5G ZTE MC801A has an unstable internet connection

If your 5G ZTE MC801A’s internet connection is unstable for example it keeps dropping, slows down unexpectedly, or connects and disconnects following the troubleshooting steps below to help resolve it.

Check Your Device and Connection

If some devices (like a phone or laptop) can connect normally, but one device seems unstable, the issue may be with that specific device, not your ZTE MC801A. Try the following:

• Turn the device off and then on again.
  
  
• Close downloads or applications running in the background.
  
  
• Make sure Airplane/Flight Mode is off.
  
  
• Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device.
  
  

Get a More Reliable Connection Using Ethernet

Wi-Fi can sometimes be less stable due to interference. If available, connect your device with an Ethernet cable directly to the ZTE MC801A. Ethernet usually gives a much more consistent connection than Wi-Fi.

Improve Router Placement

The location of your ZTE MC801A affects your internet stability because of signal strength:

• Place the modem in a central area of your home.
  
  
• Keep it off the floor and away from walls where possible.
  
  
• Avoid placing the router near large appliances or electronics (like microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices or baby monitors) that can interfere with the signal.
  
  
• Do not place the router inside cupboards or behind furniture.

Better signal reception often improves stability.

Try Changing the Wi-Fi Channel

If many nearby Wi-Fi networks are using the same channel, it can cause interference and unstable connectivity.

• Access your router’s Wi-Fi settings page and try switching to a different Wi-Fi channel.
  
  
• Different channels may result in better stability depending on surrounding networks.

Restart Your Modem and Power Cycle Your Network

1. Turn off the ZTE MC801A and disconnect its power.
   
   
2. Unplug both the modem and power unit from the wall.
   
   
3. Wait 3–5 minutes.
   
   
4. Plug everything back in and wait 3–5 minutes for the device to fully reboot.
   
   
5. Check that your router LEDs are showing normal status and test your internet connection again.

A full network power cycle often refreshes the connection and fixes many unstable internet issues.

Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If all of the above steps do not resolve the unstable internet:

• Perform a factory reset on your ZTE MC801A.
  
  
• Keep in mind this will erase any customised settings you have made, so only use this if other steps have not worked.
  
  
• After a reset, test your connection again.

Refer to the factory reset guide for your specific router model if you need help.

Still Unstable?

If your internet continues to be unstable after trying the steps above, there may be an issue with:

• The network signal strength where your router is located
  
  
• The SIM data network being used
  
  
• Or in some rare cases, the device hardware itself