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HP Notebook PCs - Connecting to a Wireless Wide Area Network (Windows 11, 10)

A Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) is a wireless network that connects to the internet using cellular technology. A WWAN adapter is built into some HP notebook PCs. Adapters can also be purchased and installed in select notebook PCs.

WWAN service providers usually charge a fee for their broadband service. Some services require the installation of a provider-specific WWAN card. WWAN cards from one provider do not work with a service from another provider.

Use the information in this document to set up your WWAN and connect to the internet. Your service provider can also help you set up your service and assist with any connection issues that you might encounter.

Prepare to activate your WWAN

Before connecting to a WWAN, complete the following steps.

Obtain an active WWAN service plan from a cellular provider. Make sure that your mobile broadband service is activated.
Make sure that a SIM card is installed in your external USB or internal SIM card reader. Your service provider might require the use of a specific SIM card.

Note:
The presence of a SIM card does not mean that a WWAN or mobile broadband service account has been activated.
If you are using a WWAN device that requires a battery, make sure that the battery is installed. If the battery is removed, the WWAN module disappears from Device Manager and is not recognized by Windows.

Activate WWAN in Windows 11 and 10

Use the following steps to activate WWAN and adjust WWAN settings.

Search for and open Settings.
Click Network & Internet.
Select Cellular, and then configure the settings according to your needs.

For more information about WWAN settings in Windows, go to Microsoft's Cellular settings in Windows (in English).

Note:
To set a data usage limit, click Data usage.
After adjusting your settings, connect your WWAN.

WWAN is now activated.

Connect to the internet with WWAN

Use the following steps to connect to the internet using WWAN.

Click the wireless connection icon in the notification area on the taskbar.
Select your WWAN network, and then click Connect.

Note:
If you need to turn on the Cellular quick setting, click Manage Cellular connections.
If prompted, type your credentials, and then click OK.

Your WWAN is now connected to the internet.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

See the following frequently asked questions for more information about WWAN.

What if WWAN does not connect to the Internet?

If the computer connects successfully to the WWAN but has problems accessing the Internet, check if the computer can connect using a local Ethernet connection (LAN) connection. To check the connection, disconnect WWAN, and then connect the computer using a LAN.

If the computer connects to the Internet using a LAN connection, contact your WWAN service provider to troubleshoot the issue.
If the computer does not connect to the Internet using a LAN connection, troubleshoot common connection issues such as firewall, malware, proxy, or other settings that can prevent Internet access.

What if the WWAN signal is weak?

Signal strength might be low indoors, especially in interior rooms without windows. If signal strength is low and there are no environmental issues blocking the signal, choose your operating system to troubleshoot the WWAN signal.

Troubleshoot WWAN signal strength (Windows 11)

Use the following procedure to troubleshoot WWAN signal strength in Windows 11.

Search for and open Settings.
Select System, select Troubleshoot, and then select Other troubleshooters.
Select Network Adapter, and then click Run.
The troubleshooting process begins. Follow the on-screen instructions to test and troubleshoot the connection.

Troubleshoot WWAN signal strength (Windows 10)

Use the following procedure to troubleshoot WWAN signal strength in Windows 10.

Right-click the wireless connection icon in the notification area on the taskbar, and then select Troubleshoot problems.

The Windows Network Diagnostics window opens, and the troubleshooting process begins.
Follow the on-screen instructions to test and troubleshoot the connection.

Are there other WWAN modules that work?

Only the Qualcomm Gobi WWAN hardware module works across all platforms. For all other WWAN hardware models, see the module manufacturer specifications and requirements for compatibility with HP notebooks or other HP products.s

Can I replace my WWAN module?

The WWAN module is replaceable in some models. Check your user manual or parts ordering guide for more information.

Go to HP PartSurfer (in English) to determine your replacement and repair options. To learn more about ordering replacement parts for your HP notebook, see HP Consumer Notebook PCs - Ordering HP certified replacement parts.

Are SIM cards required?

SIM cards are required for certain wireless broadband service providers.

If a SIM card is required, the slot is found either beneath or next to the battery on your WWAN device. See the device user manual for installation instructions. Models sold exclusively from telephone service vendors might not have SIM cards, if they are not required.

Can I upgrade any notebook to support WWAN?

Not all HP notebooks can be upgraded to support WWAN. Newer units of a specific notebook model might support WWAN, but an earlier unit of the same model might not have a WWAN module slot, WWAN antenna, or SIM slot installed.

Check your user manual or HP PartSurfer (in English) to determine whether your device can be upgraded.

What software do I use to set up WWAN?

Use the built-in features in Windows 11 or Windows 10 to set up WWAN. HP computers with Windows have built-in mobile broadband settings that you can use to set up a WWAN connection.

For more information, see Activate WWAN in Windows 11 and 10.

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