NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro User manual

User Manual
Nighthawk M6 Pro, Nighthawk M6
Models
MR6110
MR6400
MR6500
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria DriveJune 2022
San Jose, CA 95134, USA202-12621-01

Support and Community
Visit netgear.com/support to get your questions answered and access the latest
downloads.
You can also check out our NETGEAR Community for helpful advice at
community.netgear.com.
Trademarks
©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Regulatory and Legal
Si ce produit est vendu au Canada, vous pouvez accéder à ce document en français
canadien à https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.
(If this product is sold in Canada, you can access this document in Canadian French at
https://www.netgear.com/support/download/.)
For regulatory compliance information including the EU Declaration of Conformity, visit
https://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory/.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
For NETGEAR’s Privacy Policy, visit https://www.netgear.com/about/privacy-policy.
By using this device, you are agreeing to NETGEAR’s Terms and Conditions at
https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions. If you do not agree, return the
device to your place of purchase within your return period.
Compliance
FCC regulations restrict operation of this device to indoor use only when it is operating
in the 6 GHz band (5.92-7.125GHz). The operation of 6 GHz band devices is prohibited
on oil platforms, cars, trains, boats, and aircraft, except that operation of this device is
permitted in large aircraft while flying above 10,000 feet. Operation of transmitters in
the 5.925-7.125 GHz band is prohibited for control of or communications with unmanned
aircraft systems.
2
Nighthawk M6

FCC regulations restrict the operation of this device in the 5.925-7.125 GHz band to
indoor use only.
6 GHz is available only when the device is powered by AC adapter connected to AC
mains.
The device cannot be used outdoors on 6 GHz, as required by FCC/IC rules.
When using external antennas, their net gain (antenna + cable loss) must be less than
what is specified in Table 3 and Table 4 in LTE and 5GNR transmission specifications
on page 69 in Chapter 7, "Specifications" as required by FCC.
3
Nighthawk M6

Contents
Chapter 1 Get Started
Meet your Nighthawk M6....................................................................9
Set up your Nighthawk M6................................................................10
Charge the battery.............................................................................11
Connect to the Internet......................................................................11
Connect from a smartphone using the QR code............................12
Replace a SIM card.............................................................................13
Home screen.......................................................................................14
Manage the Nighthawk M6 with NETGEAR Insight Pro................15
Power off or reset the Nighthawk M6..............................................16
Security credentials............................................................................16
Connect to the Nighthawk M6 with tethering.................................16
Log in to the Nighthawk M6 web page to view or change
settings.................................................................................................17
Chapter 2 Use Your Nighthawk M6
View data usage on the Nighthawk M6 web page........................20
View SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6.................................20
View SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6 web page..............20
Delete a message from the Nighthawk M6.....................................21
Delete a message from the Nighthawk M6 web page..................22
View alerts from the Nighthawk M6.................................................22
View alerts from the Nighthawk M6 web page...............................23
Turn on dual-band WiFi from the Nighthawk M6...........................24
Turn on dual-band WiFi from the Nighthawk M6 web page........25
Enable GPS from the Nighthawk M6................................................26
Manage your broadband network connection...............................26
View mobile broadband network status from the Nighthawk
M6....................................................................................................27
View mobile broadband network status from the Nighthawk M6
web page........................................................................................27
Turn domestic data off from the Nighthawk M6 web page.....28
Turn international roaming on and off from the Nighthawk M6
web page........................................................................................29
Connect to WiFi..................................................................................29
Manage WiFi.......................................................................................30
4

Turn on 5 GHz Only or 6 GHz Only WiFi from the Nighthawk
M6....................................................................................................30
Specify WiFi settings from the Nighthawk M6...........................31
Turn on 5 GHz WiFi or 6 GHz WiFi from the Nighthawk M6 web
page.................................................................................................32
Change WiFi settings from the Nighthawk M6 web page........33
Manage WiFi Security........................................................................34
Change WiFi network name and password from the Nighthawk
M6....................................................................................................34
Change WiFi network names and passwords from the Nighthawk
M6 web page..................................................................................35
Change WiFi encryption settings.................................................35
Chapter 3 Manage Security
Change the Nighthawk M6 web page login settings....................38
View connected devices from the Nighthawk M6 web page.......38
Activate SIM security..........................................................................39
Chapter 4 Maintain Your Nighthawk M6
Manage power with Power Manager...............................................41
Extend battery life...............................................................................42
Adjust WiFi settings to optimize battery life...............................42
Set the display to increase battery life from the Nighthawk
M6....................................................................................................43
Set the display to increase battery life from the Nighthawk M6
web page........................................................................................44
View details about your device from the Nighthawk M6..............45
View details about your device from the Nighthawk M6 web
page.....................................................................................................46
Add and select access point names (APN)......................................46
Add an APN for another network................................................46
Select an APN to use.....................................................................48
Remove an APN entry....................................................................48
Enable DMZ.........................................................................................49
Update Nighthawk M6 software and firmware...............................50
Update Nighthawk M6 software and firmware in response to an
Update Available alert...................................................................50
Check for software updates from the Nighthawk M6...............50
Chapter 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Connect and disconnect devices and access the Internet............53
What do I do if I can’t connect a device to the Nighthawk M6?.53
What do I do if I can’t access the Internet?.................................53
How do I disconnect from the mobile broadband network?....54
5
Nighthawk M6

How do I find out how many devices are connected to my
Nighthawk M6 WiFi networks?.....................................................54
What do I do if the No Signal icon displays?..............................54
Why can’t my device access the Nighthawk M6 web page when
connected to a VPN?.....................................................................54
What do I do if my Nighthawk M6 doesn’t connect to my service
provider’s network?.......................................................................54
How do I go back to the Nighthawk M6 web page?.................55
What do I do if I forget my admin login password?..................56
General Questions..............................................................................56
Why isn’t my battery charging?....................................................56
Why is the Signal Strength indicator always low?......................56
Why is the download or upload speed slow?............................57
The LCD screen is not lit. How do I know if the Nighthawk M6 is
still powered on?............................................................................57
How do I find my computer’s IP address?..................................57
Find the IP address on a Windows 10 device........................57
Find the IP address on a Mac OS X device............................57
Find the IP address on devices running other operating
systems.......................................................................................58
How do I find a device’s MAC address?......................................58
Find the MAC address on a Windows 10 device..................58
Find the MAC address on a Mac OS X device.......................58
What do I do if the WiFi network name doesn’t appear in the list
of networks?....................................................................................59
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
View alerts............................................................................................61
SIM Not Installed............................................................................61
SIM Error — Check SIM...................................................................61
SIM Locked.....................................................................................61
Temperature-related alerts...........................................................62
Reset the Nighthawk M6....................................................................62
Reset the Nighthawk M6 from the Nighthawk M6.....................62
Reset the Nighthawk M6 from the Nighthawk M6 web page...63
Chapter 7 Specifications
Battery specifications.........................................................................66
Nighthawk M6 Pro LCD display specifications...............................67
Nighthawk M6 LCD display specifications......................................68
Mechanical specifications..................................................................69
LTE and 5GNR transmission specifications.....................................69
Nighthawk M6 mobile band specifications.....................................72
Nighthawk M6 Pro mobile band specifications..............................73
6
Nighthawk M6

Features for Nighthawk M6 product family.....................................74
Package contents................................................................................74
Port specifications..............................................................................74
Security specifications........................................................................75
WiFi specifications..............................................................................76
Environmental specifications............................................................76
7
Nighthawk M6

1
Get Started
The Nighthawk M6 securely connects up to 32 connected devices with 5G speeds and
lets you manage your data, check device connections and more, with the touch screen
display. Plus, you can switch between wired and mobile broadband and go all day on
the removable battery.
This chapter provides an overview of features, and instructions for how to set up your
Nighthawk M6 and connect to the Internet. The chapter covers the following topics:
• Meet your Nighthawk M6
• Set up your Nighthawk M6
• Charge the battery
• Connect to the Internet
• Connect from a smartphone using the QR code
• Replace a SIM card
• Home screen
• Manage the Nighthawk M6 with NETGEAR Insight Pro
• Power off or reset the Nighthawk M6
• Security credentials
• Connect to the Nighthawk M6 with tethering
• Log in to the Nighthawk M6 web page to view or change settings
NOTE: The Nighthawk M6 automatically checks for new software or firmware
updates periodically. If an update becomes available, the Nighthawk M6
displays an alert. You can also check for updates manually without receiving
an alert.
8

Meet your Nighthawk M6
The Nighthawk M6 front panel has a touch screen, a Home button, and a Back button.
Figure 1. Nighthawk M6 front panel
The Nighthawk M6 comes with a USB-C charging cable.
The Nighthawk M6 connectors are located on the rear panel. The connectors include
a USB Type-C connector, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and two antenna ports.
USB
Type-C
port
Antenna
port
Antenna
port
Ethernet
port
Figure 2. Nighthawk M6 connectors
User Manual9Get Started
Nighthawk M6

Set up your Nighthawk M6
To set up your Nighthawk M6:
1. Insert the battery.
2. Install the back cover.
3. Firmly close the back cover.
4. Push the Power button to power on the Nighthawk M6.
Power button
The Home screen appears.
User Manual10Get Started
Nighthawk M6

Familiarize yourself with its LCD screen, icons, buttons, and connectors.
Charge the battery
Your battery comes partially charged.
To charge your battery:
1. Connect the USB-C charging cable to your Nighthawk M6.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to an USB port on your computer or to the USB
charger.
Connect to the Internet
When you turn on your Nighthawk M6, it automatically connects to the network in your
area. Connect your device to the Nighthawk M6 WiFi network to access the Internet.
Depending on the specific model and service provider, your Nighthawk M6 might come
with a preinstalled SIM card. If so, the SIM must be activated on a data plan from that
service provider. If your Nighthawk M6 does not come with a preinstalled SIM card, get
User Manual11Get Started
Nighthawk M6

a SIM card with an active data plan from your service provider. Contact your service
provider for any SIM related issues.
To connect to the Internet:
1. Press the Power button to turn on the Nighthawk M6
The device powers up and the Lock screen appears.
2. On your laptop or WiFi device, open your WiFi network connection manager.
3. Select the Nighthawk M6 network with the WiFi name and password.
The Nighthawk M6 WiFi network name and password display on the LCD Home
page. If the LCD screen is blank (a power saving feature) press and quickly release
the Power button. The default WiFi password is also printed on a label under the
battery.
Connect from a smartphone using the QR
code
The top area of the dashboard contains a QR code. You can connect from a smartphone
by tapping the QR code.
To connect using the QR code:
1. Tap the QR code icon the Nighthawk M6 LCD home screen.
User Manual12Get Started
Nighthawk M6

A QR code displays.
2. Point your phone's camera at the QR code.
Your phone connects to the Nighthawk M6 WiFi network.
3. Launch your Internet browser.
Replace a SIM card
In some circumstances you might need to replace the SIM card.
To replace a SIM card:
1. Remove the back cover by lifting the corners.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Slide out the SIM card.
4. Insert the replacement SIM card.
User Manual13Get Started
Nighthawk M6

5. Insert the battery.
6. Install the back cover.
Home screen
You can use the Home screen to view the Nighthawk M6’s status, configure WiFi settings,
view data usage details, and view system alerts.
Figure 3. Home screen
User Manual14Get Started
Nighthawk M6

NOTE: Deletion of message must be done on the Nighthawk M6 Web UI.
Table 1. Icons
DescriptionIcons
This indicates the strength of the mobile broadband network
signal.
5G network indicator. Lets you know you are connected to the
5G network.
This indicates the amount of charge in the battery.
-
Manage the Nighthawk M6 with NETGEAR
Insight Pro
You can manage the Nighthawk M6 with NETGEAR Insight Pro. NETGEAR Insight Pro
is a Cloud-based management platform that allows you to manage, deploy, and configure
enterprise mobile devices such as the Nighthawk M6 with complete visibility and simple
control, centrally applying company policies, profiles, monitoring, and more.
When the Nighthawk M6 is running under Insight Pro, the Nighthawk M6 shows the
Insight icon as shown in the following dashboard image.
User Manual15Get Started
Nighthawk M6

For more information on NETGEAR Insight Pro, visit this site:
htps://www.netgear.com/insight/mobile-hotspot
Power off or reset the Nighthawk M6
To power off or reset the device:
1. Hold down the Power button for 5 seconds.
The Power Off/Reset menu appears and you are prompted to power off or restart
the device.
2. Tap Power Off to power off the device, or choose restart to reset the device.
Security credentials
Three passwords are associated with the Nighthawk M6:
•WiFi password. Use this to connect your computer or WiFi device to your Nighthawk
M6 network. This character string is unique to your device. It displays on the home
screen. If the screen is blank (a power-saving feature), press and quickly release the
Power button. The default WiFi password is also printed on a label under the battery.
For information about changing WiFi passwords, see Change WiFi encryption settings
on page 35.
•Web admin login password. Use this password to log in to the Nighthawk M6 web
page as an administrator. Some changes can be made using the LCD. You must log
in as an administrator to use certain features. The default login password is printed
on a label under the battery and can be 5–31 characters in length.
Connect to the Nighthawk M6 with tethering
You can connect a computer to the Nighthawk M6 using the USB-C cable instead of
connecting with WiFi. This kind of cable connection is called tethering.
NOTE: The computer's operating system detects the Nighthawk M6 the first
time you use the USB-C cable to connect the computer to the Nighthawk M6.
To install drivers on computers running Windows:
1. Make sure the Nighthawk M6 is connected to the internet.
2. Ensure that the Nighthawk M6 is powered off.
User Manual16Get Started
Nighthawk M6

3. Connect the Nighthawk M6 to your computer using the USB cable.
The Nighthawk M6 automatically powers on.
After the driver is installed, you can visit the Nighthawk M6 web page to customize
your Nighthawk M6’s advanced settings. This is an optional step.
Log in to the Nighthawk M6 web page to
view or change settings
Your Nighthawk M6 comes configured and ready to use as is. You can use the Nighthawk
M6 web page to manage advanced settings.
To log in to your Nighthawk M6 web page:
1. From the computer or WiFi device that is connected to the Nighthawk M6, launch
a web browser.
2. Enter http://192.168.1.1.
The Nighthawk M6 web page displays.
3. Log in using your admin password.
The default admin login password is printed on the product label. The password is
case sensitive.
User Manual17Get Started
Nighthawk M6

The web dashboard displays.
User Manual18Get Started
Nighthawk M6

2
Use Your Nighthawk M6
This chapter explains how to use your Nighthawk M6. The chapter covers the following
topics:
• View data usage on the Nighthawk M6 web page
• View SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6
• View SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6 web page
• Delete a message from the Nighthawk M6
• Delete a message from the Nighthawk M6 web page
• View alerts from the Nighthawk M6
• View alerts from the Nighthawk M6 web page
• Turn on dual-band WiFi from the Nighthawk M6
• Turn on dual-band WiFi from the Nighthawk M6 web page
• Enable GPS from the Nighthawk M6
• Manage your broadband network connection
• Connect to WiFi
• Manage WiFi
• Manage WiFi Security
19

View data usage on the Nighthawk M6 web
page
To view data usage information on the Nighthawk M6 web page:
1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the Nighthawk M6, launch a
web browser.
2. Enter http://192.168.1.1.
The Nighthawk M6 web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password printed on the product label. The password is case sensitive.
The Nighthawk M6 web page displays the data usage for the current billing cycle
and for the current broadband session.
View SMS messages from the Nighthawk
M6
You can tell from your Nighthawk M6 display if you have unread messages, and you
can view them directly from there.
To view SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6 display:
1. Tap the message to read the full text.
View SMS messages from the Nighthawk
M6 web page
To view SMS messages from the Nighthawk M6 web page:
1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to the Nighthawk M6, launch a
web browser.
2. Type http://192.168.1.1 in the browser bar.
The Nighthawk M6 web page displays.
User Manual20Use Your Nighthawk M6
Nighthawk M6