwave ovens and baby monitors
    • Metal fixtures, enclosures, cabinets, reinforced concrete or pipes

Power Connection

  • Place on flat surface, close to window and electrical outlet.
  • Minimize obstructions as suggested above.
  • Plug in the power adapter and connect it to your Gateway’s power port then plug the other end of the power cable into a grounded electrical outlet. The device will power on once connected to power source.
  • For new activations, your SIM card is pre-installed. For replacement Gateways, insert the SIM card from your previous device.

Starting the 5G Gateway

Once connected to power source, the LCD screen displays an animated T-Mobile logo that indicates the gateway is starting up. Five small dots displayed on the LCD panel indicates available screens:

  • Connection
  • Devices
  • Internet Line Number
  • Messages
  • Language

Once the start up sequence is complete, the LCD displays the Connection screen

Connecting Devices

Wireless Devices

  • Connect your wireless devices to your network using the Wi-Fi SSID (Wi-Fi Name) and Wi-Fi Key (Wi-Fi password) found on gateway’s rear panel.
  • The QR code on the label provides easy set up when using the T-Life app. 

Ethernet Devices

  • The gateway has two (2) Ethernet LAN ports.
  • Use an Ethernet cable to connect devices that don’t have Wi-Fi adapters or capabilities.
  • T-Mobile does not provide an ethernet cable with the gateway.
Label & passwords

The sticker located on the back panel of the gateway provides password details.

  • Refer to the T-Life app for details on how to change the Wi-Fi name and password, and the Admin Internet username and password.
  • The Wi-Fi Name and password enables customers to connect to the gateway network:
    • Wi-Fi password: Wi-Fi Password
    • Wi-Fi name: Wi-Fi Name
  • The Admin Internet username and password are used to manage some gateway settings:
    • Admin Internet username: Username
    • Admin Internet password: Admin Password

SIM card

New Activation

  • The SIM card comes pre-installed and active.
  • It is accessible from the back of the gateway.

Exchanges

  • The replacement gateway comes with an inactive SIM card pre-installed.
  • The customer should remove the SIM card from the old gateway and insert it into the replacement gateway.

Insert/Remove SIM Card

Tutorial: How To Insert/Remove SIM Card

 

 

  1. Remove the power cable from the gateway and the electrical outlet.
  2. Remove any ethernet cables connected to the gateway’s LAN ports (LAN1 and LAN 2).
  3. Insert the SIM tool into the hole next to the SIM tray. 
  4. Gently push it towards the gateway until the tray pops out.
  5. With the SIM door open, press the pre-installed SIM card into the slot and the SIM card pops out.
  6. Slide the tray out from the gateway.
  7. Carefully remove the pre-installed SIM card from the tray.
  8. Place the new SIM card into the tray with the notch on the SIM card aligned with the notch on the tray.
  9. Replace the SIM tray back into the gateway.