The dashboard on these is unbranded but locked to EE. Should be able to use another sim without having to update APN settings after unlock.

Instructions and calculators here.

I found some details using this invaluable tool here.

"I have looked into this and can confirm that this item will be locked to the EE network.
Thanks for using Argos Q&A."

From Argos
There might be a way of unlocking it?

unlocking these is very easy even a few online tools to do it urself.

Yeah I think you can buy codes for £1

Never had one of these type of things. Can it be used abroad?

Note sim only runs for 90 days max from activation. Nice bit of kit use mine all the time, just 3G bit more than fast enough to surf with.

Also to note, this is great for non cellular tablets.

I bought one of these from Argos to use on my holiday to South Devon; worked perfectly for our family's laptops and tablets. I paid £24.99, so its a fiver cheaper now. Recommended !!!!!

Anyone know if the sim is 4G (thus worth £15 on it's own)?

I found some details using this invaluable tool here.

Fantastic price - heat.
I'm holding out for a 4g one though, really want the TP-Link M7350 but it's OOS most places online.

if anyone wants to know there a few in york

Can i take this on holidays and will it work out of the box?
I'm off to spain for 2 weeks and need a mifi and data, Will this do my job/Will it work on a network out there?
Thanking you

eBay 99p to unlock this MiFi.

I've got one of these, unlocked and using a Three sim, but with the Vodafone firmware installed on it. Does anyone know if there is any 'OEM' unbranded firmware available as I've not been able to find it, if so? Simply unlocking it, isn't enough to change the firmware.

Great device, lasts about 6-8hrs on battery. Use it with 3 data sim for work abroad and use it in the head unit of my camper to access Spotify/YouTube/live navigation etc will be picked up as a hard wired modem and works slightly faster if plugged in I found. Forums online will unlock for free if you give them imei and your email. I found withall the unlocking tools you either have to pay for tokens or the software has malware/virus so be careful on download

if in above procedure UK EE E589 4G WiFi / MiFi mobile router prompts for
password, then provide the 8 digit unlock code and your UK EE E589 4G WiFi / MiFi
mobile router is unlocked for ever.

Nothing new. You will need an unlock code from EE. Ask EE it will cost you a fortune ...

Reserved one at lichfield

But can i use the data that is preloaded?

​Yes just the sim back in.

Just picked up one, signal strength is really good, the sim is a 4GEE WIFI pay as you go multi sim, with 6GB data that can be activated now or later.

Just picked up one, signal strength is really good, the sim is a 4GEE WIFI pay as you go multi sim, with 6GB data that can be activated now or later.

I've got a 4g data SIM card for my tablet will it work in this device ?

I would be surprised if this data worked outside the UK anyone confirm?
You could unlock and then add a sim 3 that you can use in many countries

"a sim 3" as in THREE, could it be a pay as you go? as i only need it for 2 weeks?

And i'll be fit to use the 6gb in spain for no extra charge?

Yes sorry - I meant a THREE sim - ensure it is on the home and away plan and that your country is listed....when I last used it and it may have changed it was as easy as that and yes SPAIN was included - you cant use a PAYG 123 sim on these mifis though as far as I know

In the past I've used a code off eBay for 99p to unlock my EE Mifi Osprey. Quick and easy, I imagine there will be sellers for this model too.

Certainly works in Ireland, use mine all the time when in Donegal at our hoilday home

So theoretically, could i just take this device as is to spain and use it?

Sorry if this is an incredibly silly question but once unlocked could I pop in a 4g data sim? New to the whole mifi thing

Tempted to get this deal

This is good considering you get 6GB but 4g is so much better

EE 3G is absolute crap......EE 4G is fantastic! Speaking from experience.

I Google it. Huawei and model number free unlock. it was very easy and these mifi are used by more than ee.

Yeah, so long as you unlock the model via eBay

Hot hot hot hot hot

Yeah got one ages ago little bombproof thing. Cool.

link for the same model with 2GB data if you only after the mifi device. seems to be little more stock around!
http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/3456606/searchTerm/Mifi.htm

The dashboard on these is unbranded but locked to EE. Should be able to use another sim without having to update APN settings after unlock.

Instructions and calculators here.

Hahahahahaha, thanx. :-)

Interesting too. :-)

hi,so new to this stuff so please excuse the question.so,i buy this and go to Majorca next week. I need WiFi or 3g and turn this off and its like a portable hotspot I can connect my phone or tablet to via Bluetooth and hey presto?? is that the case?

​WiFi not Bluetooth though...

cool.i see... and this sim inside will work in Majorca? bloody hotel is charging 30 euro per device,and we'll only need it for surfing/e-mail?

OMG I want this but don't need it - have some heat....

NO the we included sim will definitely not work in Majorca, when you try to connect to the internet in Spain will get a web page that says you have to buy a roaming bundle that costs a fortune.
Your cheapest option is to get it unlocked for 99p and buy a '3' data sim because their feel at home scheme includes Spain and works very well in the Balearic islands.

​balls...I thought it was too good to be true. how can I get charged for roaming if this is payg?

You won't get charged for roaming with ee because it just won't work unless you buy a roaming bundle. As I said before if you buy a '3' data sim they include free roaming in their feel at home countries and the data Sims are very cheap nowadays.

Manage to pick one up earlier today and unlock for free via the tool posted on #45. Can anyone confirm if the included 6GB sim will work in Europe (Germany and czech republic)? According to the Q&A on Argos site few people have asked and all the answers are yes.

Can I put a 4g sim in to get 4g?

No the Mifi is 3G but the sim that comes with it is either 3g or 4g
I think that is the reason they are being sold off by Argos

No the included sim is for use in the uk, however the Mifi will work abroad with an appropriate sim installed such as three when you purchase a bundle

I have the 4G version of this which is great. I use an external antenna which pulls in a strong 4G signal in areas where my iPhone struggles to get one bar on 3G. I would recommend tracking one down on eBay. I paid about the same price. I wouldn't bother with a 3G version. It will be too slow.

The 4G version is £37.99
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search/searchTerm/4477983.htm

I actually just posted a question on here last night about a method in connecting to the Internet while abroad, this post as well as all the comments on here have been invaluable.

One thing though, my need for web connection abroad is to stream a live event, realistically how much data would be consumed over a 6hr stream on an Amazon Fire tablet?

Also, would a 3G signal be strong enough to support a live stream?

Just reserved one. Thanks op.

Now to find a good deal on a data only sim!

If you intend to stream a live event for 6 hours abroad you will use a shed load of data and no uk sim will be any good for you.
Your best bet will be to find a local free Wi-Fi spot or a pub showing the event.
If you really need to watch it with your mifi connection you would be better of getting the mifi unlocked and buying a local sim card from the country you are visiting.

What's the cheapest one of these with an external aerial TS-9 socket? I presume this one doesn't have one?

Thanks , so anyone have a link for a 6gb three sim ? i

​Which model is it exactly and which type of external aerial do you use please?

does this come with a mains charger or just a USB lead please.

​currys have the 4G one for 19.99 without any data allowance though and it's the mk2 version

Have a reservation code in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire if anyone wants it PM me.

Assume that's in store as its not on their website for the price.

Purchased one of these last year, unlocked it via ebay for 99p. When I landed in Portugal picked up a local Vodafone Data Sim from the airport with 10GB for €20 and used it for 2 weeks without problem.

Tips I found. Turn off updates on Android and Apple Devices as when connected they see this as a normal internet connection so will use a fair amount of your allowance. Also write down the carriers details to connect APN settings (they can be found online as they sometimes need to be added manually), both the Vodafone Portugal and Three UK sims picked up the details from the Sims and were working out of the box.

The units lasts from fully charged for 4-6 hours with light browsing via 3 devices connected, to extend the life a cheap battery pack can be plugged in to extend the time the device can operate to 8 hours.

Currently have a 3 Data Sim in mine and have used this camping, while out and about and also as a backup when my ISP have an outage like yesterday with SKY Fibre.

Hope that is some help.

PS when I asked Three UK said that normal Voice and Data Sim will not work and will be blocked in this type of device, not sure if that is correct but that is what I was informed in store.

I have one on the 3 network and have taken it to Republic of Ireland, Portugal and Spain and works no problem. Also handy for using at home for the kids tablets in places that don't have Wi-Fi eg beach, pubs, travelling in the car - they can surf all they want.

its a shame really , i need this and a 3 sim ,but a 3 sim with only 5g of data is £15 extra on top of the price of this and 99p unlocking fee . pity ee dont do free roaming ! anyone got any other ideas , [ i am going away on saturday ] .

Wait what? There is THREE offer 12GB for £23, buy this and unlock it total would be £44, and you get total of 18GB data (which probably worth £30 on it own). Still amazing deal.

Hot, just reserved one to collect on Friday :-) Wish I'd of known about the 4g 6gb @ £37.99 I've just bought 4 at £49.99 from PCW for a project at work!!!

Once unlocked can you use a normal payg (phone) sim in this rather than a data sim?
Wouldn't need a lot of data and would only need now and again in campervan

Awesome, but not in stock in any stores near me (home and elsewhere) but I'm in London. Lovely if you can get it :-)

Hi all, I managed to pick one of these up today and according to the Huawei app the device isn't carrier locked to EE, it comes up unlocked. Also the Huawei product code on the side of the packaging mentions the device being a "Flexi" model, which may also indicate no carrier lock.

The only EE branding is on the sticker to seal the package, and on the enclosed SIM, there's none on the device or on the web interface used for setup. I can't confirm until I pick up a non-EE data SIM tomorrow, but you might not need to pay to unlock. Okay it only costs 99p but it's still a wee bit of hassle saved!

Totally new to this and rather a technophobe. Currently on my travels and need wifi for the next 4 weeks. Do I just purchase this, plug it in and turn it on and then turn my phone wifi on to use it?

How do I go about setting up the Sim in it?

Does my phone need to be on EE too?

Also how much internet usage is 6GB of data (normally working/browsing/watching YouTube for around 2 hrs a day)

Does it tell you when your data allowance is up or does it automatically carry on?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks.

I've got one of these and have just used it in Madeira with my Firestick. I ordered an unlimited data card from Portugal Internet which was delivered to my hotel and worked as soon as I put it in the mifi. I also popped it in my handbag when I was out and about for Google Maps. Ive used it in Malaysia too without any problems. Loads cheaper than paying for hotel internet. I'm a female pensioner and I unlocked mine with a code from ebay in seconds.

Mine was definitely locked to EE, soon as I connect to the dongle with a vodafone sim, it prompted for an unlock code.

Get it unlocked before u go away then buy a sim in whatever country you are in and select a data package. Job done.

can anyone recommend a cheap 3 package just to give me data when I go to spain please!

could I get this and use in spain for unlimited data? http://www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/5858374/searchTerm/Three.htm

​id love to know too. I had a look at their terms and its all a bit strange. says something about having to transform to a different package if you are payg ? also I read somewhere that you need to be a custom for 30days .?? someone here may be able to enlighten us.

Was on to chat there on THREE, said that would be grand to stick sim in and work away. Might take 2 hours or so to come alive, any problems with it they said just give em a shout!

Best option for any one roaming get the free sim card from three giving you 200mb for nothing each month then buy the 10gb data plan for £25 and use that although you will need to unlock the mifi

post #45 worked for the unlocking of my new mifi, thanks.

​is the calculator safe to download?

​didnt work for me...wasted £1 from eBay as well

It worked for me . i just test with 3 200MB free data sim .

Do you need to top up to activate the sim?
Thanks

As this comes pre-loaded with data, I'm sure you don't have to top-up any further just to activate the sim.

This is how it'll be most likely (copied from another website that sell pre-loaded EE sims):

"Once you have inserted the SIM card, go to http://add-on.ee.co.uk/status [using the device you inserted the SIM card into], or open your web browsers and you will automatically be directed there (serial number can be found on the sim itself or in the card included).

The first screen will show that you have no data and no balance - do not worry! Click the activate now button.

You will now be directed to the register and activate screen. Registering is simple, just type in your details. Next click the Activate now button and you are done.

You can use the same EE link to keep track of much data and time you have left."

Thanks for the reply. I can see that I have zero data and zero balance but no activate button. I chatted to EE online support and the guy said I needed to top which didn't make sense as the sim is pre loaded but I didn't argue with him. Will go into a EE store to try and get the sim activated.

Can confirm that the unlock calculator worked.

​you will need to activate it by connecting it to a PC via USB. I believe go on 192.168.8.1 or to the EE website using the connection from the mifi and then activate. I think you'll need to register and/or go to add-on section of the site. it took me a while. make sure to have good connection. I spent a lot of time due to not having a decent connection.

In addition to mu1's comment, pre-loaded sims usually have their own validity periods, & ones with 30 / 90 / 365 days can be purchased.

no stock in birmingham London Manchester. no stock in uk

Sweet, just found the link for the calculator and it worked like a dream - Many thanks