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Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6400 won't run without battery when tethered to computer
Hello,
I recently purchased the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6400 hotspot. Unlike the MR5200 and MR6500, it does not seem to want to power on without the battery connected when tethered to a PC.
I checked all of the settings in all three hotspots and they are identical. The USB port is set to charging and tethering. The same exact PC and USB-C port on my PC works for the MR5200 and the MR6500, but will not work for the MR6400.
Is there a way to bypass this? I have checked the power settings of the device and they appear to be identical. I am purposefully not installing the battery except for when I will be traveling with the device.
Thanks!
31 Replies
Hi Jedis,
Welcome to NETGEAR Community!
Please provide the MR5200, MR6500 and MR6400 SKU (e.g. MR6500-1A1NAS).
Where did you purchase the device?
Kindly provide the current firmware version and PRI.
Can you please let us know which option is selected for the Power Manager Settings?
Regards,
Blanca
Community TeamHi
Can someone assist, I am getting frustrated and purchased this Nighthawk M6 Pro with the below details today on 25 November 2022 here in Melbourne Australia at Telstra shop.
I checked all of the settings in all three hotspots and they are identical. The USB port is set to charging and tethering. However, it does not seem to want to power on without the battery connected when tethered to a PC. I am using the same cable it came with the device to connect to my desktop.
Every time I remove the battery while the cable is connected to the desktop and the device, a picture pop up on the device screen showing (attached picture) the cable can only connect to the device adaptor for AC, and it cannot connect to the PC. But as soon as I install the battery, the device connects to the PC with the same cable.
I don’t wish to install the battery while working at home and want to except for when I will be travelling with the device.
Please provide a solution to this. I believe for such an expensive wireless modem paid $645 (AUD), I would have expected lot more quality and better functionality of Nighthawk M6 Pro.
- MR6500 and SKU (MR6500-1TLAUS_05.00.35.00).
- Purchased at Telstra shop today on 25 November 2022
- Firmware version: NTGX65_10.01.38.00
- PRI version: 01.19
- Chose both option on the Power Manager Settings, but still the device wouldn’t work without the battery
Thanks
Paul
I have the same issue, it wont bootup without the battery and in the menu (ac only mode) is greyed out and i cannot change it
Greetings,
I have the same issue. If I remove the battery then the router will not boot.
My M6-Pro is from AT&T and running firmware NTGX65_10.04.22.01
Modem Version is - MPSS.DE.1.0-02593-OLYMPIC_GENALL_PACK-1
There is a setting under General>Power Mode for AC-Powered Only (No Battery) but it cannot be selected.
What do I do if I plan on my hotspot being a permanent installation? It seems the battery will burn up over time and need replacement due to the constant power.
Please advise!!!
#M6Pro
To use AC mode, you need to use the device without battery and power the device with the PA and USB cable shipping with the device.
Computer USB port can't provide enough power to the device when it is operated without battery.
If you see the device can't powered up without battery with the PA and USB cable, please let me check. I will work with you to debug it.
Thanks
Jedis wrote:
Hello,
I recently purchased the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6400 hotspot. Unlike the MR5200 and MR6500, it does not seem to want to power on without the battery connected when tethered to a PC.
I checked all of the settings in all three hotspots and they are identical. The USB port is set to charging and tethering. The same exact PC and USB-C port on my PC works for the MR5200 and the MR6500, but will not work for the MR6400.
Is there a way to bypass this? I have checked the power settings of the device and they appear to be identical. I am purposefully not installing the battery except for when I will be traveling with the device.
Thanks!
This is by design. The laptop USB port can't provide enough power to M6 any more. User has to use battery when tethering the device to USB port.
Thanks
The problem seems to be in the way theyre explaining the procedure to set up without battery. Get the unit working normally WITH battery. Plug in the USB and connect to the power supply that came with the unit, its high power especially for this unit. Take the battery out while its running and it will switch to Plug In Power Only and all you have to do is OK the change. It is now set to Power cord use only...
kym33 Now disconnect the cable. Plug it into your computer. Back to "you must plug into our adapter because we withheld information (I.E. lied) in the tech specs about what operating without a battery means. Maybe the MR6550 is different, but removing the battery flashes "power mode change, restarting" and there's no OK to hit. And the "high power" thing sounds like BS since like I said, the connection that supposedly doesn't supply enough power to operate without the battery somehow can supply enough power to charge the battery and operate it. I'm not an electronics/electrical engineer so maybe there's a legit reason, but the idea that being plugged into a computer or other adapter provides enough power to charge the battery and operate it somehow can't provide enough power to just operate it seems improbable. How does that work?
The power adapter is the last dirt!!!
I had to press with two fingers the USB-A to power adapter so that a good contact get it.
I've got otherwise loose contact!
Realy weak!!!
- I bought the nighthawk m6 after reading recommendations from several sources, as I'm a fulltime traveller in Australia I was just using my mobile and tethering for the last few years, I bought the nighthawk m6 through Telstra pfft, I should have known better! Since my last update to the nighthawk it will not run without the battery inserted 😡 now I'm asking should I throw it in the bin and ask for a refund? I have now gone back to 99% tethering from my phone and could have saved $30 a month on Telstra charges...... Nighthawk...... Nightmare......
To use M6 tethering with your laptop, you have to use the battery since the laptop USB port can't provide enough power to use the device without battery. That is why we limit the user to use the device in such way by displaying a image to indicate using PA when no battery is used.
Thanks
John
- Hi John,
I have the same issue…
The device won’t power on without battery, also not if it’s connected to n USB phone charger (5V 2,5 A).
(I’m in an RV, and don’t have a wall power socket.)
What are the requirements for the USB power supply to use the M6 without battery?
(with battery the device always overheating, and make resets… so I can’t use it with battery in a stable way)
Thanks and regards,
Adam
It's understandable that you want to use your Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6400 without the battery while tethered to your PC. While this isn't the typical functioning mode for the device, there are a few things you can try:
Option 1: Enable "Power Cord Use Only" Mode:
Power on the M6 Pro MR6400 with the battery inserted.
Connect the device to your PC using the USB-C cable.
Wait for the device to fully boot up and connect to the internet.
Open the Nighthawk Mobile app or access the web interface at http://192.168.1.1
Navigate to "Advanced Settings" > "System" > "Power Settings."
Look for the option called "Power Source" or "Power Mode."
If available, select "Power Cord Use Only" or a similar option that prioritizes external power.
Verify if the device stays powered on with the battery removed now.
Option 2: Try Different Power Sources:
Ensure you're using the original USB-C cable and power adapter that came with the M6 Pro MR6400.
Try connecting the device to a different USB-C port on your PC. https://reelssaver.net/
Test other power sources like a wall outlet with a high-power USB charger (5V 2.5A or higher).
I know this is an older thread, but wanted to put this here in case you are struggling as I was and come across this post.
The M6 MR6550 (5g hotspot/router) will work without a battery, in the static install scenario, however it will NOT work with the factory charger, go figure. Love a $700 product that doesnt provide a powersupply to run in one of the modes it is designed for, but even better, tells you to use the charger provided with it as an error.
I had come across a random post talking about QC 3.0, decided to bite the bullet and bought this
I can confirm that this unit will work with the 5g nighthawk with the battery removed.
Good luck 🙂
Rudlls wrote:The M6 MR6550 (5g hotspot/router) will work without a battery, in the static install scenario, however it will NOT work with the factory charger, go figure. Love a $700 product that doesnt provide a powersupply to run in one of the modes it is designed for, but even better, tells you to use the charger provided with it as an error.
I had come across a random post talking about QC 3.0, decided to bite the bullet and bought this
I can confirm that this unit will work with the 5g nighthawk with the battery removed.
Good luck 🙂
The 6550 works perfectly without the battery using the OEM supplied power brick AND charging cable. That is at least how it is in my setup and own experience. I even have an extender so I can get it as close as I can to the window for a line of sight of the closest tower. I have a similarly designed Anker charger brick with the folding power plug blades. after a few months of use the blade prongs developed contact problems and now the brick had to held a certain way for the brick to stay powered on. I would be charging my phones only to come back the prongs acted up and my devices did not charge. I would certainly consider something with a fixed power prongs.
Hello,
It seems like the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6400 operates differently compared to the MR5200 and MR6500 when it comes to powering on without the battery. Unfortunately, some devices are designed to require the battery to be connected for operation, even when tethered to a PC via USB.
Since you've already checked the settings and confirmed they are identical across your devices, it may be a hardware limitation specific to the MR6400. To bypass this, there may not be an option within the device's settings. Rent a car in karachi
However, you could try the following:
1. **Firmware Update:** Check if there's a firmware update available for the MR6400. Sometimes updates can address power management issues.
2. **Contact Support:** Reach out to Netgear support to see if there's an undocumented method or setting that might allow the MR6400 to power on without the battery.If the device is designed this way, using the battery might be necessary when tethering, even if it’s just for stationary use. If this is a significant concern for your usage, contacting support might be the best step to confirm your options.
Best regards,
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