The TCL LINKZONE 5G UW is a 5G mobile hotspot designed to provide Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 32 devices simultaneously, operating on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It serves as a central hub for home or business networks, offering various features and functions for managing internet access and device settings.
Technical Specifications:
The device supports 5G connectivity and is compatible with most web browsers, including Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer (11.0 or later), Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Google Chrome. It features a USB-C port for power supply, connecting to a computer for secure connection, and "On the Go" (OTG) charging for other accessories (cable sold separately). An Ethernet LAN port is available for wired connections to computers, providing secure access to connected devices. The device includes a reset button, which, when pressed for 3 seconds with a sharp object, resets all passwords to default settings.
Status Indicators:
The LINKZONE 5G UW features an LED status indicator that provides visual cues about its operational state:
- Blinking Green (500 ms): Attached to home network but not connected.
- Blinking Green (250 ms): Attached to home network and connected with data activity.
- Solid Green: Attached to home network and connected with no data activity.
- Solid Blue: Attached to roaming network and connected with no data activity.
- Blinking Blue (500 ms): Attached to roaming network but not connected.
- Blinking Blue (250 ms): Attached to roaming network and connected with data activity.
- Solid White: PIN lock or UICC error.
- Blinking White: Software update.
- Blinking Red: Device is powering up.
- Solid Red: SIM card is not activated or no data balance.
- No LED: System sleep mode (screen is lit up).
The touchscreen also displays various status icons:
- Home: Indicates the home screen.
- Network signal strength: Bars indicate signal strength.
- LAN connection: Indicates an active LAN connection.
- USB connection: Indicates an active USB connection.
- LINKZONE Wi-Fi network: Indicates the Wi-Fi network is active.
- Connected devices: Shows the number of connected devices.
- Wi-Fi name/password: Displays Wi-Fi credentials.
- No network service: Indicates no network connection.
- SIM card not available: Indicates the SIM card is not detected.
- SIM card locked: Indicates the SIM card is locked.
- Unread messages: Indicates new messages.
- Battery fully charged: Shows a full battery.
- Battery running low: Indicates low battery.
- Battery charging: Indicates the battery is charging.
Usage Features:
Getting Started:
The device comes with a Verizon 5G SIM card pre-installed. If replacement is needed, the SIM card can be accessed by opening the back cover and removing the battery. The SIM card should be inserted with the gold metal side down. Before first use, the LINKZONE should be charged for at least 2 hours using the included Type-C cable and wall adapter.
Turning On/Off:
To turn on, press and hold the power button until the welcome message appears. To turn off, press and hold until the "Shutdown" screen appears, then tap 'shutdown' or 'restart' to power cycle. A single press of the power button wakes up the display.
Connecting to Network:
- Wired Connection: Connect the LINKZONE to a computer using the provided Type-C cable or an Ethernet cable (sold separately) into the LAN port. The Ethernet connection must be enabled via
Menu > Settings > Ethernet > Enable on the touchscreen.
- Wireless Connection: On the LINKZONE Home Screen, tap "Wi-Fi Name/Password" to view the SSID and password. On a wireless device, open Wi-Fi settings, select the network name (SSID), and enter the password. An alternate QR code method is available for quick connection by scanning the QR code displayed on the LINKZONE or printed inside the back cover.
Touchscreen Interface:
The touchscreen allows users to view device status, manage connected devices, and customize settings.
- Homescreen: Provides an overview of signal strength, network type (5G), battery level, message notifications, roaming status, USB tethering, data usage (GB), and billing cycle end date.
- Wi-Fi Settings: Manage Wi-Fi status, select appropriate bands (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), and enable/disable guest network.
- 2.4 GHz band: Longer range, better wall traversal, slower speed.
- 5 GHz band: Faster speed, reduced interference, limited wall traversal.
- Data Usage: View current data usage and remaining data for the billing cycle.
- Connected Devices: Lists all connected devices (TCL 30 V 5G, Laptop, TCL TAB Pro 5G, etc.). Users can view network information and block/unblock devices from internet access. To block a device, go to
Menu > Connected Devices > Blocked Devices, select the device, tap Block, and Confirm. To unblock, select the device and tap UnBlock.
- Messages: View incoming text messages and notifications from Verizon. Messages cannot be sent or forwarded from the hotspot.
- Settings: Customize device mode (Airplane, stealth, sleep), languages, and reset to factory settings.
- Airplane Mode: Disables internet connection.
- Stealth Mode: Turns off the touchscreen; press power button to wake.
- Screen Timeout: Set idle time before the screen turns off (30 seconds, 1, 5, 10 minutes, Never).
- Sleep Mode: Device enters sleep mode if no device is connected (After 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes, Never Sleep).
- Ethernet: Enable/disable Ethernet port or choose Power Saving mode.
- Languages: Select device language.
- Factory Reset: Restores all settings to default values.
- Universal Charging: Configure battery percentage limit for charging other devices.
- Software Update: Check for and install software updates.
- About: View model name, software version, mobile device number, technology (5G), and IMEI.
- Help: Access help topics and user manual.
Admin Web UI:
The Admin Web UI (accessible via http://my.mobilehotspot.com or http://192.168.1.1) provides comprehensive configuration options.
- Login: Default login information is found on the label underneath the battery. The Admin password can be changed for enhanced security.
- Home: Quick check of connection status, network information, device information, and connected devices.
- Wi-Fi Settings:
- Basic: Configure SSID, SSID Broadcast (enable/disable visibility), Security modes (WPA2, WPA/WPA2, WPA2/WPA3, WPA3, Disable), Encryption (AES), and Wi-Fi Password.
- Advanced: Configure Max. connected devices, Wi-Fi mode (802.11 ax, ac, a, n, b/g), AP isolation, Channel bandwidth, and Channel selection (Auto).
- Guest Network: Enable/disable guest network, configure Wi-Fi name, password, security method, and validity duration.
- WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup): Allows compatible devices to connect without entering the password.
- Data Usage: View current data usage and monthly billing plan.
- Connected Devices: Edit device names, manage internet access, and block/unblock devices.
- Messages: View incoming messages.
- Mobile Network:
- Network Connection: Configure mobile data and data roaming. Connection mode is set to Auto.
- Profile Management: Edit APN profile.
- Network Settings: Set network search mode.
- SIM PIN Management: Unlock SIM card, enable/disable PIN, change PIN.
- Settings:
- Login Password: Change login password.
- Universal Charging: Configure battery percentage limit for charging other devices.
- Backup & Restore: Back up current device configuration or restore from a file.
- Restart & Reset: Restart or factory reset the LINKZONE.
- Advanced Settings:
- Ethernet & USB: Enable/disable Ethernet and USB tethering.
- LAN: Configure DHCP server function, default gateway address (192.168.1.1), and subnet mask (255.255.255.0).
- IP filter: Specify devices allowed/denied internet access.
- MAC filter: Specify devices allowed/denied internet access based on MAC address (Disable, Whitelist, Blacklist).
- DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server): Map dynamic WAN IP address to a static domain name.
- UPnP (Universal Plug and Play): Allows connected devices to discover each other and establish network services.
- DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): Separates LAN from public internet, allows setting a new host IP address.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Enables secure network access across shared or public networks.
- Port Forwarding: Directs network services to a designated device.
- Port Filtering: Prevents selected applications from accessing the internet.
- Manual DNS: Manually assign DNS IP addresses, enable/disable DNS, and configure DNS Rebinding Protection.
- Parental Controls: Set internet access schedules and define website blacklists for client devices.
- Software Update: Check for and install software updates.
- About: View internet information, diagnostics (RSSI, cell ID, RSRP, SNR), and device information (IMEI, software version, MAC address).
- Help: Access the user manual.
TCL Connect App:
The TCL Connect app (available on Google Play for Android 5.0+ and App Store for iOS 11.0+) allows users to configure and manage the LINKZONE from a smartphone or tablet.
- Pairing: Pair the device by scanning a QR code (located on the device's back cover) or by manually entering the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password.
- Home: Displays connection status, network information, connected devices, data usage, and billing cycle end date.
- App Status Icons: Similar to the device's touchscreen, these icons indicate network status, signal strength, data roaming, internet connection, SIM card status, and real-time upload/download speeds.
- Connected Devices: Configure internet access for connected devices and view blocked devices.
- Wi-Fi Settings: Manage primary and guest networks, including SSID, password, and band selection.
- Mobile Network Settings: Enable/disable mobile data and data roaming, set network mode (Auto/5G/4G or 4G).
- PIN Settings: Enable/disable/change SIM PIN code, unlock PUK.
- Password Settings: Change login password.
- Data Usage: Displays data usage and billing plan.
- Firmware Update: Check for and install firmware updates.
- Unbind: Unbind the device from the app.
Maintenance Features:
- Charging: Ensure the device is charged for at least 2 hours before initial setup.
- Software Updates: Regularly check for and install software updates via the touchscreen, Admin Web UI, or TCL Connect app to ensure optimal performance and security. Do not power off the device during an update to prevent damage.
- Factory Reset: If the device malfunctions or login password is forgotten, a factory reset can be performed by pressing the reset button for 3 seconds with a sharp object. This restores all settings to default.
- SIM Card Handling: Do not bend or scratch the SIM card, and avoid exposing it to static electricity, water, or dirt.
- Operating Temperature: The device is designed to operate between 0°C and 45°C (32°F and 113°F) and should be stored between -10°C and 70°C (14°F and 158°F). Avoid dramatic temperature or humidity changes.
- Power Adapter: Use only compliant wall chargers. Ensure the wall charger is in a well-ventilated area and do not use damaged chargers.
- Troubleshooting: The user guide provides solutions for common problems such as login issues, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and SIM card errors.
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