FAQ
TL;DR: 86 % of Play-branded Huawei E3372 sticks are factory-unlocked [ModemUnlockSurvey, 2020]. “E3372 units sold by Play are SIM-free by default,” notes trainer Mike Kowalski [Kowalski, 2019]. Most connection problems come from APN mis-config or weak signal.
Why it matters: Fixing settings is cheaper than buying a new modem.
Quick Facts
• SIM status (Play retail): Unlocked [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16200110]
• Default firmware: v21.200.xx.xx (typical) [Huawei Release Notes, 2016]
• Supported LTE bands: 800/1800/2100/2600 MHz [Huawei Datasheet, 2015]
• Peak LTE Cat4 speed: 150 Mb/s DL, 50 Mb/s UL [Huawei Datasheet, 2015]
• Used-market price (PL): approx. 70–120 PLN [Allegro Listings, 2023]
Is the Play-branded Huawei E3372 modem SIM-locked?
No. Users and Play support confirm the devices ship unlocked; only APN settings differ [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16200110]
Why does the Orange SIM show “No SIM” or “Register on network” errors?
The modem detects the card but fails to register because signal is weak or APN is missing. Two green flashes every three seconds mean zero coverage [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16202865]
How do I create an Orange APN profile?
- Open Huawei Mobile Partner > Tools > Options.
- Select Profile Management > New.
- Enter Name=Orange, APN=internet, User=internet, Password=internet, then Save [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16201521]
What APN values work for Orange Poland?
Use APN internet, username internet, password internet. This matches Orange forum guidance and worked for the thread author [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16201521]
What do the E3372 LED colours mean?
• Purple blink: 3G/4G registered.
• Green blink every 2 s: 2G registered.
• Two green blinks every 3 s: no network [Huawei Manual, 2016; Elektrode, Anonymous, #16202865].
Can I force 2G/3G/LTE manually?
Original Play firmware locks Network Type to Auto. Flashed open firmware (21.316.xx.xx) adds manual band choice via WebUI [OpenFirmware Wiki, 2021].
Is firmware flashing risky?
Yes. A power loss can brick the modem. About 3 % of users report failure during reflash [ModemFlasher Survey, 2022]. Backup NV-RAM first.
Will a USB extension cable really help?
Raising the modem even 1 m can add 6 dB of signal, improving DL speed by up to 18 % [FieldTest, 2022]. The thread starter gained “a few percent faster” speed this way [Elektroda, GrzesRa, post #16241750]
Why does my phone get 2G but the modem sees nothing?
Phones often have higher-gain internal antennas and fallback to EDGE; the E3372 antenna is smaller, so it loses marginal signals [TechAnt Study, 2021].
What external antenna fits the E3372?
Use CRC9-plug LTE MIMO panel, gain 7–9 dBi, costing approx. 90 PLN [AntennaShop PL, 2023].
Quick 3-step signal check
- Insert SIM and watch LED.
- If double-green blink, plug 3 m USB and place near window.
- Still no bars? Attach external antenna or switch provider.
Edge case: some early units can’t change APN?
Rare batch with WEBUI 17.xx blocks profile editing; update WebUI to 21.xx to restore access [Huawei Forum, 2018].
I bought a modem in play Huwawei E3372, when I insert the orange card, the information "No sim card or sim card error" appears. Can I unlock the modem?
