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Connecting to T-Mobile Internet

Get help connecting your devices to your T-Mobile Wi-Fi 5G network and learn more about connecting third-party equipment and services.

Connect your devices to T-Mobile Wi-Fi

Connecting your device is easy. T-Mobile Internet works just like other providers.

For mobile device-specific instructions, check out our Tutorials or refer to your device manufacturer. 

  1. Go to your device settings and select Wi-Fi.

  2. Turn Wi-Fi on to scan for available networks and select your network name (if you have not set a personalized network name, the default name will be listed on the bottom of your gateway).

  3. Enter your password (if you have not set one, the password will be located on the bottom of your gateway).

Third-party equipment compatibility

Gaming systems

Some online gaming systems require advanced settings and configurations (ex. NAT/Port forwarding, UPnP/Static IP). These settings cannot be configured on the T-Mobile gateway.

Refer to the gaming system's manufacturer or developer for additional support.

Network switch

Network switches that connect to the gateway's ethernet port are compatible with T-Mobile gateways.

Third-party routers

Third-party routers can be connected to a T-Mobile gateway using the ethernet port. You will see a Wi-Fi network broadcast by both the gateway and the third-party router.

The Wi-Fi network broadcast can be disabled in the T Life app from the Network screen.

Mesh network systems/Wi-Fi extenders

Wi-Fi Extenders and Mesh Products that support Wi-Fi 6 are fully compatible with our 5G gateways.

Refer to the manufacturer of your Wi-Fi extender or mesh product for additional support.

 

Smart devices (speakers, security cameras, switches/plugs, etc.)

Common issues connecting Smart Home / Home Automation devices are resolved by separating the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.

You can use the T Life app to set up separate 2.4 and 5GHz networks on the Network screen.

Refer to the manufacturer or developer of your smart device for additional support.

Third-party service compatibility

Live TV streaming services
  • T-Mobile Home Internet uses dynamic IP addressing, meaning your IP address will change over time.
  • Dynamic IP changes may cause the geolocation to show differently than the physical location of the gateway.
  • T-Mobile does not have the ability to change IP from dynamic to static.
  • Streaming services that rely on IP address for specific location data to deliver live TV are not compatible with T-Mobile Home Internet. This includes Hulu Live and Sling Live TV.
  • YouTube TV supports required location data, and will work seamlessly with T-Mobile Internet.
  • Streaming services that use physical location of the device (GPS) are compatible with T-Mobile Internet (for example, streaming services that use the physical location of the device, like YouTube TV and FuboTV on a phone or tablet, are compatible).

Firewall

T-Mobile Home Internet only provides connectivity and does not have firewall software installed.

To protect your equipment, refer to a firewall software provider to purchase and install. 

Voice Over IP (VOIP)

Third-party VOIP services and devices that support IPv6 are compatible with T-Mobile internet service.

Anti-virus software

T-Mobile Home Internet only provides connectivity and does not include anti-virus software.

To protect your equipment, refer to an anti-virus software provider to purchase and install. 

LineLink

LineLink is compatible with your T-Mobile Home Internet service. To learn more, check out T-Mobile LineLink.

VPN

You can connect to a VPN while using T-Mobile internet service. Refer to the VPN developer or your IT department if you need help connecting.

Gateway Settings

Enable band steering / Separate 2.4GHz and 5GHZ networks

The 5G gateway is pre-configured with a single Wi-Fi network, which functions on both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequencies and supports intelligent band steering.

  • 2.4 GHz is used by older wireless standards and technologies (802.11 b/g/n) and provides the signals that reach the furthest but provide the lowest speeds. 
  • 5 GHz is available to devices using the latest wireless standards like 802.11ac and some older standards (802.11 a/n). The 5 GHz frequency band provides wireless signals that have a shorter reach than 2.4GHz, but the highest speeds/best performance.

Some older devices and smart devices only connect to a Wi-Fi network using 2.4GHz frequency. For these devices, use the T Life app to set up separate networks from the Network tab. Watch a video to learn more about creating separate Wi-Fi networks.

Additional settings for connecting your equipment & services

You may need to adjust some settings when connecting your third-party equipment or services to your T-Mobile gateway. Here are some of the most common questions:

Can I enable bridge mode?

T-Mobile gateways do not have the ability to enable and disable bridge mode.
You can create additional Wi-Fi networks on the Network tab in the T Life app.

How do I configure the DNS server address?

You can manually configure DNS server addresses on their connected devices. The DNS server configuration on the gateway itself is fixed.

Can I change NAT type on my gateway?

T-Mobile gateways do not have the ability to change NAT type.

Refer to the manufacturer or developer if you receive an error about NAT.

Can I enable / disable NAT or port forwarding?

T-Mobile gateways do not have the ability to enable and disable NAT/port forwarding.

Refer to the manufacturer or developer if NAT or port forwarding is needed.

Does my gateway have a static or dynamic IP address?
  • T-Mobile Home Internet uses dynamic IP addressing, meaning your IP address will change over time.
  • Dynamic IP changes may cause the geolocation to show differently than the physical location of the gateway.
  • T-Mobile does not have the ability to change IP from dynamic to static.
  • Streaming services that rely on IP address for specific location data to deliver live TV are not compatible with T-Mobile Home Internet. This includes Hulu Live and Sling Live TV.

Does my gateway have a WPS button?

T-Mobile gateways do not have a WPS button.

Refer to the device manufacturer for additional information or workaround steps to connect without WPS.

Can I adjust MTU settings on my gateway?
  • At this time adjusting the MTU size is not supported.
  • The HSI MTU size is set to 1500 across all gateways.
  • If a different MTU size is needed, the customer should work with the manufacturer, developer, or IT department of the device connecting to the gateway or service being used for alternate options. 

Do T-Mobile 5G gateways support SIP ALG?

SIP ALG is not enabled or supported on T-Mobile 5G Gateways.

How do I change WPA settings?

WPA settings can be managed from the Network tab in the T Life app.

  • WPA2 / WPA3 are recommended and are default on gateways.
  • WPA / WPA2 increase connected device compatibility for older devices, but it decreases Wi-Fi security.

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