Sprint (Netgear) LG6100D incompatible SIM

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Hello, I'm new to these forums and LTE hacking in general, but I've been learning a lot and this looks like a promising place to ask questions.

I recently purchased a 2nd hand Netgear LG6100D in order to replace a failing hotspot. It didn't come with a SIM installed. I figured I could just take the SIM out of my old device and sail ahead, but I'm now discovering that my existing SIM is "not compatible" and Sprint might make some 8+ different "types" of SIM card.

I have found several resources linking device models to SIM card type, but information on this particular device is hard to come by. I am hoping someone here can help guide me towards the correct type of SIM chip I need to acquire in order to activate this device.

Thanks!

[Didneywhorl]

Hey there! Welcome to the party!

So, the SIM card isnt an issue by design of the Card itself, those are just typically difference sizes, same chip.

The issue your seeing is Sprint does mot like SIM swapping. They want to lock the SIM to the device. New device, new SIM. Usually you just need to call and tell them you want to swap devices and have them send you a new SIM.

This can be bypassed, usually, when the device you are going to does NOT use an officially Sprint licensed/branded firmware.

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Thank you for your response. I am a little confused by resources like (https://www.cranialborborygmus.com/spri ... review.htm) which seem to imply that different devices need different SIMs regardless of size constraints. Is this something enforced by the sprint network per SIM sku or could any SIM be paired with any device with the right programming?

I already contacted Sprint but they weren't willing to send me a new SIM over the phone. I figured if I could find an appropriate SIM chip for the device I could contact them again and see if they would do the swap at that point. My next plan is to try visiting a physical store and just telling them my 2 year old ate the SIM card or something.

The device is Sprint branded and seems to work with my "incompatible" SIM for 2-5 minutes on a fresh boot before the network disconnects it.

I also don't have the MSL for this device. I was hoping since it seems to work for a short time that I wouldn't need to do any additional programming to make it work. Do you know if this is likely to cause a hiccup? If this is all more trouble than it's worth I might just be better of investigating another replacement device.

[Didneywhorl]

For a Sprint branded device, your best bet is to tell them you want to swap service to it and that it's SIM was lost. Shouldn't be an issue. The less you tell them the less confused they get and act like they can't help; they can.